About Seth Ramgopal Poddar Chhatri
Seth Ramgopal Poddar Chhatri is a memorial that was built after the death of Seth (businessman). This is a unique and marvelous memorial, lets you be amazed by its beauty and architecture. The frescoes will immediately steal your heart. We will talk about this but before this let’s go through some facts and details.
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About Shekhawati
Shekhawati is a semi-arid region that encloses the modern-day districts of Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Churu, and some parts of Jaipur and Nagaur. It got its name from the Rajput Rao Shekha Ji, whose descendants were called Shekhawat. By the way, if we split the name into two parts like “Shekha” and “wati” then, it’s easy to understand that meaning of Shekhawati is Garden of Shekhawati.
About Ramgarh Shekhawati
Ramgarh is a town in the Sikar district. Ramgarh is better known as Ramgarh Shekhawati as it lies in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Once Ramgarh was one of the richest towns in India, and the stories of Seth (businessmen) is dominating among people.
Historically Ramgarh used to be a center for learning and was called Chotti Kashi or Little Kashi. Kashi was the biggest learning center then. Seth’s played a vital role in developing this town.
Also, Ramgarh is home to hundreds of Havelis and Chhatri with dazzling frescoes. When you will visit this place, it will leave you staggered by its fascinating beauty.
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How To Reach Seth Ramgopal Poddar Chhatri
Reaching here is very simple, Either you can come to the Churu or Sikar districts of Rajasthan. From Sikar, you can get a direct bus to Churu, which will take you through Ramgarh Shekhawati, and from Churu, it is only 20 km. The bus will leave you at the Highway (entrance of Ramgarh) and you can get an auto-rickshaw for 20 rs to Seth Ramgopal Poddar Chhatri.
Seth Ramgopal Poddar Chhatri
The Chhatri of Shri Ram Gopal Ji is a living wonder to see. It is the most unique Chhatri in the town and the most beautiful too.
This structure was built in 1872 in memory of Seth Ramgopal Poddar. This Chhatri has five buildings, located adjacent to each other.
Visiting this site is very easy and cheap. You only need to pay Rs 50/- as an Indian, which is actually less than a dollar. Well, for foreigners I could not find any special pricing, Maybe it is the same for everyone as it is private property.
This site is open even during the corona period, they are allowing people to visit, but General SOPs are being followed.
Features Of This Chhatri
Frescoes
Frescoes are a type of painting, painted on the surfaces of the walls & domes of the buildings built in a specific architecture of Shekhawati. These are special kinds of paintings drawn by hands on the plaster while it is wet. immediately after becoming dry they become part of the plaster and get more durability. The beauty of these is famous worldwide and if you are an art lover then frescoes of Chhatri here are something that does not let you down. While the art of frescoes does not end here only. In the Shekhawati region, there are thousands of Havlie’s, Chhatri’s, and Fort’s waiting to tell you the stories of our culture through paintings.
The graceful dancing women, courageous soldiers fighting while riding a horse or elephant
Architecture
One big dome has a series of connecting smaller domes supported by ornate pillars, as well as on the domes, garnished with smaller details to make it more appealing.
Apart from this, it has a platform above which four, eight, or more pillars stand holding a central dome. The top of the dome is a crown in a cone shape, pointing in the sky. You can more in these pictures.
Usually, the funeral site of the person is used for making these chhatris.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, The Chhatri of Shri Ram Gopal Poddar Ji is a marvel to see. This site is taking our heritage one more step ahead. Visiting this does not let you down and I personally praise visiting this and believe me that without visiting your trip to Shekhawati is insufficient. I have witnessed this monument when you are coming.
Also, watch this YouTube Video
