Rajasthan is regarded as the most fascinating and colorful state of India. Popularly 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. The colorful state of Rajasthan houses some of the most famous religious shrines of India, which are visited by thousands of pilgrims belonging to different faiths every year. The beautiful and artistically designed Jain and Hindu temples in Rajasthan are not only places of worship but also show the architectural richness of the region.
Brahma Temple, Pushkar :
The Brahma temple is an important pilgrimage centre for the Hindus. It is nestled in the Pushkar valley which lies beyond Nagaparvat and the Anasagar lake. This place, full of natural beauty, holds a special place in the hearts of Indians for it is believed that Lord Brahma, together with all the gods and goddesses, performed a Yagya here.
Govind Devji Temple, Jaipur :
Deo Ji temple is situated in the City Palace complex. Well preserved by the erstwhile royal family, the image of the chief deity Govind Deo Ji (Lord Krishna) is said to have been brought from Vrindavan and was installed here by Raja Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur. The temple was built in 1890 with the money donated by Raja Man Singh, the famous general of great Mughal emperor Akbar and is set between Chandra Mahal and Badal Mahal to allow the sighting of the deities of the temple from the royal palace itself. Thousands of devotees visit the temple, especially during Janamashtmi, to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna.
Birla Mandir (Lakshmi Narayan Temple), Jaipur :
The famous Birla Mandir or The Lakshmi Narayan Temple is situated just below the Moti Dungari. It is a replica of a Scottish castl. This temple is one of the most revered Hindu temples, dedicated to Shri Lakshmi-Narayan. This is a modern temple built of white marble on top of a hill, dominating the skyline of south Jaipur.
Dargah Shariff, Ajmer :
The Dargah Sharif or the place of Where the Muslim saint KhajwaMoinudin Chishti lie sburied, draws piligrams and devotees from all parts of the Islamic world. But his admirers today come from all religions as the Dargah Sharif is considered a shrine where wishes are fulfiled.
Dilwara Temple, Mount Abu :
The Jain temples at Dilwara, near Mount Abu are considered to be masterpieces of temple architecture. The Vimalvashi temple was built by the commander Vimalshah on the order of King Bhimdev in 1031 A.D. It took around 1,500 workers, several years to build.
Eklingji Temple, Udaipur :
24 kms north of Udaipur is the temple of Eklingji, the tutelary deity of the rulers of Mewar. It is a complex of 108 temples enclosed by high walls with bathing terraces leading down to the water.
Rishabdevji Temple, Dhulev :
The Rishanhdevji temple is situated in Dhulev, 64 kms from Udaipur. This temple, on the bank of the Koyal river, holds a special significance for people of that area. Elephants made of black stone welcome pilgrims as they enter the temple. On the north is the image of Goddess Chakreshvari and on the southern side, there is an image of goddess Padmavati. The Rishabhdevji temple dates back to the 15th century.
Shrinathji Temple, 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.
Jain Temple, Ranakpur :
Ranakpur is located in the mountain ranges of Pali district, 23 kms away from the Phalna railway station. Ranakpur is reached after passing lush green valleys and streams and the heart capturing views drive away any fatigue of the journey.
Karni Mata Temple, Deshnok :
The Karni Mata temple, 30 kms from Bikaner, is dedicated to an early fifteenth century mystic who was considered to be a reincarnation of goddess Durga. The specially of the temple is that it is inhabited by legions of brown rats which scurry around the complex without aby fear.
Parshvanath Temple, Nakoda :
On the road from Jodhpur to Barmer, the Nakoda Parshvanath temple is situated in a valley surrounded by hills as high as 1,500 feet. Among the statues here, there is an image of the Jain saint (tirthankara) Parshvanath in black stone.
