Thursday, 29 May 2025

Discovering the Hidden Heritage of Lodhruva: A Timeless Journey Near Jaisalmer

Lodurva Jain Temple, located near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, is dedicated to the twenty third Tirthankar Parshwanath and is also a popular Jain pilgrims for Jains from Rajasthan and Gujarat. You can also see some very interesting donations made by the rich Jains living outside the country.

Lodurva was also the official capital of the Bhatti dynasty before it was shifted to Jaisalmer.

Not only is the temple in pristine condition, it’s also a very peaceful place to be in. The carvings on the stones. The play of light and shadows, the majestic Tree of Life, and the rich history of the place makes it a must-visit for everyone traveling to this part of country.

The intricate detailing on the wall is worth taking a closer look. This Lodruva temple has a 900 years + history, built in memory of 23rd Jain Tirthankara. The temple was destroyed couple of times when the forces of Ganji and Ghori attacked India in 11th/12th century. It was later restored.

The Lodhruva jain temple is located on the banks of River Kak (somehow the river name reminded me of Topgear Burma challenge, where the trio built a bridge across River Kok instead of River Kwai). River Kak was once flowing pretty well but dried up seeing the love birds: Prince Mahendru of Amarkot and Princess Moomal (or Mumal). They were separated by a series of misunderstandings and in the end got reunited but died in each other’s arms.

In the 9th century, Deoraj, a famous prince of the Bhati Rajput clan, captured Lodrawa from Lodhruva Rajput clan and made it his capital. The city stood on an ancient trade route through the Thar Desert, which also vulnerable to frequent attacks. Mahmud of Ghazni laid siege on the city in 1025 AD, in the coming decades the city, now more vulnerable was repeatedly attacked by foreign invaders. Later it was again attack and sacked by Muhammad Gori in 1178 AD, which eventually led to its abandonment and established in new capital Jaisalmen by subsequent ruler,Rawal Jaisal, 16-km away on a more secure Trikuta Hill in 1156 AD, where the present fortress stand today.

The place was also the setting for the doomed-loved story of Princess Mumal and Mahendra, the prince of Aamarkot, recounted in local folklore and songs