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 | Birla Temple | Dargah
Sharif | Dilwara Jain Temple |
Eklingi Temple | Galta Ji | Govind Dev
Ji Temple | Jain Temple |
Kaila Devi Temple | Karni Mata Temple |
Lodurva | Mehandipur Balaji Temple |
Nasiyan Temple | Ossian Temple | Savitri
Temple | Salasar Balaji |
Shrinath ji Temple | Suryanarayan Temple |
Warah Temple
Brahma Temple, Pushkar
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
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
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
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
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 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
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.