Temples in Rajasthan are known for their great architectural magnificence. The temples in Rajasthan reflect the artistic excellence of the sculptors of yester years. The great architectural movement which swept Rajasthan from the 8th to the 11th century was really a later flowering of the virile development inspired by the Guptas during the 4th, 5th and 6th centuries. The 8th and 9th century also saw new styles of temples emerging from the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty from Mandore. Temples built around this time also include temples at Chittorgarh and Osiyan in western Rajasthan. The familiar feature of these temples is single sikhara or spire and intricately carved outer chamber called the mandup before the inner sanctum. In many temples the main temple would be surrounded by series of small and finely carved temples. A good example of these are Kalika Mata Temple and Kumbha Shyam temples in the Chittorgarh fort. Temples at Kiradu in western Barmer known as Solanki style are known for sculptured frescos. The best example in this is the Someshvara Temple, which has fine sculptured fresco, and a multi tiered spire.
The 10th century saw the constructions of many splendid Jain Temple, notable amongst them are the Dilwara Temples at Mt Abu, Mahavira Temple at Ghanerao in southern Rajasthan and Ranakpur near Udaipur. At Ranakpur the Chomukha meaning four faced is the finest. It features a series of mandupas decorated with intricate carving giving a breath taking symmetry. A group of Jain Temples at Jaisalmer are also noteworthy.
Brahma Temple, Pushkar :
Lying beyond the Nagaparvat and Anasagar Lake in Pushkar is the Brahma temple of Rajasthan, India. A popular pilgrimage of Hindus, the Brahma temple, Pushkar is the only temple of Lord Brahma in India. The legend is that Lord Brahma performed a Yagna here, along with all the gods and goddesses.
Rishabhdevji 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.
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. Beside this, there is another temple with high leading steps called the Shantinath temple. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists come here with devotion and admire the brilliant work of architecture. The temple of Pundarik Swami dates back to the 16th century while the Charbhuja temple and the Shiva temple had been 500-600 years ago.
Govind Devji Temple, Jaipur :
Govind Devji Temple is situated in Heart of Jaipur (Pink City). Many temples are well known for their artistic beauty but the Govind Devji temple is special. It enshrines an idol which has been worshiped by the royal family of Jaipur ever since it was brought from Vinadavan to Jaipur in the 18th century. This temple dedicated to Lord Krishna has simple architecture with an open columned pavilion and a sightly sunken courtyard surrounded by a low balustrade. The image of Lord Krishna is believed to have been sculpted by Vijranath, the greatest sculptor of his age and the grandson of Lord Krishna. Various religious programmes are held here on the occasion of 'Krishna Janmashtmi' (birth of Lord Krishna). The temple can be entered by the Sireh Dheodi entrance or from the route of Chaugan Stadium and Janta Bazar. The statues of Govind Devji and Radhikaji are black and clad in gold ornaments.
Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Jaipur :
The Laxmi Narayan is located in the South of Jaipur, and was built by the Birla family, which is a major industrialist family of India. This is why, the temple is also called the 'Birla Mandir'. It is situated quite close to the Moti Doongri fort, which was converted to a small palace by Ram Singh II and Gayatri Devi. Keeping in mind the secular nature of the country, the temple has three domes, which represent different approaches to religion. It is a beautiful white marble temple, which seems to glow at night.
Sri Mahavirji Temple, Sawai Madhopur :
This temple is an amalgamation of ancient and modern Jain architecture - quite contemporary in design, unlike the ancient Jain temples which were highly ornamented and richly carved. It is a complex of smaller temples with the main temple having idols of Jain saints, placed within delicately carved pillared niches. It is a spendid sight to view the temple at night when lights illuminate the entire complex. The best time to visit is March-April.
Karni Mata Temple, Deshnok :
The Karni Mata temple, Deshnok is situated 30 km from Bikaner. The temple is dedicated to an early 15th century mystic, considered to be a reincarnation of Goddess Durga. This temple is quite famous for a large number of brown rats running around the temple complex fearlessly.
Shrinathji Temple, Nathdwara :
The Shrinathji temple, Nathdwara is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located in Nathdwara, approximately 48km to the north of Udaipur. The Nathdwara Shrinathji temple of Rajasthan houses a statue of Lord Krishna, sculpted from a single piece of black marble.
Shri Ramdev Temple, Ramdevra :
The majestic Shri Ramdev temple at Ramdevra, Runicha, 13 kms from Pokram in Jaisalmer district, houses the shrine of Ramdev. He is believed to have been incarnated on earth for the benefit of humanity and was born in the houses of Ajmalji in the Tomar Rajput family. Since childhood, he performed many miracles ans won the hearts of the people. He also performed a miracle before him. He is also believed to have killed a domon called Bhairav. Ramdevji chose Ramadevra as the place where he attained a Samadhj and went into a divine state of meditation. Nevertheless many people claim to have seem him on horse-back.
Eklingji Temple, Udaipur :
The Eklingji temple, Rajasthan is devoted to Lord Shiva, the tutelary deity of the former Mewar rulers. It is situated approximately 24 km to the north of Udaipur. Eklingji Shiva temple Udaipur is a huge complex consisting of 108 temples. Enclosing the temple are high walls with bathing terraces leading down to the water. Filling the temple with fragrance all the time are the lighted incense materials
Dilwara Jain Temples, Mount Abu :
Dilwara Jain temples, Mount Abu are sacred pilgrimage place of the Jains. They are situated approximately 2.5 km from Mt. Abu. There are five Dilwara Jain temples in Rajasthan, all a fine example of exquisite temple architecture. In each and every temple, marble has been used in an amazing way. The temples are a mix of simplicity as well as exquisiteness.
Jain Temple, Barmer :
The chief claim to fame of Juna is a Jain temple which was built around the 12th or the 13th century. Jain Temple in Barmer is ascertained from an inscription carved on a stone pillar situated right adjacent to the temple. On the hilltop nearby is an old fort which encompasses an area of about 15 sq km. The fort is surrounded by a series of hills, adjacent to which lies a small lake. Between the mountain peaks is a small island known as Juna Barmer which houses a small well. At one time Juna was quite densely populated, but most of its inhabitants migrated from the area. It is believed that the emigres from Juna established the town of Barmer.
Kiradu Temples, Barmer :
Kiradu Ancient Temples lie at a distance of 39km from Barmer city in Hathma village.You find an inscription here dating back to 1161AD indicating that the place was once called Kiratkoop and had once been the capital of the Panwara dynasty. The Kiradu temples are a group of five temples and are grouped as ancient temples, an important site from the archaeological point of view. The largest and the most impressive amongst them is the Someshvara Temple. Built in the 11th century, the Someshvara ancient temple is said to be the best example of its kind today. Constructed in honour of Lord Shiva (the Destroyer in the holy trinity of Hindu gods), it has a rather stumpy multi-turreted tower and beautiful sculptures dedicated to the god.
Kaila Devi Temple, Karauli :
Kaila Devi(Goddess) Temple is situated on the banks of the Kalisil river in Karauli district. The temple is dedicated to the tutelary diety, goddess Kaila, of the erstwhile princely rulers of the Karauli state. It is a marble structure with a large courtyard of a checkered floor.In one place are a number of red flags planted by devotees. The place is also famous for its fair held during the dark half of 'chaitra'(March-April) and lasts for a fortnight.
Ranakpur Jain Temples, Pali :
Ranakpur Jain temples are situated in the mountain ranges of Pali district. They are approximately 23 km from the Phalna railway station. Dating back to the 15th century, the Jain temples of Ranakpur were constructed by Rana Kumbha. Enclosing the temples from all the sides is a strong wall. The entire temple area is enclosed within a wall. The main temple is the Chamukha temple, dedicated to the Tirthankara Rishabdeoji. }
Galta Temple, Jaipur :
Galta is a holy pilgrimage centre, having a temple dedicated to Sun God. This temple is only one of its kind in this part of the country. Dotting the serene green landscape, beyond the gardens, is situated the astounding Sun Temple. The small Sun Temple, built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the highest peak is visible from any spot in Jaipur. This old pilgrim centre stands amidst the low hills, guarding the city. To the east of Jaipur, the Galta Temple is 2.5 kms climb from Surajpol. The Galta Temple is financially supported by the Birla family. It's an old place of pilgrimage, lying at the bottom of some hills in a lush landscape of trees and bushes. A deep temple-filled gorge stands behind the temple and there are good views over the surrounding plain. Entering the complex, there is one temple at the left and one at the right. The temple reverberates with the heavy noise of drums and bells. Behind a fence, there are three holy tanks -called as 'kunds', situated on top of each other. At the side of the pools, there's a staircase leading to the upper pool. In earlier days, men and women had separate pools to swim, but with the passage of time, the same pool is used by both men and women. The first pool was only for men, the second only for women, the third one for the holy monkeys. The temple is dedicated the God of Apes, Shri Hanuman.
Ramavaikunth Temple, Pushkar :
This intricately carved temple dates back to 1920 and has images of 361 deities. This temple in Pushkar has high stone spires atop pagodas in the South India temple architectural style. It is said that the temple was built by masons especially brought for this purpose from South India.
Parahera Ancient Temple, Banswara :
Parahera is a small place famous for the ancient Mandaleshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This may not be confused with the temple of the same name at Arthuna. Built on the bank of Nagela tank, the temple has an inscription that provides valuable information on the Paramara rulers. This inscription alone makes it an important place for scholars and researchers.
Ossian Temples, Jodhpur :
Ossian is located at the edge of the Thar Desert, 65 kms north west of Jodhpur. Though Ossian does not figure in the regular tourist guides of India, yet this once prosperous city, boasts of more than 100 Hindu and Jain temples dating back to the Medieval age. The temples here are among the earliest of all medieval temples of Rajasthan. Ruins of several temples dot the present day Ossian. The earlier temples are almost like miniature shrines, some only eight feet in height. Among these intricately carved red sandstone edifices, three are dedicated to Harihara- or the union of Vishnu and Shiva. Profusely carved from their raising plinths, pillars and right upto the very pinnacle of the spires, these temples are considered architectural masterpieces even by foreign scholars such as Percy Brown, James Burgess and Herman Goetz.
