Kiradu temples are one of the major temples in Rajasthan which is majorly known as a horror spot rather than being a tourist attraction in Rajasthan. The temples of Kiradu are a group of temples which is also known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan and they are famous for their ancient haunted stories. The temples are famous for being a favorite spot for the lovers and the temples are also have a haunted background and the stories are really spine chilling. It is a faith that no people stay here after sunset nearby the temples because it is said that anyone who will stay here will turn into stones and this is the story which is also remembered as the history of the temples which are scary yet thrilling.
According to the researchers the temple was built around the 11th century and was built by King Dushalraja and he was from the Parmar clan. There are many inscriptions present on the walls of the temple that defines its existence to the 12th century and also relate to the Chalukya dynasty. The pillars of the temples are engraved with such kinds of scripts and they belong to the Hindu calendar of the ancient e1ra of the Chalukya dynasty during the reign of Madan Bhramadeva Chauhan. There are altogether three temples present in the vicinity and they are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva and their idols are also present here but the temples are found in ruined condition.
The History of Kiradu Temples
The temples of Kiradu are believed to be haunted as the village is having many such kinds of stories rolling around. It is believed a heard that there was a sage who visited the village and he requested the villagers to take care of his disciples as he was away from the place for some days but nobody took care of them but there was a woman who took care of the disciples as the sage was away.
And when he came back he found his disciples in nearly dead condition and was very angry with the villagers who drove him to curse the entire village to turn into stone as they did not have any feelings in their heart so with anger and he just asked the women to move out from the village if she wants to go to escape from the curse and also asked her to not to turn back as she would also turn into stone and the women ran away from there.
And being curious she turned back and as a consequence, she turned into stone. And there is a statue of women of stone can be seen in the border of the village posing looking back, so the people out here feel that the stories are somehow true.
And eventually, nobody stays here after evening as they believe that whosoever will remain after an evening here will turn into stone.
Monuments in Barmer
Occupying an area of 28,387 sq. km, Barmer is among the larger districts in Rajasthan. Being in the western part of the state, it includes a part of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is to the north of this district while Jalore is in its south. Pali and Jodhpur form its eastern border and it shares a border with Pakistan in the west. Partially being a desert, this district has a large variation in temperature. The temperature in summer can rise up to 51 °C and falls to 0 °C in winter. Luni is the longest river in Barmer district. After travelling a length of almost 500 km, it passes through Jalore and merges in the marshy land of Runn of Kutch.
In 12th century this region was known as Mallani. It’s present name was give by its founder Bahada Rao, popularly known as Bar Rao, Parmar Ruler (Juna Barmer). He build a small town which is presently known as “Juna” which is 25 kms from present city of Barmer. After Parmer’s, Rawat Luka -Grand Son of Rawal Mallinath, establish their kingdom in Juna Barmer with help of his brother Rawal Mandalak. They defeated Parmers of Juna & made it their capital. Thereafter, his descendant, Rawat Bhima, who was a great warrior, established the present city of Barmer in 1552 AD and shifted his capital to Barmer from Juna. He build a small fort on top of the city which is also known as Barmer Garh. Hill of Barmer fort is 1383 feet but Rawat Bhima build fort at height of 676 feet which is safer place than top of hill. The estate of Barmer was hereditary bhumia Jagir (independent principality), being an alloidal vassal state of Marwar (Jodhpur) in Rajputana Agency and as against the other Nobles, Jagirdars and Chiefs of Jodhpur State who hold land on condition of regular services being rendered, the Rawat owes nominal allegiance and offers service only during emergencies.
Once a camel trade route, This 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 Pargana.
