My Heritage Chronicles

Ranakpur - located in western Rajasthan between Udaipur and Jodhpur cities is famous for its magnanimous Jain temples from the 15th century carved in marble stone. The set of three Jain temples stands like a white pearl surrounded by dense forest and hills of the Aravalli mountain range. The Jain temples draw devout Jain pilgrims from across India and abroad including architecture and heritage enthusiasts. But apart from the Jain temple complex, there lies a lone temple just 350 meters from Jain temple complex which is much older and was built by the Maharana Mokalji - father of Rana Kumbha. This temple stands in the shadow of the grandeur of the Jain temples and is dedicated to Sun God - known as Lord Surya Narayan. The Surya Narayan temple is one of the few temples in India dedicated to the Sun god built in white limestone in Nagara style of architecture with a delicate ornamental work. The 13th-century temple built on a raised stone platform with no boundaries is managed by Eklingji...

Borivali is a coastal suburb of Mumbai located at the Northwest end. It is believed that the name Borivali comes from bushes of sweet berries called "Borr" in the local language that was found in abundance here. It was once a congregation of small villages called Eksar, Vazira, Shimpoli, Mandapeshwar, Kanheri, Magathane, Tulsi, etc sandwiched between two major erstwhile rivers, Poisar river & Dahisar river. Some say it was called "Berewlee" under British rule. Prehistoric era caves of smaller Mandapeshwar & bigger Buddhist center cum settlement of Kanheri stand testament to the rich heritage of this place. But apart from these caves, there are many ancient religious places as well as pieces of heritage scattered across nooks & corners of Borivali which makes this suburb of Mumbai worth exploring and knowing about interesting trivia around it. Borivali's most famous attraction is the well-preserved cave complexes of Kanheri, located deep inside the S...

Juma Masjid, also known as Jumma Masjid (Friday Mosque) is one of the oldest mosques in the city of Mumbai. Its present location is in the busy market junction in the Kalbadevi area near Crawford market. But this was not always the location. Initially, it was constructed at Dongri near Crawford market but then it was shifted on the Esplanade road outside the fort walls. Due to its proximity to the fort walls,  objections were raised by then-governor William Hornby, so it was again shifted back near Crawford market at Kalbadevi and constructed over 27 years period starting from 1775. The Masjid is built on a large reservoir and open land which was owned by a Konkani Muslim family of Mohammed Ali Roghay who was a philanthropist and prominent citizen of Bombay. He laid down conditions that the water tank will need to be preserved while constructing the Masjid. Hence even today there exists a water tank on which 16 arches have been built which acts as a foundation for the two and a hal...