'First of all beware and avoid to stay at this temple after sunset, there are chances you will be found converted in a statue of stone next morning.' 

This was told by a local resident ☺.

Yes my dear explorers, This is a very much under rated place which is as good as Khajuraho Temple and is also denoted as 'Khajuraho of Rajasthan'. Kiradu is located in Barmer district of Rajasthan. Kiradu is a town which is around 30 Km from Barmer in Thar Desert. Kiradu was deserted and the reason was 'CURSE' given by a Sage. Story behind the curse I will share in this post but before that lets take a look around and know exactly what is this place.

• Kiradu is a town which is now desert area and is a tourist spot with group of temples, so also known as Kiradu Temples.
• Kiradu was originally named as Kiratkrupa. And was controlled by small dynasties, which used to rule there.
• In Kiradu, remains of many temples were found, but most notable is 'Someshwara Temple' which was dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• This temple is reconstructed with exact same designs from the remains during 1960's. In totality there are at least 5 temples which were explored.
• The temples constructed in Kiradu were damaged by Turkish people led by 'Muhammad of Ghor', he was defeated at the 'Battle of Kasahrada'.
• People believe that if any one spend a night at this place, next morning he/she will turn into a statue of stone. They claim certain incidents and statues were also found.
• Temples of Kiradu holds a very charming design and sculpture belonging to 11th and 12th Century.

Story behind the Curse 

Since our childhood, we use to listen, read and seen many horror stories which can be based on some strong evidences and experiences of the persons. It is quite validating point that every ancient monument and historical culture holds some tragedy in themselves, and this is valid all over the world. Same is the scene with Kiradu, where the story of curse revolves around A Sage and his disciples.

It is said that, during the rule of King Someshwar, a great and mighty sage was invited by him in Kiradu to protect the city and restore the prosperity by this teachings and the mighty connections with religious powers. Sage and his disciples were treated nicely during the struggle period, as people and king believed that Kiradu can be protected only with grace of Sage. As time passed, Kiradu gained peace and prosperity and people were living a happy life with there loved ones.

Once, Sage had to visit some other place due to urgency and he left from Kiradu to complete his work, leaving his disciples there after. In this span of time one of the disciples got ill and lacked proper care and medication from the people of Kiradu, neither Someshwar (king) took his time to have a look at the diseased disciple. There was a potter who lived with his wife, his wife tried to help the disciples and provided all possible care and medication. But due to absence of proper treatment the disciple lost his life.

When Sage returned to Kiradu, he was shocked with this incident and the negligible behaviour of the people and king. He felt petty on the condition of his disciples, they were dying out of hunger and were not have proper shed also. Sage lost his temper and cursed the land "People of Kiradu lacks humanity and this kind of people are burden on this planet. I curse you stone hearten people that you all and this place will turn into stone."
Sage got to know about the caring services provided by potter's wife, he instructed lady to leave the town before sunset and not to turn back, else she would carry the curse.

Potter's wife left the town, but after walking around a kilometre she turned out of curiosity to see what's happening with the town. And then she also turned into a statue of stone.

A lady's statue can be seen out of the town today also. It provides some sense to the story, don't you think so?

 
My Review

After visiting this place I can conclude with following points -

1. It is one of the peaceful place in Rajasthan. You can spend a pleasant day with your loved once and family. I guarantee you will feel relaxed even if you have travelled from a long distance.
2. Very beautiful and mind blowing carving of stones. This spot obviously displays the historical culture of 11th Century.
3. I can say its one of the under rated place in India. It needs promotion and should preserve by our Archaeological Survey of India.
4. Horror stories about this place adds an adventure and eagerness to know more about it. I even tried to experience the night stay, but some how couldn't adhere to it.
5. These deserted temples provides an unnatural atmosphere. It will give you an addition to the adventure part of your travel. You feel like knowing this place more.
6. Travelling to Thar desert is incomplete without a visit to Kiradu.

No matter how mystical this place may seem to be in reality, the history and tales related to this place is so powerful that no one has dared to try the otherwise.

Above all this place is no doubt one of the best in its category. Whether it is for the historical view, tourist like feeling or an experience of ghostly atmosphere. It fulfils all.

So friends that is all from my side. I would like to know more about your experiences if you have visited this place. And if not, then must add to your list.

Have a great day!!!