Temples In Pali

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Pali is one of the famous tourist destinations in Rajasthan. Located in central Rajasthan, Pali shares a common border with Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ajmer and many other districts. There are many temples and forts here worth watching

The three temples namely, the Hatundi Rata Mahabir temple, Rankapur temple and the Surya Narayana temple are the famous pilgrim centers of Pali. Other temples include Surya Narayana, Adishwar temple, Chaumaukha temple and Somnath Mahadev ji Temple.

The temples are an architectural delight as they have a unique style. The ceilings of the temple are carved with fine lace like foliate scrollwork and beautiful geometric patterns. The domes have concentric bands and the brackets connect the base of the dome.

Adishwar temple or the Chaumaukha temple :

The 15th century Adishwar temple or the Chaumaukha temple is a very fine structure. It is in the form of a Nalinigulm vimana or a heavenly aircraft, the shah had seen in his dream. It took sixty-five years to complete it and it is the largest Jain temple. It is very complex Jain temple and boasts of being one of the five most important holy shrines of Jains in India.

Hatundi Rata Mahabir temple:

The Hatundi Rata Mahabir temple is a splendid pink and white structure dedicated to the 24th and last Jain saint Mahavira. The older part of the temple is constructed in pink color and the entire structure is in the shape of the Pyramids of Egypt. There is a stairway on either end of the temple that reaches up the huge central dome. There are three balconies or porches on your way up. The temple has undergone extensive renovation and the six cupolas are a recent addition. These cupolas are sharp turrets pointing skywards and contrast the older parts of the temple. The inner sanctum houses an imposing statue of lord Mahavira.

Somnath Mahadev ji Temple:

Somnath ji Mahadev temple is located in the main market of Pali. Pal Solanki built it in 1209 AD. Prince Raj Kumar Pal Solanki brought this Shivlang from Saurashtra. These temples were targeted, attacked and vandalized by Mohammad Gaznavi.

This temple has the whole family of lord Shiva. The lord is in the form of lingam, Paarvati, Ganeshji and the nandi are in the form of idols. The temple is very ancient and it is an excellent example of the ancient architecture. The temple is more than 1000 years old and it is a thrilling experience to visit it. There are circular patterns on the ceilings and pyramid which are chiseled meticulously by the artisans of that time. There are also carved Shikar and pinnacle which are worth watching closely for its work.

Surya Narayana temple:

Surya Narayana temple is a beautiful place and you should visit it to marvel at it. The temple was build in the 15th century and has towers over the altar. It follows a circular plan and has numerous projections. The base has small protruding niches and the adjacent sanctum is laid out on an octagonal plan with six protruding porches. The idol of the Sun God is a wonder in itself. The temple is embellished with friezes of lord Surya in his chariot drawn by seven horses.

Other places of importance are the naulakha Jain temple, Radha Krishna Astrological house, Bajrang baug.