|
BHANDASAR JAIN TEMPLE
It is built by a
rich businessman namely “Bhanda shah”. In 1628 A.D. and was dedicated
to the sixth lord of Jainism ( Sumatinath ) the temple is one of the
most bewitching and elegant structures. Relevant information about it
is follows
Ground Flood
It is the main portion the temple and looks like a vaulted hall. In
the middle of that hall a silver throne is kept (about 2 feet in
height) Next to the throne there is one chamber where marble statue of
Lord Sumtinath is placed. In that chamber gilded leaf work of floral
design is seen. Than work is typical art of Muslim artisans who
are known as ‘Usta’, the great masters or painting and art. There are
two types of pillars on the ground floor, one with white colour and
painted with floral design, second with embossed sculptures of males
and females of specially beautiful. See the art of the sculptures and
appreciate their beauty. The floor of the main hall is made of
white marble tiles and these tiles were imported from italy, the
Ground floor has several murals of Jainism. You are recommended to see
that.
First Floor
There is one gate in the side of the main hall of the ground floor,
which leads to the first and second floors. There is nothing
interesting on the first floor so keep moving to the second floor.
(You may see the steps to the second floor when you get to the first
floor.)
Second Floor
It is the top the temple where a statue of the Lords is housed. Though
the statue is not so artistic, yet the balconies of the temple will
give you a birds’ view of the old city. Open the door to the
first balcony and the sight of another famous temple of the old city,
that is known as “ Laxmi Nath Temple”. In English language it means
Temple of Lord Vishnu. (Lord Vishnu is the creator of the universe
according to Hindu my mythology.) This temple was built by the
third ruler of Bikaner state, his highness Lunkaran Singh who ruled
this state during 1504 to 1526 A.D. Since the construction of the
temple, it has been the center to religious faith for the local
people.
If you open the gate of the second balcony then you may see the
embattled wall of the old city. It was constructed by Lord Singh, the
14th
ruler Bikaner state (1746-1787 A.D.) In those days Bikaner city was
limited within the range of the embattled wal ( 7 Square K.M.) The
wall was pieced within five gates. The kote gate was the main of
the city. The city of Bikaner got expanded only when the British
empire ended in India, in 1947 A.D. and up to 1914 A.D. the city
increased to the range of 18 square K.M. ; that means three times
bigger then in 1947 A.D.
The other historical place you can see from the second balcony is the
place of his highness Bika, the first ruler of Bikaner State and that
is the same fort which was constructed by the consent of the deity
Karni Ji.
|
