| A rich businessman namely "Bhanda
shah" built it, in 1628 A.D. and was dedicated to the sixth lord
of Jainism (Lord Sumatinath) the temple is one of the most bewatching and
elegant structures. It comprises three stroies. Relevant information about
it is as follows
Ground Floor
It is the main portion of the temple and looks like a vaulted hall. In
the middle of tha5t hall a silver throne is kept (about 2 feet in height)
Next to the throne there is one chamber where marble statue of Lord
Sumatinath is placed. In that chamber gilded leaf work of floral design is
seen. That work is typical art of Muslim artisans who are known as 'Usta',
the great masters of painting and art. There are two typesof pollars on
the ground floor, one with white colour and painted with floral design,
second with cmbossed sculptures of males and females of madieval India.
The embossed figures of dancing women in their traditional dresses are
especially beautiful. See the art of the sculptures and appresiate their
bearty. The floor of the main hall is made of white marble tiles and these
tiles were imported from Italy. The ground follr has seversl murals of
Jainism. You are recommended to see that.
First Floor
There is one gate in the side of the main hall of the ground floor,
which leads to the first and second floors. There is nothing interesting
on the first floor so keep moving to the second floor
(You may see the steps to the second floor when you get to the first
floor.)
Second Floor
It is the top of the temple where a statre of the Lord is housed.
Though the statue is not so artistic, yet the balconied of the temple will
give you birds' view of the old city. Open the door to the first balcont
and see the sight of another famous temple of the old city that is known
as "Laxminathji Temple". In English language it means, temple of Lord
Vishnu. (Lord Vishnu is the creator of the universe accouding to Hindu
mythology.) This temple was built by the third ruler of Bikaner State, his
highness Lunkaran Shing who ruled these state during 1504 to 1526A.D.
Since the construction of the temple, it has been the contre of religiors
gaith for the local people.
It you open the gate of the second balcony then you may see the
embattled wall of the old city, It was constructed by Lord Gaj Shing, the
14th rular Bikaner state (1746-1787 A.D.) In those days Bikaner City was
lomited within the range of the embattled wall (7 Square K.M.) The wall
was pierced with five gates. The Kote gate wasthe main gate of the city.
The city of Bikanergot expanded only when the British empire ended in
india, In 1947 A.D. and up to 1991 this city incresed to the range of 18
square K.M.; that means three times bigger then in 1947 A.D.
The other historrican place you can see from the second balcony is the
palace of his highness Bika. The first ruler of Bikaner State and that is
the same fort, which was constructed by the consent of Deity Karan Ji.The
third balcony of Jain temple, chows you nothing special so its refernce is
not given.
Visiting Hours
6.00 A.M. to 11.30 A.M.
6.00P.M. To 8.00 P.M.
Photography charges. It is free of cost.
Weekly holiday No
How to get to the Jain temple
You may join a conducted sight seeing tour organized by the Desert
Tours. Or the city safari (Camaltour) organised by the same company. Or
take an auto Rickshaw, up to temple, It costs about Rs. 25/- (one way up
to the temple for two travellers.) |
Karni
Mata Temple Devotees of the Mata throng Deshnoke, and worship Goddess
Durga and her incarnations, offer prayers to the Mata herself, on this
occasion,
which falls on the 9th day of Navratra. The fair is held twice a year -
April / May, October / November. The festival is celebrated with distinct
religious flavour. It attracts large number of crowd and devotees from all
over to attend this fair.
