The great history of Rajasthan is epitomized by the internecine wars among the Rajput clans shook their roots. This was accompanied with sustained foreign invasions and hence after a few centuries, their hold over their own kingdom began to totter - chivalrous Rajputs became refuge in their own country. Bereft of their kingdoms, they started looking or an opportunity and a shelter, where they could lay their foundation once more. They emerged and held their sway over different parts of the Thar from about 700 AD. As time continued its journey, a part of Rajasthan came under the possession of Muslim rulers. The principal centers of their powers were Nagaur and Ajmer while Ranthambhore was also under their suzerainty. In later years, as peace became common, and as the English infiltrated into the heart of the 'golden bird' in 1817-18, the Government concluded treaties of alliance with almost all the states of Rajputana. Thus began the British rule over Rajasthan, and then called Rajputana. After the unfortunate, but innocent sands of Rajasthan had enough of blood and blade, the present State of Rajasthan was formed, after a long process of integration which began on March 17, 1948 and ended on November 1, 1956.
GEOGRAPHICAL OVERVIEW
The north-western state of India, Rajasthan is a land of discreet topography ranging from the desolate desert, scrub-thorn forests, lofty hill ranges, rock and ravines to wetlands and lush green forests. There are many beautiful meadows, crystal lakes, roaring waterfalls and shimmering rivulets meandering through the countryside, making the desert state of Rajasthan a favorite tourist destination.
LANGUAGES
The colorful and exotic state of Rajasthan, the Land of the mighty Kings, abridges the essence of India. The home of the Rajputs harbor different languages and varied dialects, spoken all over Rajasthan. The royal aroma that the language carries with itself is amazing. Listen to it, isn't it regal? Impeccably mixed with a slight savor of sweetness, the Rajasthani lingua bestows respect and love in every word that is spoken, written or understood. Rajasthan is majorly a Hindi-speaking state in its various dialects. The famous Rajasthani language embraces five primary dialects - Marwari, Mewari, Dhundhari, Mewati and Harauti along with several other forms prevailing in the interiors.
The sweet dialect is profounded by the use of 'Sa' in the end of sentence. Welcome is connoted as ' Aao Sa' whereas ' Baitho Sa' means please sit down. The language along with the royal attire that the people dress them with is enough to make one feel in heaven. 'Hukum' or master is often used to show respect to eminent personalities.
STONES OF ROYALTY
Sightseeing city tours of Rajasthan will take you to the most famous cities in the desert state. You will always remember your first pink city experience with modernism reflected in urban spaces, the shopping extravaganza and your first walk through a Rajput palace. And thus, you will never forget Jaipur. But nevertheless, it always has something more to offer. Guess what? It is the much-known Hawa Mahal. Travel to Jripur city, to see an intrinsic playground of red and pink sandstone, this pyramid-shaped structure, which discriminates vision with air, with its 953 tiny lattice worked pink windows, frames up elaborately modeled and carved balconies and arched a roof, which invariably resembles the crown of Lord Krishna. And then, the exquisite blur potteries and precious stones Jaipur is famous for. And then the mouth-watering 'daal-baati-churma' specialty, that creeps on the waxy walls of the memory eternally and pokes tourists to come back again.
Rajasthan cities travel guide brings to you the best holiday idea. If you are wondering where to spend a honeymoon vacation, then Udaipur, the most romantic place in India, might be a right choice. Udaipur is an enchanting city full of surprises, with lakes in the midst of sandy terrain and green forested hills. The city is replete with palaces straight out of fairy tales and rugged fortresses that recount the history. Take a boat cruise on the emerald waters of Lake Pichola and you can feel the difference. Up market hotels, spectacular palaces and havelis are there to welcome the endless stream of international and domestic tourists. Go green at Mount Abu, the only hill station in this desert city. Visit the magnificently famous Delwara Temples where architecture is marked by carvings that are not just heart-touchingly beautiful in form but are often presented in a highly poetic context. A famous Jain pilgrimage destination, the Delwara Temples at Mount Abu are the best examples human hands can create. The famous destinations in Rajasthan have more to offer.
THE RURAL
For those wishing to get close to the pulse of the barren desert, wishing to taste the real essence of Rajasthan, how these dwellers strive to squeeze the best of the desert, planning a holiday in some of these forsaken tourist destinations - Deeg, Barmer, Dausa, Dundlod - is a great idea. Travel to these rural cities where you can find cluster of huts that are circular, and have thatched roofs, mud walls are covered with a plaster of clay, cow dung and hay, making a rustic facade that blends in with the sands of the desert around it. Try a plate of fresh bread, baked on wood fire along with the traditional 'gatte ki sabzi', savor the taste of fresh butter churned out in front of you, and you will cherish the taste and the memories throughout your life.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Rajasthan is a vibrant, exotic state in India where tradition and royal glory meet in a riot of colors against the vast backdrop of sand and desert. Referred to as the Desert Jewel of India, Rajasthan shimmers with even more vibrancy during the time of its colorful fairs and festivals. The desert glitters with the colors of joyous celebration and gay abandon with every fair and festival of Rajasthan. There is a celebration for every religious occasion, every change of season and every harvest, all invariably a reflection of the genius of their arts and crafts and their ascetic refinement.
In fact, celebrations occur almost round the year and are a splendid opportunity for tourists to gain an insight into the life of the Rajasthan during their travel. Other than the traditional fairs, recently established festivals which involve elephants, camel races, dance and music have been specially organized for tourists. Among the better known fairs and festivals of Rajasthan are:
PUSHKAR FAIR
The well-known and marked with largest participation of all the festivals of Rajasthan, Pushkar is an important pilgrimage as well as the venue of a mammoth cattle fair. Bazaars, auctions, music and sports are highlight of this event.
DESERT FESTIVAL
One of the most popular among the festivals of Rajasthan, the Jaisalmer Desert festival is a journey into the heart of the Rajasthan desert, the golden city of Jaisalmer. A true show on the sands which attracts even the much traveled visitor. Folk performers like musicians, ballad singers, snake charmers, and puppeteers all exhibit their traditional skills. There are exciting camel dances, camel acrobatics, camel races, and camel polo, competitions for the best decorated camel, tug-of-war between musclemen, a turban tying competition and a Mr. Desert contest. The culmination is a sound and light spectacle on a moonlit night amidst sand dunes.
ELEPHANT FESTIVAL
A festival to celebrate Holi, this is a great occasion for the visitor to watch several elephant sports and also play this festival of colors. A show is organized with the elephants turning out in their best finery.
GANGAUR FESTIVAL
A festival devoted to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is time for young girls to dress up in their finery and pray for grooms of their choice while the married women pray for the well-being of their husbands. This 18-day festival is laced with various activities and culminates in a grand procession marking the arrival of Shiva to escort his bride home.
MARWAR FESTIVAL
A festival devoted mainly to the music and dance of the Marwar region. This is a festival that allows the visitor to understand and enjoy the folk traditions of this part of the state. Organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, the Marwar Festival was originally known as the Maand Festival. Maand is a classical style of folk music centered on the romantic life style of Rajasthan's rulers, and Maand Raag recreates the old world charm and graceful dances of the desert. A must for those interested in folk music during their holidays in Rajasthan.
CAMEL FESTIVAL
An enchanting desert city which comes alive with music and dance during the famed Camel Festival of Bikaner. It is fast gaining popularity as the visitor finds an opportunity to see some unusual folk performances, camel, race camel dance etc.
TEEJ FESTIVAL
A festival to mark the advent of monsoon. Processions, women dressed in bright colours and a lot of merriment prevails during Teej. Essentially a women's festival, it is interesting to watch them enjoying in groups and at various bazaars where they turn up to shop in all their finery.
NAGAUR FAIR
Essentially an animal fair, it provides an opportunity to participate in some of the local sports. Situated half way between Bikaner and Jodhpur, Nagaur awakens with the thronging of cattle, horses and camels accompanied by their colorfully turbaned owners. There is earnest bargaining between owners and buyers, and plenty of fun and festivity. Games, tug-of-war contests, camel races and strains of ballads create a joyful atmosphere with the setting sun in the background.
BANESHWAR FAIR
A religious festival with simple and traditional rituals. This fair is the centre of attraction of a large number of tribals from the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat who join their brethren from Rajasthan in offering prayers to Lord Shiva.
MEWAR FESTIVAL
A festival to welcome the spring season. There is song, dance, processions, devotional music and fireworks where almost everybody participates. Not to be missed during your Rajasthan tour and travel.
URS FESTIVAL
The Urs festival begins on the 25th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir (sixth lunar month), in May, portraying the six day seclusion, followed by the demise of the great Sufi saint Hazart Khawaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisty. Energized by the hoisting of a white flag with gaiety, on the Dargah by the Sajjada Nashin (successor representative) of Chistis, the tomb, richly adorned with gold and silver ornamentation, is then washed with rose water and sandalwood paste in the early morning. The last day is marked by the opening of the Jannati Darwaza, a gateway to heaven that should be crossed 7 times to obtain eternal salvation. A must see quantum of the fair is the mushaira or poetic recitation. Poets from all pockets of India gather wholeheartedly to recite compositions dedicated to Khwaja. People also gather in religious convocations which include singing of Qawwali songs by devotees. It is this festival that makes this pilgrimge centre a major attraction in India.
SUMMER FESTIVAL
Organised in the only hill station of Rajasthan, this is the coldest place at this time of the year. Folk dances and a general atmosphere of gaiety prevails in this tiny hill resort and the tourist has ample time to relax and enjoy himself.
CULTURE
Like the topographical variation of the land, the culture of Rajasthan is a wide spectrum of brilliant hues caressed by waves of settlers ranging from ancient Indus Valley urbanites to pastoral Aryan herdsmen, Bhil forest dwellers, Jain merchant princes, Jat and Gujjar cultivators, Muslim craftsmen, and the Rajput warrior aristocracy. All shaped this region called the land of kings. Colorful costumes, festivals and customs relieve the tedium of coping with a harsh, demanding land. People travel to Rajasthan to savor its splendors and imbibe its enviable heritage. Discover it all in the fairs and festivals, folk music, Rajasthani cuisine and crafts of Rajasthan.
FOLK DANCE & MUSIC
Folk Dance in Rajasthan is a multimedia canvas which portrays human emotion better than anything else and it is found in almost limitless variations. In some dance performances, whole communities participate; others are enacted only by men or by women. There is also the tradition of itinerant performers who interpretes popular or religious myths and legends, through extravagant dance and drama. Take a tour of Rajasthan to experience the famous Ghoomar, Rajasthan's popular folk dance gets its name from ghoomna, the pirouetting which displays the spectacular colors of the flowing ghaghra, the long skirt of the Rajasthani women. Moving round, sometime anti-clock-wise and sometime clockwise, also whirling at times individually, they unite hands, and with measured steps and various balletic gestures of body, beating palms or snapping fingers at particular rhythms, they move in a circle with the resonance of a kettledrum. With the rising tempo of the drum and the accompanying high pitched music towards the climax, participants separate themselves into pairs and swirl swiftly about their own axis; an indeed mesmerizing dance forms which will leave you spell bound
Most of these famous musical communities have a rustic base and function as meandering minstrels travelling from village to village. State and royal patronage elevated some of these musicians into Kalawants in the royal courts. Their music has acquired a sophistication that is absent in the rustic tones of the others. Put your ears on the famous Maand of Rajasthan, which is a unique style of singing and a core melody, is their creation. True to its desert ambiance, the Maand speaks of love, separation, chivalry and revelry. No doubt the Maand will leave an imperishable impression on the sands of your mind.
CUISINE
Rajasthan Cuisines were influenced by the geomorphology and political conditions of the region. The availability of all types of food was a rarity here and the preservation of the food was the main criteria because of the desert conditions and war situations. Therefore Rajasthanis preferred food that could last for several days once prepared and could be eaten without the need to heat.
Scarcity of water and lack of fresh green vegetables effected the Rajasthani cooking and resulted in a very different kind of cuisine. In the desert zones of Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner, food that requires the minimum of water is prefer. The people use more of milk, buttermilk and clarified butter and liberal use of spices especially red chilly powder to compensate for the lack of water and fresh vegetables.
Dried lentils or beans from plants like sarigri, ker etc. are used more often. Gram flour is a major ingredient here and is used to make some of the fascinating delicacies like khata, gatta ki sabzi and pakodi. Lentils are also powdered to prepare mangodi, badi and papad. Bajia and corn are used over a large area of the state to prepare rabdi, kheechdi and rotis. Various fascinating chutneys are made from locally available spices like turmeric, dried mangoes, coriander, mint, onion, ginger and garlic. The most fascinating Rajasthani recipe is the combination of dal or lentil, baati or baked wheat balls and churma or powdered sweetened cereal.
Rajasthan Cuisines varies from region to region with different castes and different regions having slightly different preferences. The people of Rajastan also prefer non-vegetarian food perhaps due to lack of easy availability of fresh vegetables. Fascinating Rajasthan Cuisines also comprises of a lot of sweet dishes.
The Kachchwaaha family of Jaipur is the originator of the delicacy called Safed Maans or white meat. The preparation is white in color and is prepared from white mutton. The curry is prepared from cashew nuts, almonds, fresh coconut kernel paste, white pepper and poppy seeds. Besides, Mishri Mawa, Kalakand and Ghevar of Jaipur are also very famous.
The region of Bikaner is famous for its spicy Aloo Bhujiya, Papads and Rasgulla. The region of Mewar or Udaipur is believed to have come up the form of barbecue called Sooley and Dil Jani. The region of Jodhpur is famous for Makhaniya Lassi, Kachoris, hot green masala chilies and Laddoos.
The region of Jaisalmer is famous for Laddoos, Pushkar for Malpua, Ajmer for Sohan Halwa, Alwar for Mawa and Bharatpur for Sweets made from milk.
ART & CRAFT
The patronage for artisans of the state was extended by the kings and rulers who turned to them to embellish their zenanas, the women's wings of the palaces, and the durbar or courts. Ateliers were created where artists were treated with due respect and paintings, jewellery and pottery, stone and wood carving, textile and rug weaving, was accorded due place. Major craft traditions in Rajasthan include Tie-and-Dye Textiles, Hand block Printing, Quilting, Jewellery, Gems and Stones, Blue Pottery, Leather Craft, Woodcarving, and local Painting traditions.
FABRICS
Rajasthan is famous for its vibrantly colored textiles which adorn the sophisticated boutiques and prismatic art and craft bazaars across the state. The basic cloth receives one or several of various treatments to achieve its rich blaze of color, including dyeing, block printing and multiple forms of embroidery and applique. Visit Jodhpur to encounter the most intricate and interesting result of garment designing, the bandhani or tie and dye style of coloring. Basically parts of the fabric are knotted with minikin pebbles or grams, so that when the fabric is dyed, the knotted sections retain their original color. Buy yourself a bright colored odhni (headscarf) featuring a lotus motif against a white or pink background. Remember, a yellow background indicates that the wearer has recently given birth to a bambino. Shift the gears of your car to reach Sanganer, near Jaipur, famous for its block printed fabric. Other handicraft items include the Sanganeri prints, generally featuring floral motifs, are exported round the world and are truly a collector's delight. Everyday, thousands of meters of fabric can be seen drying in long swathes on the banks of Saraswati River.
FORTS & PALACES
Rajasthan Forts and Palaces tell the history of erstwhile royal seat of the Rajputs. The Rajputs like the Mughals were prolific builders and have patronized some of the most distinguished and impressive forts and palaces in Rajasthan. Almost every city of the fascinating Rajasthan is lined with splendid forts and palaces built by various rulers and architects. These forts and palaces were generally built outside the walled city over the high hills to protect the city.
Some of the Rajasthan Forts and Palaces are:
AMBER FORT
Amber Fort is 11 km from Jaipur and served as the capital of the Kachhwaha dynasty for almost six centuries before the creation of Jaipur. Various rulers like Raja Man Singh, Raja Jai Singh I and Raja Jai Singh II constructed the buildings within the fort. The architecture of Amber Fort is a classic blend of Mughal and Hindu architectural styles. The buildings within the fort are the Diwan-I-Aam, Diwan-I-Aaram, Kali Temple, Jai Mandir, Diwan-I-Khas, Sheesh Mahal and Sukh Niwas.
CHITTORGARH FORT
Bappa Rawal founded Chittorgarh, one of the oldest cities of Rajasthan, in the mid-8th century AD. Chittorgarh Fort is built over 180 m high rocky hills of the Aravalli Ranges. The fort provides great strategic importance to Chittorgarh. The fort has seven gates, namely, Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jorla Pol, Lakshman Pol and the main gate Ram Pol. The major buildings within the Chittorgarh Fort are the Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory), Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame) and Rana Kumbha Palace.
JUNAGARH FORT
Raja Rai Singh, one of the Akbar's distinguished generals built the 986 m long Junagadh Fort in Bikaner between 1588 and 1593 AD. Built by pink sandstone, the fort has 37 pavilions, massive columns, arches, screens and minarets. The carving and paintings on the fort is noteworthy and attracts a lot of tourists. Some of the palaces within the fort are Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal and Chandra Mahal.
KUMBHALGARH FORT
Rana Kumbha built the Kumbhalgarh Fort in 15th century AD. It was the second most important fort of the Mewar kingdom after Chittorgarh. Kumbhalgarh Fort is situated on the strategic location of the northernmost ridge of the Aravallis range. Badal Mahal, within the fort, is known for its elegant interiors and its towering height.
MEHRANGARH FORT
Rao Jodha constructed the Mehrangarh Fort in 1459 AD. There are seven gateways to approach the fort. Rao Jodha and his successors built some palaces within the fort from 1456 AD onwards. These palaces are Moti Mahal, Chandan Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Phool Mahal or Palace of Flowers was built as a hall of private audience. The decoration within this palace displays the ornamentation style of the 18th century AD. Phool Mahal is remarkable for the rich gilded ceiling, the portraits of the former rulers and the arms and weapons of the rulers.
SONAR FORT
Bhatti chief Jaisal laid the foundation of the Sonar Fort in Jaisalmer in 1156. The fort is also known as the 'Golden Fort' because it is made of yellow sandstone. The fort has four gates, namely, Ganesh Pol, Akshya Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa Pol. The Abdul Mahal or the Palace of Clouds built in 19th century is the present residing place of the former rulers of Jaisalmer. The other magnificent buildings within the fort are the Rang Mahal, Gaj Vilas and Moti Mahal.
TARAGARH FORT
The Taragarh Fort, built in 1354, with its imposing structure of stone, is situated on a steep hill and has massive battlements and ramparts. The fort also provides a panoramic view of the entire town of Bundi.
. HAVELIS
The exotic havelis are dotted throughout the majestic abode of Rajasthan and have been successful in maintaining a rich culture and traditions of this state. The exquisite havelis of rajasthan are a testimony to the glorious royal history of Rajasthan.
SAMODE HAVELI
Erected by Rawal Sheo Singhji, a prime minister in the Jaipur Court, Samode haveli is located on the heart of the walled city of Jaipur. Suffused with an atmosphere of quiet beauty, the haveli was once a royal residence. the Haveli has now been converted into a hotel and stands today as the Reminder of a Halcyonic past, offering moments of subtle luxury.
SALIM SINGH KI HAVELI
Salim Singh ki haveli has been built on the remains of an older haveli built in the late 17th century. The new building was built in the year 1815 and was occupied by the Mehta family of Jaisalmer. They were the most influential family of their time. This haveli was commissioned by Salim Singh, the then Prime Minister of the kingdom when Jaisalmer was the capital.
PATWON KI HAVELI
The Patwon Ji ki Haveli is an interesting piece of Architecture and is the most important among the havelis in Jaisalmer. This is precisely because of two things, first that it was the first haveli erected in Jaisalmer and second, that it is not a single haveli but a cluster of 5 small havelis. The first among these havelis was commissioned and constructed in the year 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa and is the biggest and the most ostentatious. It is believed that Patwa was a rich man and was a renowned trader of his time. He could afford and thus ordered the construction of separate stories for each of his 5 sons. These were completed in the span of 50 years. All five houses were constructed in the first 60 years of the 19th century.
NATHMALJI KI HAVELI
This Nathmal Ji ki haveli was commissioned to serve as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. Maharawal Beri Sal commissioned the construction of this Haveli. The architects of this haveli were Hathi and Lulu who happened to be brothers. There is a very interesting story regarding its construction. It is said that the two brothers started building different facets of haveli simultaneously. In those days there were no such instruments, which could keep a track on continuity and thus when this building came up finally it had irregular shape.
WILD AND GREENS
The wildlife triangle of Rajasthan - Ranthambhore, Sariska and Bharatpur - is an excitement in itself. Nowhere can you get to have such a close encounter with the wilds. These wild habitats with their large locus of flora and fauna, fabricate a jungle book every time it is visited by a traveler. Enjoy the fun in exploring many rare and exotic species in their natural habitats. Encounter a live performance by tiger at Ranthambhore, the jungle king who hunts before your peeled eyes, and throws a memory of a lifetime. And if you are a bird freak, turn the wheels of your car straight towards Bharatpur, often said to be the paradise for bird watchers. These cities that serve as wildlife hubs have unique configurations as far as attractions are concerned.
RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK
Ranthambhore Forest Resort is the ultimate in comfort and hospitality. Spread over five acres, the Resort borders the lush green forest, behind which mountains provide a unique backdrop. On all sides it offers a spectacular view of untamed nature in all its manifestations of flora and fauna. Migratory and local birds can be both seen and heard around the Resort. The unsurpassed diversity of the wildlife consists of a number of animals such as deer, hyenas, foxes, sloth bears, jungle cats and many others and of course, the major attraction - the tiger. Enjoy the spectacle of the wildlife sanctuary and, back at the Resort, go around our 5-hole mini golf course, play volleyball, tennis, badminton and lawn tennis on our immaculately prepared courts or go swimming (separate pools for adults and children). And there's even a shooting range. Or just laze in the sun or under the shady trees in our elegant lawns, depending on the weather.
KEOLADEO GHANA NATIONAL PARK
The Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan, India is a famous avifauna sanctuary that sees (or saw) thousands of rare and highly endangered birds such as the Siberian Crane come here during the winter season. Over 230 species of birds are known to have made the National Park their home. It is also a major tourist centre with scores of ornithologists arriving here in the hibernal season. It was declared a protected sanctuary in 1971. It is also a declared World Heritage Site.
SARISKA NATIONAL PARK
Located in the lap of Aravalli Hills in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan is probably one of the most frequently visited parks in India. Everybody wants to go to the green, serene and so close to the heart, hub of wild animals. But what many happy troopers don't know is that Sariska used to dance to a different beat not too long ago. The beat of royal drums, to be precise, heralding the arrival of the Maharajahs of Alwar and their hunting dogs. Sariska was the hunting preserve of the Alwar royals, and its palace has buried many secrets of these shoots. Bundles of paper carry the hunting memoirs of these princes. Cookbooks have been made on the fancy shikar (hunting) cuisine that evolved during those years. Now, an entirely different chapter has been added to the story of Sariska, that of wildlife protection.
TEMPLES
It is the land of Dharma, where spirituality is the lifeblood of the nation, portraying a religious kaleidoscope that is truly amazing. Temple bells bathe the still silence of the dawn, a scintilla of melody that resonates the fresh air before being swallowed up in great nothingness. The 'aazan' that embraces the towers of the mosques, before finding it's way to the horizon, creates an enchanted, magical beauty, that gives definition to a life full of harsh realities. From birth to death, every breath has a spiritual right in the blessed land of secular India. Spirituality marches out from the heart and finds its way in every pockets of the country, in every corner of the streets that connects the great nation, letting faiths blend with one another to create a new vocabulary for those who believe in gods, and also for those who don't. In the land of bliss - devotion, rites, rituals, sacrifice and superstition - all amalgamate together to create a positive radiance, a life that is full of celebration of their energies and beliefs.
AJMER SHARIEF
This is the faith at Ajmer Sharif in Rajasthan. Amir Khusrau, the great Persian poet beautifully portrays his devotion while playing an enthralling crossword with his words. He quotes that surmah or kohl powder cannot embellish one's eyes, but my Lord, the dust of your doorstep has the efficacy to garnish, even a nescient soul.
Ajmer's closest association is with the Dargah Sharif, the catacomb of the eminent Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, whose disciples included the Mughal emperors and who would claim cliques of all creeds from every corner of the country. The favored Sufi capital is in the shadow of the Aravallis in central Rajasthan, around 3 hours drive from Jaipur, the capital city. The unbiased ambiance of the Dargah, which calls devotees from every caste, creed and sect, actually rejuvenates one's spirit and fills one's heart with eternal bliss. Since the 13th century, this shrine, richly adorned with silver and gold ornamentation, has enjoyed a huge following and the Urs, or death anniversary, of the saint is observed with huge fanfare.
DELWARA TEMPLES
A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills, Mount Abu is a green oasis in the barren desertscape of Rajasthan. The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is more than just a summer retreat. The stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain temples, dating back to 11th - 13th centuries, makes the city a popular pilgrimage destination. From outside, the Dilwara complex is a nondescript heap, barricaded from the prying lenses of photographers by high walls and barbed wire. Inside, it is an incredible confection of embroidery trying unsuccessfully to convince the faithful that it's made up of marble, not lace. Half hidden by mango groves their sober exterior belies the wealth of their interior ornamentation. The eye scrambles nervously from one delicately fretted sculpture to another, looking for a hint that whether it is a magical divine creation.
EKLINGJI TEMPLE
The presiding deity of Lord Shiva has a four faced black marble effigy; Brahma facing west, Vishnu facing North, Maheshwar is facing South and Surya (Sun) facing the east. The flat top of the divine idol is embellished with a Yantra, a mystic symbolic drawing, standing for the ultimate reality.
The temple is established on an area of about 2500 sq. feet and rises to about 65 feet in height. The temple area is fortified and a strong wall runs around it. The main entrance to the temple on the western side greets its visitors into a big hall raised on exquisitely carved pillars.
MEERABAI TEMPLE
This temple was built during the reign of Maharana Kumbha and later given to Mira Bai when she needed a place to worship Lord Krishna, the main subject of her poems. It is a good example of Rajput architecture, designed in North Indian style on a raised plinth, with a conical roof over the inner sanctum. The dome is carved in a circle of five human bodies with one head that symbolizes belief that the people of the four castes (Varnas), as well as the fifth caste Harijans, can all realize God. Within the sanctum are paintings of Lord Krishna and of Mira Bai in devotion (bhakti) to the god. The open colonnade around the sanctum has four small pavilions. A small chhatri stands in the temple's forecourt, said to have been built in memory of Mira's saintly guru, Rai Das (Swami Ravidas) of Varanasi, a Harijan. The saint's footprints are marked on the floor of this small shrine.
SHRINATHJI TEMPLE
The present temple of SHRINATHJI at Shri Nathadwara was built in the year 1728. The swaroop of SHRINATHJI is four feet high and is black in color. The left hand is raised-inviting disciples to go to Him. Right hand fist rests on the waist. The swaroop has a square Pithika, containing nine objects: Two Cows, A Cobra, A Sheep, A Man (Muni), and A Parrot, Two men (Munies), A Snake, A Lion and Two Peacocks.
PARSHAVANATH TEMPLE NAKODA
Nakoda is one of the villages in Barmer district of Rajasthan. This place got popular due to the Parshvanath Temple, Nakoda. Nakoda's Prashvanath Temple is situated en route from Jodhpur to Barmer. The ambience in and around this temple is very calm and offers a bliss which is simply captivating. It is surrounded from all the sides by the valleys. The hills have an elevation of 1,500 feet. The image of the Jain saint (tirthankara) Parshvanath is in the black stone apart from the other statues the different parts of India and also the world as well to come and pay visit to this lovely piece of architectural wonder. This temple was built in veneration of the 12th Tirthankara, Parshvanath.
DESHNOK TEMPLE
Deshnok is a small village situated 32 km south from Bikaner city along the Jodhpur Road. It is connected by national highway and rail. It is a pilgrim centre of Karni Mata. Karni Mata, considered as an incarnation of Goddess Durga lived here in the fourteenth century and performed many miracles. Originally the village was called 'dus- nok' meaning ten corners as it was formed by taking ten corners of ten villages.
Before the temple is a beautiful marble facade, which has solid silver doors built by Maharaja Ganga Singh. Across the doorway are more silver doors with panels depicting the various legends of the Goddess. The image of the Goddess is enshrined in the inner sanctum.
