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In addition to the rich history, the area has a wealth of
architectural and cultural heritage, as well as sites of
anthropological significance. Rock cave paintings date back 3,000
years, temples constructed around 1,000 BCE, step wells and ancient
fortifications that have survived 500 years, and the Rawla itself
more than 300 years old, combining Hindu, Muslim and British
influence.
Rawla Bathera is now a centre for the preservation of local culture,
tradition and ecology, organizing and celebrating several festivals
and leading the effort to protect and conserve the surrounding
forest and freshwater resources.
This diverse and fascinating heritage comes alive during a guided
tour of
- Ancient temples more than 1,000 years old
- Intricate step well designs that have survived 500 years
- Indian architecture styles blending Hindu, Muslim and British
influences
- Cultural events that are timed with major local festivals
The walk starts North through Bathera village, towards the ancient
Shiva temple housing the 1,000 year old idol where you can spot the
elements of old Hindu architecture in the temple building the flat
headstones, absence of arches, the wide, eccentric cupola.
Further on, to the village lake constructed 200 years ago behind a
retaining dam, at one end of which were the old British guest rooms
that now house a medical dispensary. Along the way, visit the local
kiln making hand moulded bricks.
Then visit the step well, a design that has survived hundreds of
years, and was the cleanest source of drinking water for the entire
village until just 50 years ago. Nearby is the spot marking the
footsteps of Lord Krishna (the 9th avatar of God Vishnu, the
Preserver of Life) rested briefly during his historic journey of
1,500 km from Mathura, near modern day Delhi to Dwarka on the West
coast of India in the State of Gujarat.
The walk leads to the family cenotaphs on the banks of a monsoon
stream, then climbs up, past the newly constructed flour mill the
unmistakable symbol of industrialization, and then a little further
to the new temples of the Jain religion.
Back at the Rawla, the tour includes the family temples one
housing a 1,000 idol of Laxmi and Narayan - a combination rarely
found elsewhere in India. The second temple dedicated to Charbhuja
(the 4 armed manifestation of Lord Krishna) and Bayan Mata - the
family deity under whose protective guidance the Rawla plays host
during most cultural events.
A walk back in Time that makes you wonder ..is it legend, or is it
myth
Time : 2 hours, starting 10 am
Distance : 2 km walking circuit from the Rawla
Inclusions : local guide |
