Thursday, 29 June 2023

Statue of Belief | World's tallest Shiva statue in Nathdwara, Rajasthan.

June 29, 2023

Vishwas swaroopam (Statue of Belief)  

The tallest statue of the Hindu God Shiva constructed at 120 Feet road on a hillock called Ganesh Tekri in Nathdwara, Rajasthan is thrown open to tourists to boost religious tourism in Rajasthan. 

The statue opened on 29 October 2022. Currently, the Statue of Beliefs is the tallest statue of lord shiva in the world.
Height: 369 Feet (112m)
Builder: Shapoori Pallonji Group.
The material used to make the statue: Steel framing, rain forced by concrete and Brass Coating, and Bronze Cladding.
3000 tonnes of Panchdhatu or metal has been used to make the statue.
The statue possesses amenities including stairs and elevators. Additionally, it contains a VIP lounge, visitors room, and administrative office meditation room
Who made the tallest Shiva statue?
The tallest Shiva statue is constructed by Sant Kripa Sanatan as a part of the Dream Project of Madan Paliwal, The chairman of Miraj Group.
Now onwards, a trip to Nathdwara cannot be completed without visiting this must-visit magnificent statue. For travellers, adding this wonderful tourist attraction to their coming Rajasthan tour is necessary as the place cannot be missed by any chance. If you have any query about this place, please write to us.

Want to know about things to do while visiting the Statue of Lord Shiva in Nathdwara?

The top things to do here are: –
Temple Visit Darshan Seek Blessings 
Sightseeing 
Photography 
Videography 
Eating at Food Court 
Enjoying in Adventure 
Park Visiting the Jungle Cafe
Moreover, the most interesting thing is the venue will host the adventure activities like:

Projection mapping Show 
Timing - 8:15 PM
Bungee Jumping :
186 feet India's second-highest Bungee jumping.
Ziplining 
Go-Kart Racing



Places to Visit Near Nathdwara Shiva Statue
The best places to visit in Nathdwara which are the nearby tourist attractions to the statue of Lord Shiva are:
•Shreenathji Temple 
•Haldi Ghati Maharana Pratap Memorial •Dwarkadheesh Temple 
•Charbhuja Temple and Samand DamShri •Eklingji Temple Molela Terracotta Village •Ranakpur Jain Temple Chittorgarh •Kumbhalgarh Fort Pali Alsigarh Mavli 

Best Time to Visit Nathdwara
The best time to make a Nathdwara tour plan to visit this statue and its nearby tourist places is from October to February when the temperature becomes low and the weather becomes perfect for travelling.

How to Reach this Trending Tourist Attraction?
Well, you can reach Nathdwara by taking a flight to Udaipur Airport and then a cab to the complex of the statue. You can also avail of buses from different points of Gujarat and Rajasthan to reach this must-see place in Rajasthan. It is located near the famous Hindu Temple, Ganesh Tekri Temple and can be reached via National Highway 8 from Nathdwara Market.

About the Author
Pragya Puri Goswami is a Rajasthan-based travel and culture writer who explores heritage sites, local food, hidden destinations, and authentic experiences across Rajasthan through Lake-City Blog. Her goal is to help travelers discover the stories, traditions, and lesser-known gems that make Rajasthan truly special.


Sunday, 25 June 2023

Nirjala Ekadashi (Jagdish Temple)

June 25, 2023

Jagdish Temple Udaipur Rajasthan

                             Shree Jagannath swami ki jay. 


Nirjala Ekadashi falls in the month of Jyestha in the Shukla paksha (June), therefore it is also called "Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi" or "Bhimsani Ekadashi" (Bhim sen, the second Pandav Brother, had observed this difficult fast). Amongst the 24 Ekadashi observed throughout the year, the fast (Vrat) observed on Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi is considered to be the most beneficial, if one properly observes a fast on this day it is said to give the fruits of 24 Ekadashi observed throughout the year. A complete fast is observed on this day with even water not being taken. People observe a strict fast and offer pooja to Lord Vishnu to ensure happiness, prosperity and forgiveness of transgressions and sins. On the preceding day that is on the 10th lunar day, Sandhya (evening prayer) is performed and only one meal is taken.

Story of Nirjala Ekadashi:Once Bhimasena, the younger brother of Maharaja Yudhisthira, asked the great sage Shrila Vyasa ji, the grandfather of the Pandavas if it is possible to return to the spiritual world without having observed all the rules and regulations of the Ekadashi fasts.


Bhimasena then spoke as follows, "Oh greatly intelligent and learned grandfather, my brother Yudhisthira, my dear mother Kunti, and my beloved wife Draupadi, as well as Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva, fast completely on each Ekadashi and strictly follow all the rules, guidelines and regulative injunctions of that sacred day. Being very religious, they always tell me that I should also fast on that day too. But, I tell them that I cannot live without eating because as the son of Vasudeva - Samanaprana, hunger is unbearable to me. Please tell me how I can obtain the same merits result without fasting."


Hearing these words, the grandsire of Bhima, Srila Vyasa ji said, "If you want to go to the heavenly planets and avoid hell, you should indeed observe a fast on both the light and dark Ekadashi's."


Bhima replied, I cannot live if I eat only once in a day, how can I possibly live if I fast completely? Within my stomach burns a special fire named Vrika, the fire of digestion. Agni the fire god, descends from Lord Vishnu through Brahma, from Brahma to Angirasa, from Angirasa to Brihaspathi, and from Brihaspathi to Samyu, who was Agni'' father. He is the gatekeeper in charge of Nairritti, the south-eastern direction. He is one of the eight material elements, and Parikshit MahArAja is very expert at examining things. 


Agni is divided into three categories; Davagni, the fire in wood, JatharAgni, the fire in the digestion in the stomach, and Vadavagni, the fire that creates fog when hot and cold streams mix in for example the ocean. Another name for the fire of digestion is Vrika. It is this powerful fire that resided in Bhima's stomach. Only when I eat to my satisfaction does the fire in my stomach become satisfied. Oh, the great sage, I might be able to fast only once, so I beg that you tell me of an Ekadashi that is worthy of my fasting and that includes all other Ekadashi. I shall faithfully observe that fast and hopefully still become eligible for liberation's release.

Shrila Vyasa ji replied, Oh king, you have heard from me about the various kinds of occupational duties, such as elaborate Vedic ceremonies and pujas. The essence of what is written in the Vedic literature known as the Puranas is that one should not eat on either the dark or light fortnight Ekadashi's." As stated in Srimad Bhagavatam (Mahabhagavat Puran)) the Bhagavat Puran is itself the essence or cream of all Vedanta philosophy (sara-vedanta-saram), and the Srimad Bhagavatam's unequivocal message is that of full surrender to Lord Sri Krishna and the rendering of loving devotional service to Him. Observing Ekadashi strictly is a great aid in that process, and here Shrila Vyasa ji is simply stressing to Bhima the importance of the Ekadashi vrat. "One who fasts on Ekadashi's saved from going to hell"

Hearing Shri Vyasa ji's words, the son of Vayu, Bhimasena, the strongest of all warriors, became frightened and began to shake like a leaf on a banyan tree in a strong wind. The frightened Bhimasena then said, "Oh grandfather, what should I do? I am completely unable and ill-equipped to fast twice a month throughout the year! Please tell me of the one fasting day that will bestow the greatest benefit upon me!"


Oh Bhimasena, after this Ekadashi fast and donating the recommended items according to his ability, the devotee should feed Brahmanas and thereafter honour prasadam silently."Shri Vyasa ji concluded, "I strongly urge you to fast on this auspicious, purifying, sin-devouring Dwadashi in just the way I have outlined. Thus you will be completely freed of all sins and reach the supreme abode."Thus ends the narration of the glories of Jyeshtha-Shukla Ekadashi, or Bhimaseni-Nirjala Ekadashi, from the Brahma-vaivarta Purana.

About the Author
Pragya Puri Goswami is a Rajasthan-based travel and culture writer who explores heritage sites, local food, hidden destinations, and authentic experiences across Rajasthan through Lake-City Blog. Her goal is to help travelers discover the stories, traditions, and lesser-known gems that make Rajasthan truly special.             




Thursday, 22 June 2023

Discover Udaipur's 7 Historic Gates

June 22, 2023

Historic Gates of Udaipur You Must Visit 

Udaipur, nestled in the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan, is one of India's most beautiful heritage cities. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559, Udaipur became the new capital of the Kingdom of Mewar after the siege of Chittorgarh by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1568. Today, it is popularly known as the "City of Lakes."

To protect the citizens from external attacks, Maharana Udai Singh II built a nearly 6-kilometre-long fortified city wall, locally known as the Parkota, along with seven main gates around the old city. These gates served as important entry points and remain significant historical landmarks even today.

Udaipur's 7 Historic Gates

1. Surajpole Gate (Sun Gate) 

Surajpole is one of the main gates of Udaipur and is named after Surya, the Hindu Sun God. Located on the eastern side of the city, it was an important entrance for travelers arriving from Delhi and Jaipur.

Today, Surajpole is a busy commercial area surrounded by popular places such as Bapu Bazaar, Town Hall, and Gulab Bagh.

2. Udiapole Gate 

Udiapole is one of the seven historic gates of Udaipur and serves as a major transportation hub. The Udaipur City Railway Station and the central bus stand are located nearby, making it one of the busiest areas of the city.

The surrounding areas include Patel Circle, Surajpole, Gulab Bagh, Balaji and Goraji.

3. Hathipole Gate (Elephant Gate)

Hathipole, meaning "Elephant Gate," is named after the large elephant statues that once guarded the entrance. It is one of Udaipur's most famous markets and is known for traditional handicrafts, Rajasthani clothing, mojaris, paintings, and antiques.

Nearby attractions include Ashwini Bazaar, Delhi Gate, Chetak Circle, and Ghantaghar (Clock Tower).

4. Ambapole Gate

 

Ambapole is named after Goddess Amba Mata and is one of the important gates of the old city. It connects several popular areas and religious sites.

Nearby places include Ambamata Temple, Radaji Circle, Fateh Sagar Lake, Rani Road, and Ambrai Ghat.

5. Chandpole Gate (Moon Gate)

Chandpole, meaning "Moon Gate," is situated on the western side of Udaipur and is named after Chandra, the Hindu Moon God.

It leads to the old city and is surrounded by bustling markets and historical landmarks. Nearby attractions include Jagdish Temple, Jagdish Chowk, Gangaur Ghat, and Gogawat Wadi Market.

6. Brahmpole Gate

Brahmpole derives its name from the large Brahmin community that historically lived in this area. It is located close to Ambapole and Chandpole and remains one of the quieter parts of the old city.

7. Delhi Gate

 

Delhi Gate was an important northern entrance to the city and served travelers arriving from northern India. It remains one of the busiest junctions in Udaipur today.

Nearby areas include Bapu Bazaar, Ashwini Market, Court Chouraha, the Collector's Office, and the vegetable market (Sabzi Mandi).

Historical Importance of Udaipur's Gates

Historically, Udaipur was a fortified city, and these seven gates formed an essential part of its defense system. Built during the reign of Maharana Udai Singh II, they helped protect the city from invasions and external threats.

Over the centuries, Udaipur expanded beyond the old city walls, and many sections of the Parkota were demolished. However, these gates still stand as reminders of Udaipur's glorious past and continue to attract visitors interested in the city's rich heritage and architecture.

Today, the area enclosed by these historic gates is still known as the Old City or the Walled City of Udaipur.

About the Author

Pragya Puri Goswami is a Rajasthan-based travel and culture writer who explores heritage sites, local food, hidden destinations, and authentic experiences across Rajasthan through Lakecity-Blog. Her goal is to help travelers discover the stories, traditions, and lesser-known gems that make Rajasthan truly special.