This is a story from the times when ranas and maharanas used to rule the land of Rajasthan. The king of Udaipur once stopped at a small village in the present day district of Pali for a pilgrimage. The village was called Ghanerao. A little over an hour away from Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ghanerao was controlled by a first class jagirdar of the erstwhile state of Jodhpur, whose primary duty was to defend the mighty citadel that we call the Great Wall of India.
As he reached the temple, the priest customarily applied tilak to his forehead and offered prasad to him. But while consuming the prasad, a bowl of saffron, the king found a strand of white hair in it, presumably from the priest’s beard. Cheekily, the rana said, “It seems the god has a moustache.” A little perplexed, the priest replied in affirmation and even went on to say, "Yes, God can assume any form he desires."
Miffed by the priest’s response, the king demanded, “I will stay here for three days. I want to see Mahavir with a moustache.” Fearing for his life, the priest spent the next two days worshipping Lord Mahavir, the deity of the temple. On the last day, anticipating a harsh penalty by the king, the priest decided to kill himself. As he lifted the dagger, Lord Mahavir himself appeared before him and directed him to cover the idol with a cloth.
When the king arrived, the sight of the cloth-covered idol enraged him. He removed it to witness the miracle that would make the temple famous for the decades and centuries to come. The legend has it that the idol didn’t only have a moustache but a beard as well. Realising his irrational demand and obstinate behaviour, the king asked for the priest’s forgiveness. The priest was ready to do so, after which, the moustache and beard disappeared.
The temple, however, came to be known as Muchala Mahavir Temple, meaning the temple of the moustached Mahavir. Located in Rajasthan’s Ghanerao, it continues to attract tourists and locals alike.
Visit Ghanerao if you are looking for an offbeat travel location in the north of India, or when you are on your way to explore the invincible Kumbhalgarh Fort, or may be just to take a dip in the rural life and culture of Rajasthan and surround yourself with wilderness, away from the all the urban noise.
When in Ghanerao, take a tour of the old havelis and castles there and see how Thakurs lived. Or go on a wildlife safari and see the former hunting lodge of the royal family that has been now turned into a resort, while taking in the arid beauty of the region. Or just stay in a castle where a royal family still lives.
Best time to visit: If summer sun is not your best friend, plan your trip between the months of October and March when it's comparatively warmer. The temperature remains pleasant throughout the day. The mercury usually stays above 20 degress Celsius during the day and might fall below 10 post dusk.
How to reach: Ghanerao is accessible by road, rail, and air. Here is some information.
By rail- The village is 37 km from Falna. You can also take a train till Udaipur, 113 km away.
By air- Take a flight to Udaipur and hire a taxi or take a local bus.
By road- Here are a few routes:
1) Delhi – Jaipur – Ajmer – Beawer – Bhim – Gomti – Charpuja – Desuri – Ghanerao (605 Km)
2) Udaipur – Nathduara – Rajnagar – Gomti - Charpuja – Desuri – Ghanerao (122 Km)
3) Udaipur – Gogunda – Sayra – Ranakpur – Sadri - Ghanerao (113 Km)