Pali district General information
Pali District of Rajasthan has its boundaries from Ajmer District in the south-west to Sirohi District and Nagaur District in the north-east. It covers a total area of 12,387 sq km with a population of around 2 million. Pali city, the district headquarters, is situated at 212 m above sea level.
History
Geologists trace the existence of Pali to pre-historic age and maintain that it has emerged from the vast western sea spread over a large part of the present day Rajasthan. In the Vedic age Maharsi Javali stayed in this area for meditation and interpretation of Vedas. The Pandavas in the Mahabharata age also have made this area (near Bali) their resting place during the exile. As a part of ancient Arbuda Province, this area was known as Balla-Desh.
Historical relics depict the existence of this area during the Kushana Age, when King Kannishka had conquered Rohat and Jaitaran area, parts of today's Pali district, in 120 AD. Till the end of seventh century A. D. , this area was reigned by the Chalukya King Harshavardhana who also conquered Bhinmal and most of the present area of Rajasthan.
After the Arab invasions of India this area was concentrated by Rajput rulers from all over India. During the period from 10th to 15th century, boundaries of Pali extended to adjoining Mewar, Godwad and Marwar. All Rajput rulers resisted the foreign invaders but individually fought for each other's land and leadership.
After the defeat of Prithvi Raj Chouhan, the great warrior against Mohd. Gauri, the Rajput power of the area was disintegrated and Mewar and Godwad area of Pali become the the subjects of then ruler of Mewar, Maharana Kumbha. But Pali city which was ruled by Brahmin rulers with the patronage of neighbouring Rajput rulers, remained peaceful and progressive.
16th and 17th century saw a number of battles in the surrounding areas of Pali. Shershah suri was defeated by Rajput rulers in the battle of Gini, Mughal emperor Akbar's army had constant battles with Maharana Pratap in Godwad area. Again after the Mughals had conquered almost all of Rajputana, Veer Durga Das Rathore of Marwar made organized efforts to redeem the Marwar area from Aurangzeb, the last Mughal emperor. By then Pali had become subservient to Rathores of Marwar state. Pali was rehabilitated by Maharaja Vijay Singh and soon it became an important commercial center.
Geography
The Great Aravali hills link Pali district with Ajmer, Rajsamand, Udaipur and Sirohi Districts. Western Rajasthan's famous river Luni and its tributaries Jawai, Mithadi, Sukadi, Bandi and Guhiabala flows through Pali district. The Largest dams of this area Jawai Dam and Sardar Samand Dam are also located in Pali district. While plains of this district are 180 to 500 meters above sea level, Pali city the district headquarter, is situated at 212 meters above sea level. While the highest point of Aravali hills in the district measures 1099 meters, the famous Ranakpur temples are situated in the foot steps of Aravalis . Parashuram Mahadev temple, a place of worship for millions of devotees of Lord Shiva, is also located in the Pali district on the hights of aravali range.
Climate & Rainfall
The climatic conditions of Pali district are some what different than the Western Rajasthan. Although, basically the summer season raise the temperature upto 46-47 degree centigrade at peak Time in May-June , a large variation in temperature is found due to adjoining green and hilly areas. Winters are moderately cool during December-Janruary lowering the mercury to 4-5 degree centigrade occasionally. Average rainfall in the district during the months of July-October is 300 mm.
Education
According to census report 2001, Pali district records the literacy rate of 54.92% of the total population, as compared to 35.96% in 1991. While Male literacy percentage is 73.06, the female literacy is fast gaining success over its earlier figures, Census 2001 reports 36.70% literacy in female population as compared to 16.97% in 1991. Pali district is fast approaching its goal of 'Complete Literacy' through its various literacy programmes viz complete literacy campaign 1994, Post literacy campaign 1996, Continuing education programme of National Literacy Mission. Pali district has also been awarded 'Satyen Matriya' award for its achievement during complete literacy campaign 1994 .
Fairs And Festivals
Pali District is known for its Fairs and Festivals. Dashara, Diwali,Holi, Ganesh-Chaturthi , Janmasthami, Mahaveer Jayanti, Mahashiveratri etc. are celebrated with sanctity. Celebration of Id and Moharram present a picture of religious harmony between Hindus and Muslims.
Parshuram Mahadev Fair :On the Shravan Shukla Sastami and Saptami( 6th and 7th ) a large fair is organised at Parshuram Mahadev temple which is situated in Desuri area on the top of one of the hill of Aravali. More then two lacs devotees participates in this fair.
Peer Dulheshah Fair : This Fair is organised at Chotila near kerla railway station on Jodhpur-Pali rail route by Muslims. This is organised on the next day of Deepawali, On the Mazaar of Hajrat Peer Dulheshah. Almost one lacs people from nearby districts participate in this fair.
Sheetala Mata Fair : Sheetala Mata fairs are organised at Pali, Sojat, Jawali and at a no. of villages of Pali district on Sheetala Sapatami. Large no. of famlies attend these fairs and worship godess Sheetala Mata on this occassion.
Badshah Ki Sawari: On the next day of holi, people from far away places come to Pali city to participate in the procession of Badshah Ki Sawari which attracts people irrespective of their religious beliefs.
Shivratri Fair :On the eve of Shivratri fairs are organised at Parashram Mahadev, Somnath Temple Pali, Nimbo Ka Nath ( In the Foot Hill of Aravali) Phalana and Jawali. Although Shivratri fairs are organised almost at all villages of Pali district but at Parshuram Mahadev and Nimbo Ka Nath very large fairs are organised every year.
Varkana Fair : Varkana is a famous Jain Teerth near Rani. A Huge fair is organised by followers of Janism every year on Pooshe shukla dashmi (10th) This fair is attended by people from far away places of Rajasthan and Gujrat.
Baba Ramdev Fair : In the Raipur tehsil at village Birathiya Khurd Baba Ramdev fair is organised every year on the Bhadva Shukla Ekadashi (11th ) for two days. There is a huge five story temple of Baba Ramdev. Almost one lacs devotees offer their prayers during this period.
Nimbo Ka Nath Fair : On the Eve of Shivratri and Baisakhi Purnima fairs are organised at Nimbo ka Nath temple situated between Falna and Sanderav. These fairs are witnessed by more then 50,000 people.
Lakkhi Mela- Sonara Khetalagi : In the beginning of full moon of Chetra a fair is organised in basin of local river Sarangawas at Sonara Khetalaji temple of Desuri tehsil. This fair represents the folk culture of not only pali district but also of various districts of western Rajasthan. since this is organised after Holi festival a large no. of Holi dancers attend this fair in his conventional and fancy dresses. More then one lacs devotee participates in this fair.
Gangaur Fair : At village Goria of Bali Tehsil a tribal fair is organised on Baisakhi Shukla Saptami ( 7th), on the eve of Gangaur. This fair is attended by all most 30,00 tribals.
Places of interest
here are many tourist places in Pali district which attract local peoples as well as foreigners. People from different cities of India come to Pali to visit Ranakpur, Jawai Dam, Parshuram Mahadev Temple, Jadan Aashram etc. Some of the famous tourist places are as follows :
Ranakpur Jain Temples :
It is famous for its magnificent Jain temple built during the reign of Rana Kumbha of Mewar in 15th Century. Ranakpur temple complex is known for its Architectural and natural beauty. It has 24 halls containing 1440 pillers, each one is different from other and each covered with intricate, yet delicate, carvings. The Central temple dedicated to the Jain Thirthankara Adinath ji, is called Chaumukha ( four-faced).
How to reach : One can easily reach at Sadari by bus from all over Rajasthan. At Sadari, local taxi and jeeps are available to reach at Ranakpur.
Nimbo Ka Nath : It is situated between between Falna - Sanderav rout. Myth goes that pandavas stayed here with mother kunti during the exil. Kunti used to worship shiva at this place. Pandvas also established Navdurga at this place.
How to reach : One can easily reach at Falna by bus or train. At Falna local taxi and jeeps are available to reach this place.
Jawai Dam : One of the biggest dam of western Rajasthan. it is situated in sumerpur tehsil of pali district. it has a capacity of 6000 millian qubic feet. It is the main water supply source of jodhpur and pali districts. Besides this, many villages of Jalore and Pali are irrigated through this Dam.
Bangur Museum :It is situated in the Pali city at old bus stand. Many old historical and artistic items like dresses, coins, arms etc. are kept here.
Lakhotia Garden :It is situated in the heart of Pali city and surrounded by a pond, lakhotia ( Also known as city tank). One beautiful temple of Lord Shiva is also situated in the middle of garden.
Somnath Mandir: It is famous for its historical background and ShilpArt. It is situated in the middle of pali city. It was constructed by then King of Gujrat Kumarpal Solanki in the Vikram samvat 1209. It is the temple of Lord Shiva. In the premises of temple there are many small temple of other Devi Devta.
Parshuram Mahadev Temple : It is in Desuri tehsil, on the top of one of the hill of aravali. There is a natural cavern on the hill where a natural Shivling is the attraction of the devotee of lord Shiva. the Myth goes that the great ascethic, parshuram of ramayan era practised penarce in this cavern. Fairs are also organised here twice a year. It is hardly 14 km from Sadari Town.
How to reach : One can easily reach at Sadari by bus from all over Rajasthan. At Sadari, local taxi and jeeps are available to reach at pond. Now from Pond there is 2 km walking distance through hilly narrow path to reach at top, and then from top there is around 400 narrow steps to reach at natural cavern.
Jadan Aashram : It is situated in Marwar Junction tehsil of Pali district and hardly 20 km from Pali.