The Deity at Shree Kheemuch Mataji Temple was allegedly stolen by smugglers specializing in the theft of Idols many years ago. It was subsequently recovered by the Government and returned to the trust at The City Palace, Udaipur. Taking a considered approach, the construction carried out by the Shree Eklingji Trust has been carried out to reflect the values of both religion and tourism.
Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur, Chairman and Managing Trustee, Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation appointed Mr. Mahendra Kumar Nagraj whose experience and sensitivity in this field of work has been commended. The temples were restored according to blueprints from the old structure. A dharmshala (lodge) for visitors has also been built at the back of Shree Neemuch Mataji Temple.
On the 9th March, the idol of Shree Kheemuch Mataji was moved from The City Palace, Udaipur to the temple in a procession and placed in the restored temple of Shree Kheemuch Mataji Temple on the 12th March after performing the religious rituals.
In both the temples, a four-day 'Nav Chandi Mahayagya' concluded with a large institutional ceremony.
There is an interesting history behind the inception of these temples which, as stated by Shree Eklingh Mahatma, goes as follows
"Once 'Yavans' attacked Mewar and because of it there were breaches in the security of Shree Eklinghnath ji. So to overcome the trouble, Goswami Shree Maharaj, prayed to 'Vindhyavasni', and 'Rashtrasen Mata' showed herself and placed three of her strengths viz Shree Aburdaa ji, Shree Kheemuch Mataji and Shree Neemuch Mataji on the mountains covering Shree Eklingnath ji. Later as the time passed by, the temples wrecked."
The 76th custodian of the House of Mewar, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar has been instrumental in creating the brand Udaipur. His continuous effort to preserve the heritage and create a sustainable model has made the whole world give Udaipur its due importance. These efforts have opened up many avenues for people to come to Udaipur instead of keeping it just a tourist destination. His initiatives and involvements have worked as a catalyst in making Udaipur a place that offers much more than palaces, monuments and temples and bringing more revenue and prosperity for the economy as a whole. This is what we call destination of excellence!
Upcoming Hollywood movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was also shot in Udaipur. Actress Celia and Judi Dench in a snapshot with Shriji. Hollywood films or Bollywood blockbusters, the Udaipur mystique has continued to bewitch these film-makers for the last 50 years! It is not just The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, there are countless films that have attempted to weave into their narrative the Udaipur skyline, the distinctive arches and domes of its City Palace complex, besides of course, the palaces and island-palaces like Jagmandir and Jagniwas (aka Lake Palace Hotel). No doubt, there is a huge element of exotica in these characteristic Udaipur frames, captured on celluloid. But more than exotica, there is something quintessentially Indian about these 'shots'. Probably the reason why it continues to appeal to both Western and Indian audiences. It satisfies them; it brings them 'home to India'. Of course, it is now a stereotype but one that continues to delight, reassure and charm its audiences. The clear-blue skies reflected in the waters of Lake Pichola, the shimmering reflections of the palaces...the fascination with Udaipur and India never ceases
Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur hosted cocktails at Shambhu Niwas Palace, Udaipur for the cast and supporting team who had been staying in Udaipur for the filming of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The star-studded cast included Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Judi Dench and Mr. Bill Nighy. Mr. John Madden, the producer and his wife Penny, Mr. Graham Broadbent with his parents Mr. and Mrs. Earle Broadbent and Ms. Caroline Hewitt, Co-Producer were also amongst the guests with other members of the cast Mr. Tom Wilkinson, Mr. Ronal Pickup, Ms. Ceilia Imrie, Ms. Diana Hardcastle, Ms. Penelope Wilton, Mr. Dev Patel, Ms. Tena Desae and Ms. Pinkie Kavangh. Mr. Richard Hanlon, Ms. Patricia McFarlane and Mr. Perry Garfinkel were also present. The cast and support team were also welcomed by Smt. Vijayraj Kumari Mewar of Udaipur and Mr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur.
Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar has been invited for a special screening of the movie, 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' on 16th May 2012 by Fox Star, India.
Keep watching this page for exclusive updates of the screening!
HRH's hotel, Shiv Niwas Palace captured and covered in magazine, TODAY'S traveller. The article is named, A Taste of Royal Living.
Latest issue of the Harmony magazine is out on their website, http://www.harmonyindia.org/ focusing on The Custodian - Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar in the Cover Feature.
Have a preview of the magazine before its out on the stands!
For more details, http://www.harmonyindia.org/magazine/may12/index.html
Maharana Mewar Public School and Maharana Mewar Vidya Mandir celebrated their Annual Prize Giving on 14th and 15th of April.
Dr. (Mrs ) Shyama Chona Padam Bhushan ,Padam Shree was the Chief Guest on 14th Evening celebrations. Mrs Vijayraj Kumari Mewar Chairperson School Management Committee was the Guest of Honor. Mr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar Trustee Vidyadan Trust was the Guest of Honor.
Students presented an extravaganza of song, dance and drama. In the end prizes were given away to young high achievers of the School.
On the 15th General VK Singh PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC was the chief guest , in presence of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar , along with Mrs Vijayraj Kumari Mewar and Mr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar.
General VK Singh gave away the prizes to students and appreciated their performance. Speaking on the occasion Shriji thanked the chief guest and presented a momentum to him.
