Kuwalji Temple
Hidden treasure in Ranthambhore called "Kuwalji Temple". It is around 40 km from sawai madhopur railway station and situated in south west of the Rantahmbhore National Park enroute Phalodi and khanpur village,The area includes the confluence of the ancient Aravalli hill system with the Vindhyan hill system due to which the area is a very rich in bio-diversity.You can visit Devpura Dam on the way at Khanpur Village .Here you may have the opportunity of sightings of Sambhar Deer, Indian Gazelle ( Chinkara), Blue Bull (Nilgai), Spotted Deer, Langhur Monkey, Sloth Bear,hyena, Jackal, and many many birds. This area also boasts several Leopards and if you are very lucky the King of the Jungle - the Tiger may well wander by!
The Kuwalji temple is dedicated to lord Shiva.Hundreds of people come here to seek blessing of Lord Shiva for prosperity. The temple is said to have been built between seventh and ninth century. According to popular belief the Pandavas during the period, they spent incognito, built this temple. Afterwards in the year 1345, this was repaired and renovated by Raja Jait Singh. As per history there were many temples.In 12th century by king Alauddin khilji ( Second ruler of the Turkic,Khilji dynasty in India ) destroyed the temples.But all the stone with carving are there near the temples.The subject of these carvings are Love,Yoga ( Meditation) Battlefield,Life style, Dancing lady, animals including Camel,Tiger,elephant, cow etc. According to historians, it seems mini "Khajuraho" . Now there are two famous temple of 12th centaury Bijasan Mata Temple and Kamleshwar Mahadeo. One temple is in good condition and one is knocked down, which is splendid example for architecture.The temple of Kamleshwar Mahadev has been built on a platform 40 ft. high from the ground.There is Shiva lingam of red stone. A snake of copper is also placed around the Shivalinga and above this hands a copper urn from which water drips on the linga incessantly. Towards the west there is one more shrine of the deity, four armed. The interior walls of the temple have been beautified with ceramic tiles.Daily worship and ritual Pooja is performed by the Nihang Naga Sadhus of the Nath cult. Naga Sadhus in fact are the warrior sadhus who lived and moved collectively and they were quite deft in handling of weapons. The primary aim of the Sadhus was to protect this seat they belong to from the attacks of the invaders.Inside the temple and under the shikhar there are eight shikhar bracket-like projections which also have statues encarved on them. The shikhar of the temple is almost as high as the lower part of the temple.The pyramid like shape of the shikhar becomes roundish upward and atop is a pinnacle. Outside the temple there are many Gongs hanging.
The place is also popular for the Baori (step well) and river " Chakal". Step wells are the unique concept of India.These big tanks were used as cool places and water reservoir in parched days. It was a ritual to wash hands and feet before visiting the temple.There are three Baori (step well) where people take holy bath for removing skin problems.People believe that their diseases are cured if they take a dip in the scared water of this step well and they believe that by offering worship at this place they can regain their lost health and various diseases specially mental and of skin are cured. Around are built other cenotaphs which must have been built in the memory of the old priests. Also you can enjoy the small local market around the temples where shopkeeper sell goods of worship. sweets, photo of temple, food, etc.
