Saturday, December 20, 2008

Sikar Tourism

Sikar Tourism
Sikar Lies In Shekhawati Region
Sikar is one of the three district which come under Shekhawati, the land of murals. The region belonged to the Shekhawat thakurs (chieftains), descendents of the enterprising Rao Shekha who founded this principality sometime in the 15th century (see History of Shekhawati for more). After a series of ups and downs, Sikar, the largest thikana (feudatory state) under the Jaipur State, passed on to the hands of the Shekhawat Rajput Daulat Singh in 1687AD. The man laid some good plans for the capital's buildup which were later realized by his son, Sheo Singh. Sheo earnestly started on a building spree in 1724AD and changed the whole face of the town.
This is generally taken to be the foundation day of Sikar, although something of the place existed from much before. Sheo Singh built the palace, the fort and the first town walls. In this he was supported by Sardul Singh, another Shekhawat Rajput who evicted the Mughal nawab (governor) of Jhunjhunu and took his place. After some time, Sheo and Sardul got together and evicted the nawab of Fatehpur, Sardar Khan. A later ruler of Sikar, Devi Singh, further enlarged the town by building the fort of Deogarh (8km southeast of the town) in the 1780s. and Sikar was on its way to glory, eventually becoming one of the most important towns in the Open Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan called Shekhawati.

Shekhawati Festival
Shekhawati a region comprising of three districts in Rajasthan namely Jhunjhunu, Sikar and Churu is situated north west of Jaipur at a distance of 132 KMS and south west of Delhi at about 190 KMS is now known as one of the largest OPEN AIR ART GALLERY in थे
world। FRESCOES on every wall of over 5,000 havelis, also offers a unique essence of the countryside, its people, food, dance music and livelihood activities in agriculture, animal husbandry and cottage industries. Starting from 1996, for five consecutive years this event has been organized in joint collaboration with Directorate Of Tourism, Art & Culture and District Administrations Of Jhunjhunu, Sikar & Churu in February every year.

History Of Sikar
Sikar is a town in the state of Rajasthan in India। It is the administrative headquarters of Sikar District. Sikar is situated midway between Bikaner and Agra on National Highway number 11. Sikar is located in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan.

Sikar is a Historical City and at present district head quarter. Sikar district presents a good many facts for the tourists. Sikar is as much part of Shekhawati as Jhunjhunu. It was the biggest Thikana (Estate) of the Jaipur State. It lie on the highway 11 in the midway on route Bikaner to Agra . It is 116 Km away from the Jaipur, 320Km from Jodhpur 240 Km from Bikaner and 301 Km. from Delhi. Sikar was the capital town of the Tikana Sikar.

It is escorted all around by the highwalls comprising of seven gates. The primitive name of Sikar was ‘Beer Bhan Ka Bass’. In order of mitigate the enmity on account of the murder of Daulat Singh’s father Jaswant Singh , Bahadur Singh the raja of Khandela gifted the village to Daulat Singh . He laid down the foundation stone of the fort on the raised ground of this village. Lateron his son Shiv Singh who was very strong ,clever, courageous and bold made a magnificent fort on it. Shiv Singh was the most prominent Rao Raja of Sikar. He developed the village into a beautiful town. It is surrounded by a strong boundary wall . He was a religious man.

Khatu Shyamji Fair Sikar
Khatu Shyamji is famous for its Shyamji temple। There is a steady stream of devotees the year round, but lakh of them gather at the annual fair from Phalgun Sudi Dashmi to Dwadashi.

Time : February or March
Venue : Khatu Shyamji, Sikar District
How to Reach : Khatu Shyamji is 48 km from Sikar (about 115 km from Jaipur), which is well connected with both road as well as rail.
Significance : It is dedicated to Shyamji (a manifestation of Lord Krishna) temple.
Highlights : Jadula ceremony (the first hair cutting ceremony of young children)

Every year hoards of devotees visit the Shyamji Temple at Khatu Shyamji. Khatu Shyamji is situated approximately 48 km from the district Sikar (which is 115 km from Jaipur). The temple at Khatu Shyamji gains most importance at the time of the Rajasthan Khatu Shyamji Fair. The annual fair lasting from Phalgun Sudi Dashmi to Dwadashi, attracts devotees in huge numbers. The Khatu Shyamji Fair of Rajasthan usually lasts for three days and generally falls in the month of February or March.

There is a legend connected to the temple itself. It dates back to the time of Mahabharata. It is believed that before the battle of Mahabharata was about to start, the grandson of one of the Pandavas, Bhima, came up to Lord Krishna and Pandavas. He requested them to allow him to take part in the war from their side. However, Lord Krishna realized that he was too mighty and strong. And if he participates, the war will come to a quick end, without any surety of justice.

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