Nothing is immortal. Everything that is the epitome of blooming prosperity and sustainability has to surrender before time. It can create and destroy anything living or dead, leaving behind the indelible history and a scope of evolution for the upcoming generations.
Located about 35km from the desert city of Barmer— a city that shelters many lives in the bleakness of the Thar Desert — is Kiradu, a city obliterated with time. Previously known as ‘Kirat Koop’, this solitary place has made its mark on the pages of history during the 11th and 12th century, when it was under the binate rule of Someshwara from the Parmar dynasty and Maharaja Madan Brahma Deo from the Chauhan dynasty. Both the kings owned their allegiance to the Solanki Kings from Gujrat.
During this time, the city witnessed the development of the glorious culture and its artefacts. Many temples were established depicting famous scenes from the ancient epics — Ramayana and Mahabharata. Also, scenes of the city being attacked by invaders are sculpted. But, among all these, the main attraction of the ruins is the collection of five temples that still stand erect, defending the power of time, among the 108 temples built during the prosperous era. Some of these temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and some to Lord Vishnu. These temples portray a fine example of the architectural mix of the Maru (Madhya) Pradesh and Gurjar (Gujrat) Pradesh. The Solanki style of architecture featuring a closed hall, a porch can also be noticed. The ‘Someshwara Temple’, the ‘Garbh Graha’ the ‘Maha Mandap’ and the ‘Dwar Mandap’ — all showcase the exquisite mythology of the Indian culture. History also says that this place was invaded by Muslim leaders which led to the consequential destruction of the temples and the defaced statue of the Gods and Goddesses.
The only things that remain in this lonely place are the vandalized temples, the dance halls, the rubbles of the houses and the mystery of this hidden place. A visit to Kiradu can make anyone wonder about re-birth, reincarnation, majesty of the kings. The remains of the temples competing with time, in it, are a great example of victory over ruination. Hidden between mountains and lush greenery (a very rare sight in an arid region), this magnificent place perfectly exemplifies the elegant cultural history and the intricate architecture of India.
Thus, a visit to this mystical place can deliver you in the hand of time and a peep to the glorious past of our culture.
