Shahpura Travel Guide
Distance : 58km from Bhilwara
Shahpura used to be the capital of the
erstwhile State of Shahpura in the princely days. The rulers belonged
to the Sisodia family of Rajputs of Mewar (Udaipur). The town came
into existence when it’s first chief, Sujan Singh (grandson of
Amar Singh I who ruled from 1597 to 1620), took over in 1629.
¤ The Gateways To Shahpura
The town is surrounded by a wall with four gates. The Ram Dwara built
by the Ram Snehi Sampradaya Trust is the prettiest structure in town.
Ram Snehi is a sect founded amongst the Hindus in 1748AD, and the
chief priest of the temple is the head of the sect. Pilgrims come
visiting from all over the country and even from places like Myanmar
(Burma). An annual fair called Phool Dol ka Mela is held here in
March-April for five days. The temple is built in the style of the
chhatri (domed pavilion) which is quite a common sight in Rajasthan.
But the Ram Dwar has the most beautiful pillars and domes. The domes
in the main cluster are painted, while elsewhere they show detailed
carving. The Trimurti Smarak is the memorial of three freedom
fighters, Jarawar Singh, Keshri Singh and Pratap Singh. It displays
the busts of the men with inscriptions below. A lesser destination is
the haveli (mansion) of Keshri, one of the three martyrs commemorated
in the Trimurti Smarak. It is called the Keshri Singh Barhath Haveli
and is a nice building, but needs renovation from time to time. A
board outside the house says that it is under the Archaeological
Survey of India.
¤ Other Attractions
Shahpura is also famous for the Pabuji ki Phad, a long sheet of cloth
displaying paintings depicting the heroic deeds of Pabuji, a celebrity
of Marwar (Jodhpur). These phads are painted in large numbers by local
artists and exported to various places. |
