Rajasthan, the beautiful desert state of India, is regarded as the most fascinating and colorful state of the country. Known for its vibrant and colorful traditions, arts, heritage and culture, Rajasthan is home to people of almost all religions of the world. People belonging to different faiths such as Hindus, Muslims, Jain, Christians to name a few with, have been living harmoniously for many centuries now. The peaceful existence of people of Rajasthan belonging to different faiths is an excellent demonstration of communal harmony.
Ajmer-e-Sharif Dargah
The Dargah Sharif, located at the foot of a barren hill, is the place where the Khawaja Moin-ud-din Chistis' mortal remains lie buried. The Dargah (tomb) with a marble dome is situated in the center of a courtyard and is surrounded by a silver platform. It's believed that the shrine is a place of wish fulfillment for those who pray with devout and pure hearts. People of all religious faiths visit the Dargah and make offerings of rose and jasmine flowers to seek the blessings of the Khawaja. More than a half a million devotees from the subcontinent visit the Dargah to pay homage to Khawaja on Urs, the death anniversary of Khawaja. It's said that the revered saint left for heavenly abode after a six-day prayer in seclusion and for this their devotees celebrate 'Urs' every year during the first six days of Rajjab, the 7th month of the Islamic calendar.
One of the main attractions at the Dargah is the qawwali programs organized during the famous annual 'Urs' festival. Professional singers called 'qawwals' sing songs in praise of the saint in a characteristic high-pitched voice. The 'Sufiana kalam' sung by these artists make a spellbound effect on listeners prompting them to clap to the rhythm of musical instruments.
Other major attractions for visitors of Ajmer are Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra (two-and-a-half-day mosque) built by Allauddin Khilji of the Delhi Sultanant, the Ana Sagar Lake, the Taragarh Fort, Daulat Khana, Daulat Bagh, and the Nasiyan Jain Temple.
Rajasthan.ca offers you Ajmer Tour. Visit the famous Ajmer-e-Sharif Dargah of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti and be blessed by him on your Ajmer Tour with Rajasthan.ca. We assure, you would always remember your lifetime Rajasthan Pilgrimage Tour.
Pilgrimage in Pushkar
Brahma Temple: The most important temple in Pushkar, it is probably the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the Universe according to Hindu mythology. The temple houses a four-headed idol of Brahma. This beautiful marble temple is decorated with silver coins and a silver turtle on its black and white chequered floor. One of the unique characteristic of this temple is its black and white floor tiles which have coins studded in them, placed by devotees from all over India on the birth and death anniversaries of their loved ones. The temple holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus for it is believed that Lord Brahma, together with all the gods and goddesses, performed a Yagya (Religious ritual) here.
Pushkar Savitri Temple: This temple is dedicated to goddess Savitri, the first wife of to Lord Brahma. Located behind the Brahma Temple on a hilltop, it provides a panoramic view of the lake and beautiful sand dunes.
Rangji or Rangnath Temple: Rangji temple is known for its gracious south Indian style of architecture. The temple houses a huge image of Lord Vishnu. It has a high rising 'Gopuram' (large gate) and Garuda pillars studded with a mythical bird styled in gold.
Varah Temple: It has an image of lord Vishnu in the incarnation of wild boar. Like the Brahma Temple, Varah Temple also commands great respect among Hindus. According to a legend, Lord Vishnu visited the earth in the incarnation of a Varah (Wild boar) to kill an atrocious demon Hirnayaksh.
Apteshwar Temple: Another important temple in Pushkar, this 12th century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Pilgrimage in Mount Abu
Dilwara Jain Temples: Mount Abu is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers for the Jain, as the place houses the world famous Dilwara temples, considered to be masterpieces of temple architecture. These beautifully carved temples in white marbles are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras and were constructed between 11th and 13th century A.D. The Vimal Vasahi temple built in 1031 A.D. is the oldest of these and dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Shri Rishavadev. Other important temple in the complex is the Lunvasahi temple, which has a stone image of Jain tirthankara Neminath. The temple has a huge image of Rishavadev. There are many small temples in the complex dedicated to different Tirthankaras. There are 48 pillars in all in the temples. You can see intricately carved images of female figures in dancing poses on some of the pillars.
Other famous temples such as the Gaumukh Temple, which derives its name from a sculpted cow situated in the temple compound, also attracts thousand s of devotees to Mount Abu. Adhar Devi Temple and Shri Raghunathji Temple also draw pilgrims to Mount Abu. Guru Shikar, the highest peak of the Aravali range, located 15 km northeast of Mount Abu is also an important Hindu pilgrimage site that you will visit on your Mount Abu Pilgrimage Tour.
Rajasthan.ca offers you Mount Abu Tour. Visit the famous Dilwara Temple and explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Abu on your Tour with Rajasthan.ca.
Pilgrimage in Ranakpur
Ranakpur, one of the five most sacred pilgrimage centers of the Jain community, is located in the heart of the remote and enchanting valley of the Aravali mountain range in the Pali district of Rajasthan at about 95 km from Udaipur and 23 km from the Phalna railway station. Ranakpur is famous for its beautiful and gracious Jain temples, dating back to 15th century A.D. The main attraction of the place is Chaturmukh (Four faced) Jain Temple dedicated to Jain tirthankara Rishavadev famously known as the Ranakpur Jain Temple.
These beautiful architectural masterpiece were built mainly during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century A.D. Spread over an of 48,000 sq. feet, they are probably the most complex and extensive of Jain temples in India and took more than 50 years to complete.
The Chaturmukh Jain Temple of Rishavadev, carved in amber stone is open on all four sides. This three-storied marble edifice is placed on a lofty plinth with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars-all distinctly carved. The temple has four small shrines with 80 spires supported by 420 columns with an astounding creation Images of all the 24 Tirthankaras. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg, producing a musical sound when a breeze moves them. On the four entrances of the temple, there are four huge white-marble images of the Jain Tirthankara Adinath. These four images, which are about 72 inches tall, have been installed facing the four different directions and because of this the temple is named as Chaturmukh (or Four faced).
Rajasthan.ca offers you Ranakpur Tour. Visit the famous Jain Temples in Ranakpur on your Tour with Rajasthan.ca.
