Jhunjunun

Jhunjhunu

Location South west of Jaipur, Rajasthan
Climate of Jhunjhunu Summer 24°C to 45°C, Winter 5°C to 20°C
Best time to visit October and March
Language spoken Hindi, Marwari and Rajasthani.
Attractions Fort, Lakes, Temples etc.
Religions Hindism, Marvari and Rajputs.

Jhunjhunu, is the cultural capital of the region known as Shekhawati and has a rich history, as it played a significant role in the politics of Shekhawati. If local legends are to be relied upon, the history of this place dates back to the Pandavas who, while wandering, had spent some time here. This region has been called the’ largest open art gallery in the world’.

Jhunjhunu is the districthead quarters and ancient capital of Shekhawati, could be the most attractive places for the tourist. It has some of the most beautiful buildings, not to be missed by its visitors. Places to visit in the city are Dargah of Kamaruddin Shah, Badalgarh Fort, Mukundgarh Fort, The Modi and Tibrewala Haveli etc.

Places to visit

Ajit Sagar Lake

To the farthest north of Jhunjhunu is the picturesque artificial Ajit Sagar Lake, built by Jitmai Khaitan in 1902. The Lake filled by rain water comes running down from the sides of the Moda Pahar and very seldom dries up. Pavilions are constructed on each corner of the lake where paintings are carved beautifully beneath the dome. Peoples generally quench their thirst from the lake.

Badalgarh Fort

It was built by Nawab Fazl Khan at the close of the 17th century, but not as a fort but as a stable! Well, horses and camels were precious for the kings those days, for they didn’t have F-18s or Stealth Bombers, you see.

And it was only fair that these animals have a place to stay befitting their status. Naturally, Badalgarh doesn’t enclose those grand baradaris (pavilions) or sheesh mahals (mirror palaces) that you would find in the Amber Fort Palace or the Jaisalmer Fort, but it’s an interesting site to explore anyway.

The views from the walls of Badalgarh are especially good. There are also three makbaras (tombs) of the Kaimkhani nawabs in Jhunjhunu. To the east of the town is the Tomb of Nawab Samas Khan (reigned 1605-1627), and to the west is the Tomb of Bhawan Khan built by Rohella Khan. The Tomb of Rohella Khan is like a solid block topped by a dome.

Badani Chand Well

The well is placed on the north west side of the town surmounted by four imposing minarets. It was treated like a temple since water is of immense importance in the desert. There is a small sacred temple for the Hindus at this well and it is named after Hanuman. The well was decorated with rich paintings and one of the four pavilion was erected nearby so that women folks could gather and exchange news. Nearby is an old inn for the caravans to take a halt during their journey.

Bihari Ji Temple

It is a temple in Jhunjhunu, which is immensely popular for its antique paintings. Sri Biharji Temple is from a similar period and contains some fine murals, although these too have suffered over the years.

Dargah of Kamaruddin Shah

South of Kana Pahar lies the blueish coloured Dargah from where a good view of the town can be seen. A ramp leads to the entrance and the steps lead to the roof top from the court yard. Kali Pahari is to the east of the Dargah. The Dargah complex consists of a madrassa, a mosque and a mehfilkhana, at which religious fest are held. Also seen are the fragmants of paintings depicting floral motifs around the courtyard.

Forsterganj– A British Establishment

After the Shekhawat Rajputs had their high time in the power game, came the British and with them came Major Henry Forster to Jhunjhunu. He built a mosque and a temple in the part of the town which he created Forsterganj. This lies in the east of Jhunjhunu and was the headquarters of the Shekhawati Brigade. Forster’s Jama Masjidis painted in white and green, and is a pretty fresh looking structure. There are other reminders of the well-loved Major in town, like the stone tablet installed by the Major himself.

Khetri Mahal

Perhaps the finest architectural heritage of Jhunjhunu is the Khetri Mahal, also known as the Wind Palace. It was built by Bhopal Singh, founder of Khetri and grandson of Sardul Singh, in 1770.

Wherever possible, marble pillars take the place of walls, allowing the maximum flow of air through the building. A ramp ascends through the Mahal from the entrance right up to the terrace, so that the Rajputs could ride up on their horses. Inside are lovely halls with graceful arches and pillars. The Khetri Mahal was so beautiful a monument that Sawai Pratap Singh of Jaipur got inspired by it and built the grand Hawa Mahal in 1799.

Kirori Ji

Chirana is 65 km. from jhunjhunu via Nwalgarh and 28 km. from Sikar and well connected with the bus serices conducted by R.S.R.T.C. Places of Tourist Interest Kirori Ji is also a holy and religious shrine of Hindus located in the lap of Aravali hills. Besides its natural beauty this ancient and salubrious spot is famous for ponds of hot and cold water spring. temple and the cenotaph of Raja Todar Mal of Udaipurwati. Kirori Ji, Being located in a verdant velley in the vicinity of Lohargal is a worth visiting.

Lohargal

The holy shrine of Lohargal is situated at the foot hills of the Aravali ranges. It is famous for its natural scenic beauty. The wild and prolific nature captivate the heart of the visitors. It is mireculous that a perennial stream of water trickles down from the hille and falls into the suraj kund. Its water is crystal clear, pure and wholsome which is said to be the malady for many diseases. There runs an anecdote that the pandawa’s after winning the bettle of Mahabharta repented for the heavy bloodshed of their own kiths and kins. They also washed their blood satined weapons. consequently the weapons melted. It was a great miracle. Since then it has been named as Lohargal ( that which melts iron). Thetefore it has become a place of pilgrimage of the Hindus. A large fair is held every year from krishana janmaashthami to Amawashya. Besides above, Malket. barkhandi. Gyan Bawari, Bhim Kund, Chetan Das Bawari and many other temples of Gods and Goddesees are worth visiting monuments in the Lohargal area.

Mertaniji Ki Baori Well

The Mertaniji ki Baori is the oldest and finest of Jhunjhunu’s step wells. It was built by Sardul’s widow in 1783. Step wells are real architectural feats in the desert state of Rajasthan and building them was considered a great act of generosity and benevolence. They served as community centers, where people gathered to help themselves to the most precious commodity water. The Mertani Baori is a beautiful structure with flights of steps descending through arches.

Mukundgarh Fort

Mukandgarh in Jhunjhunu district has a 300-year-old magnificent fort, which is now converted into a resort hotel, with all modern amenities. There are havelis of Kanoria, Ganeriwal and Saraf, which are a fine example of fresco paintings. Mukundgarh Fort is a heritage property, a grand construction and has amazing detailing of the famous Shekhawati frescoes on the walls. The hotel offers beautifully furnished rooms with a view of the fort’s courtyard or the green vegetation beyond.

Narhar

Narhar is an ancient place of pilgrimage of the Muslims as well as Hindus. There is an old Durgah after the name of Sufi Saint Sakharbar Shah. The devotees smear the dust of the place to seek the blessing of the saint. The people pour forth from all over the country on the famous fair of the JANAMA ASHTHAMI. It is an emblem of National Integrity.

Rani Sati Temple

Shri Ranisati Mandir in Jhunjhunu has a history of more than 400 years and is a commanding testimony to feminine bravery and motherhood with rich tales of history that captivate the fancy of all tourists. Billions of worshipers and followers, not only in India but worldwide too come visiting Jhunjhunu’s Rani Sati Temple. Devotees from all over offer their prayers and puja everyday almost ritualistically.

A splendid portrait of the Rani Satiji is located in the Pardhan Mand with the imposing Shikhar. The entire edifice in white marble is charming. The main Temple of Shri Rani Satiji is the place for the main sanctum . The temple also boasts colorful wall paintings. The temple is graced with fine murals which bear the unmistakable imprint of bearing the brunt of time.

Shekhawat Rajput’s Cenotaph

The Shekhawat Rajputs, too, put in their bit to build Jhunjhunu. The cluster of memorial chhatris of Sardul Singh’s sons is now used as a school. They’ve whitewashed the place which, sadly, has erased some of the historic murals.

The inscriptions, too, have been obliterated. However, there still are some remains of paintings on the inner walls of some of these. Sardul Singh’s eldest son, Zorawar Singh, built a fort for himself. This was Zorawargarh, built in 1741. Most of the fort is in ruins, but the better buildings house government offices and the town jail. The Zenana Complex in which dwelled the lovely royal ladies, now lies bare and broken.

The Modi and Tibrewala Haveli

Both in the main bazaar, these are covered with murals, and the latter one is particularly interesting. These havelis are big draws for tourists. Age old architecture is on display in these once-inhabited havelis.

Other Places
Forts : Malsisar Fort, Jorawargarh Fort, Akhegarh Fort etc.
Havelis(Mansion) : Seth Ishwardas Mohan Das Modi Haveli, Nar Singh Das Tibrewala Haveli, Shri Ram Jait Ram Tibrewal Haveli, Bala Bux Tulshan Haveli, Khetan Haveli etc.

Some more Places : Six Havelies of Tibrewala, Makbara of Nawab Samaskhan, Jorawar Garh, Bihari Ji Temple, Khetri Mahal (A Wind Palace), Kamruddin Shah Ki Durgah, Captain Henry Forester’s son’s Majaar, Mertani Ji Ki Bawari (Stepwell), Mansha Mata and Badru Ki Johari, Laxmi Nath Temple, Khetan Bawari (Stepwell), Rani Sati Temple, Birdi Chand’s Well, Ajeet Sagar, Captain Henry Forester’s Gate, Captain Henry Forester’s Radhakrishana Temple, Captain Henry Forester’s Jama Masjid , Cenotaphs of Shekhawat Rulers, Lacwork, Leather work and Scissors Market (Phootla Market), Moda Hill Resort Sunrise Point,Samas Talab,Makbara of Nawab Rohilla Khan, Sakambri(16 Km), Lohargal(15 Km), Kirori(5 Km) etc.

ALSISAR : Shri Lal ahadur Mal Ki Haveli,Tejpal Jhunjhunuwala ki Haveli, Ramjas Jhunjhunuwala ki Haveli, Lakha ka ki Haveli, Mahali Dutt.Khetan Haveli, Arjun Ram khetan Haveli, Cenotaph of Thakur Chhotu Singh, Satya Narain Temple, Sri Lal Bahadur Mal Well, Ram Jas Jhunjhunuwala ka Well, Jiwan Ram Marodia ka Talab (Water Tank) etc.
BAGAR : Fatehsagar Water Tank, Rungta Haveli, Rungta Dharmashala, Miya Saheb ki Durgah etc.

BISSAU : Raj ki Chhatri (A Cenotaph), Jai Narain Gopi Ram Tibrewal Haveli, Chandi Prasad sigatia Haveli, Budhar Mal Mertia Haveli, Shri Lal Didwania (Tibrewal) Haveli, Girdhari Lal Sigatia Haveli, Bajrang Lal sigatia Haveli, Radhey Shyam Singhania Haveli, Satya Narain Banwari Lal Bagla Haveli, Hari Prasad Nand Lal Kyala Haveli, Hari Bax Fatehpuria Haveli, Kashi prasad Vaidhya (Khemka) Haveli, Ram Dayal Fatehpuria Haveli, Brij Mohan Kanodia Haveli, Jorawar Mal Poddar HavelI, Temple of Venkat Bihari Ji, Temple of Narsingh Deo Ji, Nathu Ram Poddar Haveli, Murli Dhar Hira Lal Jhunjhunuwala ki Haveli, Niranjan Lal jai Dayal Kedia Haveli etc.

CHIRAWA : Rai Bahadur Suryamal Tulshan Haveli, Namani Havelies, Duli Chand Kakarania Haveli, Bhola Ram kakarania Haveli, Phool Chand Dalmia Haveli, Mangal Chand Dalmia Haveli, Tara Chand Keshardeo Dalmia Haveli, Sekhasaria Haveli, Manohar Lal Vaidhya Haveli, Kakarania Well, Sekhsaria Well, Poddar Well, Nandlal Dalmia Haveli etc.

CHURI-AJEET GARH : Shiv Narain Nemani Haveli, Shiv Narain Nemani Baithak, Shiv Narain Nemani Kothi and Chhatri, Satya Narain and Shiv Temple, Shiv Dutt Rai Jagan Lal Tibrewal Haveli, Ram pratap Nemani Haveli etc.

DUNDLOD : Fort, Satya Narain Temple, Anand Ram Subhakaran Goenka Haveli, Tugan Ram Goenka Haveli, Jangan Nath Goenka Haveli, Shiv Bux Goenka Chhatri, Ram Dutt Goenka Chhatri and well etc.

GANGIASAR : Temple of Raimata ( A Goddess), Fort, Jamuna Das Tibrewal Haveli, Jagan Nath Tibrewala Haveli, Ram Chandra Singhania Haveli etc.

KAJARA : Bhopal Garh Fort, Panna Lal Shah ka Talab (Water Tank), Ram Krishan Mission, Sukh Mahal, Amar Kund, Raghu Nath Ji Ka Bara Temple, Temple of Bhatiani Ji, Thakur Hari Singh Temple, Ajeet Sagar an excursion, Rameshwar Das Baba ka Ashram at Bassai, Baghor Fort etc.

NAWALGARH : Bala kila fort’s Bastion, Roop Niwas palace, Anandi Lal Poddar haveli, Jodh aj Devi Dutt Patodia Haveli, Banshidhar Bhagat Haveli, Chokhani Haveli, Dangaich Haveli, Kulwal Haveli, Kuri Mal Shekhsaria Haveli, Chhaochharia Haveli, Goenka’s Four Havelies, Aath(eigth) Havelies, Ganga Mata Temple, Gopi Nath Temple, Kalyan Temple, Laxmi Narain Temple etc.

PARASRAM PURA BARA : Cenotaph of Sardul Singh Shekhwat, Gopi Nath Temple, Satya Narain Gauri Shankar Saraf Haveli etc.

PILANI : Birla Haveli and Museum, B.I.T.S. Museum, Birla Saraswati Temple, Panchawati, Birla Talab, Shiv Ganga Canal, Saraogi Haveli, Dada Haveli etc.

SINGHANA : Dokania Haveli, Khaki Ji ka kund (A Step well), Gule Imam Shah ki Durgah and Mahphil Khana etc.

SURAJGARH : Surajgarh Fort (Heritage Hotel), Hari Ram Jugal Kishore Jhunjhunuwala ki Haveli, Kedar Nath Khetan Haveli, Tara Chand Tulshan Haveli, Lal Chand Kayan Haveli, Narain Das Kayan Haveli, Pkar Mal Khatan Haveli, Satya Narain Temple etc.

UDAIPURWATI : Mahan Shah ki Bawari (Stepwell), Joki Das Shah ki Chhatri (Cenotaph), Sukh Talai, Ruins of Todar Mal’s Palace, Some Havelies etc.

Major Attractions:

(1)  Nar Singh Das Tibrewal haveli

(2)  Khaitan Haveli

(3)  Ishwar Das Modi Haveli

(4)  Khatri Mahal (Wind Palace)

(5)  Bihariji Temple

Major Excursions:
Nawalgarh

(1)  Aath (eight) haveli complex

(2)  Jodhraj Patodia Haveli

(3)  Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli

(4)  Chokhani Haveli

(5)  Hotel Roop Niwas Palace

Churi Ajitgarh

(1)  Shiv Narain Nemani Haveli

(2)  Kothi Shiv Datt Haveli

(3)  Rai Jaganlal Tibrewal Haveli

(4)  Ram Rampratap Nemani Haveli Chirawa

(5) Rai Bahadur Tulsian Haveli

Teej (July / August) Gangaur Festival (March/April)

* kindly double check the exact travel distance & the train/flight timing with us in case of any last minute changes.