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Tazia Tower in Jaisalmer Rajasthan – Five Storied Structure of Great Historical Significance

Jan 12

Posted by mystaterajasthan in about rajasthan, havelis rajasthan, travel rajasthan | No Comments

Tazia Tower is one of the major tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. It is a five-storied structure of great historical significance, which ascends from Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace) in Jaisalmer.

Tazia Tower in Jaisalmer

Imposing Architecture

Each storey of this pagoda like imposing figure features a beautifully carved balcony that is famous for their individual designs.

The most important palaces in this complex are Badal vilas, Jawahar Vilas, Dari Khana and Zenana Mahal. These were the homes of the former royal family adorned with modern facilities which indicates the British influence.

Significance of Tazia ?

Tazias are the fragile, split bamboo and elaborately decorated paper and tinsel models of Taj like mausoleums made by Shia Muslims during the period of Muharram, to commemorate the martyrdrom of Hassan and Hussain, the Prophet’s grandsons.

History about Tazia Tower

The silavats of Jaisalmer, being Shia Muslims, decided to migrate to Pakistan when it was established in 1947. Before leaving their desert Home, they expressed their love for their homeland and their ruler by building this tower in the shape of tazia and presenting it to the ruler.

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Salim Singh Ki Haveli in Desert City Jaisalmer

Nov 11

Posted by mystaterajasthan in about rajasthan, havelis rajasthan, travel rajasthan | No Comments

As you walk past the tuskers guarding the gateways in Jaisalmer, you would be walking in to a haveli named “Salim Singh ki Haveli” that made the residence of the Mohata family, the ministers of Jaisalmer rulers.

Salim Singh ki Haveli in Jaisamer

Salim Singh ki Haveli in Jaisamer

This magnificent five storied structure, was built about 200 years ago by Salim Singh who was a powerful Prime minister of Maharaja Gaj Singh.

This haveli built with yellow stone,  has a narrow base but suddenly spreads out with a projecting balcony on its top story.

Haveli’s Attractions

Adorned with 38  Balconies

The sandstone Salim Sigh Singh ki Haveli is adorned with as many as 38 balconies each in a distinctive design. You will be pleasantly suprised to find that the beautiful blue cupola roof has been constructed in the form of Peacock.

A black and white photograph of a man scowling back from under his turban exists above the balcony, creating such illusion that looks life floating until meeting your eyes.

Referred as Jahazmahal

The front face of the haveli resembles ship stern and thus this haveli is also sometimes referred as Jahazmahal.

The walls of havali retain traces of artwork, sparse enough to look like early studies for paintings.

Though its facade is relatively austere, the haveli is apexed by ornate chhatris and jaalis, whose intricate geometric patterns are strikingly Islamic. You will also find accents that seem quintessentially Hindu, like bell-shaped stone pandants fringing the balconies.

We have some special tours to take you across the desert city Jaisalmer, one of them is Desert Safari Tour Package

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Bada Bagh Garden in Jaisalmer – Home of Interesting Cenotaphs of Royal Family

Oct 15

Posted by mystaterajasthan in about rajasthan, gardens rajasthan, travel rajasthan | No Comments

Bada Bagh, also called Big Garden is about halfway between Jaisalmer and Lodhruva in the state of Rajastan . Situated 8 km off the Jaisalmer city on Ramgarh Road, Bada Bagh is easily accessible from the city by local transport, taxis or auto rickshaws.

It was commissioned by Maharawal Jait Singh in the early 16th century A.D and completed by his son Lunakaran.

Bada bagh, Jaisalmer

Bada bagh, Jaisalmer

Bada Bagh Attractions

Royal Family Cenotaphs

The interesting monuments here are the royal family cenotaphs. These cenotaphs are also known as chattris and were constructed by various Bhatti rulers.  The last chhatri, meant for maharaja Jawahar Singh, dates from the 20th century and remains unfinished after Indian independence.

Garden, Tank and Dam

The site has three other different thing for you to watch a garden, a tank and a dam. You might find the locals referring to it as Jait Bandh.

It is about 1,200 feet in length and 350 feet in width. If you observe it closely you will notice that this has been built out of solid blocks of stone. The same material has been used for the construction of well as well as the tank.

Grove of Mango Trees

Bada Bagh also contains a rare sight for sun-burnt Jaisalmer – a grove of mango trees with Kanwar Pada being the most notable of the gardens.

Overall Bada Bagh offers a comprehensive sightseeing experience to its visitors, who are treated with ancient monuments, sightseeing opportunities, man made marvels etc. all at one place for a memorable outing.

Image Source – Wikipedia

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Lodurva – A Jain Pilgrimage – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Dec 9

Posted by mystaterajasthan in rajasthan pilgrims | 1 Comment

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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Desert National Park – A Wildlife Sanctuary in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Oct 20

Posted by mystaterajasthan in travel rajasthan | No Comments

Location and Area

Twenty – eight miles to the southwest of Jaisalmer, The Desert National Park Covers 1220 sq miles of scrub, thorn forest, desert and dunes. The range  of both flora and fauna is, to many surprisingly large for a desert area. The unique ecosystem reflects the successful adaptation  by a range of mammals, birds, insects and flowers to a harsh climate with temperature ranges from below freezing to over 130 F.

The rolling landscape of a sand – dunes and scrub- covered hills is often breathtaking beautiful. The active dunes of Sam contrast with 180 million year old wood fossils at Akal 10 miles from jaisalmer which indicate that his now arid area must have once been hot, humid and luxuriant.

The scant vegetarian and the animals dependent on it are in turn dependent on it are in turn dependent on whatever water is available. Water holes are therefore the ideal sports from which to watch animals and birds.

Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Famous Species in the Park

The small active desert fox is an important predator keeping a natural check on the population of desert rats and gerbils.

The wolf is perhaps the main predator and the jackal is found on the periphery of the park.

Group of blackbuck, chinkara and nilgiri are found in the villages and now thrive in the park’s areas of sparse.

Some smaller mammals have adapted to the desert environment by burrowing  like the gerbil, by living crested porcupine.

The desert bird life is extensive , ranging from a large number of birds of pery to sandgrouse, doves, quails, partridges, shrikes, bee- eaters and desert coursers. The most remarkable bird of the desert is the Great Indian Bustard weighing up to 30 pound. The Houbara Busted also found in the park Of three resident species of snadgrouse, the Indian sandgrouse is impressive with its routine of arriving in small groups to join large turbulent flocks in the early morning to drink at the same place each day.

Habitual destruction and hunting this majestic bird but its population in the park alone is over 1000. Many insects and reptile species evident throughout the park form important links in the desert food chains. The 43 species of reptile include lizards , chameleons and snakes.

Photo Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:D%C3%A9sert-du-Thar.jpg

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The Fort of Jaisalmer – Sonar (Golden Fort)

Sep 6

Posted by mystaterajasthan in rajasthan fort | No Comments

Jaisalmer Fort - Sonar, The Golden Fort

Jaisalmer Fort - Sonar, The Golden Fort

Jaisalmer, the desert city in north-western part of Rajasthan, is the capital of proud Bhati Rajpoots who maintain a glorious record of unsurpassed gallantry. The fort was erected in 1155 A.D. by Rawal Jaisal and was named after its founder.

Architecture and Location

The fort of the desert is erected on an almost insulated peak, 250 feet in height. A strong embattled wall runs round the summit of the hill. The height of the hill from see level is 959 feet. The base of the hill is surrounded by wall of massive solid stones upon which the hill projects and supports the rampart. This forms a double line of defense.

Attractions and Monuments of the Jaisalmer Fort

A serpentine narrow ascent leads to the fort along where four gates are thrown named Akhyapol, Surajpol, Ganeshpol and Hawapol. Crossing these gates one reaches a spacious enclosure within the fort. There are  splendid palaces Rana Mahal, Gaj Vilas, and Moti Mahal inside the fort, whose faces are relieved by balconies and cupolas with finely executed carvings and stone traceries.

The wall paintings of Radha and Lord Krishna depicted in various posturess are nicely executed pieces of art. The art of carving exhibited  on the front portion of palaces are also very impressive.

Several temples are situated within the fort, the most important being that of Tikamji and the Goddess Bhagawati which was erected in 1912-1913 A.D. In front of the palaces, the temples of Bhagawan Adinarayan and Sakti stand flanked by jain temples. These temples contain a fine piece of sculpture with mythological details and dancing figures. The pleasant style of construction attracts visitors from a great distance.

In the lower part of the fort near the city ramparts stands the tower of Badal Vilas built by Maharawa Barisal. This seven storeyed building is one among the great attraction of the fort. There are numerous towers with embrasures for discharging cannon shots. Amar Bazar Pol in the west and Gharsisar gatr in the east are prominent entrances to the city which is built of yellow stones.

Gharsisar tank three miles in length and one mile in breadth presents a charming view having a great portal on it’s western ghat. Amar Sagar and Moolraj Sagar surrounded by rich garden full of fruit trees are other things of attraction.

The fort of Jaisalmer looks very attractive due to the uniformity of construction, the level of crest being of non-varying eminence. The construction of 99 towers in a short circumference augments the defending capacity of the fort. The early morning rays dawn on the fort, casts a midas touch. As far as your eyes takes you, the yellow sand stone fort turns magical golden yellow lending the fort its name Sonar or the Golden Fort.

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Ramdevra Fair of Pokhran Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

Sep 4

Posted by mystaterajasthan in latest events rajasthan | 4 Comments

Shri RamdevJi

Shri RamdevJi

A wonderful pilgrim center which symbolizes national unity and community harmony as devotees of all religions come here to pay homage. The majestic Shri Ramdev temple at Ramdevra, Runicha, 13 kms from Pokran in Jaisalmer district, houses the shrines of Ramdev. He is believed to have been incarnated on earth for the benefit of humanity and was born in the house of Ajmalji in the Tomar Rajput family.

Ramdevji choose Ramdevra as the place where attained a Samadhi and went into a divine state of meditation. Fairs are held here twice a year when people flock to the temple and chant the glory of Ramsa Pir, so that their prayers may be answered. Many cultural events are also organised during this fair. Rice, coconuts and wooden horses(toys) were offered to Ramdevji by the devotees at the temple.

Ramdeora village is situated about twelve kilometer to the north of Pokhran, headquarters of a sub-division in Jaisalmer district. Pokran is a historic place from Indian Defense point as it was where India first tested their nuclear bombs.

Celebrations and Details of Ramdeora Fair

Celebrations at Ramdevra Fair in Pokran, Rajasthan

Celebrations at Ramdevra Fair in Pokran, Rajasthan

Ramdeora Fair, Pokhran, Jaisalmer is attended by a large number of people from the different parts of the country. The fair is held in order to pay homage to venerated Baba Ramdev who holds firm belief in the minds of both Hindus and Muslims. This eleven day fair is attended by a large number of devotees and holds a lot of importance for the local inhabitants. The last day of the fair is one of the most important one and the zest and ardor of the pilgrims is worth watching.

This is a good place for the foreigners to come face to face with the local people’s tradition, culture and their perception of the religion. The women during this festival dance and display their captivating performances which is called Terahtal. All the women join very keenly and display their best thus enthralling each and every one present to witness the show.

This is a good opportunity for the different people from the various parts of the country and the world as a whole to come and exchange their culture and tradition thus enriching each other’s knowledge and taking back home some of the most cherishable moments. Beautiful, traditional, mirrored Rajasthani embroidery and arts and crafts are sold, along with sweet and savoury snacks.

I sincerely feel that if your planning to visit Rajasthan around this time, do visit Ramdevra Fair as it is the place where actually the rural masses flock in numbers, as many as 2-3 million villagers and other pilgrims gather here in Ramdevra to pay homage to Ramdevji.

I will be continuing with my posts on forts in Rajasthan from tommorrow, so stay stuned as always!!

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