Rajasthan-Sirohi

Mount Abu

About

Mount is well known as ABODE of GODS. Dilwara Jain Temples Mount Abu was an important Vaishnava and Shaivite pilgrim center up to the 11th century. Today, it is recognized the world over for it's magnificent Jain temples. No visit to Abu can be complete without a trip to the famed Dilwara temples.

These temples are the greatest draw of Abu, apart from its salubrious climate. Half hidden by mango groves their sober exterior belies the wealth of their interior ornamentation. Wondrously carved in marble, the Dilwara temples enshrine various Jain tirthankaras, saints. Built between the 11th and 13th century, are famous for their superb carvings in marble.

 

Vimal Vasahi is the oldest temple, was built by Vimal Shah, Minister of Solanki ruler of Gujarat in 1031 A.D. It is dedicated to Adinath, the first of the Jain tirthankaras. Constructed out of white marble from Arasoori Hill, near Ambaji, 23 km from Abu Road, It is an outstanding example of Jain temple architecture.

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• Religus: False
• Honeymoon: False
• SeeBeach: False

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The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev and large courtyard with 52 small shrines, each housing a beautiful statue of thirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars from the entrance to the courtyard. The Dilwara temple is famous for architectural genius. The intricate carving on the marble stone is simply mesmerizing leaving the senses spell bound with its neat structuring. A cluster of Hindu temples also marks the land with their historical past.++

Ajari

About

About 5 km's south of Pindwara on the way to Abu Road, is the village of Ajari. 2 Km's away from Ajari village, is temple of Mahadeo and Sarswati. The scenery is picturesque, honey-combed with date-trees and a small rivulet flows nearby. Small hillocks form a wonderful background. The place is a fine picnic spot. The temple is enclosed by s high wall. Inside it is a Kundi of 30' x 20' size. Markandeshwar Rishi is said to have meditated here. There is small image of god Vishnu and one that of goddess Sarswati. Nearby is pond commonly known Gaya-Kund where people immerse the mortal remains. On every Jeshtha Sudi 11 and Baisakh Sudi 15 a fair is held here.

• Hill Station: False
• Religus: True
• Honeymoon: False
• SeeBeach: False

Other

Ajari is a village located around 5 km away from Pindwara and is surrounded by hillocks. A small rivulet flows near the village that is famous for the honeycombs on nearby date trees. The village is renowned for a temple dedicated to Lord Mahadev and Goddess Saraswati. The temple is surrounded by a high wall and has a 30 inch by 20 inch Kundi.  

 

This temple is regarded as the place where Markandeswar Rishi meditated. The Gaya Kund, situated near this temple, is a pond where people immerse the remains of their dead. A fair is organised on the 11th day of Jyeshtha Sudi, as well as on the 15th day of Baisakh Sudi, in the village.

Basanth Garh

About

Basant Garh eight km's to the South of Pindwara, is Situated on a river named Saraswati. Its old names, as known from various sources, were Vetaleara, Vatasthana, Vatanagra, Vata, Vatapura and Vasisthapura. This place was called Vata on account of the banian trees, which are found in abundance. In the eleventh century, it was believed that once, under the banian trees there stood a Sacrificial hermitage of Varihtha. Vasistha is said to have erected the temple of Arka and Bharga, and with the aid of the architect of the Gods, founded the city called Vata adorned with ramparts, orchards tanks and lofty mansions. It was therefore called Vasisthapeua.

Basant garh temple carvings In course of time, this hermitage of vasistha developed into a prosperous town, as is clear from the ruins of the palatial buildings of the kings and the temple of different religions. Vasanthgarhm, the city of great antiquity must have been in existence long before the first half of the Seventh Century A.D... In 625 A.D. it was held by Rajilla & father Vajrabhata Satyasraya was also a feudatory of the same king. Rajjilla protected Mt. Arbuda and he had his capital at Vasanthgarh.

 

The king Varmalata is certainly identical with the king of the same name where Prime Minister Suprabhadeva was the grand father of the famous poet Megha of Srimala. Hence Varmalata seems to be the ruler of Srimala. Further, it is known from the Nisithachurni. In 676 A.D. that the siluer Cain Current in Shrimala at that time was well know by the term Varmalata after its ruler.

• Hill Station: False
• Religus: True
• Honeymoon: False
• SeeBeach: False

Other

In course of time Vasanthgarh seems to have fallen into decay and forced its inhabitants for migration to different places from the Samali inscription dated 646 A.D... It is known that Mahajana Community headed by Je(nta)ka who had migrated from Vatanagara, started an agara in Aranyakupagiri, which became a source of liveli hood for the people. From the inscription of Lohini well, dated 1042 A.D., it is known that Bhavagupta, one of the predecessors of Vigraharaja, the deceased husband of Lahini ruled over this territory, and he restored a temple of the sun. Vigraharaja was fourth in succession from Bharagupta. He ruled in 1042 A.D., and therefore, Bhavagupta, his predecessor, must have lived about 100 years earlier than Vigrahara, i.e. 942 A.D. The successor of Bhavagupta was Samgamraja, who ruled Badari in Vamsaratha. This change of capital was perhaps due to some political upheaval, which brought further ruin to this palace perhaps, as a result of it, a person who is originally belonged to this place, came to Ahar in Mewar and built the temple of Nanigasvami in 977 A.D... In 1042 A.D., it was the capital of parmar ruler Purnapala, son of Dhanduka. His younger sister Lahini, after the death of her husband, went to Vasantgarh, the capital of ancestors, to live with her brother. She settled down there, rebuilt the dilapidated temple of the sun and restored a step -well for convenience of the public. This well is still Lanvava (Lahinivapi).

 

 

 

Basanth Garh

About

Basant Garh eight km's to the South of Pindwara, is Situated on a river named Saraswati. Its old names, as known from various sources, were Vetaleara, Vatasthana, Vatanagra, Vata, Vatapura and Vasisthapura. This place was called Vata on account of the banian trees, which are found in abundance. In the eleventh century, it was believed that once, under the banian trees there stood a Sacrificial hermitage of Varihtha. Vasistha is said to have erected the temple of Arka and Bharga, and with the aid of the architect of the Gods, founded the city called Vata adorned with ramparts, orchards tanks and lofty mansions. It was therefore called Vasisthapeua.

Basant garh temple carvings In course of time, this hermitage of vasistha developed into a prosperous town, as is clear from the ruins of the palatial buildings of the kings and the temple of different religions. Vasanthgarhm, the city of great antiquity must have been in existence long before the first half of the Seventh Century A.D... In 625 A.D. it was held by Rajilla & father Vajrabhata Satyasraya was also a feudatory of the same king. Rajjilla protected Mt. Arbuda and he had his capital at Vasanthgarh.

 

The king Varmalata is certainly identical with the king of the same name where Prime Minister Suprabhadeva was the grand father of the famous poet Megha of Srimala. Hence Varmalata seems to be the ruler of Srimala. Further, it is known from the Nisithachurni. In 676 A.D. that the siluer Cain Current in Shrimala at that time was well know by the term Varmalata after its ruler.

• Hill Station: False
• Religus: True
• Honeymoon: False
• SeeBeach: False

Other

In course of time Vasanthgarh seems to have fallen into decay and forced its inhabitants for migration to different places from the Samali inscription dated 646 A.D... It is known that Mahajana Community headed by Je(nta)ka who had migrated from Vatanagara, started an agara in Aranyakupagiri, which became a source of liveli hood for the people. From the inscription of Lohini well, dated 1042 A.D., it is known that Bhavagupta, one of the predecessors of Vigraharaja, the deceased husband of Lahini ruled over this territory, and he restored a temple of the sun. Vigraharaja was fourth in succession from Bharagupta. He ruled in 1042 A.D., and therefore, Bhavagupta, his predecessor, must have lived about 100 years earlier than Vigrahara, i.e. 942 A.D. The successor of Bhavagupta was Samgamraja, who ruled Badari in Vamsaratha. This change of capital was perhaps due to some political upheaval, which brought further ruin to this palace perhaps, as a result of it, a person who is originally belonged to this place, came to Ahar in Mewar and built the temple of Nanigasvami in 977 A.D... In 1042 A.D., it was the capital of parmar ruler Purnapala, son of Dhanduka. His younger sister Lahini, after the death of her husband, went to Vasantgarh, the capital of ancestors, to live with her brother. She settled down there, rebuilt the dilapidated temple of the sun and restored a step -well for convenience of the public. This well is still Lanvava (Lahinivapi).

 

 

 

Ambeshwar Ji Temple

About

This ancient Temple is situated at a distance of about 10 Km North of Sirohi City on a sidetrack of National Highway 14 from Sirohi to Sheoganj town at Kolargarh which is located 2 Km towards East in District Sirohi, Rajasthan.

 

This Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located on a hill and is approachable via 400 steps. It is surrounded by immense natural beauty with waterfalls and a dense forest with marvelous flora and fauna.

 

This area is a part of the Sirwana hills and has relics of Kolar Fort and an old City having a Dharamshala, a Jain Temple, a Laxmi-Narayan Temple and Gorakhmath, said to be of the time of Parmar reign.

 

• Hill Station: False
• Religus: True
• Honeymoon: True
• SeeBeach: True

Other

A place about six miles north of Sirohi on a side track of the National Highway No. 14 from Sirohi to Sheoganj. The kolargarh is situated towards eastern side at a distance of 2 km's. the relics of old fort on Ganesh pole can be seen here where there is a Dharmshala a Jain temple, Laxmi Narayan temple, Shiv temple and Gorakhmath. On the hill after climbing 400 steps an ancient temple Lord Shiv with its natural beauty and marvelous surroundings with waterfalls can be seen. The whole area is part of Siranwa hills and beautiful dense forest with admirable fauna and flour can be enjoys. It is said that the relics of the old city and fort of kolar is of Parmar reign.

Bamanvad Ji

About

 This temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavir 24th Tirthankar of Jains. The temple is said to be build by Nandi Vardhan, brother of Lord Mahavir. According to Jain Literature Lord Mahavir in his 37th religious voyage (Chaturmas) came to this area, so the places attached to his name are seen in this district like Viroli (Vir Kulika), Vir Vada (Vir Vatak), Undra (Upnand), Nandiya (Nandi Vardhan) and Sani Village (Shanamani - A modern Polo ground of Abu) . Episode of Karn Kilan i.e. nails were hammered into ears of the Mahavir Swami here at Bamanvada and cooking of Khir was done at Sani village. The biting of Chandkaushik snake occurred at Nandiya, and the scene is depicted by carving on the granite rock

 

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• Religus: True
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This ancient Temple is also known as Lord Mahavir Temple. It is situated at a distance of 8 Km from Pindwara town in Village Bamanwada, District Sirohi, Rajasthan.

 

It is dedicated to Lord Mahavir Ji, the 24th Tirthankar of Jains.

 

This Temple is said to have been built by Nandi Vardhan, brother of Lord Mahavir Ji. This holy place has been blessed by the visit of Lord Mahavir Ji during his 37th religious voyage. At this place nails were hammered into the ears of Lord Mahavir Ji.

 

 

 

Jirawal Temple

About

In the series of the main traditional Jain Pilgrimages, the Jiraval has its own importance. This important temple is situated in the middle of the Jairaj Hill on the Aravali Ranges. The Jiraval temple is very primitive and ancient. The temple is surrounded by the Dharmshallas and beautiful buildings. The importance of this temple is unique because all over world installation of Jain temples are made with the name of this temple OM HRIM SHRI JIRAVALA PARSHAVNATHAY NAMAH. The main temple and its kalamandap is surrounded 72 Dev kulikas, its structure and architect is of nagar style of temple architecture. Here all facilities exists for religious tourists.

• Hill Station: False
• Religus: True
• Honeymoon: False
• SeeBeach: False

Other

Jirawal Temple is counted amongst the major pilgrimage centres of the Jain community and is built in the Nagar style of architecture. This religious site is located amidst the Jairaj Hill of the Aravalli Range. Various dharamshalas and beautiful buildings are situated near this ancient temple. The main shrine and its kalamandap together, have around 72 dev kulikas.

 

 

Karodidhwaj Temple

About

This place can be reached from Abu down-hills about 4 km's as well as from Sirohi via Anadara, a distance of about 32 km's. south of Sirohi town. This temple is dedicated to Lord Sun, who has millions of rays (Kotidwaj). The temple is said to be built by the Hoons who were the worshippers of SUN. A chain of Sun temples can be marked right from Ranakpur to Modhera of Gujarat. Beautiful idols of Mahishsur Mardani, Sheshai Vishnu, Kuber and Ganapati can be seen here. This place is situated on horse shoe center point of Abu hill. Parenial water source in rainy season damaged this temple and process is still going on. But the site itself is wonderful and exciting with natural beauty. Recently a dam is also built on the foot hills of the site.

 

• Hill Station: False
• Religus: True
• Honeymoon: False
• SeeBeach: False

Other

Not far form here (about a mile and half), at the foot of mountain, were dilapidated temples of Devangana or court of gods. traditions are current that on this site stood an ancient city called Lakhavati. Two mandaps made of bricks are the only remains of these and those too in a ruinous state. There is an inscriptions on the entrance on one of these. The images which were found here are carried away to a temple on the main road to Anadara Math. Round about these ruins can be noticed bricks of unusual dimensions buried in the ground and pointing to the antiquity of the place. The spot is in the midst of a thick bamboo jungle with tall magnificent trees.

 

 

 

Mirpur Temple

About

Mirpur temple is considered to be the oldest marble monument of Rajasthan. It served as a modal for Delwara and Ranakpur temples. It is depicted in world encyclopedia art. The temple is of Rajput age of 9th century. Its plate form is like that of Ranakpur. Its carving can be matched with the pillars and parikrama of Delwara and Ranakpur temples. The temple is dedicated to Lord Parshavnath, the 23 Tirthankar of Jains. The temple was destroyed by Mahmood Begda of Gujarat in 13th century and was rebuilt and renovated in 15th century. These days the only main temples with its kalamandap is standing on its high pedestrial with carved pillars and engraved parikrama representing every walk of life in Indian Mythology.

• Hill Station: False
• Religus: True
• Honeymoon: False
• SeeBeach: False

Other

Mirpur Jain Temple was built in the 9th century AD, during the reign of the Rajputs. The Mirpur temple is generally thought to be the oldest marble monument in Rajasthan. It is devoted to the 23rd Jain tirthankara, Pārśva. The temple was destroyed by Mahmud Begada in the 13th century, and was rebuilt and renovated in the 15th century. These days only the main temple with its mandapa is standing, high on its pedestal with carved pillars and engraved parikrama representing every aspect of Indian mythology.