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Tourism in Bhilwara
Bhilwara is essentially an industrial town popular for its textiles industries.
BHILWARA is called "Zoo of Minerals" for its huge stores of mica, soapstone,
copper, feldspar, quartz, white clay and Garnet. Steel plants and glass factories
can easily be spotted in and around Bhilwara.
Amongst the must checkouts in Bhilwara are the fort of Badnor, then there is a fortress
and the palace of the ex-jagirdars of Benera. Fairs and Festivals of Bhilwara.
Revealing the rich and prosperous tradition and culture of Bhilwara are its many
fairs and festivals including Ganesh Mela, Dhanop Mataji Mela, Ramdev Ji Ka Mela
and Badnor Pashu Mela.
Tourist Attractions in Bhilwara
Bhilwara
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Jataun ka Mandir
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It is said to have come up in the middle of the 11th century when a Bhil tribal,
supposedly one of the first settlers, built a Shiva temple on the site of the
existing Jataun ka Mandir. This is in the area called Junawas, the oldest part
of the town. And if we are to believe this, the town is more than 900 years old.
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Harni Mahadev (Famous shiv temple)
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Introduction to Harni Mahadev Bhilwara Harni Mahadev in Bhilwara is a
renowned pilgrim center situated 6 km from Bhilwara in Rajasthan. This hilly
region is prominent for a water fall and Chamunda Mata temple. The place
commands a panoramic view of the entire city from the top. During Mahashivratri
and Shravan devotees gather here and perform various religious rites.
Description to Harni Mahadev Bhilwara Beneath the green mountains, near
the water fall under a large stone there is a 'Shivling'. A three day fair is
held to mark the occasion. A large crowd gathers in this place to offer their
prayers. In the month of Shravan devotees accumulate & perform various religious
rites. Municipal Corporation of Bhilwara with the help of local people is
introducing new facilities to help the devotees. At the top of a hill there is
located a temple of 'Chamunda Mata' from where a complete view of the city as
available. This temple is connected with the road.
The Shivratri fair is held on the Krishna Chaturdashi or the fourteenth day of
the declining moon of the month of Phalguna (February-March) and continues for
eight or ten days. The Krishna Chaturdashi has its great significance among the
Hindus because of Shivratri festival.
Harni Mahadev in Bhilwara features the lingam of the Lord Shiva, as well as a
brass Nandi (Shiva's vehicle, a bull). Lord Shiva is said to represent the trait
of the Supreme Being who symbolizes the formation, protection, ending and
recreation of the universe.
His vehicle is supposed to be the Bull or the Nandi. The bull is the epitome of
both power and ignorance. It is said that Lord Shiva mounts on the bull's back,
bestows power of wisdom upon His devotees and eradicates ignorance. The bull is
also called Vrisha in Sanskrit. Vrisha stands for dharma or righteousness. Thus
a bull shown next to Shiva implies that He stands by what is right.
Devotees of Lord Shiva worship Shiva Lingam with lot of devotion and it is
considered to be very sacred. It is regarded as the foremost sacred symbol for
shaivaites and has been worshiped from time immemorial.
Hundreds of devotees throng Bhilwara Harni Mahadev and offer sweets, flowers,
coconuts and milks. The pundits perform religious puja on the day of the
Shivratri and other regular days. It is believed among the locals that Shivratri
day is very auspicious and it is the popular belief that whoever gets the
opportunity to pour milk over the lingam gets rid of his wrong doings. During
the Mahashivratri day many locals gather the temple complex of Harni Mahadev
temple in Bhilwara. Normally women pour milk and pray to Lord Shiva to grant
them with good and caring husband as He is to His wife Parvati.
Buses and taxis are obtainable from Bhilwara to Harni Mahadev. Bhilwara Railway
Station is the nearest railhead. The temple of Harni Mahadev is one of the most
important Religious places in Rajasthan.
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Kali Mata ka Mandir, Harni
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Kali Mata ka Mandir. Situatued on a top of a hill, located near Harni Mahadev.
From here you can observe the whole view of bhilwara city and enjoy the sunset
and the sunrise. Also known at Sunset Point.
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Pur
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Adhar Shila Mahadev-it is a famous shiv temple under a rock
hung on only from a single place.
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Kyara ke bala ji mandir
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Patola mahadev temple
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Dungri ke BALA ji
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Ghata Rani - Famous for its more than 100 steps.
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Udan Chatri, Pur
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Is situated at about 10 Km. from bhilwara city. It is famouls for it Udan
Chatri, Adhar Shila , and Patola mahadev. The Bhilwara Municpal corporation is
developing a tourist place at Gata Rani Mandir.
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Gurlan
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Mamaji ke hanuman ji Mandir and Gurlan Pond is famous sites to visit .
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Other Attractions
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Bada Mandir (Famous Charbhuja Mandir)
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Adinath Digamber Jain Mandir (R.K. Colony, Bhilwara)
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Love Garden- Also known as Nehru park, has been favorite
spot for dating in its first few years.
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Shahpura
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Shahpura
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Distance : 55km from Bhilwara
Shahpura used to be the capital of the erstwhile State of Shahpura in the
princely days. The rulers belonged to the Sisodia family of Rajputs of Mewar
(Udaipur). The town came into existence when it’s first chief, Sujan Singh
(grandson of Amar Singh I who ruled from 1597 to 1620), took over in 1629.
Capital of the erstwhile state of Shahpura , the town houses the headquarters of
the sub division, tehsil, panchayat samiti of the same name. It is about 55 Kms.
from district headquarters on Jahajpur - Devli Road. Shahpura is a place of
pilgrimage for the followers of the ' RAM SANEHIS' Sect .Founded by the hindus
in 1804 .They have a shrine in the town as 'RAM DWARA' .The chief priest of RAM
DWARA is the head of the sect. Pilgrims from all over the world visit the shrine
through out the year . Ram Snehi is an International hindu sect. An annual fair
,which is called 'PHOOL DOL KA MELA' is held here on PHALGUN SHUKLA '15(
march-april) for five days. About one lac people attend the fair. It is also
famous for PHAD paintings Shahpura is famous for the contribution made by the
Barhat family for the freedom struggle of India and as the prime center of
International Ramsnehi Sampraday.
Shahpura is also famous for its 700 year old Pabuji ki Phad, a long sheet of
cloth displaying paintings depicting the heroic deeds of Pabuji, a celebrity of
Marwar (Jodhpur). These phads are painted in large numbers by local artists and
exported to various places. The painters of this region have won several
national prizes.
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Ramdwara
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The town is surrounded by a wall with four gates. The Ram Dwara built by the Ram
Snehi Sampradaya Trust is the prettiest structure in town. Ram Snehi is a sect
founded amongst the Hindus in 1748AD, and the chief priest of the temple is the
head of the sect. Pilgrims come visiting from all over the country and even from
places like Myanmar (Burma). An annual fair called Phool Dol ka Mela is held
here in March-April for five days. The temple is built in the style of the
chhatri (domed pavilion) which is quite a common sight in Rajasthan. But the Ram
Dwara has the most beautiful pillars and domes. The domes in the main cluster
are painted, while elsewhere they show detailed carving.
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Trimurti Smarak
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The Trimurti Smarak is the memorial of three freedom fighters, Jarawar Singh,
Keshri Singh and Pratap Singh. It displays the busts of the men with
inscriptions below. A lesser destination is the haveli (mansion) of Keshri, one
of the three martyrs commemorated in the Trimurti Smarak. It is called the
Keshri Singh Barhath Haveli and is a nice building, but needs renovation from
time to time. A board outside the house says that it is under the Archaeological
Survey of India.
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Barhathji Ki Haweli
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Barhathji Ki Haweli
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Sheetla Mata(Goddess) Temple, Dhanop
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Dhanop is a little village near Bhilwara with only the Sheetla Mata Temple to
boast of. But it makes for an interesting visit as it’s the most colourful
temple around. The walls and pillars are bright red while the roof is sparkling
white. The floor is of marble, and a checkered one at that. In the complex is a
neem (Azadirachta indica) tree which looks more like a Christmas tree. This is
because of the hundreds of colourful pieces of cloth which devotees have tied
around its branches in the belief that it will fulfill their wishes. Anyway, the
main idol of the goddess Sheetla (a form of Durga) is of black stone with
patches of sindoor (vermilion) on it. Same is the case with the stone walls in
the inner sanctum. The ceiling, too, has some bright floral paintings.
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Dhikola Fort, Shahpura- – Famous for its history and
architecture.
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Asind
Distance : 45km from Bhilwara
This is tehsil and Panchayat samiti. The town is also known for temples situated
on the left bank of the Khari, built by Sawai Bhoj. During the princely rule ,
it was an estate comprising seventy two villages , held by one of the first
class nobles of the Mewar State, who had the title of Rawat. The Sawai Bhoj
Temple in Bhilwara is claimed to be more than 400 years old and is the symbol of
communal harmony.
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Sawaibhoj Mandir
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History of Sawai Bhoj Temple, Bhilwara It is revealed in the historical
records that Bhilwara Sawai Bhoj Temple was erected to commemorate the sacrifice
of the Gurjar youth namely Sawai Bhoj. He fell in love with the wife of the Raja
of Bhenai called Jaimati. As a repercussion to this, he along with his 4
brothers and mother was killed in a brutal war with Rajput ruler.
Description of Sawai Bhoj Temple, Bhilwara The Sawai Bhoj Temple in
Bhilwara is said to have harmonized communal differences. Besides, this temple
enjoys a very special feature. It has an adjacent mosque called the Badia
Dargah. However in this mosque prayers are not offered and it has a symbolic
significance only.
This apart, in the complex of the Bhilwara Sawai Bhoj Temple numerous other tiny
temples and shrines are also located. Of all the temples however the one that
enjoys the limelight is temple for Deo Narain where prayers were offered in
majority by Gurjars only.
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Badnore Fort
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It is a seven storied fort that lies 70 km from Bhilwara, on the Bhilwara-Asind
Road. One of the prime attractions of Bhilwara, Badnore Fort is one of the most
beautiful Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan.
Badnore, earlier known as Vardhanpur, is a quaint little village located in the
Bhilwara District of Rajasthan.
Badnore Fort is an excellent example of medieval Indian military style of
architecture. This seven storied fort stands atop a hill and presents
breathtaking views all around. There are many small monuments and temples within
the precincts of Badnore Fort and around it.
The buildings within Badnore Fort Bhilwara are all built in traditional
Rajputana style of architecture, which is a local variation of the extensive
Hindu style of architecture.
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Mandalgarh
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Bijolia
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Distance : 85km from Bhilwara
The town situated in the South East of Bhilwara. It is close to the borders of
the District Bundi. The ancient name of Bijoliya was 'VINDHYAVALI'. It is walled
with two gates (North and South) and picturesquely situated on a plateau called
the UPARMAL. Objects of historical interests are three Saivite temples ,
probably of the tenth century . A reservoir called the Mandakini Baori with
steps, five Jain temples dedicated to PARASWNATH .The remains of a palace and
two rock inscriptions deserve mention. The Jain temples, situated about 1.5 Km.
of the south east were built by Mahajan Lala in the time of the Chauhan Raja
Someshwar of Ajmer in 1170 AD. One of them is considered scared containing a
complete small model of a temple inside . The rock inscriptions are both dated
1170 AD. The fortified town of Bijolia is unknown except for its temples which
are by the hundreds, both ruined and standing. It was the hub of religious
activity from the 11th century till the 13th century, and over a hundred temples
were built here, out of which only three remain. During the 16th century the
area was ruled by a Parmar chief and was a small fiefdom of Mewar. From
inscriptions found in and around its ruined temples, it comes to light that
Bijolia was greatly influenced by Ajmer and was a bastion of the Chauhana power
in the southwest. During late 12th century AD Bijolia came to be ruled by
Someshwar, a Chauhana ruler who built a temple. However, he was killed in battle
against Kuntipal, the ruler of Gujarat, in 1170AD.
The Temple Attractions
The Chauhanas were religious and encouraged any form of worship, especially of
Shiva and Kali. These three standing edifices are fine examples of how Rajput
temple architecture evolved from small shrines to large temples.
Undeshwar Temple
The main temple is that of Undeshwar, a sanctuary covered with a spiraling and
furrowed pagoda, intricately carved with religious motifs. The exterior of this
temple, like the other two, is also subject to rich engravings as are walls,
pillars and ceilings within the temple. The Undeshwara temple is an extrordinary
one in the sense that it is one of the very few temples in India whose lower
sanctum is partially underwater. Out of this little receptacle portrudes a Shiva
linga (symbolic phallus) making the temple the only one of its kind. This
sanctum is the Rewati kund, built by the Rohilla chief Rahil, and legend has it
that whoever bathes in the tank will be endowed with numerous offsprings
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Mandakini Kund
In the complex is a water tank called the Mandakini kund formed from the ancient
stream Mandakini, which ran amongst the temples. There are two more temples, one
here of whom is dedicated to Ganesha, the god with an elephant head and the body
of a man. The Ganesha temple is a unique one, for its central shikhar (dome) is
surrounded by four chatris (pavilions) on each corner of the roof, a feature
seen mostly in Rajput palaces and forts. A statue of Ganesha guards the entrance
to the temple.
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Jain Temples
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Also in Bijolia are the ruins of a fort, within whose walls is Nau Chowki, a
palace, of which nothing much remains. Five Jain temples dedicated to the 23rd
Jain fordmaker Paraswanath are spectacular architectural examples of 11th
century Jain architecture. Flaunting imposing engravings on their walls and
pillars, two of these religious sanctuaries have lenghty inscriptions on them.
One of them, the Shankh Puran, is 15 feet long and 5 feet wide, and contains 52
lines in Sanskrit, the ancient language. The design of these temples and the
manner in which they are positioned is indicative of the Digambar sect of
Jainism.
Bijolia is a city of ruined temples, and inscriptions found amongst them declare
that it was not only Time which turned destroyer. Certain inscriptions mention
the arrivals of Muhammad Ghori and much later Aurangzeb and attribute some of
the demolitions to them.
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Hajaresvara Mahadeva Temple
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On the eastern side of the town near the city wall, there are three beautiful
temples. Prominent amongst them is Hajaresvara Mahadeva temple. It has a high
linga surrounded by hundreds of small lingas and hence called Hajaresvara or
Sahastralinga. The temples of Mahakala and Baijanath are also well known.
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MandalGarh
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Distance : 52km from Bhilwara
The place ,situated at a distance of 52 Kms. towards South-East of Bhilwara. It
is sub division,tehsil and panchayat samiti of same name.The place is of
historical importance because it was the scene of many a fierce battle during
the medieval times, according to the muslim historians.
The place was taken twice by Mahmud Khilji of Malwa in the middle of the
fifteenth century , and subsequently appears to have belonged alternately to the
Ranas of Mewar and the Mughal Emperors. In or about 1650 A.D. Shah Jahan granted
it in Jagir to Raja Roop Singh of KishanGarh, who partially built a palace here
, but Rana Raj Singh retook it in 1660.A.D. Twenty years later captured the
palace and in 1700 A.D. made it over to Jhujar Singh Chief of Pisangan (now in
Ajmer district ) from whom it was recovered by Rana Amar Singh in 1706A.D., and
it since then remained in the uninterrupted possession of his successors.
To the North-West is a fort about half a mile in length with a low rampart wall
and bastions encircling the crest of the hill on which it stands .The fort is
said to have been constructed by a chief of the Balnote Clan of Rajputs ( a
branch of Solankis). There is an old temple Jaleshwar by name (1619 v.s.) The
fort also houses a temple dedicated to Shiva.
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Mandalgarh Fort
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A detour between Menal and Bijolia takes you to Mandalgarh, which is the third
fort of Mewar built by Rana Kumbha. Located at a distance of 52 km in
Mandalgarh, from Bhilwara, this is a fort which is 1 km long and at a height of
1850 feet above sea level. Naturally this fort was much secured. At this place
there are number of temple of God & Goddesses to visit.
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Menal Watter Fall
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Around Bundi are deep gorges surrounded by forests, and within these lie the
ruins of a 12th century palace. The name Menal is derived from Maha Nal (great
gorge), and that is what Menal really is. It is located on the Bhilwara-Kota
road, 80 kms away from Bhilwara. It has beautiful waterfall, where water fall to
a depth of 150 feet in a v-shaped valley with great force.
Prithviraj Chauhana, who also ruled Delhi for a while, had set his heart on
Menal, and it became his favourite mountain retreat when the scorching Rajasthan
summer would set in. For this he built a palace on the banks of the Menal river
which runs over granite slabs before finally plunging into a gorge over 122
meters deep. The entrance to the mansion is via a two storeyed gateway carved
with images of the gods Ganesha and Bhairava. The square courtyard beyond the
entrance houses a huge Shiva temple of stone, built in the ancient Hindu style
with a carved pagoda and pillars. The walls of the temple are carved with motifs
of Hindu dieties and various other themes, interspersed with images of
elephants. of special mention are the images of Shiva and Parvati which form the
chief subject of the engravings. Shiva and Parvati are depicted in various
postures and surrounded by dancers, musicians, lesser gods and animals. Halfway
up the pagoda is a large stone lion, perhaps depicting victory. A number of
smaller ruined temples lie around the Shiva temple.
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Mahanaleshvara Temple ,Menal
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The 11th century Mahanaleshvara temple is a perfect example of the western
Indian style of stone temple architecture. The entrance is embellished with a
seated stone lion, and there are number of guardian deities carved on portruding
panels in the walls. The inner sanctum is dominated by projecting balconies
while the roof is a pyramidical array of ribbed and finely carved stone.
During the rainy season, sound of the waterfall can be heard from a long
distance. The best time to visit this place is July to October, when Menali
River flows & meets at Triveni with Banas & Badech.
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Triveni
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40 kms away from the Bhilwara city on Kota Road, Bards, Menali's and Badachh
river meets, it's popularly known at Triveni Chauraha. On its coast line there
is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva which remains submerged in water during rainy
season.
On the occasion of Poornima, Amawas, Kartik & Magh month people from distant
places come to take a dip in this holy water. During Shivratri, a huge Mela is
organized here. People also come to flow the after remains of their dear ones in
this holy water.
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Mandal
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Distance : 13km from Bhilwara, 12km from Banera
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Battis Khambon ki Chhatri
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One of the best things to see in Mandal is the Battis Khambon ki Chhatri. As the
name suggests, this sandstone monument is a handsome chhatri (domed pavilion) of
32 pillars. Some of the pillars show good carving at the base and the upper
portion. Within the sheltered space is a huge shivalinga, the phallic symbol of
Shiva (the Destroyer of the Hindu Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer).
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Yakshini Mata Temple
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The Yakshini Mata Temple is an intriguing site, if you’re interested in ancient
temples that are almost in ruins. The temple used to be quite a happening place
in the olden days, and is still the centre of all local festivity of Mandal.
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Near by Attractions
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Around the place are some pillared structures, some of them that still retain
their ornamental carving. But the more prominent edifice is the white Prahari
Stambha which stands quite near the temple. It has a relief figure of a huge
black snake with five hoods, a sacred entity of Hindu mythology. Mandal is also
known for an old temple of Neelkanth Mahadev (Lord Shiva).
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Bagore (Mandal)
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A historical place since the PASAN CAL of Hadappa & Mohan Jodaro which is 30 km
from Bhilwara on bank of Kothari river where some ancient precious things have
been discovered.
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Bagore Shaib Kalgidhar- This is also famous for great
Gurudhawara of Bagore Sahib Kalgidhar.
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Mandara (minar),Mandal
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"Mandal" is assumed to be the base of the Mughals when they attacked Chittor
Garh, the mughal forces camped near the "talab" of the town of Mandal, ruins of
the camp can still be seen there. A tower served as light house was also built
on a small hill in Mandal, know known as "Mandara (minar)" this small hill also
houses a devi temple.
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Meja
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A little away from Mandal is the picturesque village, Meja (4km). An irrigation
dam has been constructed here on the river Kothari, and there are boating
facilities too. Meja also has a small fort said to have been built by the
Sisodia Rajputs of Mewar (Udaipur).
Situated at distance of 17 kms from Bhilwara it is the main Tourist Spot and
water reservoir for the Bhilwara Residents. Its capacity is 30 feet. During the
rainy season, the surrounding is a site to behold here.
A rest house of Irrigation Deptt., swimming pool, swings for the children & toy
train are there. Complete facilities for picnic and party are present here.
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Jahazpur
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Distance : 90km from Bhilwara
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Ropan- This is a first village of North India where
villagers worship LANKAPATI RAWAN.
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Banera
Distance : 24km from Bhilwara
Banera is a village in Mewar region of Rajasthan, India, 22 km from Bhilwara.
Transportation for the village is by bus. The village is known for :
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Banera Fort
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Hanuman Temple and
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Lord Krishna Temple.
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Raipur
Raipur is a village in Pali district of Rajasthan
state, which is Tehsil headquarter also. Population of Raipur is 14,136 according
to census 2001, where male population is 7,198 while female population is 6,938.
Kotari
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Distance : 30km from Bhilwara
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Charbhuja Temple
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Kalp Vraksh- 22 km from Bhilwara, near to Aamaa village
Kotri.
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Sahara
Distance : 46km from Bhilwara
Headquarter of the Sahara tehsil, this town is situated at a distance of about
46 Km. in the South-West of the district headquarters .It was part of the
erstwhile princely state of Gwalior (now in M.P.) prior to independence. It is
municipal town.
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Gangapur
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Cattle Fair
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Gangapur is like the other typical Rajasthani village that one is likely to
encounter while travelling in the countryside. An otherwise quiet village, it
comes alive every now and then when a local cattle fair is organized here, in
which a large number of cattle and other domestic animals exchange hands. These
cattle fairs are a regular feature in almost all districts of Rajasthan. This is
not surprising because the Rajasthani rural economy, to a large extent, revolves
around cattle even though the majority of Hindus are vegetarians. These fairs
are primarily meant for the trade in domestic animals but that does not stop
anybody from adding a little color to the occasion. The fairs often take on a
carnival nature with stalls of items of daily use, toys and a lot more.
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Ganga Bai Chhatri
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Ganga Bai Chhatri
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