Lodruva - Ancient Capital of Bhati Rajputs
General View
Lodruva, the ancient capital of Bhati Rajputs, formerly known as Lodravapur or Ludurvapatan after the Lodra Rajputs who ruled in this area before being ousted by the Bhatis. The city received severe damages once at the hand of Muhammad of Ghazni in 1025 CE and again in 1178 CE by Muhammad Ghori. The ruins and remnants of the place testify to its prosperity in the past.
11th century Jain Temple of Parsavanatha, ornate Torana arch, divine Kalpataru tree replica, Chaturmukha Shiva-linga (10th century CE), and ancient fortification ruins.
The most important remnants are the eleventh century Jain Temple dedicated to Parsavanatha and the ruins of Hinglajmata Temple. Torana or the ornate arch at the main entrance of the Jain temple is one of the splendid examples of the architecture. The replica of the divine tree Kalpataru is another attraction. About 200 meter northeast of this temple at Moomal-ki-Marhi there is an old Shiva temple which houses a Chaturmukha Shiva-linga of tenth century CE.
Adjacent to this temple, there is another small unidentified temple showing a memorial pillar in front. Traditionally this place is also associated with the famous love story of Mahendra and Moomal, a popular folk tale of this region. Recently scientific clearance conducted by the Survey at Ludurva has brought to light remains of the ancient fortification wall along with bastions and plinth of a temple assignable to ninth-tenth century CE.
Constructed in 1618 CE by Dhiru Shah Bhansali. Features blackish Parshwanatha icon faded with pearls, beautiful carvings of flowers and leaves, and an ornate Torana entrance.
The Lodruva Jain Temple of Parshwanatha was made by Shridhara and Rajadhara, the sons of King Sagara. Its full name is Chintamani Parshwanatha temple. It was damaged several times but was renovated again and again. In 1618 CE, one Dhiru Shah Bhansali, the Jain Shravaka of Jaisalmer constructed a temple on the foundation of an old shrine.
The shrine is constructed of yellow Jaisalmeri stones. The pillars have beautiful carvings of flowers and leaves. The entrance is cut through two stone pillars which are joined with a Torana. The Jain temple of Lodruva is a beautiful monument having garbh-griha, antarala, sabha-mandapa, bhramantika, mukha mandap and others.
The Chunthi Ganesha also had a Siva temple belonging to the 10th century CE. Several inscriptions of Bhatik era 534 (1157 CE) found from the place prove its antiquity.
