Thursday, October 6, 2011

Rajasthan rolling - 4 (Haldighati, Kumbalgarh & Ranakpur)

Checked out of the Hotel by 07.15am as had a few places on our itinerary to visit on our way to Jodhpur. The 1st was the Eklinji temple (Darshan timings:0415-0645, 1030-1330, 1715-1945) which was closed when we reached so we went onwards to Nathdwar only to see that the darshan time (Mangla 0530, Shringar 0715, Gwal 0915, Rajbhog 1130-1215, Utthan 1530, Bhog 1630, Aarti 1700, Shyan 1830) was an hour later and there were long queues for that (Got the Darshan timings later)  hence we moved on to



Haldighati where we saw the memorial for Maharan Pratap and another one for his horse Chetak.



 A few metres away from the memorials is a beautiful museum of Maharana Pratap’s life – worth a visit.



It is maintained by a private individual. There is a cool restaurant there where we had some hot samosas and Parathas washed down by a hot cuppa.


The birthplace of Maharana Pratap - Kumbalgarh fort was next.



The fortifications of the fort extend to the length of 36 kilometers. It is stated to be the second longest wall in the world, the first being ''the Great Wall of China''.



Kumbhalgarh (also called Kumbhalmer or Kumbalgarh) is a Mewar fortress in the Rajsamand District of Rajasthan state in western India. It was built during the course of the 15th century by Rana Kumbha and his dynasty who were Sisodia descendents.



 Ranakpur temple complex was the last place to visit before reaching Jodhpur. Saw some amazing



craftsmanship on display there. Remember, if you are wearing shorts you are requested to hire pyjamas from there prior to entering the temple premises. The entry fee is only for cameras. No charges for visitors.
This renowned Jain temple at Ranakpur is dedicated to Adinatha the first Jain Tirthankar (enlightened human) of our time cycle.



Light colored marble has been used for the construction of this grand temple which occupies an area of approximately 60 x 62 meters.



The temple, with its distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets and cupolas rises majestically from the slope of a hill.



Over 1444 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. The pillars are all differently carved and no two pillars are the same. It is also said that it is impossible to count the pillars. Also all the statues face one or the other statue.



The temple is designed as chaumukha—with four faces. The construction of the temple and quadrupled image symbolize the Tirthankara's conquest of the four cardinal directions and hence the cosmos.
The dating of this temple is controversial but it is largely considered to be anywhere between the late 14th to mid-15th centuries.
Inspired by a dream of a celestial vehicle, Dhanna Shah, a Porwad, is said to have commissioned it, under the patronage of Rana Kumbha, then ruler of Mewar.
The architect who oversaw the project is said to have been named Deepaka.
The road from Ranakpur to Jodhpur via NH14 & NH65 was pockmarked with potholes. Bad. Distance of 171kms.
Reached Jee Ri Haveli at 9.30pm, tired but happy, after covering a distance of 307kms from Udaipur.
Had a quick dinner on the roof top restaurant and crashed out.


Rajasthan rolling -3
Rajasthan rolling -2
Rajasthan rolling -1


22 comments:

  1. Vast and open with the crowds missing!! Beautiful place!!

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  2. Lovely architecture , amazing temples . let the virtual tour continue .

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  3. Eh, I wish I could visit one day - simply gorgeous!

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  4. Wow - what an impressive and simply wonderful place to visit.

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  5. God lies in Nature. And your have captured God!Simply superb Photographs.

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  6. The rampart of the fort and the jain temple architecture is breathtaking. Lovely blog. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. That piece of info about the Kumbalgarh fort wall being the second longest in the world was a surprise. How come we never get to hear of such things? The craftsmanship in the temple is breathtaking. Loved this one.

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  8. Its a privilege to be able to see with your eyes. Deepak, its a treat "travelling" with you.

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  9. I was having a hard time choosing the best photo... All the pics are amazing! And thanks for the lil info you provided!
    You're an amazing travel-teller! :)

    Love,
    Indie :)

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  10. Our land is such an amazing place!!

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  11. I love the view of Kumbhalgrh from up high (fifth photo) a stunning vista shot, I love the way that the houses on the side seem to cling to the fort itself!

    The temple is also stunning and I love the history behind it! The detail you have captured is simply fantastic. I can't wait for your next stop in RJ!

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  12. not sure when I'll get to explore Rajastan

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  13. Beautiful images. Would love to visit these places. Thanks

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  14. thanks for a nice glimpse of some of my favorite places....great collection !

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  15. Nice pictures man! I really feel like going back to Rajasthan once again :)

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  16. Breathtaking captures! Incredible view of a beautiful place! Loved my virtual tour :)

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  17. Breathtaking captures! Lovely architecture, amazing tour of a beautiful place!

    Bring some more!

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  18. nice pictures of udaipur and jodhpur

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  19. The kumbhalgarh fort is really a great marvel. The carvings of the Ranakpur temple are too intricate.

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  20. Thanks for the wonderful trip, Magiceye. I will be travelling to Rajasthan this November with a focus on visiting its various Forts and your post has given me a peek into what I am likely to see !

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  21. Thanks for sharing info about this place. Recently went to Jodhpur and was amazed with so many places to visit in Jodhpur.

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