Stories of Rajputana courage, pride, and passion abound in Chittorgarh. Rajasthan's bards tell stories of bravery and sacrifice that are familiar to every child and adult in the region. Chittorgarh is named after its most imposing building, the Chittorgarh Fort, which is spread over 700 acres and stands atop a 180-meter-high hill.
The history of
Chittorgarh Fort is turbulent. This Rajput stronghold has been attacked
violently three times in its history. The first was in 1303 when Ala-ud-din
Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, was enamoured with Queen Padmini and launched an
attempt to kidnap her.
Bahadur
Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, caused massive devastation more than two centuries
later, in 1533. Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked and seized the fort four decades
later, in 1568. The fort was eventually restored to the Rajputs in 1616, during
the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
Below is a quick glimpse of Chittorgarh:
Places to visit
in Chittorgarh
CHITTORGARH FORT: Though it is difficult to pinpoint the exact date of the fort's construction, legend has it that Bhim, a Pandava hero from the Mahabharata mythological epic, was the one who started it. The fort is home to a number of majestic monuments, some of which have been destroyed by time.
RANI PADMINI'S PALACE: In Rajput history, this palace
is important. The building is situated on the banks of a lotus pond and
includes a pavilion for the royal family's female members. When Sultan
Ala-ud-din Khilji saw Queen Padmini's reflection in the mirror, he was so
enamoured with her beauty that he led his forces into battle to kidnap her.
VIJAY STAMBH: Maharana Kumbha founded Vijay Stambh
(the Victory Tower) between 1440 and 1448 AD to commemorate his victory over
the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat. This architectural marvel is a
nine-story tower adorned with intricate sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses,
made partly of red sandstone and partly of white marble. Narrow steps lead to
the terrace, where balconies provide a stunning view of the entire area.
JAIN TEMPLES: Six Jain temples are housed within the
walls of Chittor's fort. The temple of Bhagawan Adinatha, which has 52
‘devkulikas,' is the highest.
GAUMUKH RESERVOIR: Gaumukh Reservoir is a spring-fed deep reservoir. The spring emerges from a rock formation that looks like a Gaumukh (cow's mouth). The locals consider the tank to be sacred.
RANA KUMBHA PALACE: This is one of the most massive
monuments in the Fort of Chittor, a ruined edifice of great historical and
architectural significance. Rani Padmini and other women are said to have
committed ‘Jauhar' in the palace's underground cellars (self-immolation).
MEERABAI TEMPLE: Meerabai, a follower of Lord Krishna, paid her respects to him at this temple. The temple is built in the traditional North Indian temple style. It stands on a raised plinth, with a conical roof visible from afar. A beautiful shrine is housed inside the temple, which is surrounded by an open porch with four small pavilions in each corner.
MENAL WATERFALL: A beautiful waterfall 80 kilometres
from Bhilwara, on the Bhilwara-Kota route, falls to a depth of 150 metres into
a V-shaped valley with great power, creating a beautiful sight. People come
from all over the state to participate. From July to October is the perfect
time to visit the Menal Waterfall.
KUMBHA SHYAM TEMPLE: The temple was built during the
reign of Rana Kumbha in the Indo-Aryan style that was common at the time. It
has a clear resemblance to the mystic poetess Meerabai, a devout Krishna
devotee. She was Prince Bhojraj's wife.
RATAN SINGH PALACE: The royal family's winter palace,
which overlooks a small lake. It is a fascinating place to visit and draws many
visitors, despite the fact that it is now fairly rundown.
TULJA BHAVANI TEMPLE: Tulja Bhavani temple is a Hindu
temple dedicated to the goddess Durga founded by Banvir in the 16th century. It
is said to be named after Banvir, who donated various ornaments (Tula Dan)
equal to his weight for relief funds, according to legend.
KIRTI STAMBH: This Hall of Fame honours Adinathji,
the first Jain Tirthankara (great teacher). This seven-story tower, adorned
with figures of Digambars (Jain monks), was designed by a wealthy Jain merchant
in the 12th century AD.
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