Madhusudhan Temple on Abu Road in Mungthala is a lesser - known ancient temple of immense spiritual and religious significance. It is however unclear when the temple was built and by whom but the weathering of the stones, layout of the temple and some carvings and panels suggests that this temple is of great antiquity.... Continue Reading →
Sarneshwar Mahadev Temple located on the western slope of the Siranwa Hills in the midst of stunning natural beauty is a magnificent edifice of the mighty Paramaras. Legend has it that Maharajadhiraja Vikramaditya of Ujjain had darshan of this ancient Shiva Linga and spent time in tapas (penance and austerities) here. The original temple is said... Continue Reading →
Rajasthan is dotted with innumerable stepwells that offer a glimpse into the religious and social practices, cultural traditions and customs and art and architecture of that period. Though a fair number of these have either fallen into a state of disrepair or disuse, there is a spirited movement across the state by several heritage enthusiasts... Continue Reading →
Vijay Stambha is a glorious edifice built by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victories against the Muslim barbarian, Mahmud Khilji in the Battle of Sarangpur in 1437, the Battle of Mandavgad in 1440, the Battle of Mandalgarh in 1442 and the Battle of Banas in 1446. Mahmud Khilji faced the ignominy of defeat in the... Continue Reading →
The Kalika Mata Temple located within the legendary Chittorgarh Fort is a 8th century edifice of immense historical importance. This is one of the many structures within the famed fort that was desecrated by the Muslim barbarian, Alauddin Khilji in the infamous Sack of Chittor in 1303. The Chittorgarh Fort was ruled by the... Continue Reading →
The Kumbha Shyam Temple inside the legendary Chittorgarh Fort built in the 8th century by possibly the Guhilas of Medapata with some work put in by the mighty Paramaras and finally, renovated by Maharana Kumbha in 1448, the master builder dominates the surroundings with its grandeur, rich ornamentation and magnificent carvings and detailing. Maharana... Continue Reading →
Kameshwar Mahadev located in the sacrosanct Kaman village also known as Adi Vrindavan is one of the four important Shivalayas on the Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra. Along with Bhuteshwar Mahadev in Mathura, Gopeshwar Mahadev in Vrindavan and Chakleshwar Mahadev in Govardhan, Kameshwar Mahadev is deemed to be the fourth guardian of the Braj Dham. According to... Continue Reading →
The Rana of Mewar, head of the illustrious Sisodia Rajput lineage refused to become a vassal of the Mughals. Akbar had captured his capital Chittorgarh after a bloody siege in 1568 and occupied the eastern part of his kingdom but Maharana Pratap eluded him. Akbar sent Raja Man Singh I, heir to the Kachhwaha... Continue Reading →
One of the most interesting forts of Rajasthan is the lesser-known Achalgarh Fort nestled high in the Aravalli Range. This magnificent fort sits atop a hill in the picturesque village of Achalgarh, a few kilometres away from the famous Dilwara Temples. The Achalgarh Fort complex situated in an eco-sensitive zone is steeped in history, religion... Continue Reading →
The word ‘meenakaari’ is derived from the Persian word mina or minoo, which means ‘heaven or paradise’ and kaari means “to do” and together it means to put or place paradise in an object. The history of meenakaari can be traced back to the Sassanid period in Persia where a few notes have been made... Continue Reading →
Jantar Mantar literally means “instruments for measuring the heavens” and indeed, what an outstanding testimony of the scientific and technical conceptions of time and space it is! Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is the largest, best preserved, fully functional and most complete of the five observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and boasts... Continue Reading →
Nawalgarh, considered to be one of the most modern towns of Shekhawati in Rajasthan is famous for its frescoes and havelis and is also the motherland of some of the great business families of India. A walk around Nawalgarh will give you a glimpse of the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy merchants, the staggering wealth seen... Continue Reading →
Sheesh Mahal or the Mirror Palace in the Amber Fort in Jaipur as it is known is an outstanding example of innovation, illusion, craftsmanship, detailing, architecture, art and construction technique so progressive for the 16th century that it leaves one gasping with awe and shock on first glimpse. Locals and history books say that... Continue Reading →
Bikaner is a land of staggering wealth, beauty, music, culture and food so unique that it will surely send you to a heavenly world for a few hours at least! Bikaner, situated in the middle of the Thar desert is a princely state since about the 15th century. What is quite remarkable is the staunch... Continue Reading →
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