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Kanak Valley
Introduction to Kanak
Valley
Descending from Amber on the outskirts of the city of
Jaipur one gets a panoramic view of the fascinating Kanak
Valley. An old elephant path, now a green walkway leads to the
temple of the gods and to the gates of heaven.
Kanak Valley Location
The Kanak Valley formed by the Aravali ranges adjoins the
town Amber and stretches towards the historical city of Jaipur. The
hills and valleys are covered with dhok (Anogeissus
Pendula) and Kadamba tree. Traveling deeper into the valley
one comes across numerous waterfalls, lotus ponds and flowering
plants. In summer when the 'flame of the forest' bursts into bloom
it is as if the entire forest is aflame. Migratory birds like the
kingfisher, spotted dove and Neel Kanth are frequent
visitors.
Sightseeing
This is a perfect and engrossing surrounding for the temples that
have been standing here for three centuries. The temple complex
consists of the temple of Govind Deoji and Natawarji besides a
garden known as Kanak Bagh. They temple site is such that the Valley
stretches out in one side and the river Dharbawati on the other.
This river used to flow across the city of Jaipur but today it has
diminished into the lake, Mansagar. This used to be the scared spot
where holy water from several rivers was accumulated for the
performance of Ashwamedh yagna.
This enchanting valley with its rich flora and fauna was named Kanak
Vrindavan by the ruler and founder of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh about
280 years ago. At that time Amber was his capital. The valley had
reminded him of Vrindavan, the land of Lord Krishna and son an idol
of Shri Govind Deoji, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, was installed
here. During traditional and religious festivals like Teej and
Gangaur, processions coming from Amber half at this valley now
considered a seal of cultural prestige. Today visitors strolling
towards the valley can hear strains of Bhajans throughout the day.
The atmosphere is one of peace and devotion.
But until quite recently the temples and the valley, were lying in
utter neglect. The walls of the temple had crumbled and ceilings
cracked. The intricate jali work, chhatris and arches were badly
damaged. The centuries had taken their toll. Even the flora and
fauna had been disturbed by encroachments and stray cattle. The
restoration work in the recent past has again made this place a
delightful experience.
The cool breeze blowing past the chhatris and the 'aaraish' work of
the floors takes one by surprise and the thought that comes to mind
is: This is the place where Lord Krishna sat with his flute. It
seems one can hear the melodious strains and perceive him amongst
his herd.
The 'jali' work with its intrinsic traditional designs with silver
work laid over the lime plaster is a treat to the eyes reminding one
of old palaces and castles. The mirror work and 'panni' work for
which the artisans of Jaipur are famous, adorns the garbha griha,
the seat of the Lord. The deity is seated on a throne as if in
blessing. The magnificence and beauty of the Garbha Griha is
immense. The intrinsic mirror work forming a backdrop to the idol
hypnotizes devotees as in each mirror they see their Lord appearing.
At the threshold of the garbha-griha lies the parikrama, a small
fountain made from a single glistening marble block. The water
running from the fountainhead reflects in the mirrors of the
garbha-griha enhancing its beauty.
In between the two temples lies the Kanak Bagh. It is a
geometrically designed garden with eight sections, four chhatris and
four kabanis all arranged geometrically. A series of fountains adorn
the Bagh that is carpeted by lush green grass. There is a baradri- a
centre stage from where melodious music fills the valley and
visitors are taken aback by its enchanting impact.
The beauty of the temple of Govind Deoji is further enhanced at
night when it is lit up and the entire complex reverberates with the
music and the Lord's Aarti sung by the devotees. The temples with
its golden lustre look heavenly.
How to Reach
Kanak Valley
Kanak Vrindavan is situated on the outskirts of Jaipur. Jaipur is
connected with rail, air, and road to other important cities in
India. There are regular buses from Kanak-Vrindavan Valley to Jaipur.
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