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| Kiradu temple, Barmer dist, RJ .shutterstock.com |
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| kiradu temple complex Barmer Rajasthan Tourism   |
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| Historical Kiradu temple, Barmer RJ,/superbcollections.com/ |
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| Kiradu group of temples,obms-tourist.rajasthan.gov.in |
Above images: The Kiradu temples in Barmer district (also spelled Parmer), Rajasthan, are a group of ruined Hindu temples dating back to the 11th-12th centuries. The complex features the Someshwara temple dedicated to Shiva, three other Shiva temples, and the remains of a Vishnu temple. The temples are believed to have been built by vassals of the Chalukya (Solanki) monarchs. Kiradu town located in the Thar desert is about 35 km from Barmer and 157 km from Jaisalmer. The ruins of at least five temples exist at Kiradu. Once a camel trade route, Barmer area is rich in craft that include wood carving, pottery, embroidery work and ajrak prints. Several festivals are held in Barmer, Most important being the Mallinath Cattle festival which is held at Tilwara village in remembrance of Rawal Mallinath who was founder of Mallani (earlier name of Barmar) Pargana...........
Kiradu Temple Complex: An Architectural Marvel Shrouded in Mystery
Rajasthan, known for its magnificent palaces and massive forts, also holds some lesser-known yet equally fascinating sites, one of which is the Kiradu Temple Complex. Located in Barmer district, this group of five temples is an architectural masterpiece from the 11th-12th century, primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, beyond its aesthetic grandeur, the complex is also famous for the legends surrounding it. Locals claim the site is cursed, warning visitors not to stay after sundown, adding a layer of eerie mystique to its historical importance.
A Hidden Treasure in the Thar Desert:
Tucked away in the arid expanse of the Thar Desert, the Kiradu Temple Complex lies in Ramsar tehsil, about 35 km from Barmer. It was once part of a flourishing kingdom ruled by the Parmar dynasty, and the temples reflect the region's rich cultural and architectural heritage. The most prominent of these temples is the Someshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its tall spire and elaborately carved pillars mirror the artistic excellence of temple architecture from that period, drawing comparisons to the famous Khajuraho temples. The craftsmanship employed in intricate stone carvings reflects a high degree of sophistication and attention to detail,
Despite being exposed to centuries of neglect, the temples still showcase intricate carvings and sculptures that depict various Hindu deities, mythical creatures, and scenes from ancient Indian epics. The beauty of these temples lies in the details—the precise stonework, ornate columns, and finely chiseled figures that seem to tell a story of devotion and craftsmanship.
However, unlike Rajasthan's more famous attractions, the Kiradu temples remain relatively unexplored. Tourists who do visit marvel at the stunning craftsmanship but often feel a sense of isolation due to the site's remote location and the legends that surround it.
The Curse of Kiradu: Fact or Fiction?:
What truly sets the Kiradu Temple Complex apart is not just its architectural splendor but the chilling legend that surrounds it. According to local lore, during the reign of King Someshwar of the Parmar dynasty, the town of Kiradkot was a prosperous kingdom. When the region faced an invasion by Muhammad of Ghor in the 12th century, chaos ensued. Seeking divine intervention, the king invited a learned sage to bless the kingdom, ultimately leading to the defeat of the invaders.
Afterward, the sage went on a pilgrimage, entrusting the care of his disciple and the town’s people to the king. However, when the sage's disciple fell seriously ill, no one from the palace or the town came to his aid, except for a poor woman who tended to him. When the sage returned and discovered how his disciple had been neglected, he was furious. In his rage, he cursed the entire kingdom, declaring that all the inhabitants would turn to stone. He advised the poor woman to leave the village without looking back, but driven by curiosity, she turned around as she left, instantly turning into stone.
To this day, locals believe the area is cursed and warn visitors not to stay after sunset. They claim that anyone who dares to remain in the vicinity of the temples after dark will be turned into stone. Though there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, the fear persists, creating a sense of eerie fascination for those who visit.
Superstition or Fear?:
The legend of the Kiradu curse may be left aside as a product of superstition, that has become deeply embedded in the local psyche which they can not get rid of overnight. While such stories often get specific the imagination of tourists seeking adventure to get on hand experience they also reflect a fear of the unknown that has been passed down through generations. Added to mystery of purported curse is the remote location of the Kiradu Temples surrounded by the vast, arid landscape of the Thar Desert. The ancient temples stand in stark contrast to their harsh environment, with their farly preserved sculptures, symbolising the perseverance of art and culture through centuries. In spite of ravages of time and harsh arid weather conditions, the carvings, no doubt, have retained much of their beauty and grandeur.
In the lack of any tangible or favorable evidence of paranormal activity, the belief in the curse will hang in the air around Kiradu , discouraging locals and visitors alike from testing the boundaries of the myth.
Unrealized Tourism Potential:
Although shrouded in mystery, the Kiradu Temple Complex holds immense potential as a tourist destination. Its unique combination of architectural beauty and eerie folklore makes it an ideal spot for guided tours. Unfortunately, the temples remain largely ignored by mainstream tourism. With proper promotion and conservation efforts, the site could attract a wider audience, drawing both history enthusiasts and those curious about its legendary curse.
In conclusion, the Kiradu Temple Complex is more than just a set of ancient ruins. It is a fascinating blend of history, art, and myth, waiting to be discovered by those willing to brave its desolate location and mysterious reputation.tempof Rajasthan. Overlooked by mainstream tourism with beauty in tact, the Kiradu temples are a string of gems in the midst of desert worth exploring in detail, This can be done by trail blazers among the adventure seeking tourists.
https://www.navrangindia.in/2022/08/kiradu-group-of-temples-of-rajasthan-is.html
http://www.livetravelindia.com/indias-haunted-kiradu-temples-of-rajasthan/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiradu_temples
https://superbcollections.com/product/kiradu-historical-temple-parmar-era-barmer-rajasthan
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