I initially heard about Lohargal a couple of years ago when a trekking group in Jaipur mentioned about one of their trips in this region. Initially, I had planned to visit Lohargal with Harshnath Temple, but this couldn’t materialize. My visit to Harshnath was a last-minute plan and I didn’t possess sufficient time to visit Lohargal. Subsequently, I thought of clubbing it with a trip to the Shekhawati region.
Lohargal is a picturesque place at a halfway between the Sikar and Udaipurwati. It is nestled in between the Aravali hill range. Incidentally, Lohargal is a termination point of the Aravalis hills. It lies in the Shekhawati heartland within close proximity of Sikar, Nawalgarh, and Jhunjhunu.
My visit to Lohargal was brief owing to the paucity of time. I visited this place during my trip to Shekhawati. The numerous shops lining the narrow lane leading to the Surya Kund and the temple had closed down; the devotees were heading back to their towns and villages. The site bore a desolate look on a Saturday evening.
History
Lohargal when literally translated means a place where iron melts. Many religious tales & events are associated with Lohargal. Out of many, two remain the most popular ones.
The first one relates to Mahabharata. The Pandavas were unhappy with the outcome of the war in which they had to kill their stepbrothers- Kauravas. They wanted to tide over this guilt. Lord Krishna advised Pandavas to visit a place where their weapons would vanish on its own. Pandavas examined many religious places but couldn’t find any such place. It was at Lohargal the weapons vanished after immersing them in the water of Surya Kund. This made Lohargal an enormously recognized religious site.
Another popular legend relates to the history of the Maheshwari community. The prince of Khandela Sujansen visited Lohargal and mistreated the Yogis and saints engaged in religious rituals. This made saints angry, they turned prince and the soldiers of his entourage into stone idols. It was only after pleading by soldier’s wives, Lord Maheshwar or Shiva turned them back into humans. He instructed soldiers to take a dip in the Surya Kund. Like a miracle, their weapons melted in the water of the tank. Lord Maheswar asked them not to lead a soldier’s life, henceforth. These men started worshipping Lord Mahesh and came to be known as Maheshwari’s. This community is recognized for business acumen and is one of the leading business communities in India. Birlas and Lohias are few of the well-known Maheshwari business houses in India.
Yet another legend relates to Lord Parshuram spending a long time in Lohargal for penance. It is hard to check the truthfulness of any such legends. During ancient times, Lohargal was home to only saints but that has changed now. I came across many Ashrams. Indeed, the picturesque setting makes for an excellent place for Ashrams.
Lohargal Dham
Lohargal Dham attracts pilgrims for Surya Kund, Surya/Sun temple, an old Shiva Temple, A Hanuman temple, and Pandava Cave. The devotees experience a sacred dip in the Kund.
The Surya temple retains a substantial following among locals and has an idol of Surya Bhagwan and his consort Chhaya. It in addition contains idols of Lord Venketesh. Many Maheshwari visit Lohargal it being the birthplace of the community.
There are many temples in Lohargal. One of them is set on a hilltop called Bankhandi Baba. The temple of Malketu involves climbing through 400+ steps. This is furthermore a popular trekking place in Rajasthan. Some people call it Barkhandi Trek.
Lohargal being placed in a valley, there are many mango trees. Over a period of time, this led to mushrooming of the mango pickle cottage industry.
Mango pickles of Lohargal are much in demand. These days these pickle shops sell all kinds of pickles and not just mango pickles.
Sun Temple of Lohargal
As per locals, the Sun temple in Lohargal was built by King Suryabhan. It is one of the few temples in India of Surya Dev with his consort Chhaya.
There is a popular legend associated with the construction of the Sun temple. As per this legend, King Suryabhan was blessed with a daughter, but she was a handicap. Upon checking with the astrologer, he was informed that she was a monkey in her past life & died at the hand of a hunter. The hunter left her dead on a Banyan tree. Her body fell in Lohargal Dham except for her hand. The Kund being sacred she took birth as a princess. To cure her handicap state, her hand also should be immersed in the sacred water of Lohargal Kund. The king dispatched his men to remedy the situation. Once the princess recovered, he decided to construct a temple at Lohargal dedicated to Sun God because he headed this region. During ancient times, this region was considered “Surya Chhetra”.
The priest considers the blessing of Lord Vishnu behind the source of water of the Surya Kund.
Chetan Das Ki Baori at Lohargal
A special mention needs to be made of the ancient stepwell or Baori of Lohargal, one of the big stepwell of Rajasthan. The Chetan Das Ki Baori in Lohargal is hard to find.
I had to make a lot of effort to find the same. There is little information about its history or year when it was established. It is presumed the Baori is approximately 500 years old and was built by the local king at the request of saint Chetan Das. The Baori represents an extension of the adjacent temple. It was common in the Shekhawati region for the rulers and merchants to build Baoris and wells for the public.
The stepwell is not in good condition anymore. I’m not quite sure if the restoration has taken place in the past. A few Chhatris on the wall adjacent to the temple are in a bad shape and a need for an urgent repair.
Location
Lohargal is near Udaipurwati in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. This is in the Shekhawati region, popular for its painted Havelis among travelers and tourists.
How to reach
There are two ways to reach Lohargal from Jaipur. The first route is via Ringas and Udaipurwati. The second route is via Sikar and is approximately 140 Km. Lohargal is 10 Km from Udaipurwati.
Facilities
There is a parking lot and many Dhabas and eating joints. Finding a good and clean toilet is a challenge.
Is it worth Visiting Lohargal?
Lohargal is a picturesque place and is best clubbed with a visit to the Shekhawati region. It is an ancient Hindu religious site. The topography of the valley in Lohargal is dominated by many mango and Banyan trees among others. Some of these Banyan trees are very old perhaps more than 100 years. For someone seeking to explore a scenic place along with local culture, you can’t go wrong. It is best to club it with a trip to Shekhawati.
The Aravali hills on the other hand have Acasia trees and Dhok trees. Many people visit Lohargal as a day trip from Jaipur. Personally, I love the drive from Ringus to Lohargal via Udaipurwati because it is scenic. Monsoon is the best time to visit Lohargal and worst is during the local festivals/ Mela like Somvati Amavasya.
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Thank you for all your wonderful photographs. It makes me yearn to return to India! Hopefully one day when we are allowed to travel again.
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I’m glad you liked this post. I understand at this point of time travel seems difficult in the immediate future but someday for sure. Have you heard explored Rajasthan?
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I have only been to a small part of Rajasthan. So much still to see…
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I agree, even I haven’t explored many parts of the state. 🙂
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Sounds like an amazing place to visit!
India has a lot of potential to develop such lesser known places as famous tourist sites across the world.
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I agree, there is immense potential. But the biggest challenge is in developing facilities for the tourists and ensuring the same continues. Unfortuntaley, once the government changes, priorities and thoughts change too. This is true for this state.
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Step – well and cave house are very intresting.
Never knew the stories related to the origin of Maheswari community!
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Indeed. This place is very popular among the villages and towns in vicinity but it is not on the tourist map. Apart from legends and tales, this place looks quite old.
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Another great photo essay, Arv! This time you focused on the lesser-known site of Lohargal. Its architecture is truly impressive and amazes me. Reading your blog is entering a fascinating world we had never learned in school. Have a great day!
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Certainly, it is one of the lesser known places in Rajasthan, not far from Jaipur. Well, schools only provides limited information but it can be a good base to build on. I’m happy you enjoyed reading this post.
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Superb pictures as always, Arv. Another place I’d never heard of.
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Thanks, Mick. I’m glad you liked these pictures and post. 🙂
Hope things are returning back to normalcy now.
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I don’t think we’ll have normal for a long time yet, Arv. How are things in your area?
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It is getting back to normal. Most buisnesses are struggling, though.
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Same here, sadly.
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Ok
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I love step wells. The one in the Ashram looks gorgeous, but the last one would be incredible if it were restored. Great post!
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Rajasthan has stepwells spread all across the state. There are many unknown and yet to be discovered ancient stepwells.
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I love these legends and folklore. They add so much intrigue to a place’s history. Those related to this place are very interesting.
Shekhawati is one place that is on my long bucket list 🙂 The cave house seems interesting. The baori reminds me of the one in Neemrana.
Thanks for sharing this hidden gem Arvind ❣
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I’m sure you will love a trip to this region. Once travel is back to normal you must visit Shekhawati, for sure, Monika. There are many interesting places to explore once you choose any “side-lanes.”
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good discovery thanks.
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Thanks, Kunal. 🙂
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I’ve visited Shekhawati region and some havelis; even Mandawa (where an old fort has been converted into a heritage hotel) but didn’t know about this gem arv, your pictures speak of its charm so well! Thank you for sharing the legends associated with this place, quite interesting! Beautiful shots.
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I’m glad you have visited Shekhawati and experienced its rustic charms and beautiful architecture. Mandawa was one of the first places to develop for tourism in this region. Lohargal is not well-known among the tourism industry and remains extremely popular among locals. Worth a visit for those interested in learning local culture. Thanks for sharing your views and thoughts. 🙂
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I truly enjoyed your travel log about India, so much detail, and some great photographs, that make me wish to go there on day..
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Thanks, Paul for sharing your thoughts. Most of my pictures are captured using a compact zoom or smartphone, lately. I rarely use a DSLR these days. I hope you do visit India someday. It’s an enriching experience as a photographer.
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What an interesting bit of history! Thanks for sharing it with all of us and your pictures are amazing! You have a great eye!
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Thanks, Lisa, I’m glad you liked it. Have you ever been to a Hindu temple? There are many even in the US; not sure about your area though.
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There aren’t any in my area and I’ve never been to one. I bet they’re beautiful, though! 🙂
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Seems like an amazing and spiritual place. Love all the legends behind why Lohargal became such a spiritual mecca for the Hindu people. Seems like there are as many stories as there are Mango Trees for all the healings of physical, mental, and even spiritually. I must have missed it but did you get to take a dip in the Kund? I figured there would be tons of people bathing in the healing waters with all the legends behind it.
As for the temples, I do love all the amazing artwork you captured on the outsides of the buildings. I can only imagine what it would look like in person.
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I agree it is an amazing and spiritual place. No I skipped the bath because it was already sunset and the place was about to close. There weren’t many people taking bath because it was winter season. Generally, the bath in the Kund is considered auspicious on certain dates hence it is crowded on those dates. I hope you get to travel here and experience it in person.
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I’d never heard of Lohargal until today and I am intrigued. I love the history of India and find it so different to all the other places I’ve visited and this looks like a place full of a unique past!
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I guess every country is different. Many travelers find Indian history and religion intriguing and magical. I hope you do get to travel to India someday and explore iot in person.
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I’ve been to India a long time ago but I didn’t make it to Rajasthan. It’s a shame because it looks very interesting, I really love the desert palaces… My husband is a big fan of mango pickle, it’s true that it’s a very good culinary invention, mixing the sweetness of fruit and the spices… I’m sure I could convince him to try a few of them!
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Happy to know your husband loves mango pickle. I do hope you get to visit Rajasthan sometime soon, I’m sure you both will love this trip, Delphine.
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Aww man, this makes me even more sad that we couldn’t finally visit India this year as planned. But on the bright side we didn’t know about beforehand so when we do get to visit we can add this to the list as it looks so stunning!
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I’m sure things will be back to normal next year and you will visit India, then. Do visit this place if you love offbeat experience.
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Never heard of this place before, thanks Arv, for sharing this post on Lohargal. A lot of legends associated with the place and the temples makes it even more intriguing.
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I’m glad you liked it, Sarmistha. I know you love offbeat places.
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I always find the details on Hindu temples impressive, especially the windows and the stairs ! Much OCD ! Interesting stories on the legends you shared, especially the Sun temple and the King Suryabhan’s daughter. Hope to check this place out some day ! =)
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I hope you get to visit this place sometime soon, Jeremy. I’m sure you will love it.
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The places look amazing, will definitely try to visit whenever I am in India next time. Thanks for sharing this.
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Happy to hear you enjoyed this post, Nikhar. Where are you based?
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Ur pics makes me want to go back to 🇮🇳:)
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Why not when the world is back to normal?
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I would love to…..Let’s hope the world will be back to normal soon:)
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I’m sure, it will. 🙂
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