Kiradu Mandir : There are many layers of mysteries buried in the sandy land of Rajasthan, one of which is Kiradu. This ancient and mysterious place is located in the Barmer district of western Rajasthan. Kiradu is called the “Khajuraho of Rajasthan” because the amazing architecture and sculptures here are as excellent as Khajuraho. But, Kiradu could not get that fame because this place has been deserted for the last 900 years.
Kiradu Temple is located in Hathma village of Barmer district and was built around 900 years ago. This temple complex is a unique example of architecture, but a mysterious legend is also associated with it. Locals believe that it is extremely dangerous to go near this temple after sunset. It is said that if a person goes near the temple after sunset, he will turn into a stone statue. However, till date no one has dared to confirm the veracity of this, and this mystery still remains.
This mysterious story and deserted atmosphere of Kiradu temple has made it one of the most scary and mysterious places in Rajasthan.
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It has been deserted for centuries due to the curse of a sadhu
Locals say that Kiradu temple is cursed by a sadhu, and this is why this place is deserted. According to a legend, centuries ago a sadhu came to Kiradu with his disciples. The disciples stayed here for some time, but then the sadhu went on a tour of the country. During this time his disciples became seriously ill. The people of the village refused to help them, but a kind potter woman took care of the disciples. (Kiradu Mandir)
When the sadhu returned and saw his disciples in this condition, he was deeply saddened. Angered, the sadhu cursed the people of the village that where there is no humanity, humans should not live there either. Due to the effect of his curse, all the people of the village turned into stone. However, the sadhu told the potter’s wife to leave the village to escape the curse, but she had to leave before dusk. Also, the sadhu warned her not to look back, otherwise she would also turn into a stone statue.
The potter’s wife obeyed the sage and left from there, but on the way she looked back to check whether the sage’s curse was true or not. At that very moment she too turned into a stone statue. Due to this curse and mystery, even today no one stays in Kiradu after sunset, and this place has been deserted for centuries. If anyone stays in Kiradu after sunset, he too turns into stone.
If it stops in the evening it turns into stone
It is said that anyone who stays in Kiradu after evening turns into stone. This is the reason why everyone who comes here leaves this place before sunset. Due to this mystery and scary story, Kiradu temple remains a center of attraction among the people. Although it is not clear whether this curse is true or just imagination, but being located in a barren and deserted place, this place naturally appears frightening. Even during the day, very few people are seen, and no one dares to stay here after evening. (Kiradu Mandir)
The temple of Kiradu is built in South Indian style and is famous for its amazing architecture. This temple is located in Hathma village of Barmer district of Rajasthan, which is 43 km away from Barmer. There are five temples in this temple group, out of which Vishnu temple and Someshwar temple are still in good condition, while the remaining three temples have turned into ruins. The artistic design of these temples fascinates the viewers.
According to history, Kiradu was earlier known as ‘Kirat Koop’, and it was built in 1161 BC. According to historians, these temples were built by King Dulshalaraj of the Parmar dynasty and his descendants. Three inscriptions of Vikram Samvat 12 are also present in the temple complex, which show the antiquity and importance of this place.