This picture is from the historic Balanand Ji Ka Math Temple, Jaipur, situated in Balanand ji Ka Rasta. This picture depicts the transition taking place in historic Jaipur temples. This temple is closely associated with the history of Jaipur as it was the base of Naga Sadhu warriors also called the Naga Ascetics who fought with the Jaipur army during the 17-18th Century.

The drum on the left is very old and was in use for centuries. A person would beat the drum manually with sticks, during the Aarti. (Drums and bell sounds are synonymous with the Aarti). But now, due to manpower issues, the Balanand Ji Math temple authorities have switched to new age technology solutions. The one on the right side, in saffron color, is powered by electricity. So all you have to do is switch it on during the aarti. It replaces the efforts of 3 people, one for the drum and two for the bells. Quite Convenient! The automated drum & bell machine has made the traditional drums redundant. However, there are many temples, which still perform the Aarti in the traditional way- no automated machines for drums and bells!

About Balanand Math Jaipur & History

Before independence, during Mughal rule n India, Jaipur state had a large army of Naga ascetics or Naga warriors headed by Balanand Ji Maharaj. These ascetic soldiers were part of Jaipur army and took part in wars and battles. One such historic battle mentioned by historians is between Bharatpur state and Mirza Najaf Khan of the Mughal army. Mughal-Jat wars have been mentioned many times by historians. This was a period of decline of Mughal power. Jats were attacking Mughal territory and taking control over it.  The army of Naga ascetics of Jaipur under Balanand Ji Maharaj took part in these wars. Some accounts mention close to 2000 ascetic Nagar warriors lost their lives in one such war that took place in Braj region, Barsana where Jats lost the war to Mughal army led by Mirza Najaf Khan.

Balanand ji and his guru Vrijanand are also mentioned in many historic accounts. Some even claim that it was Balanand Ji who first organised the ascetics into an army. He organized various Vaishnav ascetics orders into an army taking part in many battles. It was Sawai Jai Singh II who instrumental in establishing Balanand Ji Math.  In the 19th century, the decline of Balanand Ji Math started with many of its disciples and ascetics moving from Jaipur to different regions.

Unfortunately, Balanand Ji Math in Jaipur has been relegated to history with little information and has lost its connection with the city and its people.

Shot at Sitaram temple situated inside Balanand Ji Ka Math, Jaipur.

This post has been created in response to the Weekly Photo challenge – Transition