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Ranakpur
Ranakpur in the state of Rajasthan is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the tourists coming to this region.
Built In: Temples were constructed in the AD 1439.
Description
A trek through dense jungle-land and several litres of bottled water later, you'll happen upon the 15th century Jain temple complex of Ranakpur. Along the way, practice dropping your mouth open in awe . . . it'll come in handy. For the main temple here is reputed to have 29 halls that cover over 4,000 square yards. Its dome is supported by as many as 1,444 pillars, each of which is carved in a distinctive style and pattern.
Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha whom Dharna Sah, a Jain businessman, approached when he had the vision of his great temple to ask for the land for its construction. Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty. Situated at a distance of around 60 km from Udaipur, these temples were constructed in the AD 1439.
Location
Ranakpur is tucked away in a remote valley in the Aravali range. It is situated around 60 km north of Udaipur in Pali district and boasts of one of the largest and most important Jain Temples in the country. The place is well connected through a road network to other places in the region.
Best Time To Visit: July to April
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The Eklingji temples located here, are exquisitely carved and dedicated to Lord Shiva, guardian deity of Mewar. This deity was regarded as the virtual ruler, by the Maharajas of Mewar - who considered themselves to be regents (Dewans) under Eklingji.
Built In: The temple, built in AD 734.
Description
Bappa Rawal the founder of Mewar regime fabricated the temple of enormous and enduring pulchritude. This awe-inspiring exquisite temple embodies 108 temples, concomitant with the number of beads in the rudrakh garland used for meditation.
The Eklingji temple engrosses an area of about 2500 sq. feet and is about 65 feet in height. The temple zone is entrenched with a colossal wall that is girdling the entire complex. The extensive assembly room inside the shrine is raised on the profusely designed pillars and also the main gate way to the temple complex. The hall is embellished with a beautiful silver structure of Nandi, besides this there are 2 more images in the temple, one made of black stone and the other of brass metal. This temple is said to have been founded by Acharya Viswaroopa a contemporary of Adi Sankaracharya and is linked with the Sharada Math at Dwaraka founded again by Adi Sankaracharya.
The main entrance to the temple on the Western side welcomes visitors into a big hall resting on profusely carved pillars. In this hall, is a silver image of Nandi. There are two more Nandis in the temple, one made of black stone and the other of brass.
Other deities housed in the temple complex include Parvati, Ganesh, Ganga, Kartikeya , Yamuna and Saraswathi. There are also small temples dedicated to Ambamata, Kalka Mata and Ganesh in the temple complex. There is another temple called Nathon Ka Mandir in the temple complex with inscriptions dating back to the 10th century CE. No worship is offered here.
Location
Eklingji is located at a distance of around 22 km from Udaipur.
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Kumbhalgarh
Description
In plastic world, this one is a solid misfit. But remember, in its 400 years of service, the Kumbalgarh fortress was breached only once and only as far as its first gate. The fortress extends over 12 kilometres and enclosed as many as 252 palaces. The battlements snake through the surrounding landscape and are said to resemble the Great Wall of China in their conception. Now if only the Rajputs had extended their reign a bit, we'd have a piece of India visible from space.The temples inside the fort, mostly ruins now, date back to the Mauryan period and were apparently built during the reign of Emperor Ashoka's grandson.
History of Kumbhalgarh
Kumbhalgarh is known for its historical fort. Kumbhalgarh fort is the second most important fort in Rajasthan after Chittorgarh. This fort was built in 15th century AD by Rana Kumbha between 1445 and 1458 AD. The massive fort, encompassed by a 36 km long wall, has seven majestic gates and seven ramparts, one within the other which are ideal for nature trail. The Last gate-the 'Nimboo Pol' has fascinating chambers. According to history, the infant Udai Singh who later founded Udaipur, was smuggled from Bundi and was hidden in these chambers to save himself from his murderous intentions of his uncles. The fort has witnessed many heroic deeds of great warriors. This formidable fort fell only once to the army of Akbar and that too because the water supply was contaminated by the enemy forces.
Location
Kumbhalgarh is about 85 km from Udaipur.
Best Time To Visit: October to February.
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Nathadwara
Set amid idyllic hills, it provides a welcome respite from the searing heat of Rajasthan. The modest sized town is home to one the wealthiest temples in India. Town it self is famous for it's exuberant festivals, miniature paintings, jewellery and above all, it's sweets. Threat of cholesterol and calories have yet to deter the culinary experts of this town who add sugar and butter to almost all dishes!!
Built In: Nathdwara built in early 18th century.
Description
Only 42 km. north of Udaipur, Nathadwara is easily reached by plane or car. Constant stream of pilgrims has resulted in plentiful supply of transport and accommodation at Nathadwara. Cheap and cheerful rooms start at Rs.50 per night, moving up to high quality accommodation at $20 per night. Price of accommodation rises as you move away from centre of Town. Reasonable rooms, with on suite toilet and bath, can be easily found for $5 per night. The more luxurious, air-conditioned hotels, are mainly situated out of town. Restaurants in town cater for a wide range of vegetarian tastes, however, it is illegal to consume alcohol within the town limits.
The Havelli is the centre of attraction in the Town. Its inner sanctum is opened only eight times a day when devotees throng to catch a glimpse of the sacred form of the Lord Shrinathji. Rest of the time, it is relatively free of crowds, ideal for those wanting to explore the beauty of Rajasthani art and architecture. The entire place seems to be in a time capsule, still living the regal life long abandoned by Maharajahs of India. Temple servants still wear the clothes and costumes of the bygone era, serving the Lord of Nathadwara as the beloved prince and darling of Nanadaraj and Yashodaji.
At regular intervals, classical music is played live in its many halls as pilgrims float through its perfumed marble halls and courtyards. Pankhwalas still manually pull on the large fans to cool the interior. Drums and trumpets are still played to announce the mid-day's "Royal Darshan". Like all rajput palaces/ mansions, the Havali is built around several split level courtyards. The solid white exterior hides the airiness achieved by this device. All doorways are painted and are often flanked by drawings of elephants, horses, beautiful maidens and doorkeepers.
Shrinathji, the main deity of the sect, resides in regal splendour, always immaculately dressed and jewelled. Exquisitely worked jewels, some dating back to pre-Mogul India, are worn by Shrinathji on daily basis. Here at least the jewels are not kept behind glass, but used for what they were intended. Everything in the inner temple, from china to silver/ gold-ware, paintings, wall hangings, clothes and furniture, are of the finest quality. Havali itself employs some 1000 people, whilst rest of the town thrives on the business given directly or indirectly by the Havali and the pilgrims.
The best thing about the place is its mystic tranquillity. The feeling of peace and spirituality seems to rise above the humdrum of the town. Numerous groves, gardens, parks and fields outside the town provide perfect escape from the crowds, you can also cool off in the river Banas nearby. Town itself is small enough to be explored on foot. Rickshaws and horse carts are available for those who do not wish to brave the heat of Rajasthan.
Location
Nathdwara is situated 48 km north east of Udaipur in Rajasthan, on the banks of the Banas River.
Best Time To Visit: September-March.
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The main tourist attraction in Dhuler is the Rishabdeo temple. For Jains and Bhils while making an Udaipur tour a visit to the Rishabdeo temple nearby Udaipur is a must. Lord Mahavira is the founder of the Jainism sect and Rishabdeo is said to one of his forms. The idol in the Rishabdeo temple is about 1 meter tall and it is made up of black marble. It is located in the midst of the highway that leads to Ahmedabad. The Bhils find some familiarity with the black marble idol of Rishabdeo with their dark-skin complexion. While the Jains believe that the idol is related to the reign of Rama and Sita. The Bhils has great regards for the Rishabdeo temple, as they believe that all their desires and wants are fulfilled over here.
Location
65 kms. south of Udaipur.
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Haldighati
A small village in the Aravalli Hills about 44 km. north of Udaipur and about 1,839 m. above sea level. Beyond this is Haldighati Pass, a narrow defile almost a kilometre in length, running south to northeast. It ends in a plain where the famous Battle of Haldighati (1576) actually took place between Maharana Pratap Singh I and the Mughal armies of Emperor Akbar. A geographical feature of the pass ('ghati') is its soft yellow soil. When crumbled it resembles the spice, turmeric ('haldi'), which gives the place its name.
Haldighati Pass
A valley near Nathdwara, 50 km. north of Udaipur. It was here that the famous Battle of Haldighati was fought, on June 18, 1576 between Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar and the Imperial army of Emperor Akbar of Delhi.
Location
44 km. north of Udaipur
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