Dungarpur

Dungarpur is a city in the southernmost part of Rajasthan state of India. It is the administrative headquarters of Dungarpur District. Dungarpur is a city of Rajasthan and this city is known as the land of the Sisodiyas and it was founded in the 14 century. The city is also known as the "City of Hills" and the city is believed to be 700 years old, but still Dungarpur has kept a nice picturesque town which is nestled amongst the rocky peaks of the Aravalli Ranges. Dungarpur attracts a wide variety of tourists in its land and the city has many historical, attractions and there are many religious attractions such as temples and many other beautiful attractions such as forts, palaces, ancient temples which carry the rich historical heritage of this city. Because of these wide tourists attractions; the city of Dungarpur is being one of the major tourist destinations of Rajasthan. The city is having many places such as Udai Vilas Palace and the city is also having nice museums which represent the ancient heritage of the state and as the state is a princely state of Rajasthan and the royal Gehlot Rajputs are said to be the rulers of this state and their homes and palaces have become the best attractions of this state.

History: Dungarpur was known to be the strong hold of the Bhil tribe which dates back to 4000 BC. Dungarpur town was the hamlet of Bhil Chieftain which was assasinated by Rawal Veer Singh Dev in 1358 during his wedding ceremony. Rawal Veer Singh was killed during a war of Chttor by Allauddin Khilji. Bhachundi and Rawal Gopinath are the next successor of Dungarpur. Bhachundi erected Hunumat Pol and Rawal Gopinath defeated Ahmedshah, the Sultan of Gujarat in 1433 AD. Rawal Gopinath also made Gaip Sagar Lake which is a famous attraction in Dungarpur till now. Later Mughals also ruled in Dungarpur.

Tourist Attractions: Situated on the foothills of Aravali Hills of Southern Rajasthan, Dungarpur is blessed with inspiring heritage and scenic beauty. Former regal residence, Juna Mahal is one of the prime attractions of Dungarpur. It was constructed in thirteenth century and has seven stories. The Mahal is decorated with murals, glass works, mirror inlay and frescoes. Government Archeological Museum of Dungarpur exhibits a collection of inscriptions, metal images, tribal belongings, coins and images of gods and goddesses. Dungarpur has many venerated Hindu shrines like Dev Somnath Mandir, Katkeshwar Mandir, Shrinathji Temple, Shree Nagariya Dada Temple, Nata Mahadev Temple and others. The city also celebrates many festivals with zeal; some of the most important festivals in Dungapur are Baneshwar Fair, Vagad, Deev, Ghotia-Amba Fair.

Badal Mahal: Badal Mahal is located on the banks of the Gaib Sagar Lake and is known for its amazing and artistic designs, a perfect combination of Mughal and Rajput architectural style.  It was constructed in two stages. Maharawal Gopinath built Verandah and ground floor in the first stage. In second stage, Marahawal Punjraj (1609-1657) built verandah in front of ground floor, first floor and dome, apart from making some renovations in the construction done in the front stage. Badal Mahal is built using Dawra stone. There are one half ripe lotus each on all the three domes and three half ripe lotus on longest dome of Badal Mahal, which adds to the beauty of this palace. One can see all three construction styles at one place, small windows of Dungarpur style, rajput style of simplicity and strength and mughal style of adorning a building. Maharawal Gopinath built this small palace as a leisure home. State guests also used to stay at this palace. Later on, Chief of Army staff used to camp at this place. This palace was also used to hold discussions with revolutionary leaders.

Juna Mahal:  Juna Mahal in Dungarpur is a seven storied building with an architectural design of a fort was constructed during 13th century. The walls are adorned with mirror and glass works. Tourists can also see several picturesque miniature paintings and frescoes on the interiors of the palace. The place has turrets, corridors and a narrow entrance.Located on the foothills of Dhanmata hillock, this 700 year old palace also known as 'Bada Mahal' or 'Purana Mahal. With two storey basement out of seven storeys, it was constructed on a high platform with Dawra stone. This palace has one staircase which is connected to all wings of the palace. Its entrance Rampol with Tripoli gate attracts tourists in large numbers. Juna Mahal is famous due to the use of local Parewa stone in its construction. Parewas stone windows with detailed hand worked pane looks very beautiful. Marwari styled glass and wall paintings and glass pieces arrangement with color paintings is marvelous. Its mesmerizing paintings along with mature Rajput style of architecture attract everyone eyes.

Ek Thambiya Mahal:  "Krishna Prakash" situated in Udai Bilas, as beautiful as a dream, is also known as 'Ek Thambiya Mahal'. It is surrounded by Udai Bilas, Khuman Niwas, Vijay Niwas and Lakshman Niwas from four sides. It is built in the centre of four faced pond in a perfect square chowk (courtyard). The chowk is built with beautiful pink and white stone. The Ek Thambiya Mahal is a splendid example of extraordinary architecture style of local architects of Dungarpur.

Fatehgarhi:  Situated just opposite to Gaibsagar Lake, this hillock provides a place to view at the whole of Dungarpur city from a good height. On the east you can see Gaibsagar Lake, Badal Mahal and Udai Bilas Palace along with Vijay Rajrajeshwar Temple in its complete grandeur, on the northern side, old city in its complete beauty, and on the west, the modern establishments can be seen along with vast landscape. On the top of this hillock is a small temple of Hanumanji. The human sized statue of Swami Vivekanand infuse the feeling of inspiration to all those who come here.

Gaibsagar Lake: Gaibsagar Lake, built by Maharaj Gopinath (Gaipa Rawal) has always been a symbol of pride, not only for the people of Dungarpur but also for the whole district. it was built in 1428AD, The proof of which was found on a nine line inscription near Hanuman Temple. Gaibsagar Lake has been famous in his history, literature, spirituality to local people of Dungarpur. Various local stories have been attached to this lake which has kept a sense of faith in the minds of local people of Dungarpur. Gaipa Rawal, who was an avid nature lover, built 'Bhaga Palace' on the rear side of this lake just to watch the beauty of the waves and later on built Badal Mahal in the center of this lake. Saint Mavji Maharaj also predicted about this lake, whereas Gavri Bai who was also known as Meera of Vagad, sang in praise of Gaibsagar by calling it 'Gaibsagar Gang' in her poems.

Udai Bilas Palace and Vijay Rajrajeshwar built by Maharawal Udai Singh are splendid examples of architecture. There is Badal Mahal situated in the center of the lake and a huge temple of Shri Govardhannath built by Maharawal Punja (Punjraj) on the main pal of this lake. Small temples by the name of Bavan (fifty two) Deri in the compound of this temple simply attracts attention of visitors. Renovation of Gaibsagar has been done from time to time. Huge renovation of Gaibsagar was done by 27th Maharawal of Dungarpur Maharawal Shiv Singh during his tenure from 1730-1785. He built domes on the main pal known as Shiv Shahi Chatriyaan (Domes) to develop Gaibsagar, as a tourist spot. There are three other domes situated on the pal known as 'Choubiso Ki Chatriyaan'. Bhaga Mahal built by Gaipa Rawal, is also situated on the pal. On one hand, Gaibsagar Lake situated in the heart of Dungarpur adds beauty to this place, while on the other hand it has created a strong bond with the people of Dungarpur as a spot of carrying out various traditional customs of all religions.

Rajmata Devendra Kunwar Museum: The Dungarpur Museum, also known as the Rajmata Devendra Kunwar Government Museum was opened for the public in the year 1988. The statue gallery of the museum highlights the history of Vagad Pradesh that was spread over the Banswara, Dungarpur and Kherwara tehsil of Udaipur district. The prominent sculptural specimens are Mahishasur- Mardini (16th-17th century) Vinadhar Shiva in black stone (6th-7th century) Kumari, a female figure (6th-7th century) discovered from Aamjhara, a god-looking image of Gajlaxmi (17th - 18th century) and Navrgraha in a single stone piece (11th- 12th century). The museum also has panel of photographs of the ancient rulers of Dungarpur and photographs of palaces, temples and monuments of different times are still preserved in the Dungarour museum.

Galiyakot(Syedi Fakhruddin Shaheed Dargah):  Situated on the bank of Mahi river Galiakot village is located 58 km towards the south-east of Dungarpur. The nearest town of Sagwara lies at a distance of 19 km. According to the tradition Galiakot derives its name from a Bhil Chieftain, who ruled the area. It was once the capital of the parmars and also of the erstwhile Dungarpur State. The relics of an old fort can still be seen. The village owes its renown to the shrine of Syed Fakhruddin. It is visited by thousands of Dawoodi Bohara devotees who gather here from all over the country at the time of annual ' Urs' which is held from the 27th day of Muhharram, the first month of Mohammedan year. Syed Fakhruddin was a highly religious man. He was widely known for his learning and saintliness. In the course of his wandering, he died at Galiakot village and was buried there.

Shrinath- Temple: This temple was built by Maharawal Punjraj and carried out pratishthapan (consecration) on 25th April, 1623AD. Human sized statues of Goverdhannathji and Shri Radhikaji are the main attraction of this south faced temple. According to Pushti Marg writings, promoter of Pushti Marg, Goswami Shri Vitthalnath son of Shri Vallabhacharya, inspired Maharawal Shri Punjraj to build this temple. Shri Gopendralal, descendant of Shri Vitthalnath stayed in Dungarpur between Vikram Samvat 1721-1732. During his stay, Swaroop was established and services of the temple started to be carried out in Bhakti Marg way and because of this, the temple was being named as Shrinathji Temple.
The statue here is unparalled and cannot be found elsewhere in India. There is "Bhramanti' (gallery) along with the main temple for Parikrama. Medium sized temple of Shri Ramchandraji and Shri Baake Bihariji are also situated along with the main temple. There is a three storey Goodh Mandap (hall) standing on 12 pillars and 64 legs. This hall serves all the three temples. There is a huge compound in front of the main temple. 16 east faced small deity temple, 16 west faced small deity temple and 4 north faced small deity temple adds grandeur to this temple.

Deo-Somnath Temple: Situated at 25Kms from Dungarpur on the banks of Som River, Devsomnath Temple is no less than a charisma. This temple is unparalleled in the whole world, as it was built only using stone, with no packing material like lime, sand etc. Since this temple was built in Dev village on the banks of Som River, it is also known as Devsomnath Temple. It was built by Sompuras in 12th century. This grand three storey structure stands on 150 stone pillars. Every pillar is articulate and display distinct takshan style. Adorned pillars of sabha mandap are centre of attraction. There are unclear writings on stone pillars. Three are three entrances in east, north and south. Small windows in grand temple, idols of dancers, different other idols, arches, entrances are a treat to watch. The womb is way below sabha mandap thus doing justice to its name and one need to take a staircase to reach there. A dark black stone shivling is situated in center of white stone base in the main temple. The entrance gate of womb is a brilliant example of construction style and minute stone work. There is a big water tank on the back side of temple which is connected to the womb through a stone canal. An idol of Lord Hanuman is also present here.

Nagfanji Jain Temple: Nagfanji situated in the mountainous region near village Modar under Bichhiwara Panchayat Samiti is a place of natural beauty, reverence and tourist attraction. There is a water source which seeps from the mountains. The combined statue of Nagfanji Parshwanath, Devi Padmawati and Dharnendra is the centre of people's faith in this Jain temple. Nagfanji Shivalaya situated nearby this temple is also a centre of people's faith. During monsoon this whole area becomes naturally beautiful due to small hills all around. The plush hills and small valleys during monsoon are a treat to watch.

Vijay Raj Rajeshwer Temple: Vijay Raj Rajeshwer Temple is a beautiful marble temple located in the banks of the Gaib Sagar Lake and dedicated to Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati who is his consort. The construction of the temple was initiated by Maharawal Vijay Singh and the temple is a wonderful architecture. Do not miss the beautiful shadow of the temple that falls on the river and make a wonderful scenario.

Baneshwar Temple: Baneshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and most respected Shiva Linga temple of the state. The temples located on the joining point of Som and Mahi Rivers and the lingam is built five feet high and is dropped broken at the top in five parts. And there is another temple dedicated to Lord Brahma is allocated near this temple.

Fair & Festival: Rajasthan is a popular destination for foreign tourists. Trade fairs, exhibitions, and cultural events make it an even more interesting place. The Baneshwar Fair in Rajasthan's Dungarpur district is one such event that draws both locals and tourists.

Baneshwar Fair: Beneshwar Island is situated on the confluence of Mahi and Som River. It is a centre of faith for the whole Vagad region. There occurs a huge fare from Magh Shukla Ekadashi to Magh Krishna Panchami every year. Around 5-7 lakh people from Rajasthan including Vagad, Madhya Pradesh, Gujrat, Maharashtra and other states participate in this fare. Beneshwar fare is also known as "Kumbh of Vagad". Hundreds attend the Baneshwar Fair, an important festival in India, taking place in Dungarpur, Rajasthan. This festival is an integrated culture of the place. This fair is organized partly by the tribal community in the state. It reflects their customs and traditions. The fair revolves around many rituals and bears a religious significance. The name "Baneshwar" came from the "shivlinga" of the Mahadev Temple in the region where the fair takes place presently. The tribes called "Bhils" celebrate the festival with pomp and show. The popularity of this fair is not confined alone to the state of Rajasthan. Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat show equal enthusiasm during this fair. There are number of stalls and shops that specialize in selling handicraft items made by the tribal group. If you want to buy some of these unique items from the fair plan your India travel today! The items in available in this exhibition reflects the varied cultural attributions of the place. Attractions of Baneshwar Fair include shows with animals, magic, puppet dance, and folk songs.

How to Reach: Dungarpur Location - Dungarpur is located in the southernmost part of Rajasthan state of India. It lies in Dungarpur District and National Highway 8 is just 20 km far from the Dungarpur town. It is at southwest of Chittorgarh(218 km) and northeast of Ahmedabad(172 km).

By Air-Nearest airport is Udaipur (120 km) and Ahmedabad Airport (175 kms ).





By Train-It is well connected to Udaipur and Ahmedabad through regular trains. City railway station is at just 3 kms from the city.



By Road-Dungarpur is well connected by road network as National Highway No.8 between Delhi – Bombay crosses the district with total distance of 31 kms. Also the state highway crosses the district via Shirohi – Ratlam highway.

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