Jaipur Diggi Kalyanji Lakhi Padayatra Cultural Tradition Route
Source:the-print ↗
Why It Matters
Fairs and festivals, as well as significant temple locations, form a core part of the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus under Rajasthan's Art and Culture. Knowing the location of the Diggi Kalyanji temple (Tonk) and its associated Lakhi Padayatra is crucial for matching or factual questions.
Summary
The renowned annual Diggi Kalyanji Lakhi Padayatra has begun from the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Jaipur. Lakhs of devotees participate in this 75-kilometer foot march, which takes five days to complete. The pilgrimage concludes at the famous Diggi Kalyanji temple located in Rajasthan's Tonk district. This event is a significant religious and cultural tradition in the region, drawing massive crowds for the worship of Lord Kalyanji.
Key Points
- The annual Diggi Kalyanji Lakhi Padayatra commenced from the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple at Chaura Rasta in Jaipur.
- Devotees cover a 75-km journey on foot over five days to reach the Diggi Kalyanji temple in the Tonk district of Rajasthan.
- The yatra attracts lakhs of devotees, classifying it as a 'Lakhi' padayatra, and culminates with prayers to Lord Kalyanji.
Prelims Trap
The presiding deity of the Diggi Kalyanji Temple is an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
The yatra begins at a Shiva shrine (Tarkeshwar Mahadev) but concludes at a Vishnu shrine (Diggi). Kalyanji is revered as Lord Vishnu's incarnation.
Static Concepts Connected
On which major lunar dates is the Diggi Kalyanji fair primarily organized?
- Bhadrapada Shukla Ekadashi: Coincides with Jal Jhulni Ekadashi (dev-jhulni), marking the largest congregation and culmination of the Lakhi Padayatra.
- Shravan Amavasya: Also known as Hariyali Amavasya, this day attracts a significant regional rural gathering to the temple.
Which prominent historical temples are located in the Tonk district?
- Diggi Kalyanji Temple: An ancient Vishnu temple located in Malpura tehsil, traditionally believed to be commissioned by King Digva.
- Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple: A historic 12th-century Shiva temple situated in Bisalpur on the banks of the Banas river.
- Jal Devi Temple: A prominent local deity shrine situated in the historically rich Todaraisingh town of Tonk.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Tonk's syncretic cultural geography
Tonk, historically Rajasthan's only Muslim princely state (Nawabs), hosts massive Hindu congregations like Diggi Kalyanji, highlighting a unique syncretic demographic history.
Cultural geography and Banas river basin
The Diggi Kalyanji cultural landscape is anchored in Tonk, geographically defined by the Banas river basin and the critical Bisalpur dam that ironically supplies drinking water back to Jaipur.
Expect a match-the-following question pairing Rajasthan's major Padayatras (like Ramdevra, Diggi Kalyanji) with their destination districts.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2013RPSC_PRELIMSGS1
The following festivals are celebrated at different times in Rajasthan - (i) Teej (ii) Akha Teej (iii) Gangaur (iv) Kajli (Badi Teej) What is their chronological order according to the calendar year
- 2018RPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following temples in Chittorgarh Fort is a Jain temple?
- 2018RPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Match the following: Temple – District i. Kameshwar Mahadev a. Alwar ii. Sheetaleshwar b. Jodhpur iii. Peepala Mata c. Jhalawar iv. Neelkanth d. Pali Select the correct code: . i ii iii iv
