The royal cremation grounds are situated in the pink city of Jaipur and have been accommodating the cremation services of the royal families for many years. These cremation sites provide burial grounds for the nobility and therefore should be considered for their historical value and architecture. Heaven Gate is here to tell you more about the cremation ground in Jaipur.

A Burial Ground for Royals

The cremation ground in Jaipur has been in history since time immemorial, including for royal families and nobility. There are many cremations of members of royal dynasties like Kachwaha Rajputs and Shekhawats in the present generations. The sites are on the banks of the rivers and lakes that are regarded sacred.

It is said that many well known personalities have found their last resting place in these grounds like Sawai Jai Singh II who founded Jaipur and his successors and other Royals. These places have given them dignity in death by having their ashes buried in the sands of time in these locations.

Architecture and Design Elements

Despite being primarily functional, the cremation sites have elaborate pillared pavilions, domes and other architectural appendages. Chhatris, the monuments built in honor of the departed souls, occupy the central focus. The chhatris differ in architectural style, size, and complexity according to the era and class of the individual it represents. While some of the structures have plain pillars and shikharas, others are decorated with carvings, paintings, or stonework.

These also include small shrines of Shiva and Vishnu here and there by the side of the bathing sites known as ghats. There are a number of statues and carving marked with Hindu iconography noticed here. Funtional stairways, gates and areas for resting are combined with magnificent view.

Prominent Cremation Grounds

Some of the significant royal cremation grounds in Jaipur are:

  • Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan: Situated close to the Amber fort it has more than one hundred chhatris of Kachwaha Rajput royalty. This was the final resting place for Sawai Jai Singh II and his successors.
  • Galta Ji Ki Chhatriyan: This is the old cremation ground of nobility and royal servants located in Aravallis in between temples.
  • Cremation Site near Sagar Lake: The smaller versions are located by Sagar Lake which adds beauty to the place and is more appropriate for royal family members. It has facilities like ‘dharmshalas’ that provide resting places for the funerals and other related services.
  • Peelwa Ki Chhatriyan: Another site along the holy lake that was once involved in performing last rites of nobility. The first examples of chhatris can be traced back to the 17th century.

A Rich History

The tall and beautiful buildings are beautiful to the eye but if one cares to look beyond the beauty of the buildings, then there is so much history to be seen. The customs, culture, and the legends retold about those spaces are rooted in the royal families of Jaipur.

From the elaborate carriage that transported nobility to formal send offs with even royals in attendance, these grounds have it all. These structures do not only remember the lost but also the epochs and cultures connected with them.

Present Status

Compared to the inhumation burial, most of the ancient cremation grounds are still operational and usable to this date. People go to them to pay their respects while others go there with the aim of viewing the timeless architectural designs. Most sites are however managed by the Jaipur Development Authority though some are still owned by private individuals. They maintain the existing structures and create grounds and amenities for tourists in case it is allowed.

Some parts continue to function for conducting funerals while other sections are maintained for their historic value. The sites enable visitors to learn the reality of death while at the same time embracing royal lives.

Visiting the Grounds

While the cremation ground in Jaipur are dark locations, they provide a way to learn about Jaipur’s history through its aristocracy. Observing the site gives a new dimension of meaning in culture, history, and even construction. The believer can meditate on virtues, vanity, or the processes of life near the holy rivers that the shrines are built. Or just look at the beautiful architectural structures that man can design and build, even when faced with the mortality aspect of life.

Again, the majority of places can be visited well into the day, and they remain open for business throughout the day. For convenience in travelling autos or taxi services are more appropriate than the public transport system. Touring clubs can be combined with visiting the historical sights, located near them.

Even though photographs are allowed, it is considered courteous not to take pictures of recent funeral sites and cremations. Be polite when families may be mourning. Touring in groups with guides helping in interpreting other aspects of the work.

Conclusion

The royal cremation ground in Jaipur provides for the nobility’s commemoration for generations to come. Their size and splendour fixate values beyond earthly existence, turning them into architecturally and historically valuable places to explore. For more services, visit Heaven Gate.