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Lodurva – A Jain Pilgrimage – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Dec 9

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Lodurva Jain Temples, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Lodurva Jain Temples, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Location and History about Lodurva

Lodurva, located at a distance of 15-kilometers from Jaisalmer is one of the most enchanting Rajasthan tourist attractions.

Lundurva ,the ancient capital of Bhatti Rajputs was once a flourishing city but most of the splendour when the Bhattis shifted their capital to Jaisalmer.

According to a popular legend the ancient River Kak flew in this part of Rajasthan. It was on the banks of this river that the legendary prince Mathendru of Amarkot and princess Momal fell in love and eventually met their tragic end. It is believed that the River Kak dried up after the two lovers perished.

The most mesmerizing experience will be the peacock dance amid exotic Lodurva ruins. Yes, Peacocks are a great pull and they are in plenty here.

Lodurva Attractions -  Jain Temples

There are several Jain temples at Lodurva, though the most significant are the Parswanath Temple, Rishabhnath Temple and the Sambhavnath Temple.

Nevertheless the place is a major tourist attraction and have jain temples made of bright yellow sandstone, these temple walls are decorated with the pictures of Lord Parsvanath, the Jain Tirthankar arch in the main temple building. These arches are typical of the Delwara style of temple architecture.

The beautiful Jaali works make these temples a piece of marvel. You will notice the splendid and dominating arch in the main temple building.

About Kalpavriksha (Celestial Tree)

Inside the temple complex is the Kalpavriksha or the celestial tree. A tree was once believed to have grown here, and when it died it was substituted by a true to life sculpture in an alloy of eight metals, making it an ‘eternal tree’ symbolizing enlightenment.

The copper leaves are believed to have the power to fulfil the wishes of any devotee. On the temple’s outer wall there is a low – relief carving on stone, reportedly inhabited by a black cobra who’s been living here for 400 years. Rumor has it that he comes out 10-15 times every summer and anyone catching a glimpse of it is blessed with good luck.

In your visit to Jaisalmer, you just can’t remain silent without admiring the intricately imprinted yellow sandstone in the temples and miracle of the artistic beauty visible on these ancient monuments. Even the ruins the temple at Lodurva radiate character.

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Adhar Devi Temple – Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Dec 6

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Adhar Devi Temple, Mt Abu, Rajasthan

Adhar Devi Temple, Mt Abu, Rajasthan

Temple Location and Architecture

Situated in a cave in the hills of Mount Abu the only Hill Station in Rajasthan, The Adhar Devi Temple is one of the very popular religious themed tourist destinations.

The Adhar Devi temple is situated at a distance of 3 km to the north of the Mount Abu. The temple is chiseled out of a huge rock and can be reached by a flight of 365 steps.

Why it is called Adhar Devi Temple – History about Temple

It is also known as Arbuda Devi Temple. You have to bow in reverence to get through the low entrance of the temple Legend has it that, Arbuda said to be the patron of the town, formed the mountain in order to save the sacred cow, Nandi from drowning in an abyss.

The black painted marble idol riding a tiger is claimed to be about 5,000 years old. It is also belived that the image  of the goddess was originally hanging in mid air, hence it came to be called as Adhar Devi Temple.

Attraction

This temple dedicated to Goddesses Durga is regarded as one of the important pilgrimage sites of Mount Abu. It is also a good site to get a panoramic view of the sylyan vally.

The Adhar Devi temple contains many beautiful statues, and those that make the effort to climb the stairs are rewarded with many picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The climb up to the Adhar Devi temple can be a difficult one so it is recommended that you wear appropriate clothing and footwear. You should not be turned off by this walk as the scenic views surrounding the temple and the wondrous beauty inside make this climb worth the effort.

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Karni Mata Temple – Deshnok, Bikaner Rajasthan

Dec 5

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Karni Mata Temple - Deshnok, Bikaner , Rajasthan

Karni Mata Temple - Deshnok, Bikaner , Rajasthan

Location and Architecture

Ninteen miles south of Bikaner, on the road to Jodhpur stands the shrine of Karni Mata. a charan woman endowed with spiritual powers. The temple itself is extremely attractive with a richly carved entrance and solid silver doors adorned with images of Gods and Goddesses. These were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh.

One panel features Karni Mata standing on a footstool holding a trident, surrounded by rats.  These harmless creatures scurry around the huge metal bowls full of sweetmeats, milk and grain donated by devotees. it is is considered highly auspicious to see a white rat near the vermilion splashed image of Karni Mata.

The main entrance, which somewhat resembles Marble Arch, is set in a long red-painted curtain wall which surrounds the compound and gives it rather the appearance of a small fort: especially as it has squat hexagonal towers at the corners. The entrance is flanked by two life size white marble carvings of Durgha’s mount

What’s Unique about Karni Mata Temple Temple – The Charisma

Karniji’s temple at Deshnok is home to  more than 20,000 little Rat, who swarm all over any proffered food, and sometimes over humans in the manner of the pigeons in Trafalgar Square. Beautifully carved marble arch which leads to a black and white marbles courtyard topped by wire mesh to protect the rats from eagles, crows and hawks.

Male and female rats in that area are called chuhas and chuhiyas – but the rats of Karni Mata are called kabas. Locals belive that the Kabas carry the souls of the futurecharans who inhabit the region.

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Birla Temple – Moti Dungri Jaipur, Rajasthan

Dec 4

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Moti Doongri, Jaipur – A Hill in Jaipur City

Moti Dungri is a small hill, centrally located in the city of Jaipur. The term Moti Dungri means Hill of Pearls or Pearl Hill. The hill is occupied by a palace and a temple. The temple of Moti Doongri is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This ancient temple serves as a tourist attraction for the scenic view it offers. Moti Dungri Temple is significant from the religious point of view. People from far and near often come to this sacred temple to pay their homage to Lord Ganesha.

Birla Mandir, Moti Dungri, Jaipur

Birla Mandir, Moti Dungri, Jaipur

About Birla Mandir

Popularly Known as the Birla Mandir, Situated Just below Moti Doongri , the temple note for its excellent architecture and exquisite carvings on the white marble was constructed in the year 1988, by Birla Group of Industries, one of the business tycoons of India .The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Due to this reason, Birla Temple is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple.

Birla Temple Architecture

The Laxmi Narayan Mandir is a modern architectural marvel, surrounded by lush green gardens. The fascinating exteriors of the temple are carved splendidly with beautiful sculptures based of mythological themes, while the interiors have a large marble panel portraying mythological events. The Birla Temple has a museum too, which showcases the ancestral valuables of the Birla family. Birla Mandir / Laxmi Narayan Temple is a masterpiece of art.

Within the temple are splendid statues of many Hindu deities, while, the outer walls are adorned with great historical personages and religious figures. The three huge domes of the temple represent three different approaches to the religion. The beautiful white marble temple mesmerizes the onlookers, when it glows at night.

The attractive stained windows glass windows of the temple depict scenes from Hindu Mythology. Amongst all the idols, the marble idol of Ganesha is a masterpiece which looks almost-transparent.  The temple also portrays great historical achievers, philosophers and religious saints such as Socrates, Zarathustra, Christ, Buddha, and Confucius.

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Jagdish Temple – City Palace Udaipur, Rajasthan

Dec 3

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Introduction To City Palace, Udaipur

At city Palace you would get to see a fantastic blend of Medieval, European and Chinese architecture. The palace has various towers , domes and Arches which add to the flavor of this heritage site. Towering on the banks of Pichola Lake. It is a marvelous assortment of countyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens.

City Palace comprices 11 wonderful palaces in which Jagdish temple is one of them.

Jagdish Temple at City Palace Udaipur, Rajasthan

Jagdish Temple at City Palace Udaipur, Rajasthan

About Jagdish Temple

Jagdish Temple is one of the famous temples of Udaipur.  The Jagdish temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Since the temple is located at a height, you will need to climb a long flight of stairs.

As and when you approach the temple, you will be welcomed by two huge stone elephants at the entrance. On the very front of the temple, you would find a stone slab that is imprinted with the inscriptions with reference to Maharaja Jagat Singh. To reach the main shrine, you have to take a marble flight of 32 steps. A brass image of Garuda, half- man and half eagle stands guarding the doorway of the temple.

Architecture of Jagdish Temple

A fine example of  Indo – Aryan architecture, the temple has a pyramidal spire is decorated with figures of dancers musicians , elephants and horsemen. The first and the second storey of the temple possess 50 pillars each. The intricate carvings on the pillars need an enduring sight to praise the noteworthy beauty of this temple.

This temple was built keeping in the mind the Hindu architectural science of ‘Vastushstra’.  Every year, people from far and near come to visit this holy place of worship. The serenity as well as the architectural magnificence of the temple cannot be bounded in words, so one must visit this temple to get the blessings of Lord Jagdish.

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Vimal Vasahi Temple – Delwara Jain Temples, Mount Abu Rajasthan

Dec 2

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At a Distance of about 185 km from Udaipur, Mount Abu is famous for its temple, the most noteworthy being the Dilwara Temples. The land of meditating rishi munis. Mount Abu was said to be home to 33 crore God and Goddesses and an important Vaishnava and Shaivite pilgrim center up to the 11 century. Today it is recognized the world over its magnificent temples.

About Delwara Jain Temples

The hill retreat is a divine splendor in stone when in Mount Abu all roads will lead you to the Dilwara Jain Temples made out of intricately carved marble dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras. The five legendary marble temples are considered to be one of the most beautiful Jain Pilgrimage sites in the world. The temples reside amidst mesmerizing surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills. A high wall, shimmering luminous in the sunlight, shrouds the temples complex.

An Exterior View of Dilwara Jain Temples, Mount Abu, Rajasthan

An Exterior View of Dilwara Jain Temples, Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Vimal Vashi Temple

The main temple known as the Vimal Vasahi is the oldest one dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Adinath. This exquisite piece of architecture was constructed by Vimal Shah, completed in AD 1031. Vimal Shah was a minister and commander-in-chief during the reign of Maharaja Bhimdev I.

The temple stands in an open courtyard embellished by 52 cells. Each cell house a beautiful statue of a Trithankara. Elaborately columned porticoes surround the main shrine. But there are several other temples around, each a masterpiece of perfection in art.

Temple History

Archaeological evidence suggests that Mahavira himself visited  the site, making it especially sacred to the Jains as a tirtha or a pilgrimage. As a temple city it ranked among the finest ones.

The legend goes that exhausted by the massacres he had indulged in, Vimal Shah prayed fervently to goddess Ambika Devi. When she appeared he made two requests, one to get a son and the other the blessing to construct a temple on Mount Abu.

When the goddess commanded Vimal Shah to ask for one favor only, he talked over with his wife and decided that he would rather build the temple, since a son could never immortalize his deeds.

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The Brahma Temple – Pushkar Rajasthan

Dec 1

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About Pushkar

Pushkar is a famous pilgrimage center in Rajasthan, It is located 11 kms to the north west of Ajmer . The Winding road from Ajmer through Nagpahar leads to the holy Pushkar Lake. The town stretches around the lake with hills on three sides and a sandy streatch on the fourth.

According to Padam Puran the Pushkar Lake is a divine location as it is here, where a Lotus fell from the hands of Lord Brahma, when he was on his search for tranquil spot to perform a Yagna of sacrifice.

Brahma Temple, Pushkar Rajasthan

Brahma Temple, Pushkar Rajasthan

Brahma Temple – An Architectural Marvel

A visit to the Brahma Temple showcase an architectural marvel built in the 14 century AD near the Pushkar Lake. This is the only temple in the world where Lord Brahma is worshiped. A goose believed to be the official carrier of Brahma sits on the gateway to the temple, crowned with a red spire.

A beautiful carved turtle sits on the floor of the GARBHA GRIHA and the marble floor around it has hundreds of silver coins with donors names engraved on them, embedded on it.

According to legends, for five days in a year , in the month of Kartik, all the Gods visit Pushkar and bless the devout. An unbelievable number of devotees flock the lake to take a dip in the holy lake. The temple finds a special mention in the Hindu pantheons. You can see the life- sized idol of Lord Brahma, the creator in the foyer.

There are images of the peacock – the vehicle of Brahma’s consort Saraswati on the walls. The temple with marble floors has silver coins that adorn the walls placed by devotees to mark the birth or death of the loved ones.

About Pushkar Fair

These five crucial days also coincide with the biggest cattle fair of the country, called the Pushkar fair. Actually this world be quite a sacrilege to call something as vibrant as the Pushkar fair, just cattle fair. As this is when Pushkar, with palpable festivities virtually comes alive.

The scenic lake of Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair. The colorful headgears of men and veils and skirts of women bring alive the arid landscape of Pushkar.

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