300 Ancient Jain Temples In Kumbhalgarh Fort : The Forgotten Treasures Of Jainism
One such archaeological site, declared a UNESCO a world heritage site in 2013, is the Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan, India.
The marvellous fort, with a 38 km long boundary wall protecting the entire fort complex, is believed to have been built around 200 BCE by the Jain ruler, King Samprati also known as the Jain Ashoka. King Samprati was the Grandson of Emperor Ashoka and was ordained into Jainism by a Jain Acharya called Suhasti.
There are a total of 360 temples in the fort complex, of which 300 temples are identified as belonging to Jainism and rest 60 to Hinduism.
The fifteen feet thick boundary walls of the fort are so unbelievably magnanimous, that it's often called The Great Wall Of India, comparing it to The Great Wall Of China. The fort was reconstructed in its present structure by Rana Kumbha in sometime between 15th-16th century, after whom the fort is now named.
Of the 300 Jain temples, some important ones are : Parsva Natha temple (built during 1513), Bawan Bawari Jain temple, Pital Shah Jain temple and Nirandhara temple.
The formidable fort which is also famous as the birthplace of Maharana Pratap attracts visitors from all over the world and is only second in popularity right after the famous Chittorgarh Fort. The fort was inhabited by the royal family upto until the 19th century and has now been opened for the public and is managed by the Archaeological Survey Of India.
Kumbhalgarh is in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. The nearest Domestic Airport from Kumbhalgarh is Udaipur Airport, roughly two hour drive from Kumbhalgarh. Connecting flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur can be taken from here. The nearest International Airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, roughly five hour drive from Kumbhalgarh.
Falna Railway Station is the nearest Railway station situated at a distance of 84 Kms from Kumbhalgarh and is well connected to many major cities.
Kumbhalgarh is 48 Kms from Rajsamand, 51 Kms from Nathdwara, 60 Kms from Sadri, 105 Kms from Udaipur, 157 Kms from Bhilwara, 160 Kms from Beawar, 207 Kms from Jodhpur, 213 Kms from Ajmer, 345 Kms from Jaipur, and is connected through Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) and some private travel services.
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