Viratnagar is a budding tourist destination and is also popularly known as 'Bairat'. The name 'Viratnagar' can be traced back to the age of the great epic the Mahabharata.
A huge leg impression on one of the rocks.
Photo Courtesy: Giridharmamidi
According to mythology, this place was founded by the King, Virat, in whose kingdom, the Pandavas spent their banishment period of one year. Here is a guide to this town.
Bhim ki Dungari
Bhim ki Dungari is a large cave located in Viratnagar and is famous due to the mythological tales associated with it.
People believe that, after losing everything to the Kauravas, the Pandavas were forced to go to exile for 12 years and an additional one year of disguised banishment. During the 13th year (Agyatwas), the Pandavas lived in disguise here in the kingdom of King Virat.
The strongest of the five brothers, Bhim, chose to live in this cave during this period. He loved cooking and eating, and hence, served as the royal cook in King Virat's palace.
Ashoka Shilalekh
Ashoka Shilalekh is an old rock edict of Emperor Ashoka and is located at a distance of 100 mt from the main road in Viratnagar.
This is an isolated place with great scenic beauty and immense historical significance. Ashoka, the emperor of the Maurya Dynasty ruled India from 269 BC to 232 BC.
He engraved his announcements and laws on various rock edicts, found at different locations of India.
The remains of a Buddhist stupa.
Photo Courtesy: Giridharmamidi
Beejak ki Pahari
Beejak ki Pahari is a hill where tourists can see the remnants of a couple of Buddhist monasteries dating back to the golden days of history. Eight such monasteries were believed to be in existence, during Hiuen Tsang's visit here in 634 A.D.
The central portion of the lower platform has a circular chamber, which appears like the interior of a temple; this is supposedly the oldest temple structure.
Outside walls of the temple have Buddhist inscriptions, written in Brahmi script of the Ashokan period. The upper platform is 30 ft higher than the lower one.
Tourists can see here the second rock edict of the King, Ashoka, on a huge granite boulder.
The rock structures on the hill.
Photo Courtesy: Giridharmamidi
How to Reach Viratnagar
By Air: The closest airbase to Viratnagar is the Sanganer Airport of Jaipur. This airport is connected to major Indian destinations like Mumbai, Delhi, Aurangabad, Udaipur, and Jodhpur by direct flights.
By Rail: The Jaipur Railway Station is the nearest railhead of Viratnagar. Apart from normal trains, the luxurious train, Palace on Wheels is available to Jaipur, Alwar, and Udaipur from Delhi.
By Road: A good network of roads connect Jaipur to all the major destinations in the country by bus services. Direct buses are available from New Delhi and Agra.