A Memorable Visit to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
To me traveling is a drug, a drug that keeps me going, a drug that keeps me alive, a drug that helps me escape the worldly sorrows! I have always believed that I haven’t seen enough. There is a lot more to explore, to experience and to relish. And this time, my thrust to travel has brought me to Lodurva in Jaisalmer (Rajasthan).
This morning seems unusual. The air is clean, rain drops sit elegantly on the florescent emerald leaves and a grand charismatic wonder in front of my eyes. Baffled with its magnetic appeal and a cobweb of questions regarding the history of this place, I enter into the pillared corridor of the splendid fortress Suryagarh. A peacock saunters in with its beautiful sapphire blue tail fanning out behind. Here I am, to unveil the beauty of one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan standing elegantly in Jaisalmer.
Suryagarh Fort Rajasthan
The fort was built in the 12th century by Bhati Rajput king, Rao Jaiswal. As I step into the fort, a life size bastions tower hangs over me, covered with intricate designs. As I make my way through the narrow lanes, I crane my head to observe the 99 bastions of this citadel.
I leave the crowd behind and enter in a narrow lane. I see a small eatery. As I climb a few steps, I reach the terrace overlooking jaw-dropping views of the city of Jaisalmer. Standing on the top, I see spirituality oozing Jain temples, far stretched shimmering sands and few locals adding colors to the landscape of Jaisalmer with their multihued turbans and vibrant Rajasthani attires. As the sun shines with its full vigor, the fort gleams with a golden haze, underlining its name as the Golden Fort. The fort houses seven temples dedicated to the Teerthankaras.
As I enter in the first temple, I see a heavenly shrine dedicated to Chandraprabhu. Adjacently rests another temple dedicated to Rikhabdevji. The walls of this temple seem to be delicately engraved with sculptures, inspired from the Dilwara group of temples in Mount Abu. Other temples are dedicated to Paraswanath, Shitalnath, Sambhavnath and Shantinath. There is also a statue of Mahavir, adding to the allure of the place.
Idol in Jain Temple
The next destination on my list is Lodurva, an ancient village in the Thar Desert. Dwelling 15 kms from Jaisalmer, this tiny village though doesn’t exist on the historic map, its magnificent Jain temple have kept it alive. As I visit here, I see a clear sky meeting far stretched barren land at the horizon. I can hear the voices of silence, whispering in my ear. The temple stands as an invincible emperor, narrating historical tales of the rise and fall of Lodurva.
Jain Temple in Lodurva
