Exotic and Classical Rajasthan Tours - Explore Godwar Circuit

Dec 23
17:34

2013

Devendra Singh

Devendra Singh

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The circuit is a feel of the hills in the desert-scape. This is where the hills are at their zenith between the Nilgiris and the Himalayan range. The only hill destination, Mt Abu is located at the south western end of the princely state of Rajasthan. Mount Abu is known as home of many saints and sages from ancient age. It is believed that great sage Vashishtha had organised a Yagna on this holy land to destruction of demons from the earth. Mount Abu is also count as very significant pilgrimage site for Jainies because Lord Mahaveer 24th Rtithkr (Tirthankara) came to this divine land.

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Mount Abu - Ranakpur - Jalore:

At a distance of about 185 km from Udaipur,Exotic and Classical Rajasthan Tours - Explore Godwar Circuit Articles this hill station is famous for its temples, the most noteworthy being the Dilwara Temple. As per legend, the Nakki Lake at Mount Abu was covered out by the Gods with their nails. The land of meditating Rishi and Munis, Mount Abu was said to be the home to 33 crore God and Goddesses and an important Vaishnava and Shaivite pilgrim centre up to the 11th century.

Places of Interest:

The hills are known for their temples. Owing to it being a quint local you could just trek all along. For the Jains and the Hindus this is a pilgrimage. When in Mt Abu, all roads lead to the Delwara Temples made out of intricately carved marble dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras or Saints. You would get to see several ornately carved temples constructed between the 11th and 13th century A.D.

The temple at Delwara is a cluster of five temples. Archaeological evidence suggests that Mahavira himself visited the site, making it especially sacred to the Jains as a tritha, or a place of pilgrimage. As a temple city it ranks among the finest ones. Among the other known temples are, Gaumukh temple that served as the venue for Sage Vashishtha's yagna is also a must see. The temple gets its name from a nearby natural spring that surges through a carved cow's head. Arbuda is another temple that finds a special mention.

Then there is the Nakki Lake. As the legend hast it, this was carved out by the Gods with their nails. This is the only artificial lake in India that is 1200 meters above sea level. The lake is a major tourist attraction and a place where you could take a boat ride or simply, walk by the lakeside. You could also trek to the Anadra Point, or as it is known in common parlance as the sunset or honeymoon point. A favorite jaunt for tourist, the hill offers a spectacular view of the setting sun. Then there is the Toad's Rock a nature's marvel carved out like a toad.

If you travel 150 kms towards Jalore you would witness a very different topography. Jalore was a flourishing town in the 8th century A.D. under the rule of Pratihar Kings, there are of beautiful temples here. The fort and the palaces passed into many hands before finally falling into many hands before finally falling into the hands of rulers of Marwar. The Hindus rulers while being great warriors were also great patrons of art and culture. Jalore is also famous for its 10th century fort, built by the Parmaras.

Another temple complex is at Ranakpur, 140 km is a marvel in stone. A massive metal statue with rich carving of its elaborate parikar of Rishabdev, cast in five metals, mainly Pittal or brass is installed. Explore the various mandaps and study the intricate carving that on no two pillars is identical. You could easily spend half a day here awestruck by the temple architecture surrounded by the sylvan valley.

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