Jain temples are an integral part of Rajasthan’s religious culture. A number of Jain temples and each temple unique in itself- such diversity in temples depicting the same ideology is a rarity. Continuing the streak of Jain temples is the Jinalya Bhinmal Jain temple. It is located in Bhinmal town which is at a distance of 72 kms from Jalore main town. Bhinmal is of great historical significance as it is the birthplace of the great mathematician and astronomer Brahmagupta and Sanskrit poet Magha. Bhinmal was once the capital of the Gujjar kingdom, during the reign of Gujjar Pratihar.
The city constains some inscriptions in many of the temples which state that the twenty fourth Jain Tirthankara, Lord Mahavira Swami wandered about here.
Located on the hilltop of the Aravalli Ranges, the Sundha Mata temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda Devi and is considered as one of the most sacred places by the inhabitants of Rajasthan. Located on the Sundha hilltop of Jalore District, the temple is not very far away from the popular and only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu. The atmosphere of the temple as well as the place provides sanctifying solace to the visitors. The temple nurtures a serene environment which is sure to pacify any troubled soul.
Though not flaunting jaw-dropping architecture, the temple still appears magnificent in its white marble habiliment. A beautiful idol of Chamunda Devi is present under a huge stone. The temple premises also treasure inscriptions that are of great historical signifance . The inscriptions indicate the victory of the Chauhans over the Parmaras and other such events of historical significance. The Navratri festival is celebrated with great vivacity in the temple and it witnesses a large number of devotees who come to offer their prayers to the Mother Goddess.
The temple is a fascinating addition to the heritage sites of Rajasthan.
It is not just the Jain temples which are the fabled monuments of devotion in Rajasthan. Bhinmal, especially, houses temples devoted to the Supreme Godhead in Hindu mythology- Lord Mahavishnu. The Varah Shyam Temple in Bhinmal is a temple dedicated to the Varaha Avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is said that the demon Hiranyaksha had dropped the whole world into the bottom of the ocean so that the Devas would not be able to challenge his power. The Devas approached Mhavishnu and Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Varaha or a boar. He dived into the ocean and used his tusks to bring out the world out of the abyss of the ocean. The temple contains inscriptions and carvings which beautifully narrate this story.
“Let the sky be torn, the earth turned upside down, let the iron armor be cut to pieces, body fighting alone, but Jalore would not surrender.”
A few lines, but they could not have presented a more prudent and evocative description of this epitome of unfailing strength. Earning repute worldwide as the ‘Sonagir’ or the ‘Golden Mount’, the fort is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan.
The fort dates back its origin to somewhere between the 8th and 10th centuries. Perched at the top of a steep-sloped hill, the fort, stationed 1200 feet above the city, is surrounded by impregnable walls which makes it one of the best fortified bastions. The fort has four entrances, but it is approachable only from one side, that too after a long ascent. The Hindu architecture finds predominance in the structural design of the fort.
The fort houses in its domain numerous fascinating attractions that are sure to lure the tourists. The vibrant palace or Mahal, which once used to be the center of attraction of the fort, is now in a dilapidated state. However, the other attractions more than make-up for it. The Fort Mosques, flaunting their Gujarati style of architecture, the Jain temples, the Hindu temples-all add up to the flavor of visiting Jalore fort.
The essence of visiting Jalore fort is not one which can be enjoyed vicariously. So experience the vigour and joy first-hand and drench yourself in the colours of Rajasthan at this destination, this symbol of magnanimity, this epitome of strength.
