Luderwa Jaisalmer

Lodarva or Luderwa was once the capital of the state in western Rajasthan ruled by the Bhatti Rajputs. The founder of "new" Jaisalmer, Rawal Jaisal, also of the Bhatti Rajput clan, lived here before shifting his capital to Jaisalmer fort on Trikuta Hill in the 12th century because Lodurva's location on a trade route through the Thar desert made it vulnerable to attack. Lodurva was attacked by both famous Afghan conquerers Mahmud Ghazni and later Muhammad Ghori. The ruins of the former city are of interest to history buffs. The Jain temple complex is known for its nag devta (snake god), a live snake that appears on auspicious days and nights. The snake is worshipped because, as legend goes, it has been protecting this temple for thousands of years. The temples are famous for their graceful architecture and detailed carving. They too were ransacked by Ghori and were rebuilt in the 1970s.

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