Each and every city and town of Rajasthan seems to be painted in a different hue. Pick any colour and there's a city matching it. Sounds interesting? And which is more, the people of the region are as exotic as its architectural legacy that ropes in legions of travellers from all across the globe. Camels, fairs, festivals, culture, tradition and cuisine - it's all here, in abundance!


While you begin exploring the Jaisalmer Fort, you will come across some exquisitely carved Jain temples dating back to the 12th century. Though constructed in the style of the famed Dilwara Jain temples, these temples have their own special significance. Held in high esteem by the Jain community, the temples are open to all who pour into the city to become cognizant of the history, culture and tradition of the region. These temple can be paid a visit to from early morning to 12 noon. Built in yellow sandstone, the temples can get you into a state of divine peace. To delve deeper into the history of these temples, you can get to the Gyan Bhandar Library that lies adjacent to these temples.

Moving 15 km northwest of Jaisalmer, lies yet another Jain pilgrimage centre - Lodurva. Interestingly enough the history of this quaint town is more ancient that that of Jaisalmer. The Bhatti Rajputs, before they moved to Jaisalmer, ruled and stayed here for a considerable span of time.

Before you start digging into the past of the Lodurva ruins, get ready to be welcomed with a sight of brightly coloured peacocks that can be seen dancing here. The ruins of the Lodurva temples, that time has spared, truly breathe a lot of history and you will feel it yourself. Remember to make a wish near the Kalpataru tree as you enter the temple complex and begin searching for bits of history that might be scattered here and there. The main Jain temple at Lodurva has an imposing image of the 23rd Jain teerthankar Parasnath. The stately arch and the exquisite jali work on the screens and walls is also worth seeing.



The Parsvanath Temple, which is the main Jain temple here, suffered damages in 1152 only to be reconstructed the year 1615 by Seth Tharu Shah. The main archway or the Torana Dwar is one of its kind in the whole of Rajasthan. The intricacy of work and embellishments command appreciation from all. The Rishabhnath Temple is the second important Jain temple at Lodurva. The temple was established by Seth Saccha in the year 1479. Rishabhdevaji, to whom the temple is dedicated, was a man of myriad characteristics. The Jain Kalpa Sutra (holy book), states : '' That he was a man of great beauty, modest, clever and in complete control of his senses. That he lived 20,00,000 years as a prince and no less than 63,00,000 years as a king." The Shambhavanath Temple is the third Jain temple here and is dedicated to Shambhavnath. An octagonal pyramid shaped roof surmounts the whole temple complex that remains surrounded by a fortification wall.

Be prepared to dig into the religious history of Jaisalmer to return loaded with myths and legends that could prove to be as interesting as a present day love story. And you don't need to worry about stories to pass on to your grand children as you will have enough of it once you arrive here.