Rajasthan is like a permanent fixation for me. In fact I call it my purva janam ka saath place. Wherever I go, there is a sense of deja vu, and I am happy to travel into the interiors with as much anticipation and delight as to the main tourist destinations.
On an earlier visit to Udaipur I had spent a day in Ranakpur and had promised myself that I would return to explore the area in greater detail. Ranakpur is off the regular tourist map, so one doesn’t encounter the usual touristy crowds that populate the ever beguiling Rajasthan. Quietly nestled within the folds of the Aravallis, the stunningly unique architecture of the area enhances the tranquility of the place.
Our journey started with Muchhala Mahavirji Teerth Dharamsthala. Situated at a distance of 21 km from the city, these temples are considered to be very ancient tirth among the Jains. A delightful temple surrounded by hills, many miraculous events are said to happen here. The temple has a significant architectural embellishment called bawdi (stepwells or ponds) in which the water can be reached by descending a series of steps.
The following day, what kept our energy reservoirs flowing was our visit to the Jain temple dedicated to Adinath who was the first Jain spiritual leader. The temple has four entrances, each facing a cardinal direction. It has 29 halls and 1,444 pillars which are intricately carved to represent Jain fables and symbols and it is said that no two pillars are alike. Light coloured marble has been used for the construction of this grand temple. The temple also comprises of beautifully adorned ceilings with painted walls and plush interiors.
Around 22 km from the city of Udaipur on National Highway No 8, is the Shiva temple located in the town of Eklingji or Kailashpurji. It is widely believed that Eklingji is the ruling deity of the princely state of Mewar and the ruling Maharana is his representative.
En route Ranakpur to Kumbhalgarh, approximately 14 km from Sadri village, is the Parshuram Mahadev Temple. This Shiva temple sits in a cave 3,995 feet above sea-level and it has naturally formed figures of Lord Ganesh and Lord Shiva. It also has nine kunds or ponds which never go dry. It is estimated that approximately nine lakh pilgrims visit this temple annually.
Next day, we were off to Kumbhalgarh. It is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, a great king and warrior of Mewar. Close by is Achalgarh, commissioned by famed Rana Kumbha, the fort was built in the 15th century. It is situated atop a mountain peak it has many vantage points that provide panoramic views all year round. The fort has a steep winding path that leads up to it and encloses many historic Jain temples within its embattled walls.
Chittorgarh, the most important Mewari fort, is a mere 60 kilometres to the south east of Ranakpur. The fort is surrounded by a circular wall with seven large gates that need to be crossed before entering the main area.
The fort and the city of Chittorgarh hold an annual festival called the Jauhar Mela to commemorate the valour of their ancestors. The fort also has an ancient but beautiful temple of Goddess Kali called the Kalika Mata Temple.
Returning to our resort after playing tourists to the hilt was refreshing and we promised to be back to the beguiling and bewitching Thar desert — for it is believed that if ones feet have touched the soil of any place, one has to go back there at least once again.
(The writer is an artist)