The north western state Indian state - Rajasthan has been the melting pot of varied cultures and races since ages. The Rajput, Mughal and other rulers who have exercised dominion over the state for centuries have left behind their rich cultural heritage that are reflected in the architectural styles of mansions, forts, temples and shrines.
These splendid edifices speak volumes about the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Rajasthan artisans. Such masterworks are the Dilwara Temples- Mount Abu and the Someshvara Temple and so on. The Dilwara temples are exquisitely and intricately carved in marble and exhibit awe- inspiring architectural patterns. However a large number of temples that boasted of beautiful architecture was demolished during the Muslim invasions.
New styles of temple architecture also emerged in the 8th and 9th century during the reign of the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty from Mandore. Temples built around this era include the Ossian Temples - Jodhpur and Western Rajasthan and the temples at Chittorgarh. These temples are characterized by a singular spire or sikhara with an intricately carved external chamber (mandup). The Solanki architectural style is reflected in the Hindu shrines at Kiradu in western Barmer. These temples have Temples at Kiradu in western known as style are known for sculpted murals.
The Brahma Temple-Ajmer is the only Hindu shrine in the world where Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe and one of the holy trinity is worshipped. This temple is considered sacred next to Manas Sarovar in Tibet and draws thousands of devotees during the Pushkar Fair.
The Temple of Shrinathji, Nathdwara is the 17 the century Vaishnavite shrine which is one of the significant sites of Hindu pilgrimage. Another most interesting pilgrim site of the Hindus is the Mehandipur Balaji Temple, Dausa, where the deity of this shrine is said to have supernatural powers to heal a person possessed with evil spirit.
Ajmer Sharif - Ajmer is the sepulcher of the Sufi saint- Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and is one of the greatest Muslim shrines in India that draws copious pilgrims every year during the Urs Ajmer Sherif.
Birla Temple or Birla Mandir is the common name for the Lakshmi Narayan Temple at Jaipur. It is called thus after the Birlas, a business family who constructed the temple in 1988. The Birla Temple stands at the foot of the Moti Doongri (a fortress which was turned into a palace for Gayatri Devi by Raja man Singh II) and the temple's excellent architecture and splendid marble carvings make it a pleasure to visit. The main idols of the temple are Lord Vishnu (also known as Narayan) and his consort Goddess Lakshmi but the temple has many small shrines devoted to various Hindu Gods and Goddesses. On the outside of the temple walls one can see many carvings of many historic and religious figures.
Among the wonderful tourist attractions of the region, the cluster of Jain shrines registers huge footfalls. Housed in the fort of Jaisalmer, these etching embellished Rishabdevji, Sambhavnathji and Ashtapadi temples can be traced back to the twelfth and fifteenth centuries. Fuelled by the affluent traders of the Marwari community, the temples depict scenes from the amazing world of mythology.
The sacred precinct is also the abode of the well stocked Gyan Bhandar, a treasure trove of valuable holographs. Backpackers can pay their respects to divinities till twelve o' clock in the afternoon. Besides, devotees can also troop to shrines of Ganesha and Shiva, that are also among the main highlights.
Govind Dev Ji
Legend has it that the icon of Govind Dev Ji was established by the founding father of the capital city, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. It is believed that Lord Krishna appeared in Raja Sawai Jai Singh's dream and asked him to bring his idol from Vrindavan to Jaipur. After the sad demise of the Raja many succesors took charge over the throne but the initiative to build the temple was taken by Raja Man Singh.
The ardent worshippers most of who come from miles away cannot take their eyes off the idols of Lord Krishna and Radha together. The 'aartis' or prayers and delicious 'bhogs' along with the continuous chants of Jai Govind promise nothing but an ethereal exhilaration that is beyond worldly charms.
Located amidst stark surroundings, the shrine of Galta, also known as 'the Monkey Temple', cuts a spectacular spectacle. Perched on the crown of a mount, the temple, is located at close quarters from the beautiful Sisodia Rani-ka Bagh. It is said that the hallowed portals of the temple played host to the penance rituals of God man Galava. This shrine also used to register huge footfalls from the devotees of Lord Krishna, belonging to the religious order of Ramanand.
Last Updated on 01 December 2011