Temples - Pilgrimage in Rajasthan

Rajasthan in India is the vibrant land of color and royalty. Rajasthan resound the pure and beautiful melodies of hymns, sung with love and devotion. The land is bestowed with a rich culture and heritage that spreads all around. The religious places in Rajasthan are not only places of worship but also monuments of great artistic beauty.
Religious Places in Rajasthan evoke a pure feeling of harmony and dignity. A number of tourists across the globe visit these places and get mesmerized by its charm and aura. The grand architectural edifices make one feel that eternity has been preserved by mortal men, who have built stunning architectural wonders to act as places of worship.
There are many religious places in Rajasthan which should not missed while tours to Rajasthan. It will give you an insight to the rich culture and heritage of India.
Some popular temples and pilgrimage of Rajasthan have been given below:

Brahma Temple, Pushkar

Brahma Temple 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Brahma_temple.JPG
Pushkar is best known for its Brahma Temple built in the 14th century standing on a high platform near Pushkar Lake. This is the only temple in the world where Lord Brahma - Creator of the Universe, is worshipped.
A hans(goose-the official carrier of Brahma) spans the gateway to the temple which is crowned with a red spire.Marble steps lead up to the temple where a silver turtle lies embossed in the floor facing sanctorum.
An interesting feature are the coins studded in the floor, placed by devotees to commemorate the births and deaths of their loved ones. There are images of the peacock - the vehicle of Brahma's consort Saraswati on the walls.

Birla Temple, Jaipur

A small palace, this is a replica of a Scottish castle, and perches on a hilltop. Once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son who was confined here, it was also for a while home to Maharani Gayatri Devi. Entry is prohibited.
At the foot of Moti Dungri fort is the Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple. It is a large, modern marble edifice. Stained glass widows depict the scenes from Hindu scriptures.
Ganesh the protector of households, is above the lintel, and the fine quality of marble is evident when you enter the temple and look back at the entrance way - Ganesh can be made out through the marble, which is almost transparent.
The images of Lakshmi and Narayan were carved from one piece of marble. Many of the deities of the Hindu pantheon are depicted inside the temple, and on the outside walls great historical personages and figures from all religions are shown, including Socrates, Zarathustra, Christ, Budhda, and Confucius.

Dargah Sharif, Ajmer

 
http://www.youtube.com/v/7c3A8YsbVjQ&hl=en
Situated at the foot of a hill and in the old part of town, this is one of the most important places in india for muslim pilgrims. The Dargah is the tomb of a Suffi saint, Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, who came to Ajmer from Persia in 1192 and died here in 1236.
Construction of this shrine was completed by Humayun and the gate was added by the Nizam of Hyderabad. Akhbar used to make the pilgrimage to the Dargah from Agra once a year.
As you enter the courtyard, the mosque, constructed by Akhbar, is on the right. The enormous cauldrons are for offerings that are customarily shared by families involved in the shrine's upkeep.
In the inner court there is another mosque built by Shah Jahan. Constructed of white marble, it has 11 arches and a Persian inscription running the full length of the building.
The saint's tomb is in the center of the second court. It has a marble dome and actual tomb inside is surrounded by a silver platform. The horse shoes nail to the shrine doors are offerings from successful horse dealers.
This shrine is a hive of activity and you can really get a sense of how deeply significant it is to the Muslim people. The tomb attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims every year on the anniversary of the Saint's death The URS.

Dilwara Jain Temple, Mount Abu

Dilwara Temples are one of the finest Jain temples & many even consider them architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal. The two temples Vimala Vasahi & Luna Vasahi are singled out by experts as superb examples of architecture.
These beautifully carved temples built between 11th and 13th century A.D. are sheer elegance in marble, dedicated to the jain Tirthankaras. The Vimal Vasahi temple is the oldest of these dedicated to the first Tirthankara. Built in 1031 A.D. (by Vimal Shah-a merchant and representative of then Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple architecture.
The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev and large courtyard with 52 small shrines ,each housing a beautiful statue of thirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars form the entrance to the courtyard.
The Lun Vasahi Temple, dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankaras-Neminath, was built in 1231 A.D. by two brothers-Vastupal and Tejpal,Ministers of Raja Vir Dhawal, a ruler of Gujarat-belonging to the Porwal Jain community.With door casings, pillars, architraves and sculptures on porticos,the temple is a fine specimen of craftsmanship.

Eklingi Temple, Udaipur

This temple is situated 20km from Udaipur. Eklingji is famous for its 108 temples complex. it is also known as Kailashpuri or the abode of Shiva. Plan to explore Eklingi, an enticing monument of Rajasthan. As one of the most revered destinations of the Rajasthan, Eklingi is a temple that needs to be explored during your visit to Udaipur.
Eklingji is built on the shore of a small lake bounded by the surrounding hills. The family deity of the ruling Mewar dynasty. The Lord is regarded as the real ruler of the state who functions through his representative on earth, the Maharana of Udaipur.

Galta Ji, Jaipur

Galta is a pretty little pilgrim spot located just beyond Sisodia Rani-ka Bagh on Agra Road. This is the sacred spot where one sage Galav is supposed to have lived and meditated. As such the place is much known for its pilgrimage holidays and is visited mainly for its temples.
The Temple of Galtaji, which lies in a picturesque gorge amid low hills, has a huge complex. This one is also built of pink stone, with a profusion of pavilions having rounded roofs. The walls and pillars have exquisite carvings and paintings.
The whole complex is so beautiful that it is more of a visual treat than a place for worship. The temple, however, has a large daily attendance.
There are also some springs and natural reservoirs (kunds) around the Galta Temple, where the devout take holy dips. They believe that by doing so, they can cleanse themselves of their worldly sins! Even in the cold of mid-January.

Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur

Govind Dev Ji Temple,Jaipur
A Part of City Palace complex, this Krishna Temple is highly revered by the erstwhile royal family. The image brought from Vrindavan, is housed within the sanctum of this spire less temple, the patron deity of the royal family is very religiously worshipped by most of the Hindus in the city and near by areas.
The image is unveiled seven times daily for 'AARTIES' and BHOGS offered in the silver wares, consisting of sweets mostly. The idols of RADHA KRISHNA are dressed in different styles each time for the 'AARTI' procession where thousands of followers or 'Bhakt' gather around the courtyard for the Darshan (a look connecting them with the divine).

Jain Temple, Ranakpur

This 15th century temple also called Adishwar Temple, built by Sheth Dhanna, is the largest and most complex Jain temple in India.
This four-faced temple is designed in form of a Nalinigulm Vimana(heavenly aircraft), with three storeys along with several pavilions accomodated on the temple base itself.The temple has 29 halls, 80 domes & pavilions include 1,444 pillars - each of them intricately carved.
The inner sanctum is enshrined with a four faced white marble image of Lord Adinath or Rishabhdev, surrounded by several other smaller shrines and domes.

Kaila Devi Temple, Kaurali

Kaila devi temple is a Hindu temple situated 23 km from Karauli in Rajasthan state in India. The temple is located on the banks of the Kalisil river in the hills of Trikut, 2 km. to the north-west of Kaila village.
The temple is dedicated to the tutelary deity, goddess Kaila, of the erstwhile princely Jadaun Rajput rulers of the Karauli state. It is a marble structure with a large courtyard of a checkered floor. In one place are a number of red flags planted by devotees.
The inner sanctum is enshrined with a four faced white marble image of Lord Adinath or Rishabhdev, surrounded by several other smaller shrines and domes.

Karni Mata Temple, Bikaner

One of the most renowned temple near Bikaner is Karni Mata Temple, situated in a small town named as Deshnok, located 30 km in the south from Bikaner on Jodhpur road. This beautiful town is known for the shrine of Karni Mata.
According to legends, Karni Mata once blessed Rao Bika (founder of Bikaner) to establish his kingdom here and will always be safe from enemies. This temple is unique in its own way, scores of Rats are venerated here and the shrine is like a home for them.
It is believed that these Rats are children of the goddess, who inhabit the town of Deshnok. Thus , these Rats are treated sacred and they freely move in the temple grounds. It is considered highly auspicious to sight a white Rat.

Lodurva, Jaisalmer

Lodurva Jaisalmer
The ancient capital of Jaisalmer and an important pilgrim spot of the Jain community with some magnificent Jain temple. "Toran' or the ornate arches at the main entrance and splendid carvings are noteworthy. A 'Kalptaru' or a divine tree within is the main attraction of the temple.

Mehandipur Balaji Temple, Dausa

The temple is situated in the Dausa district.According to legend, the present-day forms of the "Divine Trinity" found in the Mehandipur Dham appeared around one thousand years ago in a valley amidst the hills of the Aravali Range. Shri Ganesh Puri ji Maharaj, who was the 11th Mahant of this pilgrimage center used to say that this area was covered by a thick and dense forest, full of wild animals, once upon a time.
Balaji temple at Mehandipur in Rajasthan is very Powerful place. It is believed that the deity in this temple has divine power to cure a person possessed with evil spirit.Hundreds of 'Sankatwalas', as the possessed people are refereed to in local lingo, throng to the temple everyday to offer prayers and have 'darshan'.

Nasiyan Temple, Ajmer

Nasiyan Temple
Situated in the center of the town is a beautiful red Jain temple (Digambar), known as Nasiyan. This temple was built in 1865 and is also famous by the name Golden Temple, due to this amazing and unique display.
The main double storeyed hall is exceptionally beautiful with gold and silver decorations. Within the temple there is a splendid display of wooden gilt representations, glass engravings and paintings describing the Jain faith about the creation of the world.

Ossian Temple, Jodhpur

Osian, the name that reminds you of a desert Oasis was a flourishing trading center dating back to 8th century under the Pratihara dynasty. One of the favorite tourist spots, Osian has a gamut of 16 temples richly chiseled and exhibiting the typical Rahasthani architecture. Tour to Osian offers you a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of Jodhpur.
You will be gripped with mysticism as the sleepy village effuses a haunting charm that transports you to the bygone days of Osian glory. This ancient desert land of the Pratihara dynasty, which was a significant trade route in the 8th century, is about 55 kms from Jodhpur city among the acres of undulating sand dunes and stuttering peacocks.

Savitri Temple, Pushkar

Savitri Temple in Pushkar is a temple of world recognition. Savitri Temple is highly acclaimed by the tourists as well as by the locals Savitri Temple is the temple dedicated to the first wife of Lord Brahma
Savitri Temple is located on the hill behind the Brahma temple. One has to climb a long series of steps to reach the shrine at Savitri Temple. It presents a panoramic view of the beautiful lake and the picturesque surrounding of the villages.

Salasar Balaji, Churu

Salasar Balaji(Churu)
Salasar Balaji is a religious place for the devotees of Lord Hanuman. It is situated in Churu district of Rajasthan. Salasar Dham attracts innumerable Indian worshipers throughout the year. On Chaitra Purnima and Ashvin Purnima large fairs are organized every year where more than 6 to 7 lakhs of people assemble here to pay their homage to the deity. Hanuman Sewa Samiti looks after the management of the Temple and the fairs.
Dhunia of Mohandas ji is the place where the holy fire lit by the great Lord Hanuman devotee Mohandas ji is still burning. Hindu devotees and pilgrims take holy ashes from here. Sri Mohan Mandir is situated very close to the Balaji temple and it is popular because the footprints of Mohandasji and Kanidadi are found there. This place is supposed to be the Samadhi-Sthal of both these holy devotees.
Temple of Anjani Mata is situated two kilometers away from Salasar Dham towards Laxmangarh. Anjani Mata was the mother of Lord Hanuman or Balaji. Gudavadi Shyam temple is also within a kilometer of the Salasar Dham. Two bullock carts from the times of Mohan Dasji are placed here within the Balaji Mandir premises. Shayanan Mata Mandir, which is situated about 15 km from here on a unique hillock in the desert area is supposed to be about 1100 years old and is worth visiting too.

Shrinath ji Temple, Nathdwara

Shrinath ji Temple(Nathdwara)  
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Sri_Nathji.jpg
Nathdwara enshrines Shrinathji - a deity of Krishna which was originally enshrined at Govardhana in Vrindavan. According to local tradition, the deity was discovered by Madhavendra Puri in the forests of Govardhan. Krishna had appeared to him in a dream and asked him to install the deity of Shrinathji who had been originally installed by Vajranabha, the great grandson of Krishna Himself.
Followers of Pushtimarg, the sampradaya (lineage) which now maintains the worship of Shrinathji in Nathdwara, believe that the deity's arm and face first emerged out of the Govardhan Hill, at which time the local inhabitants (Vrajavasis) and others, including the above mentioned Madhavendra Puri, carried out the worship of the deity's upraised arm and later, his face.

Suryanarayan Temple, Ranakpur

Built during mid-15th century this temple dedicated to the Sun God - Surya, has a tower over the altar and follows a circular plan due to its numerous wall projections.With the base of the tower having protruding niches, the sanctum has an octagonal plan with six porches.
Surya Narayan stones temple in Rajastahn is embellished with carvings of warriors, horses and solar deities riding splendid chariots, drawn by seven horses.

Warah Temple, Pushkar

The Warah temple houses an image of lord Vishnu in the incarnation of wild boar. The temples of Brahma and Warah are considered equally important.
This ancient temple believed to be constructed by King Anaji Chauhan (1123-1150). Mythological a very important temple temple and is believed that Vishnu came on the earth in the incarnation of Warah (wild boar) to kill the demon Hirnayaksh and liberate the land from his atrocities.