Jagdish Temple

Eklingji Temple

The village of Kailashpuri is famous for its 108 temples enclosed by a high, fortified wall.Nagda (anc. Naaghrida) was the old capital of Mewar. The chief relic, now extinct consists of the twin 'Saas - Bahu' temple of the 10th century. Spartan sanctums are here, wedded to sumptuous Mandaps, that of the bigger temple being more so. This latter in a closed one, richly carved both inside and outside, as compared to the open one in the other case. The group faces a large tank, the route to which is marked by a handsome torana or ceremonial gate.
           The princes of Mewar considered themselves as ruling on behalf of Eklingji (Mahadeva) enshrined in an imposing temple in the neighboring Kailashpuri. Despite the recent glitz, the palace has an atmosphere. The complex has many other temples, including the very austere Lakulish of the 10th century with an imposing black statue of the defied Shaivite preacher of 2nd century A.D. This complex was known as the Shri Eklingji temple, is associated with Lord Shiva. Some of the structures date back to the 15th Century. The main temple, built of marble and granite, has an enormous double-storied hall under a vast pyramidal roof. The regaining deity is the four-faced Shiva carved in black marble. Yet another temple in the complex is the Lakulish Temple, built in 971 A.D. It is the only temple of the Lakulish Sect in the whole of India

NATHDWARA

The temple of shrinathji or Lord Krishna, belonging to the Vaishnav religion is located at Nathdwara, 48 kms. north of Udaipur. As thousands of tourists and pilgrims from all parts of the world pass the lofty mountains and serene lakes of Udaipur, it is impossible for them to resist visiting this important pilgrim centre.

In the temple, enshrined is a unique image of Lord Krishna, which has been sculptured from a single piece of black marble. It is believed that during the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Lord Krishna's image was brought to Mewar from Mathura by Goswami Daoji and enshrined with complete vedic rites and tradition at Shrinathji by the ruler of Mewar.

One of the arms of the life size image is raised in a manner so as to give an impression of holding the Govardhan mountain. The other arm rests at the waist which seems not only a dance posture but also as if God is blessing the devotees. When Auranagzeb embarked on a policy of wholesale destruction of Hindu temples, the custodians of the idol of Shrinathji of Govardhan, near Mathura, left that place with the idol in search of a new haven. While several other princes were diffident, it was Maharana Rajsingh of Mewar who dared to provide refuge. In 1672 Shrinathji was installed in a new temple built in village Sihad, now called Nathdwara, on the banks of the Banas. Ever since, Nathdwara is a place of great sanctity for the Vaishnavas of Pushtimargi or Vallabha sect. Among other things, Nathdwara is known for its Pichhwais (large painting on cloth depicting legends from the life of Lord Krishna) and Haveli music (devotional music, akin to Dhrupad - singing, with compositions meant for various seasons, festivals and sections of the day).

Ranakpur Temple

RANAKPUR is located in the mountain ranges of Pali district, 95 kms away from the Udaipur. Ranakpur is reached after passing lush green valleys and streams and the heart capturing views drive away any fatigue of the journey. The Ranakpur Jain temples were built during the region of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century.

The entire temple area is enclosed within a wall. The main 'Chamukha' temple is dedicated to the trithankara Rishabdeoji and a four-faced image is enshrined in the inner sanctum, open on all four sides.A corridor around the shrine has niches for the tirthankara images and each niche has its spire or shikhar. Little bells are festooned atop each shikar and their jingling in the breeze creates celestial music.

An enormous basement cover 48,000 sq. feet are. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls and eight domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444, all which are intricetrly carved, no two being alike.

A tiny settlement set in the wild & picturesque hills, Ranakpur boasts one of the India's finest Jain Temples, dedicated to Adhinathji. Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stones, Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of the Jain community. These temples were created in the 15th century A.D. during the reign of Rana Kumbha and are enclosed within a wall. The central 'Chaumukha' or four faced temple is dedicated to the venerated Tirthankara Rishabhji. Open on all four sides, it enshrines the four faced image of Adinath. Sprawling over 48,000 sq.feet, the temple is an astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars - all distinctly carved.
Images of 24 tirthankaras are carved on the 'Mandaps' or porticoes in a corridor around the shrine with each mandap having a 'Shikhar' or spire adorned with little bells on the top. The gentle breeze wafting through the corridors move the bells creating celestial music all around the complex. Rising in three stories, the temple has four small shrines with 80 spires supported by 420 columns.
Two temples, dedicated to the Jain saints - Parsvanath and Neminath, face the main temple. The temples have beautiful carvings similar to that of Khajuraho. Another temple worth visiting is the nearby Sun Temple, an 8th century A.D. temple dedicated to the Sun god. The temple has polygonal walls, richly embellised with carvings of warriors, horses and solar detties riding splendid chariots.  

Building of the Temple commenced in the 15th Century and the dedicated work went on for hundreds of years. Traditional stone masons are still working on one of the gateways to the sight. This vast and amazing piece of architecture is of creamy marble. No glass is used and no electricity employed, so it bears a sort of simplicity despite its intricacy. One noteworthy point is that it contains 1444 beautifully carved pillars, no two of which are alike. There are a couple of resort hotels in Ranakpur perfect for those who need break in complete tranquillity and fresh air.

Rishabhdeoji

The 15th Century temple at Dhuler is of special significance to Jain Pilgrims, who go there to worship the idol of Rishabhdeoji. The idol is almost one meter high and is of black marble. The founder of Jainism is Lord Mahavira, and Rishabhdeo is believed to be one of his incarnations.The typical offering is that of saffron so much so that the idol has been nicknamed Keshariyaji. Although a Jain shrine, the Hindus also revere it and Bhils, in particular, used to swear by the saffron offered at Kesariyaji. It is a typical, sprawling complex abuzz with activity and the nucleus for a large fair every year.

JAGAT

The temple of Jagat, 58 km from Udaipur, dedicated to the goddess Ambika Mata, is well preserved and elaborate in style. It is intact and in the mature idioms of mid - 10th century AD, the temple has several beautiful carvings and erotic sculptures.
      Pentagonal in shape, with 17 turrets, the temple has a pagoda-like gabled roof. The inner walls, ceiling and door-frames have been chiseled with great artistry.    

TRIPURA SUNDARI

An ancient temple of the goddess Tripura Sundari, commonly known as Turtia Mata. The idol of the goddess riding on a tiger is a magnificent one in black stone with 18 hands, each carrying some symbol. The temple is said to be one of the Shakti Peeth of Hindus.