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Tourist Attractions in Jhunjhunu

Rani Sati Temple:
Shri Ranisati Mandir in Jhunjhunu has a history of more than 400 years and is a commanding testimony to feminine bravery and motherhood with rich tales of history that captivate the fancy of all tourists.

Billions of worshippers and followers, not only in India but worldwide too come visiting Jhunjhunu's Rani Sati Temple. Devotees from all over offer their prayers and puja everyday almost ritualistically.

On the occasion of Bhado Amavasya or the no-moon day a sacred Pujanutsav is held in Jhunjhunu. Millions of devotees gather at the temple complex every year on this auspicious day and stand in queue to get a glimpse of the majestic Shri Rani Satiji.

A splendid portrait of the Rani Satiji is located in the Pardhan Mand with the imposing Shikhar. The entire edifice in white marble is charming. The main Temple of Shri Rani Satiji is the place for the main sanctum sanctorum. The temple also boasts colorful wall paintings. The temple is graced with fine murals which bear the unmistakable imprint of bearing the brunt of time.



Bihari Ji Temple:
It is a temple in Jhunjhunu, which is immensely popular for its antique paintings. Sri Biharji Temple is from a similar period and contains some fine murals, although these too have suffered over the years.


The Modi and Tiberwala Haveli:
Both in the main bazaar, these are covered with murals, and the latter one is particularly interesting. These havelis are big draws for tourists. Age old architecture is on display in these once-inhabited havelis.


Badalgarh Fort:
Let's begin with the contribution of the Kaimkhani nawabs. Looking at Badalgarh protected within high walls and perched atop a rocky hill, you'd easily count it as among the most impressive forts of Shekhawati.

It was built by Nawab Fazl Khan at the close of the 17th century, but not as a fort but as a stable! Well, horses and camels were precious for the kings those days, for they didn't have F-18s or Stealth Bombers, you see.

And it was only fair that these animals have a place to stay befitting their status. Naturally, Badalgarh doesnt enclose those grand baradaris (pavilions) or sheesh mahals (mirror palaces) that you would find in the Amber Fort Palace or the Jaisalmer Fort, but it's an interesting site to explore anyway.

The views from the walls of Badalgarh are especially good. There are also three makbaras (tombs) of the Kaimkhani nawabs in Jhunjhunu. To the east of the town is the Tomb of Nawab Samas Khan (reigned 1605-1627), and to the west is the Tomb of Bhawan Khan built by Rohella Khan. The Tomb of Rohella Khan is like a solid block topped by a dome.


Shekhawat Rajput's Chhatris:
The Shekhawat Rajputs, too, put in their bit to build Jhunjhunu. The cluster of memorial chhatris of Sardul Singhs sons is now used as a school. They've whitewashed the place which, sadly, has erased some of the historic murals.

The inscriptions, too, have been obliterated. However, there still are some remains of paintings on the inner walls of some of these. Sardul Singh's eldest son, Zorawar Singh, built a fort for himself.

This was Zorawargarh, built in 1741. Most of the fort is in ruins, but the better buildings house government offices and the town jail. The Zenana Complex in which dwelled the lovely royal ladies, now lies bare and broken.


Mertaniji Ki Baori:
The Mertaniji ki Baori is the oldest and finest of Jhunjhunu's step wells. It was built by Sardul's widow in 1783. Step wells are real architectural feats in the desert state of Rajasthan and building them was considered a great act of generosity and benevolence. They served as community centres, where people gathered to help themselves to the most precious commodity water. The Mertani Baori is a beautiful structure with flights of steps descending through arches.


Khetri Mahal:
Perhaps the finest architectural heritage of Jhunjhunu is the Khetri Mahal, also known as the Wind Palace. It was built by Bhopal Singh, founder of Khetri and grandson of Sardul Singh, in 1770.

Wherever possible, marble pillars take the place of walls, allowing the maximum flow of air through the building. A ramp ascends through the Mahal from the entrance right up to the terrace, so that the Rajputs could ride up on their horses. Inside are lovely halls with graceful arches and pillars.

The Khetri Mahal was so beautiful a monument that Sawai Pratap Singh of Jaipur got inspired by it and built the grand Hawa Mahal in 1799.


Forsterganj- A British Establishment
After the Shekhawat Rajputs had their high time in the power game, came the British and with them came Major Henry Forster to Jhunjhunu.

He built a mosque and a temple in the part of the town which he created Forsterganj. This lies in the east of Jhunjhunu and was the headquarters of the Shekhawati Brigade. Forster's Jama Masjidis painted in white and green, and is a pretty fresh looking structure. There are other reminders of the well-loved Major in town, like the stone tablet installed by the Major himself.


Kamruddin Shah's Dargah:
Kamruddin Shah's dargah (shrine) is a complex at the foot of the Kana Pahar hill. A ramp leads to the imposing gateway, and the views from the rooftop are really good. This dargah is the tomb of Kamruddin, a Muslim saint (born 1784).

It was built in the mid-19th century and also houses a mosque, a mehfilkhana (concert hall) and a madrassa (Koran school). Traces of murals of floral motifs are seen around the courtyard. There's also a little pyramid like structure within the complex erected for Major Forster's infant son who died in 1841.


Mukundgarh Fort
Mukandgarh in Jhunjhunu district has a 300-year-old magnificent fort, which is now converted into a resort hotel, with all modern amenities. There are havelis of Kanoria, Ganeriwal and Saraf, which are a fine example of fresco paintings. Mukundgarh Fort is a heritage property, a grand construction and has amazing detailing of the famous Shekhawati frescoes on the walls.

The hotel offers beautifully furnished rooms with a view of the forts courtyard or the green vegetation beyond.
 

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