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Pali has a glorious historical background which traces its
origin to the age of Mahabharata. The legendary Chinese traveler
Huen-t-Sang in his memoirs mention that Pali, in 667 A.D.,
was part of then Gurjar Desh and was administered by local
bodies. Before the formation of Rajasthan Pali was the part
of erstwhile Marwar state. Pali got its name from the Paliwal
Brahmins who once inhabited this place.
Today Pali's chief attractions are three exquisite temples,
namely the Hatundi Rata Mahabir Temple, the Ranakpur Jain
Temple and the Surya Narayan Temple (the first has been covered
under Pali, while the other two have been covered separately
under Ranakpur).
The Hatundi temple is one of the prettiest temples in Pali
district and perhaps in the whole of Rajasthan. It is a splendid
pink-white temple which is dedicated to the 24th and last
Jain saint Mahavira. It is built almost in shape of the 'Pyramids
of Egypt', with the older part constructed in pink color.
The huge central dome is approached by a stairway through
three balconies or porches. The six huge white cupolas with
sharp turrets pointing skywards contrast vividly with the
older part of the temple. The inner sanctum houses an imposing
statue of Lord Mahavira himself.
The nearest airport for reaching Pali is at Jodhpur. There
are connecting flights from Delhi, Bombay, Jaipur and Udaipur.
The drive from Jodhpur airport to Pali takes 2 hours. There
are many trains to Jodhpur from Delhi, Bombay, Jaipur, Agra,
Bikaner and Jaisalmer. It is followed by a 2 hours car journey.
It is also accessible by road from Jodhpur, Khimsar, Nagaur,
Marwar, Osian, Narlai, Ghanerao, Deogarh, Jaisalmer, Bikaner,
Pushkar, Roopangarh, Udaipur and Jaipur.
TouristPlacesRajasthan.com
provides information on Pali Tours Guide
and different Tours Guide around Rajasthan.
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