BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN KUMBHALGARH
Maharana Kumbha (1433-1468) was one of the most famous rulers of Chittorgarh, the capital of the state of Mewar. In 1303, Chittorgarh had been completely destroyed in the attack of Ala-ud-Din Khalji, the Sultan of Delhi. But now, 130 years later, the city had almost regained its former glory. Alone 80 fortresses, including Kumbhalgarh, The strongest fort in Rajasthan was built. The construction of numerous temples and the construction of the destroyed buildings within the fort of Chittorgarh are attributed to Maharana Kumbha’s time. It included not only palaces, temples and barracks, but also a village and fields for devotions.Kumbhalgarh fort of rajsamand rajasthan is now listed in UNESCO World Heritage list. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) There are over 360 temples within the fort out of which 300 are ancient Jain and the rest Hindu. This fort is of great historical significance and attracts tourists for its splendid architecture. Covering an area of 578 sq. Km, Kumbhalgarh sanctuary encircles the massive fort of Kumbhalgarh. It is the natural abode for wild animals and birds and attracts tourists towards the natural beauty.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN KUMBHALGARH
1.KUMBHALGARH FORT
One of the historic places in Udaipur to visit is the Kumbhalgarh Fort, which was built by Rana Kumbhal of Mewar. One of the iconic forts built and which till date is a significant monument. It is also the birth place of Maharana Pratap. It is said that Rana Kumbhal was so rich that he financed the building of this fort and jain temple in ranakpur simultaneously. The palace takes around a good 2-3 hours to look around. It has a Shiv temple wherein the a big Shivling is placed. It also has a big temple situated wherein Rana Kumbhal used to seek blessings before going on a war. The walls of these fort are so lengthy that they are registered in the limca book of records for being the longest walls after the great wall of china. A must visit place in Udaipur, but, cleanliness is issue.
2.RANAKPUR JAIN TEMPLE
The renowned Jain temple at Ranakpur is dedicated to Tirthankara Rishabhanatha.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. There is one beautiful carving made out of a single marble rock where there 108 heads of snakes and numerous tails. One cannot find the end of the tails. The image faces all four cardinal directions. In the axis of the main entrance, on the western side, is the largest image. The moolnayak of this temple is a 6 feet tall white colored idol of Adinatha.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 architecture and stone carvings of the temple is based on the Ancient Mirpur Jain Temple at Mirpur in Rajasthan.The construction is well documented in a 1437 CE copper-plate record.
3.KUMBHALGHAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Person who is fond of adventure activities and physical workout, this sanctuary provide good option for trekking and see flora and fauna of the area. September to february is good time to visit. It is approx 4 hours trekking. The nice view Arawali mountain range. We could see Deers, Antelope, Monkeys, Peacocks & Tiger, rarest view. One has to hire a jeep & roam around at least for 1 to 2 hrs to see the animals. This fort has the longest wall after the great wall of china, It is built at a height and you can view nearby places from tht top and also you can have a view of the wildlfe sanctuary.One will have to walk a lot in order to explore the whole fort which has in total 365 jain and hindu temples. But for those who have a shortage of time, only a few important points will give the view of the whole fort. The entry fees just five bucks for indians and twenty bucks for parking.
4.PARSHURAM MAHADEV TEMPLE
The temple is actually inside a cave in aravalli hills of rajasthan. It is a serene place. Need to walk down about 1.5 Km. The descent is very steep with patches of steep steps. It is recommended only for people with great stamina to walk uphill and downhill. The path is scenic with the entire of Mewar in view. The path has lot of monkeys. They do not attack though if you are carrying any eatables including prashad in hand, they will not hesitate to come and snatch it away. It is a cave temple of religious significance among the locals and larger parts of Rajasthan. However if you plan to go here visit for a hike on the temple trail that connects Kumbhalgarh region with the lower plains of Marwar. Nice views to be seen of the valley. Hindu Temple, a must Visit Temple Surrounded with Hills and Natural Landscaping. Its a place Where God Parshuram Worshiped of Lord Shiva and then Lord shiva appeared. More than 2000 years old Statue of Shiva is installed there.
5.CHAUMUKHA TEMPLE
Hidden in the forest and hills, Temple dedicated to all tirthankers of Jainism was built over 600yrs ago and took 63yrs to complete. Many of the sculptures are in one large piece of marble. There are 1444 pillars built in the temple which are designed as they dont obstruct your views of the temple. The Chaumukha Temple is one of India’s definitive temples, which is saying a lot. Built almost completely from brilliant white marble, the sprawling temple is visually stunning. While the main approach to the front is impressive, it is the rear facing the jungle that is really stunning. It is great place to go. This Chaumukha temple is dedicated to Lord Adinath, who is the first ‘Tirthankara’. The Temple structure is highly compound having four different doorways to get into the chambers which ultimately lead to the main hall where the idol of Adinath is positioned. At lunch time a delicious lunch was served – best home cooked gujrati thali served. Must try this food if you have planed to visit the temple. Worth a visit to this temple. Best time to viist is between 12noon and 5pm.
