10 Top Pilgrimage sites in Rajasthan

Pushkar is a sacred town located in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan. About 15 km from Ajmer, 145 km from Jaipur, and 408 km from Delhi, it is one of the prominent pilgrimage sites near Delhi, and among the must-include places in Rajasthan tour packages.

There are several temples in Pushkar and the most famous temple is the Brahma temple, which is one of the few temples dedicated to Brahma in the world, and among the must-visit places as part of Pushkar packages. Pushkar Lake, Varaha Temple, Merta, Aptaeshwar Temple, Pushkar Cattle Fair, Rangji Temple, and Savitri Temple are the popular tourist places in Pushkar. Pushkar is also called 'the rose garden of Rajasthan', because of the extensive flower farming in and around the city.

Pushkar can be visited along with Jaipur tour packages. Pushkar is also famous for its annual Pushkar Camel Fair held in November on the day of holy Kartik Purnima. It is one of the largest camel fairs in the world, in which thousands of camel owners come to Pushkar city to take part in events, sell & purchase activities of their cattle.

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Ajmer or Ajmere is one of the popular pilgrimage sites near Delhi, and among the most important religious places to visit in Rajasthan. It is situated about 132 km from Jaipur, and 390 km from Delhi.

Ajmer is can be visited along with Jaipur tour packages. The city of Ajmer gets its name from 'Ajay Meru' which means invincible hills. Ajmer is home to the famous Dargah Sharif, which houses the Tomb of Garib Nawaz, also known as Moinuddin Chishti, the founder of the Chishti order of Sufism. Considered to be one of the holiest cities in India, it attracts hordes of Hindu and Muslim devotees every year as part of Ajmer packages.

Anasagar, Taragarh Fort, Akbar Palace & Museum, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, the Nasiyan Temple, Nareli Jain temple, and Kishangarh are other popular tourist places in Ajmer. Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is the popular fair celebrated with great pomp and fervor in Ajmer. It is held every year in the month of May to mark the death anniversary of the Sufi saint.

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At a distance of 3 km from Mount Abu Bus Station, Dilwara Temples are the group of five Jain temples situated at Dilwara in Rajasthan. These are among the best places of pilgrimage in Rajasthan, and among the top Mount Abu places to visit.

Dilwara Temples were built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD and are world-famous for their stunning use of marble. Archaeological evidence suggests that Mahavira himself visited the site, making it sacred to the Jains as a tirtha. These are among the must-visit places as part of Mount Abu packages.

These temples are known for their extraordinary architecture and marvelous marble stone carvings. These temples have an opulent entranceway, the simplicity in architecture reflecting Jain values like honesty and frugality. The temples are in the midst of forested hills. These temples have been named as Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar, Khartar Vasahi, and Mahavir Swami. Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi are the most famous of the five Jain temples situated in the region.

Vimal Vasahi or Shri Adi Nathji temple is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar Lord Rishabha and was constructed by Vimal Shah, the minister of the Chalukya King, Bhimdev I in 1021 AD. It took 14 years to build this temple by 1,500 artisans and 1,200 labourers. Vimal Vasahi ...

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At a distance of 33 km from Kumbhalgarh Fort, and 97 km from Udaipur, Ranakpur Jain Temple is a holy place situated at Ranakpur near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan. Ranakpur is one of the five most important Jain pilgrimage sites of India and among the most famous places of pilgrimage in Rajasthan.

These Jain temples are dedicated to Lord Adinath, who was the first Jain Tirthankara. The most popular of the Jain temples present in the place include the Chaumukha Temple. Ranakpur is one of the prominent pilgrimage places to visit near Udaipur. Maharana Kumbha allotted land and encouraged his minister Dharana Shah to build this famous Jain temple. Dharana Shah under the spiritual influence of Acharya Somasundarsuriji has selected the plan of Depak of Mundara to construct the temple. The construction of the temple began in the year 1446 and in 1496 the idol was installed.

The temple is dedicated to Tirthankara Adinath, and is one of the famous places to visit as part of Kumbhalgarh tour. The complex structure of the temple has four separate entrance doors to penetrate the chambers. These chambers lead to the main hall or garbhagriha, where the idol of Lord Adinath is placed. The four-faced image of the Lord suggests the pursuit of Tirthankara's for the four directions and eventually ...

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At a distance of 24 km from Udaipur, Eklingji Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated at Eklingji or Kailashpuri town in Udaipur district of Rajasthan. It is one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in Rajasthan, and among the top places to visit near Udaipur.

Eklingji Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the tutelary deity of the former Mewar rulers. Ek means 'one' while ling means 'lingum or the life giving phallic symbol of Lord Shiva'. The patron deity of the Mewar clan is considered the actual ruler of the region while the kings are merely the Dewan (or the Prime Minister) of this God of Mewar. Initially, the temple was built in 734 AD by Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Mewar dynasty. In the later years, it was repaired and modified by various Kings, to clean the remnants of obliteration made by the attacks of Mohammedans.

The temple complex is located on the banks of Indersagar Lake. The beautifully sculpted temple complex includes 108 temples within its high walls, made out of marble and sandstone. The main Shrine is a double storied building, looks magnificent with its pyramidal style of roof and beautifully carved tower. The temple sanctum sanctorum houses a four faced black stone statue of Lord Shiva with Brahma facing west, Vishnu facing north, Shiva facing south and Surya facing east.

Outside the temple are the statues of Nandi, ...

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At a distance of 16 km from Mount Abu Bus Station, Guru Shikhar is a mountain peak in the Arbuda Mountains of Rajasthan. It is one of the top places for trekking in Rajasthan, and among the most popular tourist places in Mount Abu.

Guru Shikhar is the highest point of the Aravalli Range. It rises to an altitude of 1,722 m (5,650 feet). Guru Shikhar provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Mount Abu town and the green Aravalli range. According to history, King Prithviraj Chauhan is believed to have travelled along this peak to meet his bride and consummate his marriage with her. The bride was the princess of Prahladanpur, now known as Palanpur. Trekking to this peak is one of the top things to do here as part of Mount Abu tour.

The peak is named Guru Shikhar or 'the peak of the guru' after Dattatreya. The temple of Dattatreya is one of the main attractions at Guru Shikhar peak other than scenic views. Lord Dattatreya is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who had taken birth to the sage couple Atri and Anasuya. The word 'Datta' means given and since he was the son of Atri hence named 'Atreya'. Thus the boy got his name Dattatreya and is believed to be born with divine power. It is believed that the lord actually put his foot on this peak sanctifying the place. While ...

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At a distance of 30 km from Bikaner Junction Railway Station, Karni Mata Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Deshnok town in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan. It is one of the top places of pilgrimage in Rajasthan, and also one of the top Bikaner tourist places.

Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok is dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Also known as the Rat Temple, the temple is a renowned center for rat worship and draws many visitors every day as part of Bikaner sightseeing packages. This 600 years old temple is home to thousands of black, grey, and white rats or Kaba. As per folklore, feeding rats at this temple brings good fortune. According to the local belief, the rats would reincarnate as holy men.

The temple is carved from stones and marble, which features silver gates built by Maharaja Ganga Singh and an overhead mesh that protect rats from birds. The silver doors depict the various legends associated with the goddess. An image of Karni Mata is depicted holding a trident in her hand in the sanctum sanctorum. It is believed that Goddess Durga lived at this place during the 14th century and performed miracles. The deity is believed to protect the erstwhile royal family of Bikaner.

There are about 20,000 rats on the temple premises. The rats move freely ...

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At a distance of 26 km from Eklingji and 48 km from Udaipur, the Shrinathji Temple is a Hindu temple situated on the bank of the Banas River in Nathdwara town of Rajasthan. It is considered the second richest temple in India after the Tirupati Temple of Andhra Pradesh, and also one of the must include places in Udaipur trip.

Shrinathji Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and the term 'Nathdwara' suggests the 'gate of the lord'. The temple was built by Goswami priests in 1672 AD. According to the legend, the idol of Lord Krishna was being transported during the late 17th century from Vrindavan to protect from the wrath of Aurangzeb. When the idol reached this spot, the wheels of bullock cart in which the idol was being transported sank deep down in the mud and could not be moved any farther. The accompanying priests realized that the particular place was the Lord's chosen spot and accordingly, a temple was built there under the rule and protection of the then Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar.

Also known as 'Haveli of Shrinathji', Shrinathji Temple is one of prominent places of pilgrimage near Delhi. The temple has been designed in the lines of the temple of Nanda Maharaj in Vrindavan. Therefore, it is also known as Nanda Bhavan or Nandalaya. Structurally, a kalasha on the shikhara marks the top of the temple, ...

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At a distance of 25 km from Sawai Madhopur Railway Station and 33 km from Ranthambore National Park, Chauth Mata Temple is a popular temple situated at Chauth Ka Bharwara in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan.

This ancient temple was built by Maharaja Bhim Singh in 1942 CE. He brought the idol of Chauth Mata from Pachala, 15 km from Bharwara, and placed it atop a hill. Later a temple was built there. Thus the place came to be known as Chauth Ka Bharwara. Chauth Mata is the main deity of the ruler of this region. The Chauth Mata Temple also has a beautiful idol of Lord Ganesha and Lord Bhairav in the main area.

The temple is situated atop a hill with an arch at the entrance known as Toran Dwar. A long flight of steps lead to the temple with imposing Rajput architectural style. It is a double storied temple complex with interior made of marble & tile work with divine motifs on a well decorated panel. The visitors here can see a bird's-eye view of the meadows and the beautiful landscapes.

Since it is situated on a hilltop, the pilgrims will have to climb 700 odd stairs to reach the temple. Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi attract large number of devotees to the temple. Chauth Mata Mandir is also known for its famous Chauth Mata Mela, which takes place every year on the fourth day of Hindu Month Magha (either January or February). Considered very auspicious among the devotees of Chauth Mata, this 15 day Mela is a heaven for tourists, especially for those who are ...

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At a distance of 63 km from Pushkar, Merta is a historical town and municipality located in Nagaur district of Rajasthan. Merta is one of the famous heritage sites in Rajasthan and also one of the top tourist places to visit in Pushkar.

Merta was the birth place of Meera Bai, the staunch devotee of Lord Krishna. In olden days, the place was known as Medantak and was the capital of a ruler named Nag Bhatt. Around 1488 AD, it was held by Rao Duda, fourth son of Rao Jodha, and grandfather of fabled saint Princess Mira Bai. Later, during the reign of Rao Veeramdev, Merta was attacked by Rao Maldeo Rathore of Jodhpur and captured it. Maldeo built the fort of Malkot, which is now in ruins. This is also the place where Marathas defeated Jodhpur and Jaipur armies. Later, it came under the rule of Emperor Akbar in 1562 AD. At one time, it was a great trade center and was the headquarters of a district of the same name in the princely state of Jodhpur.

Mira, the celebrated devotee of Lord Krishna and a great poetess of the medieval period, belonged to this place. The town has many temples, that of Charbhuja Temple or Mira Bai Temple being the most celebrated one. A massive mosque believed to have been constructed by Emperor Aurangzeb over a ruined Shiva Temple, is worth seeing for its exquisite Mughal architecture.

Dangawas, about 3 km from the town, was the scene of a bloody battle between the Rathores and the Marathas resulting in heavy casualties to both sides. ...

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