Jaipur: A Poem in Aesthetics
I have often visited this Pink City which is a glorious riot of colour, pomp, and pageantry; a specimen of architecture that is grand in lifestyle and intricate in design, a paradise of renowned handicrafts.
Carved out of the desert, Jaipur is a magical city built by Sawai Jai Singh II who was awarded the title SAWAI (for one who is extraordinary) by the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb when he was 11years old. Sawai Jai Singh II built this city with the help of a gifted Bengali engineer Vidyadhar Chakravarthy.
Jaipur means city of Victory. The city is built in the form of a rectangle divided into blocks chowkries, with roads and avenues running parallel to the sides.
The lay out of the streets was based on the mathematical grid of seven squares representing the ancient Hindu map of the universe, with the sacred Mount Meru, home of Shiva, occupying the Central Square.
Jaipur earlier known as Dhundhar is part of the broadly divided four regions of Rajasthan. The other three being Marwar (Jodhpur), Mewar (Udaipur), Shekhawati (Agarwal and Maheswari community comes from this region).
The Pink colour of the city was not in accordance to the original plans of Jai Singh but in 1876AD Jaipur dressed itself in pink to welcome Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria. The pink colour was chosen after several experiments to cut down the intense glare from the reflection of the blazing rays of sun. To this day, the buildings are uniformly rose pink.
Jaipur is a renowned handicraft center and is famous for producing exquisite gold jewellery enameled or inlaid with precious /semi-precious, blue pottery, carvings on wood, stone and ivory, block print and tie and die textiles, leather articles, handmade paper, miniature paintings, etc.
So here is a humble attempt to share my favorite places in the Pink City to shop,to eat, to visit and worship. Jaipur offers much more than what is listed below but keeping in mind the limited time factor for a tourist, here are a few of my favorite places.
1. For lovers of history this city is a must see
2. Places of worship
3. Fairs and Festivals
4. Polo-Jaipur’s Heritage
5. Day Visit Bagru, Sanganer, Samode, Salasar Balaji
6. Places to stay
7. A Few recommended eating joints
8. Sweets, Snacks and Jaipur specialty food
9. Jeweler’s
10.Jaipur textiles, Jaipur designers, Boutiques
11.Miscellaneous
1. For lovers of history
Amer Fort complex: Amer Fort complex stands amidst wooded hills overlooking the Delhi-Jaipur highway, with its forbidding ramparts reflected in the still waters of the Maota Lake. It was the ancient capital of kachhwaha rulers. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh; Additions were made by Sawai Jai Singh.Within the palace is the Diwan-e-Aam or the Hall of Public audience, the Diwan-e-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience and the Sukh Niwas or the Pleasure Palace where a cool breeze blows across channels of water for the purpose of air conditioning. There are the private chambers of the queens with windows having latticed screens so that the ladies could watch the proceedings of the royal court in privacy. There is the Jai Mandir or The Temple of Victory, with its famed Sheesh Mahal, the scintillating Hall of Mirrors.
Amer fort is located in Amer an area of 4sq.km. Amer fort was made by Meena’s community King Raja Alan Singh Chanda later occupied by Kachawa Rajput.
a. City Palace, Jaipur: You can enter the City Palace complex from either the Sirehdeori Gate or the Atish Gate. Within its walls are a number of places – The Hall of Public and Private Audience, the Mubarak Mahal and the seven-storied Chandra Mahal which house a museum. In the museum are preserved carpets, robes of the royal princes and an armory of old weapons. The miniatures are finely executed depicting court scenes, Radha-Krishna themes, the Ragmala series and battle scenes and processions.
b. Jantar Mantar: This open air observatory is set outside the gateway of the City Palace Complex. It was built by the astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh II in 1728 and is one of the five open-air astronomical observatories built by him. Some of the instruments measuring local time, the altitudes of stars and constellations, the sun’s declination, meridian, altitude and determining eclipses.
2. Places of worship
A. Shila Devi Temple:
This temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali, popularly known as Shila Devi, the goddess of strength. It has an idol of the deity made in black marble which was brought by Raja Man Singh of Amer in 1604 A.D. from East Bengal. It was elaborately decorated by Sawai Man Singh II with marble, silver door and the silver drum. The majestic doors display 9 forms of Durga and 10 forms of Saraswathi, the Goddess of knowledge.
Timings: 05:00-12:00 and 16:00-20:00hrs.
B. Govind Dev Ji Temple:
The City Palace Complex includes the temple of Govind Devji.This temple of Lord Krishna was built in such a fashion that the king could see the God from the Chandra Mahal which is exactly opposite to it. It is surrounded by gardens and palaces.
Temples Timings and Ceremonies and Darshan.
Mangala | 5:15-5:30 am |
Dhoop | 8:15-9:15 |
Shringar | 10:30-10:45 |
Gwal | 18:30-19:30 |
Sandhya | 18:30-19:30 |
Shayan | 20:00-20:15 |
Govind Ji Temple Contact: 0141-2619413
a) Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple
Lord Ganesh is worshipped first of all among all deities because Lord Ganesh is considered as the God of auspiciousness in Hinduism as well as God of Wisdom, Knowledge and wealth. Moti Doongri Ganesh temple in Jaipur was built in year 1761.
Timings:
Morning Time: 5:00 am-1:30 pm
Evening Time: 4:30 pm-9:30 pm
Timings for Aarti
5:00, 9:30, 10:30, 17:00, 19:15, 21:00
Special Timings for Wednesday Aarti:
5:00, 10:30, 12:00, 16:30, 22:45
3. Fairs and Festivals
a) Pushkar Festival:
Held in the month of November in Pushkar. The well-known and marked with the largest participation of all the festivals of Rajasthan, Pushkar(152 km away from Jaipur) is an important pilgrimage as well as the venue of mammoth cattle fair. Bazaars, auctions, music and sports are the highlights of this event.
b) Elephant Festival:
Held in between March-April in Jaipur. A festival to celebrate Holi, This is a great occasion for the visitor to watch several elephant sports and also play this festival of colours. A show is organized with the elephants turning out in their best finery.
c) Camel Festival:
The Camel Festival is organized by the department of Tourism of the Rajasthan Government in January every year in Bikaner. The festival begins with a colourful procession of bedecked camels against the red sandstone backdrop of the Junagarh Fort. Folk performances, camel race, camel dance and tug of war contest are held here.
d) Gangaur Festival:
Held in between the month of March-April, 18th day from Holi. This festival is devoted to goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is time for young girls to dress in their finery and pray for grooms of their choice while the married women pray for the well-being of their husbands. This 18th day festival is laced with various activities and culminates in a grand procession marking the arrival of Shiva to escort his bride home.
e) Jaipur Literature Festivals:
Jaipur Literature Festival is the biggest Literature festival in Asia and is celebrated each year during the month of January, usually in the Hall of Audience and the gardens of Diggi Palace, City Center.
4. Polo, Jaipur:
Polo is inseparable and is linked with Jaipur because of the passion and patronage of Late Maharaja Man Singh II who lead the victorious team in 1930’s on the international circuit favorite sport of the king, Jaipur is very famous for its capable Polo Team, people from all over India come to watch this sport; it is the big time attraction for wedding festivities also.
5. Day Visits
SANGANER:
Sanganer Village is famous for – Block Printing, Hand-made paper, Blue pottery. Short drive away from Jaipur it’s on State Highway-12.
BAGRU:
Bagru is a small town, located at a distance of 30 km from Jaipur-Ajmer Road. This town boasts of unique method of printing using eco-friendly colours. Anyone interested in textile printing enter into Chippa Mohal besides Sanjari River, where about a dozen families make themselves busy with dies and blocks.
SAMODE:
Samode is situated only about 42 km Jaipur. Samode offers various attractions like old Havelies and Fresco’s.
SALASAR BALAJI HANUMAN:
The land of Lord Hanuman, where all your ‘Sankats (problems) are solved when you come and seek the blessings of Balaji. It is 165 km away on the Jaipur-Bikaner highway. An ethnic luxury township spread over an area of 11 acres.
6. Places to stay:
Jai Mahal Palace
– +141-2223636
Jacob Road, Civil Lines
Rambagh Palace
– +141-2211919
Bhawani Singh Road
Raj Villas – Oberoi Hotel
– +141-2680101
Gormer Road off Agra Road
Welcome Group Raj Puttana Palace,
+141-5100100
Shereton Palace Road
Royal Orchid Central
– +141-4051234
Bani Park
Park Prime
– +141-2360202
Near Statue Circle
7. A Few recommended eating joints:
Sharma Ka Dhaba
Vishwakarma Industrial State VKI, Sikar Road.
Abt 20 Min drive from the city Niros, +141- 2374493
Oldest Jaipur eating place for Non Veg + Veg Food, M.I Road Thali House, +141-5115522
Authentic Dal Baati, Churma Rajasthani Cuisine
Station Road, Opp. Rawat
Anokhi Café – Organic Café, 0141 – 4007245 / 44
2nd Floor C-Scheem –C11, KK Square, Prithviraj Road
Handi (Good North Indian Food),
Opp. GPO – +141-2364839
Rajpoot
Achrol House, Subhash Chowk
Four Seasons, +141-2374606
Low Range Multi Cuisine, C-Scheme, Subhash Margh
8. Sweets, Snacks and Jaipur specialty food Churan
(Famous for Onion Kachories, Mirchi Bajji, Mishri Mava, Ghevar)
Sodhani Sweets – Old City Ajmer Road, Tonk Road Rawat – Station Road, +141- 2368288
LMB, Veg Food, Indian Cuisine
Johri Bazar – +141-2565844
Tholia Bulding, MI Road for Sweet and Salted Lassi.
Churan Jauhari Bazar
Opp. LMB,Modani co.
Near Mand B, Shop No. 92, Shop at the corner of Link Road.
9. Jeweller’s:
B-7E, Surana Enclave, Intersection of Ram Singh Road + Prithvi Raj Road
+141- 2372544, +141-2360891
+0141 – 2377940
Tholia Building, M.I Road, +0141 – 2377416
coloured glass.
141-2283030/+91 9414078843 Stones, Beads, G-10, Hathi Babo Marg, Bani Park, Jaipur.
Mukesh, 0141-2574224/ +91-9829056224
10 . Jaipur textiles and Boutiques, Jaipur designers
G1 ,17D, Ramesh Marg,C Sheem Jaipur 302001
Sabir Bhai, +91 9314507666
Ramgunj Bajar, Near Badi Chaupal
Papriwa Cottage, Ajmer Road
Praveen Bhai, +91 9314865745, +91 141-2361779
141-2373880, Mughal Garden, Shekhawati Enclave, C-35, Lajpat Marg,
Near Rajdhani Hospital, C-Scheme, Jaipur.
Kota Sarees, 0141-2576414/+91-9352388990
Kota Kedra, SM, MI Road,
+91- 9314476355, +91-9428997171
M.S. Bandhini, Chauda Rasta, Lal ji, Sand ki gali
Manufactured and Exporters of Handcraft items,
Block and screen print bed covers, Fabrics. 9 Fast Govind Nagar,
Opp Khandaka, Maggiage Hall, Amber Palace Road, Jaipur.
Retailers, whole sales and Exporters, 376, M.I. Road, Jaipur
Kilol, +91-9829092920
(Hand Block printed Textiles),
Rasa +141- 4038584, 5-55, Ashok Marg, C-Scheem
Hot Pink (For collection of top Indian Designers).
Swati,+919829058295.
Brigitte Singh (for exclusive Mughal Style fine printing), +141-2530229,
Amer Road.
Gotta Patti Work
1. Gaurav Katta, +91 9983144147
Panchabati, Behind Amrapali, M.I.Road, Jaipur.
2. Meena Tholia – +141-2362664
Tholia Building MI Road
3. Nidhi Tholia, 9828165644,0141-2367334
Tholia House, MI Road
4. Monisha, Thoryamaal, 0141 -3292728/9828014020
11 .Miscellaneous :
Blue Pottery – Neerja International
S-19, Bhawani Sing Road, Jacob Road, Civil Lines.
Marble Art Effects
Dhoot Sangemermer, B – 9, Bars Godam. +141-2212714
Painting mahal, 0141-2670178, Abhinav bansal, Ajmer
Thomas-(Metal Bust Casting), +91-91405165
Marble Statues Murthys, Pandey Exports, +141-2318834,
Narain Bhawan, 4th Cross, Khejre Ka Rasta
Hand Made Paper(AL Paper)
Main Market, Sanganer, +141-2731706
Kagzi Hand Made Paper Industries, +141-2770718
G- 179, EPIP, Garment Zone, Sitapur Marg
Mojari Jutis, +141-2377037
Gulab path, Chomu House
R K Bangles
22, Saraog Marsiod, Tel.:+141-2569683
Altaf Bangles, +91 9828220226
12. Handicrafts
Artisans at Work:
. Khanjanewaton Ka Rasta for Marble Carving
3. Achrol House, Subhash Chowk for Carpets
4. Maniharon Ka Rasta (Tripolia Bazar) for Lac Works
5. Kishan Pol Bazar for Tie + Dye Textiles
6. Ramganj Bazar for Shoes
Recommended reading for better insight of Jaipur
‘I Love Jaipur’ A book by a Fiona Caulfield.