Pali–the unsung glorious city of Rajasthan near Jodhpur

Known as the Industrial City, Pali has mutely witnessed merchant trade for centuries. It has enough potential to keep a tourist occupied for a couple of days, thanks to the presence of Aravalli Mountains, temples, monuments and many other intriguing sites. Pali shares its borders with Jodhpur, Marber, Nagaur, Rajmasand, Udaipur, Sirohi and Jalore. Now, here’s a guide on the places you should explore during a visit to Sawai Madhopur.

Ranakpur Jain Temples
A Jain businessman is believed to have financed the construction of these temples after he had a divine vision. The Ranakpur Jain Temples is made to honour Adinath and named after the provincial king Rana Kumbha who played a key role in the construction of these shrines. With the Aravalli mountains standing with a dignified demeanour in the backdrop, this temple complex attracts people of other faiths beside the Jains.

Jawai Dam

Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur made this dam across the tributary of Luni River. Jawai Dam is the largest dam in western Rajasthan, a key source of water supply for the thousands of residents and a winter abode of migratory birds, crocodiles and leopards.

Parshuram Mahadev Temple
Long ago, they say, that Parashurama, the son of sage Jamdagni and his wife Renuka, carved a cave with his axe to make it wide enough for him to sit and meditate. This site is located 3990 feet above sea level, and also has nature-made images of Lord Ganesha as well. .

Nimbo Ka Nath Temple

The local lore has it that one of the heroines praised in the scripture Mahabharata, Queen Kunti, mother of the Pandava brothers, worshiped Lord Shiva while they were passing their time incognito away from Hastinapura at this site where today Nimboka Nath Temple is located. The Pandavas also made a Navdurga shrine here. Located on Falna-Sanderao route, this temple draws many believers and worshipers of Lord Shiva.

Sun Temple

Made in the 13th century and again renovated in the 15th century, the Sun Temple of Pali is made with sparkly white limestone in Nagar style architecture. It has elaborate walls, an octagonal mandap, a chikhara as the crown, and faces eastwards. The shrine has a beautiful image of Lord Surya Narayan riding a resplendent chariot driven by six horses. Those who are earnest about obtaining the blessings of the solar deity visit this shrine.

Ranakpur Dam

Ranakpur Dam is located in the Pali district of close to the Ranakpur Jain Temple. The dam is surrounded by a lot of greenery and other natural elements to serve as an ideal site for picnic and solitude.
Om Banna Dham

So, this is the famous temple of Bullet Baba located 40 kilometres from Jodhpur. Originally named as Om Banna, this good Samaritan was killed in a road accident in the year 1988. He owned a 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle which was taken away by the policemen to the police station after the unfortunate incident. However, to everyone’s utter amazement, the motorcycle parked at the police station was found at the accident site the following day. The police took it away once again only to find it parked at its rightful spot–the accident site. Finally, they realised that it was the will of Om Banna’s spirit to park the bike at the accident site, not a human prank. Soon after, a temple was erected at the accident site in honour of Om Banna who soon became Bullet Baba for his worshipers. Whoever, passes through this highway, makes it a point to stop and offer worship to the shrine of Bullet Baba.