Afternoon hours Ashok Ji and I drove towards Dobra Mahadev Temple.
Dobra Mahadev Temple is Lord Mahadev temple approx. 8 km far from Bundi situated behind Taragarh Fort little before Chamunda Mata Mandir within dense jungle.
Are there wild animals in the jungle close to the temple area? – I question.
Ashok Ji – Do not be afraid.
No correct reply to the question. Anyways, the motorbike was leaving the main path and we followed the direction. The main path is surrounded by dense Babool, and Khejda trees. We now entering further inside the jungle. No other man was visible. 50 meters approx. driving within the rocky path I parked my motorbike. It was not possible to drive further as the path going downwards was very narrow and surrounded by thorn trees. Ashok Ji also suggested the same. Walking is the only option.
I was following Ashok Ji. Dobra Mahadev temple (0747-2444688) is surrounded by the Aravalli mountain range from all sides – He said. Temple, Holy Kund, Cave I will show you all. And we reached the entrance. Shoes were opened, hands washed and I heard someone reciting Ramayana.
The priest is alone reciting Ramayana. Jaha Sumati Taha Sampatti Nana is written on top of the temple wall. Where there is wisdom, the prosperity of every kind reigns – The translation. We said Namaste with folded hands. Prayers in front of Lord Shiva, Hanuman Ji, and on the floor listening to Ramayana. After a few minutes of reciting was over. I was talking to a priest knowing the History of Dobra Mahadev.
Nowadays it is not that dense jungle but years ago about 700 years back there was a dense jungle. A saint used to meditate within the cave (still present) a little far from the temple area. In short 700 years old temple, you can say. Swayambhu idol Hanuman Ji is the first deity of the temple. Mahadev Ji was installed by King Ram Singh Ji of Bundi Darbar. There is a kund within the temple area and the water was purified by Bundi Darbar by adding 24 tirth holy water. The holy water is known as Siddh Jal. Because the temple is surrounded by Aravalli Hills and is down below the hilly region the temple is known as Dobra Mahadev temple. It is a Naga Matha.
Sawan Ki Pratham Ashtami there is a huge festival all around the temple area and near Chamunda Devi temple.
Do you stay in this jungle area within the temple? – I question.
Yes, said the priest since 23 years. Earlier uncle Shri Rameshwar Das Ji lived here meditating and taking care of the temple. Later I joined but since childhood, I visit the temple.
Do any wild animals visit this location?
Yes, panther sometimes is seen but in earlier times tigers also used to visit.
Om Prakash Ji – The priest requested Ashok Ji to show us the cave and we after saying Dhanyavad walked further down towards the cave.
The cave is approx. 50 meters from Dobra Mahadev temple but not visible. One has to walk further down to reach it. The guide is always the best option to reach the temple as well as Cave. We sat down close to the cave for minutes. As late evening time was approaching fast I decided to move and we both walked towards the parked motorbike area. An old path towards Bundi Ashok Ji said. Maybe will walk one day together.
While walking we saw Parrot, Squirrel, and Teetar all having food together. The location is perfect. One should visit if visiting Bundi but a guide is required. Temple, Cave, Holy Kund, Saints Foot-Prints, Dhuni, and much more within the temple area far away from the city – peaceful. The evening sunlight is amazing. Babool trees join together from both sides of the path and we towards Bundi.