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RELIGION

SOME RELIGION SITES

KARNI MATA TEMPLE
Deshnokh is the site of the Karni Mata Temple dedicated to Karni Mata, a mystic. Legend goes that she foretold the victory and success of Rao Bika and the prophecy came true. Today along with her, thousands of rats are revered her. Devotees are housed in these rats and consequently they must be protected and well fed. The intricate carvings on the marble gateways and the carved silver gate at the entrance of the temples are remarkable.

PUSKAR

The picturesque township and the sacred lake of Pushkar lies 11 km. from Ajmer. Pushkar is separated from Ajmer by the Nag Pahar (Snake Mountain). This beautiful lake surrounded by bathing ghats has its religious significance rooted in a myth. According to the Padma Purana, Lord Brahma was in search or a suitable place for a Vedic yajna (sacrifice). While contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted from three places. One of them was Pushkar, and Brahma decided to perform his yajna here.

A lively and gigantic fair is held every year on Kartik Poornima (full moon in October-November). About 1,00,000 pilgrims and ascetics from far and near gather here to take a dip in the holy lake.

DILWARA

Jain temple architecture is characterized by its profusion of sculpting. The stone is molded, chiseled, scooped out and developed so that each grain becomes a part of the grand design. Nor are patterns always repeated. There is architectural embellishment of such amazing fluidity that is impossible to disassociate architecture from sculpture.

Mount Abu has some of the most famous Jain temples in India. These artistically carved temples built between the 11th and 13th century are dedicated to the Jain Thirthankars. This complex of four temples has marvelously carved pillars, ceilings, architraves, door casings and exquisite sculptures on porticos.

Both the fineness and enormity of the carvings leaves the visitor spellbound. Just one temple, the Vimal Vasahi is said to have taken 14 years to make with the combined efforts of 1200 laborers and 1500 stonemasons.

ILWARA

Renowned for its marvelously carved temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holy spots of the Jains. Rana Kumbha of Mewar gave the land in a grant to the Jains. These 15th century temples are fine examples of man’s devotion to his deity, Nestling in the Aravalli hills and rising three story’s the main temple is supported on 1,444 exquisitely carved pillars, each distinct from the other. The entire temple including its ceilings and arches is sculpted with arabesques, motifs and statues. The remarkable marble plaque of Lord Parshwanath, a Jain deity is finely detailed. Other temples nearby have sensuous carvings of warriors, horses and solar deities riding chariots. No wonder that Ranakpur is popular with those interested in architecture and history.

NATHWARA

Built in the early 18th century, this simple shrine is one of the most celebrated of the Vaishnava shrines of Shri Nathji or Lord Krishna. Thousands of pilgrims from all parts of India visit this shrine during Diwali, Holi and Janamashtami.

The painted walls at the entrance herald you to this temple, which contains an image, carved out of a single block of black marble. Faced by Aurangzeb’s persecution, Goswami Dev carried this idol from Mathura (in Uttar Pradesh) in a chariot, headed towards Udaipur. At Nathdwara, however, the wheels of the chariot sank in the soft soil, and this was considered, as an act of divine will. It was here that the people decided to consecrate the image of lord Krishna.This is also an important craft center-cloth painting and miniatures are created by dozens of artists of this town. 

DARGAH

At the foot of a barren hill, is situated perhaps India’s most important pilgrimage center for Muslims. It is the splendid tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, more popularly known as Khwaja Saheb or Khwaja Sharif. The shrine is next only to Mecca or Medina for the Muslims of South Asia. Akbar used to make a pilgrimage to the Dargah from Agra once a year. The mausoleum has a gigantic gate, which was built by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The two massive cauldrons in the courtyard are of particular interest. The saint’s tomb with a splendid marble dome is in the center of the second courtyard, which is surrounded by a silver platform.

The shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims during the Urs-commemorating the death anniversary of the death anniversary of the Saint, held from the 1st to 6th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. A colorful fair that springs up during this time is the major attraction.