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.
It’s not just forts and palaces that glisten as a paradigm of Rajasthan’s grandeur and magnificence. The abode of virile warriors not only fascinates people by virtue of its gargantuan structures, but also allures them spiritually into the majestic and tranquil ethereality of its temples. The solace and peace that prevails in the environment of these ‘mandirs’ makes one feel close to Lord’s divinity.
Exquisitely adorned in white marble, the Birla Mandir makes a fine addition to the pantheon of temples. Constructed by the Birla group, the temple is dedicated to Lord Narayana and his spouse, Goddess Lakshmi. Stationed over the hill top of Moti Dungari hill, the temple flaunts exquisite art work in tinted glass windows. The most fascinating attraction of the temple is its luminescent nature in moonlight, that instills awe in every visitor who is always ready to be mesmerized by the splendor of the place. The temple not only patronizes Hinduism but it also flaunts paintings and carvings which showcase teachings propagated by different religions. Birla Mandirs all over India are famous because of architectural marvel, which comprises of fine carvings and structural work on marbles as well as their lush-green gardens which add fervor to their enticing beauty.
Birla Mandir, Jaipur is definitely a treat to the eyes, wondrous to behold and even more alluring in the midst of its sanctifying solace.
At a distance of two and a half kilometres from Mount Abu, in the Sirohi district, is located the Dilwara Jain Temples, which was built by Vastupal Tejpal between 11th and 13th centuries AD. Vimal Vasahi, dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Adinath; Luna Vasahi, dedicated to the 22nd Jain Tirthankara, Neminatha; Pithalhar, dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar, Rishabha; Parshvanath, dedicated to the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Parshva; Mahavir Swami, dedicated to the last Jain Tirthankara, Mahavira; are the five temples which follows the Jain ideals of abstinence and simplicity.
Apart from being a significant pilgrimage site, the Dilwara Temples are also known for its architectural perfection. Vimal Vasahi temple outshines, being carved entirely out of white marble. It was built in 1031 A.D. by Vimal Shah, a minister of Bhimdev I, the Chalukya[3] King (Solanki Maharaja) of Gujarat. The Luna Vasahi temple was built in 1230 by two Porwad brothers – Vastupal and Tejpal – both ministers of a Virdhaval, the Vaghela ruler of Gujarat. The details on the ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels are minute and threaded to Jainism.
The tourist is made aware of the tour hours outside the temple. The highlight is the blend of ascetic life and ornamental structure of the temples which makes it worth visiting!
The royal place of Udaipur is not just fabled for its spectacular and magnificent palaces, but it also treasures some of the most beautiful and exquisite temples of India. Built in the royal city of Udaipur, the Eklingji Temple is a dedication to Lord Shiva, the name of the temple depicting a form of Lord Shiva. The construction of the temple began in the year 971 A.D by the Sisodia dynasty of Mewar. The temple instills awe in its visitors by virtue of its spectacular architectural marvel. The temple complex consists of hundred and eight temples, so beautifully sculpted that it is sure to mesmerize anyone visiting this place of solace and divinity.
The main temple was constructed somewhere in the 15th century, which was renovated from the dilapidated remains of an earlier existing temple. Marble and granite work finds ample usage in the construction of the temple, along with the application of double storied mandaps, and a pyramidal covering at the top. The temple houses a four faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble. The temple is located 23kms from Udaipur and is well connected by means of transportation available in that region.
The Eklingji temple is definitely a must add destination to your travel plan.
Let us retrace our steps back to our glorious mythological era. The age of great sages, devotees who dedicated their entire life to the Lord, practicing austerity and refraining from all the worldly pleasures. The atmosphere in which they lived was so much full of tranquility and solace that even now, the serenity instills new life in people.
Rajasthan is lucky enough to house such a destination- the Gaumukh temple. The great sage Vashishtha’s Ashram and the Gaumukh Temple are in juxtaposition and at around 5 kms from the Hanuman temple. The area consist of dense, green vegetation and impregnable forests. Hence, it is advised to the visitors by the authorities to visit the place with expert supervision and guidance during the rainy season and after sunset. The ambience and aur of the place cannot be felt vicariously. The essence can only be felt by witnessing it yourself !
Lord Krishna is the symbol of all love, vigor, compassion and life on earth. The magic of love that Lord Krishna spreads engulfs every soul in its rejuvenating essence. Regal Rajasthan, with its devotional as well as historical attachment to Lord Krishna, is also not bereft of the Lord’s spiritualistic aura and grandeur. Govind Dev Ji temple, situated in Jaipur, is dedicated to the Supreme Godhead. The idol for the temple was brought from Vrindavan by Raja Sawai Man Singh II.
Popular stories narrate the origin of the temple, the most popular one about Lord Krishna’s great grandson Bajranabh, who once asked his grandmother about the Lord’s divine appearance. When she narrated him, he sculpted an idol of the Lord. But his grandmother offered constructive criticism by saying that only the feet resembled that of Lord Krishna. Again he went on with his task of sculpting the Lord’s idol but again, only the chest resembled that of Lord Krishna. Finally, the third and final idol bore exact semblance to the Supreme Godhead. The first one came to be known with the Name Lord “Madan Mohanji”. The second one got recognition as Lord “GopiNathji” and the third One, The Majestic Holy Image is Lord “Govind Dev Ji”.
Udaipur- the abode treasuring the magnificence and grandeur of Rajasthan’s regality, is known all the world over for its spectacular and mind boggling palaces. But that is not the only attraction that you should look out for when you visit this land of royalty. Situated at the heart of this magnificent city is the Jagdish temple. A popular tourist destination, the temple was once known as Jagannath Rai, but later named Jagdish Ji. It finds its place in the list of the most vivacious and ancient monuments of Udaipur as well as Rajasthan.
The use of a double storied hall along with a double storied Sandhara sanctum adds unique features to its architecture. Lanes from the city wall converge radially into the temple. The temple presents a paradigm of Maru-Gurjara Architecture.
The essence that the temple treasures is too ethereal to be enjoyed vicariously. Only a visit to this sanctum of solace can unveil the true essence encapsulated within.
Legends and fascinating phenomena always revolve around all the heritage destinations of Rajasthan. With beliefs that are considered myths by some and devotion by others, Rajasthan never fails to make us glide into a surreal atmosphere of ethereal joy, no matter what. The Karni Mata temple is another such glistening pearl in the oyster of the most fascinating and intriguing destinations to visit.
The temple is the abode of almost 20,000 rats and it attracts people from all over the world, some who come out of curiosity and some by the essence of devotion. Interesting anecdotes revolve around the mysterious dwelling of such a huge number of rats in the temple. The local dwellers narrate such stories with great vigor and interest.
Mughal architecture is predominant in the structural design of the temple. It was completed in the late 20th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. Apart from that, silver doorways and other artistic works add to the beauty of the place. The temple also consists some white rats among the large numbers of black rats. These white rats are considered to be especially holy as they are rumored to be the manifestations of Karni Mata herself and four sons.
A vibrant fair is also a part of this attraction. The fair is organized two time a year, one in March-April period and the other one in September-October period. Karni Mata Temple is possibly one of the most fascinating destinations that any tour plan can offer. Don’t forget to enjoy the essence of the place!
In the heart of the Pink City Jaipur, is a hub of faith, idolized in the form of Lord Ganesha, known as Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple. The idol is carved out of stone and intricate lattice work on marble is seen. It is said to have been constructed by Seth Jai Ram Paliwal in Ashok Nagar and later built upon.
The temple and its structure resembles a Scottish Castle. Its architecture, modern. India being a country where a divine power is hailed and worshipped as a priority, and Hinduism being a religion where spiritual bond with Gods and Goddesses is claimed, have continued to make its followers revolve around the supreme power and retained their belief by reciprocating it with fruits of wishes, or at least peace of minds. This elephant headed Lord of prosperity dwelling in the pearl shaped hill, from which Moti Doongri gets its name, calls many devotees , thereby making it a popular destination for tourist and wanderers. During Ganesh Chaturthi and Paush Bada, the count of devotees increase.
There are many interesting stories as to how this temple was built; and these allow us a glimpse at the glory of Jaipur, the splendor of Rajasthan and the deepth of religion in India!
Another attraction that adds a sparkling feather in the cap of Bikaner is the Mukam temple.Located at a distance of 80 kms from Bikaner city, the temple is dedicated to Guru Jambheshwarji, who is considered to be the founder of Bishnoi sect and an incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu himself. This place is believed to be his last resting place and hence the name, ‘Mukam’.The temple is adorned beautifully in white marble.The Samadhi of Guru Jambheshwarji is near the Kheri and Jaal tree, around which the Mukam temple is built. The Mukam temple is a place of great religious importance for the Bishnois. On every new moon night, devotees throng the place and it is a sight to witness. Two fairs are held every year in the temple, one in the Hindu calendar month of Ashwin,and the other in the month of Falgun.
Splendid architecture, religious serenity and an innumerable number of devotees thronging the place just to get a glimpse of their spiritual guru-that is the essence of Mukam temple.
