Bundi Utsav 2011 was from 14th-16th November 2011. Man Mohak: Folk Dazzle of India program was at 84 Pillared Cenotaph at 8:30 pm. I along with Ashok Ji – The guide was present at the venue a little early. The program was yet to start, and Ashok Ji saw someone far. He requested to follow. Shri Durgaprasad Mathur Ji – the scholar of history.
Namaste – said I.
If you want to know the history of Bundi, Mathur Ji is one of the right person – Ashok ji said.
An appointment was fixed. I was ready for the next meeting.
Before leaving for Bhimlat Waterfall, I and Ashok ji had a meeting with Mathur Ji. The query to know more about Suraj Chhatri was existing since the day I reached there to watch Sunrise. I requested Mathur Ji to share knowledge about Suraj Chhatri. He presented us with a handwritten history of Suraj Chhatri. That was amazing. Thank you – said I.
Below is the summary of the narration about Suraj Chhatri by Shri Durgaprasad Mathur Ji:
Northern Aravalli range of Bundi, Western mountain top near Taragarh Fort is a Chhatri named as Suraj Chhatri. King of Bundi, Shri Shatrushalya princess Shyam Kanwari Ji constructed this Chhatri in the year 1674 (samvat 1730).
It is situated on top of 11.8 feet platform. One can reach the platform after climbing 12 stairs.
Sun God idol is installed on top of the platform. Sun God is sitting in Padmasana within the chariot of seven horses run by a charioteer and having a lotus in one hand. Devlok Ki Pariya (angels) is also present in the sky.
Chhatri is supported by 16 pillars measuring 7.8 feet. The total height of Chhatri is 19.3 feet and the circumference is 120 feet. Khagolshastri believes Chhatri is situated at a location where morning Sun rays reach first.
Yes. We were there early in the morning to watch Sunrise – said I. It is indeed a beautiful location.
Bundi Rajya Ka Sampoorna Itihas – Shri Durgaprasad Mathur Ji showed us the new book written by him. I purchased the book to read to know more about Bundi.
Bundi ki Sthapana, Bundi Rajya Ka Shaskiye Itihaas, 1242-1948 Development, History of 15 smaller States, 21 Stepwell existence within Bundi town and many many more within various tehsil well-defined with name, length, width, deepness, number of steps, village name, etc. and many other important histories written.
Thank you – said I.
Later after tea, we saw a collection of various articles written by Mathur Ji for various newspapers.
And at the end of the book, I read more about Mathur Ji.
District Education Officer, Principal of the college, District Head of Rajasthan Pensioner Samaaj, and many more qualifications, designation – currently, previously.
I am grateful to Ashok Ji who introduced me to the respected Shri Durgaprasad Mathur Ji.
We need permission to leave – said I. Namaste and Thank you while reading Bichiya Baaje, Mund Mani, Adbhut Sainani, Toot Pada Aakash, and many more written by him mentioned within the purchased book.
I started my motorbike towards Bimlat Waterfall. Driving thinking about Mathur ji’s effort to collect thousands of years of history and later writing a book. Incredible – said I.