Since the 15th century the Bishnois are conservationists to whom preservation of animal and vegetable life is a religion. Their spiritual mentor, Guru Jambheshwar was a wise ecologist. He formulated Bis (twenty) + noi (nine) = Bisnoi tenets from which the community derives its name. The tenets were tailored to conserve bio-diversity and ensure an Eco-friendly social life. The tenets address personal hygiene, social behavior, worship God and encourage good animal husbandry. These include a ban on killing animals and felling green trees, and providing protection to all life forms (firewood they use is devoid of small insects.) Wearing blue cloths is prohibited because the dye for coloring them is obtained by cutting a large quantity of indigo. <Enroute to the Bishnois Village> The parade of people you see on the roads are pilgrims going to holy sites.
After a full day of travel it was a welcome experience to return and have a taste of royal luxury at the <Hotel Ajit Bhawan>
> Mandore Gardens
Mandore gardens - Just 8 km north of Jodhpur is the ancient capital of Marwar, Mandore. At Mandore Gardens is the hall of Heroes, the shrine of 330 million Gods and the royal cenotaphs. The Hall of Heroes consist of sixteen gigantic figures carved out of a single rock and painted in bright colors depicting Hindu and Raiput folk heroes. In the Mandore garden, are the dewals or cenotaphs of Jodhpur's former rulers. The cenotaphs are built along the lines of a Hindu temple. They are four stories high, with fine columns and an elegant spire, all in red sandstone.
>Mandore Gardens photo show 1 >Mandore Gardens photoshow 2
Located near the Clock Tower landmark in Jodhpur is the Sardar Market. It is an amazing example of 19th century town planning. Tiny shops of textiles, silver, handicrafts, old books, aromatic spices, vegetables and colorful Indian sweets line both sides of the narrow lanes in the markets. The market displays a blend of modern architectural concepts with Rajput traditions.
Our destination is Udaipur the honeymoon capital of India. <Jodhpur to Ranakpur Temples> Leaving Jodhpur the next stop is the Ranakpur Jain Temples located between Jodhpur and Udaipur.
> Ranakpur Jain Temples
The temples at Ranakpur offer the finest examples of complex levels of Jain craftsmanship. The Jain’s are known for their aestheticism and religious fervor (Jains are strict vegetarians and the orthodox walk with care so no insect should die underfoot and wear face-masks to protect even the tiniest bug from being ingested.) Every inch of the pillars, walls, and ceilings of the beautiful Ranakpur Temples are covered with exquisitely detailed relief carvings. The main Chaumukha Temple, built from 1446 and dedicated to Adinatha Rishabdeva, the first Jain tirthankara, or "Enlightened One," is surrounded by 66 shrines; inside are 1,444 intricately carved pillars – each one different.
<Ranakpur Jain Temples photo show 1> <Ranakpur Jain Temples photo show 2>
<Ranakpur Jain Temples photo show 3> <Ranakpur Jain Temples photo show 4>
- Northern