Pilgrimage tourism in Jhalawar district is full of trips to temples. There are a number of ancient temples located here, dedicated to Hindu and Jain gods. These are remarkable sculptures housing some very old deities of antiquity, such as the 100 year old Parshwanath statue at the Jain Swetambar Nageshwar Parshwanath Temple. The various places of pilgrimage tourism in the district of Jhalawar are discussed below.
Jhalara Patan is also known as the `city of temple bells.` Situated about 7 Kms away from Jhalawar, the entire township is located within a wall. Founded by Parmara Chandra Sen, grandson of Maharaja Vikramaditya, it is located on the banks of the holy Chandrabhaga River. Colonel James Todd mentions counting 108 temples here. Enclosed within its old walls is the famous 10th century 100-feet high Surya Temple. The temple is full of lovely sculptures. Nearby is the beautiful group of temples on the Chandrabhaga stream which rises from a spring. They belong to the 6th - 14th centuries. The 11th century Shantinath Jain temple and Shri Dwarkadheesh temple (built by Jhala Zalim Singh) are among the other important temples here. Just nearby to Dwarkadhish temple, newly developed Herbal Garden and Choupati are also worth a visit.
Bhimgarh-Kakuni: On the banks of the Parwan River are the ruins of an old township with a huge idol of Lord Ganesha and an 8th century Shivlinga. The temple ruins are well worth a visit. This place can be approached from Khanpur by a road running from it to Aklera. Midway at a distance of 20 Km, tourists find a well-furnished Dak-Bunglow at Taraj village which was a noted game-preserve of former Kota rulers. At a distance of 10 Km from here stand the famous ruins of old temples dedicated to various dieties of Hindu and Jain believers. Officially Kakuni is in Baran district whereas Bhimgarh is in Jhalawar district.
On the southern fringe of Jhalawar and Rajasthan lies an ancient Jain Temple of Lord Parshvanatha. The Jain Swetambar Nageshwar Parshwanath Temple is a marble temple that has been constructed out of the religious endowments made by the pious Jain Community of Malwa (M.P.), Maharashtra and Gujarat. It is an important Jain pilgrimage spot with a 1000-year old Parshvanatha statue. Excellent accommodation and meals are available at the dharamshala, 150 Km from Jhalawar.
Situated near the town Khanpur, 34 Kms away from Jhalawar, the Atishay Jain temple is a 17th century construction. The temple is known for its architectural splendour and religious value. There is a 6 feet tall statute of Lord Adinath here, constructed in the sitting position. Accommodation and meals are available in the temple area at a reasonable price.
Jhalawar district can boast of having the only rock-cut caves in Rajasthan. The ancient Buddhist caves located in the village Kolvi are of great importance, both archaeologically as well as historically. A colossal figure of Buddha and the carved stupas are some of the highlights of these caves. Similar caves can also be found in nearby villages, which prove the existence of a flourishing civilization several centuries ago and the Buddhist influence in the region. It is located 90-95 Kms from Jhalawar.
Thus mentioned are the various places of pilgrimage tourism in Jhalawar district.
