Unseen Rajasthan Special-India's Most Haunted Place Bhangarh.

History

Bhangarh is a place between Jaipur and Alwar in Rajasthan state of India. Today Bhangarh is known for its ruins where nobody dares to go after dark, but is worth a visit; in fact the place is beautiful and tranquil. What remains though, is a shadow of a once beautiful kingdom.

Passing by Bhangarh, banyans and temples dot the landscape and one chhatri can be seen up on the hill. The most remarkable are the temples of Gopinath, Shiva (Someshwar), Mangla Devi and Keshava Rai. Other more or less preserved buildings are e.g. shops along the main road, several havelis, a mosque, and a palace. The palace was protected by two inner fortifications across the valley. The town is separated from the plain by ramparts with five gates. Bhangarh is also a pre-historic site.

This town was established in 1573 (VS 1631) during the rule of Raja Bhagwant Das and it became the residence of his second son Madho Singh. Madho Singh was younger brother of Emperor Akbar’s General Man Singh I of Amber. Madho Singh participated in many campaigns with his father and brother. The next ruler of Bhangarh was his son Chhatr Singh. Bhangarh slowly declined after Chhatr Singh's violent death in 1630. Near Ajabgarh was founded by Ajab Singh, the son of Chhatr Singh. When Mughal Empire became weaker after the death of Aurangzeb, Jai Singh II attached Bhangarh to his state by force in 1720. After this Bhangarh diminished in population, and when the famine of 1783 (VS 1840) fell on the land the town was abandoned, and has remained a ruin ever since.

Entrance To The Fort

Legend has it that due to a curse of Guru Balu Nath, the whole town was vacated overnight. Balu Nath sanctioned the establishment of the town but said: "The moment the shadows of your palaces touch me, the city shall be no more!" Ignorant of such foreboding, one ambitious descendant raised the palace to such a height that its shadow reached Balu Nath's forbidden retreat and the town was devastated. The small samādhi where Balu Nath lies buried is still there.
The other myth is as follows: The charm of princess of Bhangarh Ratnavati was said to be matchless in all of Rajasthan. Being eighteen years old, the princess started getting matrimonial offers from other states. In the same region there lived a tantrik, a magician well versed in the occult, named Singhia who was desperately in love with the princess knowing that he would never be allowed to even see her, let alone meet her. One day, he saw the princess' maid in the market buying scented oil for her. Seeing this, he got an idea by which he could meet the princess. He used his black magic and put a spell on the oil which would hypnotize the princess by her merely touching the oil, and she would surrender herself. The princess foiled this plan though. She had seen the tantrik enchanting the oil, and she therefore threw it away, whereupon the flagon rolled over a stone. As soon as the oil touched the stone, it started rolling towards the wicked tantrik and crushed him. While dying, Singhia cursed the palace with the death of all who dwelt in it, without any rebirth in their destinies. The very next year there was a battle between Bhangarh and Ajabgarh and no one survived, not even the princess Ratnavati.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has put up a signboard at Bhangarh stating (among others): "Entering the borders of Bhangarh before sunrise and after sunset is strictly prohibited."

Some people who visit this place say that there is a strange feeling in the atmosphere of Bhangarh, which causes symptoms of anxiety and restlessness. Nevertheless, most of people like Bhangarh, and even those who went there at night didn't notice anything strange.

Entrance to the Fort Premisis
Ruined Temple.
Lord Shiva Temple
King's Palace(Now Ruined)
Old Store Room
Manually controlled machine .

This machine was basically made for crushing and mixing the stones and sand for construction purpose.Roller and sticks are the two major parts that works.

Old Gate
Old Gate
Architecture
Holy Cow Statue

Villagers worshiping God
Pond Near to Temple
Monkey's Eating
Old Shop
Old Shop
Umbrella

These umbrellas were made outside the fort for soldiers to take rest and to keep eye on the enemies .

Camel Kid

Me On the Top

Finally Another trip is over..Hope you All Will Enjoy it.

Data Source:Wikipedia

Unseen Rajasthan Exclusive-The Great Jaislmer.

History

The Royal Jaislmer Fort(Night View)

The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would built his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 A.D. when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital - Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.

Bahti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chiefs who lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the territory enroute Delhi-or-Sind. These caravans earned the town great wealth.

Nathmal Ki Haveli(Mansions)

Nathmal Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer is a famous landmark of this place. The architecture of this mansion is a unique blend of Rajput as well as Islamic style of construction. It is quite different from the other palaces and havelis around Rajasthan. Nathmal Singh Ki Haveli was supposed to be the official residence of the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. There is an interesting story attached to how the place was built. Read about it in the following lines.

Two brothers named Hathi and Lulu were sanctioned with the responsibility of the construction of this magnificent haveli. They started building the haveli simultaneously with each brother concentrating on one side of the haveli. The result of building it simultaneously showed up in the haveli with different left and right sides! However, it didn't look too obvious and it comes into notice only when observed a bit closely.

The haveli was decorated grandly. The entrance of the haveli has two gigantic elephants carved out of yellow sandstone that look almost real. The pillars are enormous with delicate carvings on them. The walls have vivid description of flora and fauna and have been designed with lovely paintings and carvings. The haveli is a must see for those interested in basking in the old world charm of Rajasthan.

Patwo Ki Haveli(Mansion)

The five-storied Patwon ki Haveli is the largest of its kind in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India. Patwon ki haveli is one of the most elaborate and fascinating mansions in Jaisalmer that entices you with its hypnotic charm.

Located on a narrow lane in the main Jaisalmer city, Patwon ki haveli was constructed by Guman Chand Patwa and his five sons. Guman Chand was a famous trader of his times and dealt in gold, brocade and silver.
There are five massive suites in the Patwon ki haveli that are decorated with brilliant representations of artistic acumen. The entire haveli is and interesting grid of pillared halls, large corridors, lavishly chiseled ceilings and ostentatiously decorated walls. The stunning murals that adorn the haveli walls are colorful depictions of the everyday court scenes, village scenes and other artistic concepts.

The walls of one particular room at the Patwon ki Haveli is completely covered with captivating frescoes.

A part of Patwon ki haveli is owned by the Archaeological Survey of India, a part of it is owned by a family and the rest of it is owned by families who run craft shops within the premises.

It is believed that it took about a 50 years to complete the construction of the entire haveli.
There are five massive suites in the Patwon ki haveli that are decorated with brilliant representations of artistic acumen. The entire haveli is and interesting grid of pillared halls, large corridors, lavishly chiseled ceilings and ostentatiously decorated walls. The stunning murals that adorn the haveli walls are colorful depictions of the everyday court scenes, village scenes and other artistic concepts.

The walls of one particular room at the Patwon ki Haveli is completely covered with captivating frescoes.

A part of Patwon ki haveli is owned by the Archaeological Survey of India, a part of it is owned by a family and the rest of it is owned by families who run craft shops within the premises.

Architecture Inside The Patwo Ki Haveli(Mansion)

Salim Singh Haveli(Mansion)

Salim Singh Ki haveli that stands in mute testimony to the splendorous Jaisalmer past towards the eastern end of Jaisalmer city. This stately Jaisalmer haveli with its stunning blue cupola roof is resplendent with exquisite stone carvings, screen windows and exotic murals.

The intricately chiseled brackets on the walls of Salim Singh ki haveli speak volumes about the love for detail and beauty among the artisans of those days. The sheer lavishness of extensive corridors, massive rooms and hallways weaves a bewitching spell on you.

Vibrant, graceful and stylish murals on the walls of Salim Singh ki haveli add an extra opulent charm to this lovely medieval mansion that was named after Salim Singhji, who was the prime minister in the Jaisalmer royal court.

Salim Singh ki Haveli served as residence to the members of the Mohta family for decades. Most of the ministers in the Jaisalmer royal court were descendants of the Mohta family. The haveli draws its name from Salim Singh, who was an important minister in the Jaisalmer royal court and a shrewd statesman who was later murdered for conspiring against the royal throne.

It is believed that there were two more stores over the existing five storied structure, that were torn down by the orders of the royal court of Jaisalmer as a prime ministers home could not be of the same height as that of the royal palace.

Gadsisar Lake

Gadsisar is a scenic rainwater lake situated in Jaislmer,Rajasthan. It was built in 1156 and later rebuilt by Maharwal Garsisingh in 1367. A beautiful arched gateway decorates the lake. The lake is surrounded by ghats, temples, cenotaphs and gardens.

Umbrella Between Lake

Gadsisar Lake is an ideal picnic spot and is famous for boating. It is also home to a numerous species of birds.

Jain Temples

Within the fort walls, there are seven beautifully carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The cluster of temples is connected by a series of corridors and walkways. Shoes and all leather items must be removed before entering the temple.

The first temple you come around is the one dedicated to Chandraprabhu, the eighth tirthankar (Jain Teacher), whose symbol is the moon. It was built in 1509 and features fine sandstone sculpture in sandstone in Mandapa (Fore chamber of the inner sanctum of the temple).

To the right of the Chandraprabhu Temple is Rikhabdev temple. There are some fine sculptures around the walls protected by glass cabinets, and the pillars are beautifully sculpted with apsaras (Celestial Maiden) and gods. This temple has a lovely and tranquil atmosphere.

Lord Buddha Statue

Other temples which may be currently closed to the non - Jains, include the temple dedicated to Parasnath, a few steps behind Chandraprabhu. Entry is via an enormous and beautifully carved torana (Gateway) that culminates the image of the Jain tirthankara its apex. There is a voluptuous carving of an apsara balancing a set of balls on her raised forearm.

A door to the south side of the temple leads to the small Shitalnath Temple, dedicated to the 10th tinrthankar. The image of Shitalnath enshrined here is composed of eight precious metals. A door in the north wall leads to the beautiful Sambhavnath Temple.

Entrance To Temple

Steps lead from the courtyard before the Sambhavnath temple to the Shantinath Temple, which was built in1536. The enclosed gallery around the temple is flanked by hundreds of images of saints, some of marble and some of Jaisalmer sandstone. Steps lead below the temple to Kunthunath Temple, which was also built in 1536.

BaraBagh Tombs(Dedicated To Ladies Who Burnt Themselves)

On the outskirts of Jaisalmer, presently a district headquarters and formerly a princely state of Rajasthan, is a sandy rocky area where these tombs are constructed.This place is called -'Bara Bagh' or-'Big Garden'.There is clear road to this spot. There is nothing of the garden sort. It is named so to indicate the abundance of what is there. And there is the abundance of-tombs!

In the medieval period,when Muslim rule was forcefully spreading all over India, Indian natives had great struggle to save their culture, chastity, heritage and properties.The fear was more with indian ladies, who regarded their chastity more than their life.While men were out to fight against the invaders, women in the houses were praying for their win.In Rajasthan, there was a custom in which ladies of warriers were falling into burning fires as soon as they hear that their men were defeated in the battle field. So, they kept the burning fire ready.This custom was called -JOUHAR.This place is dedicated to those Brave Ladies only.

Camels For Safari

Safari on Camels is a Fantastic experience.Camels can take to you to those place where cars cant go.You will really enjoy the safari on Sand Dunes.

People Traveling On Sand Dunes

In Rajasthan people in Villages prefer travelling on Camels only as it is one of the most suitable animal of desert.It is also known as Ship Of Desert.They can live many days without water and thats why in desert they are used more.

Royal Men In Festival

They are the Royal Men Of Rajasthan who has came from different villages to attend the festival .This festival is organized every year in the month of December.This is also known as Desert Festival.Both Local and Foreigners join the Festival and enjoy the Marvellous life of Royal Rajasthan.

Man With His long Moustaches

These kind of stuff can easily be found in Jaislmer as this place is still one of the most traditional and cultural city of India.This man is showing his big moustaches and also claims that he can lift 200 Kgs of weight with them.This was also challenged and This man won.Great.

Kid Selling Indian Sweets

This kid is selling the most famous sweets of Rajasthan which is known as Laddu and Petha.

With these sweets and sweet memories i am completing my journey to Jaisalmer.

Source: travel-rajasthan.net

The Uber Amazing Blog Award

.
Today I am really honored and happy to receive this award from my friend Foongpc. Well, All of my friends are wonderful, but It is sad that I have to pass on this award to only a few.

Uber (synonym to Super) Amazing Blog Award is a blog award given to sites who:
~ inspires you
~ makes you smile and laugh
~ or maybe gives amazing information
~ a great read
~ has an amazing design
~ and any other reasons you can think of that makes them uber amazing!

THE RULES:

1. Put this logo in your blog posting.
2. Invite 10 people to take this award
3. Do not forget to link back the web blog owned
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog
5. Share the love to those who get this award.

It is really very difficult to pass the award to few but i am forwarding this Award to :
1)Joo
2)Altadenahiker
3)Abe Linclon
4)James
5)Fishing Guy
6)Frank

Once again thanks Foongpc.

Unseen Rajasthan Special-Puskar

History

Pushkar from the hill top

Pushkar is a town in the state of Rajasthan in India. Pushkar means born due to a flower. Hindus believe that the gods released a swan with a lotus in its beak and let it fall on earth where Brahma would perform a grand yagna. The place where the lotus fell was called Pushkar. It is situated at 14 km North West from Ajmer and is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage sites for devout Hindus.) It is often called "Tirth Raj" - the king of pilgrimage sites - and has in recent years become a popular destination for foreign tourists.

Pushkar lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. It has five principal temples, many smaller temples and 52 ghats where pilgrims descend to the lake to bathe in the sacred waters. One of the primary temples is the 14th century temple dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. Very few temples to Lord Brahma exist anywhere in the world. Other temples of Brahma include those at Besakih in Bali, Bithoor in Uttar Pradesh, India, village Asotra near Balotra city of Barmer district in Rajasthan and Prambanan in Indonesia.

Pushkar is also famous for its annual Pushkar Camel Fair.

Pushkar Temple Entrance

This is the entrance of Pushkar Temple-Lord Brahma(The Generator Of Universe).Photography inside the Temple is strictly prohibited.Thousand of people from all across India come to visit this Temple.

Outside view of The Temple

This Temple has its unique identity and is world famous.It is said that all the wishes come true if a person comes with real spirit and dedication.

Ghats(Land near by river) of Pushkar

The above photo is of The Pushkar Ghat.This is the place where the worshipers of God come to take bath as they believe that in this pond drops of nectar (A Drink With Which A Men Never Dies) Fallen down at the time of war between the God and the Evil Powers.Also people come to do the last rituals of a person after the death to make his/her soul free from this world.Old people say that if the ash is dissolved in the Holy River the Soul gets into the Peace.You can see the crowd this is nothing else but the people taking bath and praying the God to provide the peace to their loved ones who are no more.People also take general bath here as they beleive that all the sins they have done will be forgiven by the God.

Another Temple of Pushkar

Holy Tree

This is the Holy tree and is worshiped in the same manner Indian people do to God.You can see the color marks on the tree this is the symbol of holiness.Yello line is known as "Chandan" or Sandal in English .This is one thing without which Indian worshiping is not complete as Indian God Likes it.

Pushkar Sun Set

This photograph is from thr Top of the hill where temple of Godess Durga is established.You can see the houses in the photographs as this is taken from very height.The sunset in Pushkar is one of the best in India.

Sadhu in Pushkar

Pushkar is a place where you can find all tyoe of people i.e. rich,poor,sadhu,saint,priest,beggers and many more.It is more a amazing place as you can really find different kind of people who are quite diffeent from the normal human world.But they are amazing.

Rajasthani Man Playing Indian Guitar

This is a tribal man and is playing the traditional instrument "Sarangi" Which means an instrument that pleys seven sounds.He plays it really very nice.You can get it for around 300 Indian Rupees.

Sapera(A caste who worship Snakes)

This is the photograph of a"Sapera".They are one of the tribes who worship the snakes.The instrument in his hand is known as "Been" which is used to control the snakes as said that When he plays the " Been" the snake starts dancing.This is what i have seen but scientifficaly the snake moves because the man moves his instrument here and there and as snakes are sensitive so they move and people say it dances.Great..

A Kid Dressed up like Lord Shiva.

Close Up

This is a Small kid dressed up like Lord Shiva.You can see he has got his body painted with blue color and is wearing the skin of tiger(not real) with a Arrow with three edges ,necklace.On his forehead there is a eye.It is said that Lord Shiva Is very powerful and has three eyes out of which he never opens third one.But when he opens it the universe gets over as he is Also the Destroyer as per the Indian Mytology.

Angry Lord Shiva

When i requested him for another photograph he tired to scared me.

One more Lord Shiva

This child is so innocent.He is not at all interested to be like that but his parents forcefully has made him to be like this so that people can offer him some money.As India is a spiritual county so they get good amount of money in festival time.But ethically this is not good.Kid deserves the right to enjoy his life.

Traditional Rajasthani Dance Kalbeliya.

This dance is known as "Kalbeliya" and is performed by a tribe known as "Banjaras"."Banjaras" are nomad in English.They dnt stay in one place for a long time.This Is the State dance of Rajasthan.This is now a days performed in some festivals (traditional) only.

Camel with Kids

Camel with the Owner

This is one of the Most Beautiful animal of Rajashthan.Known as Camel or ship of desert.World's biggest cattle fair hels in Pushkar only and thousand of Beautiful camels come and are sold and purchased.You can see the Beautifully decorated Camel.

Traditional Men on Camel In Pushkar Sand Dunes.

People in Rajasthan generally use Camel as a mean of transportation.But you can also enjoy the Desert Safari on the Camel in the Sand Dunes of Pushkar.It is really an amazing experience to sit on camels.

A Traditional Rajasthani Man Showing His Long Moustaches

These kind of scenes we can easily find in Pushkar Fair.People from entire Rajasthan come to Pushkar just to make purchasing of animals,seeds and other stuff used in farming.

Lord Rama Festival Celebration.

This is the photograph of a celebration in Pushkar on " Ram Navami" which is a Hindu festival.You can see the kids are dressed up like Gods and are sitting like they are in their Palace As they are remaking the past.

Me at Peace

Finally this is me.The Best time to visit this place is October and November.

My Journey to Pushkar is over but it was amazing.