As soon as the evening falls, people turn into stones here. The fear of this mysterious temple of Rajasthan, where people are afraid to go:

News India Live, Digital Desk: ‘Kiradu Temple’ located in Barmer district of Rajasthan is more famous for its dreadful curse than its beauty. Everyone is stunned to see the carvings of these temples built in the 11th century, but it has become such a thing among the local people and tourists that no one dares to stay here after the sun sets. It is believed that whoever stays here after dusk becomes stone forever.

Curse of the monk: Why did people turn to stone?

There is a mythological story behind this mystery. It is said that centuries ago a great Siddha Sadhu came here with his disciples. When the sage went on a tour, the health of his disciples deteriorated. No one helped those disciples except a potter in the village.

When the sages returned and learned of this, they became angry. He cursed the entire village that “Where people have hearts of stone, they are not fit to live as humans, let everyone become stone.” The sage asked the kind potter to leave from there and warned her not to look back. But out of curiosity she looked back and at that very moment she too became a stone statue. The stone statue of that potter is still visible at some distance from the village.

Unique example of architecture: Khajuraho of Rajasthan

Keeping aside the mysteries, the temples of Kiradu are unmatched in terms of architecture. There are basically a group of 5 temples here:

Someshwar Temple: This is the largest and main temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The art of the craft: The carvings of gods, goddesses, animals and mythological stories on the walls of the temple are reminiscent of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh.

Style: This temple is built in ‘Sompura’ style (Gurjara-Pratihara style).

What does the Archaeological Department (ASI) say?

Although science does not believe in the phenomenon of ‘turning into stone’, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has also prohibited entry here after sunset for security reasons and to preserve this historical heritage. One feels a strange peace and shudder after seeing the desert and broken statues surrounding the temple.

How to reach Kiradu?

Kiradu Temple is located near Hathama village, about 35 kilometers from Barmer city.

air shaft: The nearest airport is Jodhpur (about 250 km).

railroad track: Barmer railway station is well connected to major cities.