Kaas Pathaar (Kaas Plateau) – Maharashtra’s lesser known heaven

Posted by Sid's Photologue on September 26, 2015

The temple is also known as ‘Chaturmukh’ temple – the one with four sides. Facing each of the 4 entrances, are the four huge white marble idols of Lord Adinath that are around 6 feet tall ! The construction of the 4 faceted temple and quadrupled image of Lord symbolize the Tirthankar’s conquest of the four cardinal directions and hence the cosmos!!

Majestic yet in complete harmony with mother nature, this magnificent monument of devotional architecture seems bathed in celestial bliss……

The idea of constructing a temple was conceived by Dharma Shah, a local Jain businessman in the court of Kumbha Rana, the provincial ruler. As the legend says – one night in his dream, Dharma Shah had a vision of ‘Nalinigulma Viman’ which is considered to be the most beautiful among the celestial planes. Shah decided that the temple should resemble this heavenly plane…..

Sculpted in the foothills of Aravalli ranges, skirted on one side by the rivulate Maghai and enveloped in the solitude of the surrounding forest; this structure of solemn grandure honours Lord Aadinath Rushabhdev – the first Tirthankar and the founder of the Jain religion.

Rajasthan is famous for its rich and prolific art treasures. Some of its architectural monuments are considered among the best in the world. The Ranakpur Jain Temple excels them all as an exquisite work of art and architecture.

Visiting such Temples, makes one realize how insignificant and imperfect one really is before his infinite Creator; inspiring one to rise above false pride and ego and to become aware of one’s true place in the Divine scheme of things…….

The artists have given them life and movement with the magic touch of their chisels. While trying to comprehend their mute language & marveling at their workmanship, the beholder gets lost in history!!

…….& a large number of Shikhars, (the spires) make a unique pattern of spirituality lining the canvas of the blue sky !!!

In the heart of the remote and enchanting valley of the Arvalli ranges & located around 90 km NW of Udaipur; is the Jain Temple of Ranakpur

….a scheme that makes one oblivious of materialistic feeling of ecstasy & fills him with the sublimity of the Divine Bliss. A bliss that reminds him his humble position before the God…..A bliss where one can not help but bow down in reverence before the Creator himself !!

The most outstanding feature of this temple is its infinite number of pillars. This temple can be called a ‘Treasure house of Pillars’ or ‘a City of Pillars’. In whichever direction one might turn one’s eyes meet pillars and pillars – big, small, broad, narrow, ornate or plain…….

One simply can not take their eyes off these marvelous architectural creativity !

….& the devotion takes a sip of the faith !!!!

There are a total 84 shrines embellishing the temple….soliciting and inspiring man to strive for emancipation from the 84 lakh cycles birth and death and attain eternal salvation !!

Supported on 40 feet high pillars; the artistic Torans (the festoons) suspends like ornaments studded with precious stones from the magnificent dome with its delicately carved pendants. One can not take their eyes off these marvelous creativity !

‘Kalpavruksh’ – The Wishing Tree

Many renowned artists and sculptors were invited & they submited their plans and designs. But none could even remotely capture Shah’s dream image of the plane. At last, the construction began in 1446 as per the design of an easy-going sculptor named Deepak & completed in 1496. It took over 50 years of hard work and devotion to bring the Minister’s dream down to earth in the form of a magnificent temple – in an image of the Viman of the Gods !!!!

It is time for some local refreshments! Nothing can beat a sip of naturally cooled Shikanji (the lime water) after a long tiring walk…..

River Ganga is the embodiment of all sacred waters for Hindus. Its closeness invokes calmness & induces the feeling of peace and tranquility. Its serenity & sacredness is paramount to the culture, faith & tradition of this land. Lets make a conscious effort to preserve the cleanliness, the eco-diversity & the holiness of this sacred place. Har Har Gange

View of Swargashram, from Lakshman Jhula

Lakshman Jhula…one of the two iconic suspension bridges in Rishikesh, is the older of the two. The original one built in 1889 was washed away in floods. The current one was built in 1924 & has been reinforced thereafter, several times

…..coupled with rejuvenating bites of tender coconut.

The flock of devotees making their way to the Triveni Ghat for the evening Ganga Aarti

Over the past years, Rishikesh is becoming a popular destination for the yoga, spiritual & adventure enthusiasts, both from India and abroad. However, in the recent days, a large number of tourists from different geographies – obscure of spiritual and cultural values of Rishikesh, have been seen indulging in consuming drugs / alcohol and participating in partial nudity at the banks of Ganga, which affects the spiritual environment of area where sadhus and yogis gather to meditate and contemplate……

The narrow streets of Rishikesh are lined with small shops, selling souvenier & other religious items.

…or even T shirts. The faith & belief can sell everything !!!

…or stoles….

…or a treasure trove full of coins embossed with figues or Gods & Goddesses….

….& some with ‘continental’ stuff too! Let’s create a Rome, when the Romans are around ;), Can’t believe pasta & macaroni sold side by side to Samosa & aaloo chat !

…be it small idols….

Parmarth Niketan Ashram

3 Comments Add yours

mukul chand says:

September 26, 2015 at 10:04 pm

Wonderful Post

Reply
1. sidtan says:
  
  September 26, 2015 at 10:11 pm
  
  Thank you Mukul
  
  Reply
  1. mukul chand says:
    
    September 26, 2015 at 10:15 pm
    
    welcome
    
    Reply

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