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Hotel Shri Karni Vilas
Hotel Shri Karni Vilas

Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort is regarded as the symbol of Rajput chivalry, resistance and bravery. The fort is situated 175 kilometer to the east of Udaipur and is believed to be named after the person who built it, Chitrangada Mori. The famous Chittorgarh fort, which is one of the largest in India, is situated on a 180 meter high hill that rises from the banks of river Berach. The fort is known for its seven gates namely Padan Gate, Ganesh Gate, Hanuman Gate, Bhairon Gate, Jodla Gate, Lakshman Gate and the main gate which is named after Lord Ram. The Chittorgarh fort houses many palaces, like the Rana Kumbha Palace, the Fateh Prakash Palace, the Tower of Victory and Rani Padmini's Palace. All these structures are significant for their Rajput architectural features.

Vijaya Stambha

Vijay Stambha, also known as victory tower, is a piece of resistance of Chittorgarh. It was constructed by the king of Mewar, Rana Kumbha to celebrate his triumph over the combined forces of Malwa and Gujarat led by Mahmud Khilji, in 1448. The mighty tower was constructed between the period of 1458 and 1488 and is so tall and massive that it is visible from any part of the city. Hence, the entire town can be viewed from here. Vijay Stambh is a dedication to Lord Vishnu and has intricate carvings and sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The internal part of the tower has carvings of weapons, musical instruments, and other tools used in that period. It is an excellent example of religious pluralism practised by the Rajputs.

Kalika Mata Temple

One of the most captivating places in Chittorgarh, Kalika Mata temple belongs to the 14th century. It said that this temple placed across Padmini Palace was originally a temple of the Sun God, which was built here during the 8th century. This temple was destroyed after the attack by Allaudin Khilji. Dedicated to Goddess Kali (one of the forms of Ma Durga), this temple is an architectural gem that belongs to the Pratihara times. Thus, this temple is not only a popular religious site but is also quite popular amidst tourists and art aficionados who visit Chittorgarh. Kalika temple in Chittorgarh is located on an elevated podium and has intricately sculpted mandap, entry gates, ceiling and pillars. However, a huge part of the temple got destroyed when Allaudin Khilji had attacked the region. The temple is placed between Padmini palace and Victory tower, two of the popular tourist attractions in Chittorgarh.

Meera Temple

Chittorgarh is the place where Meera Bai was born who was a Rajput princess and is also being well known as a poetess and saint. The princess had given up her lavish lifestyle and dedicated her life in the worship of Lord Krishna. The Meera temple is constructed to be dedicated to her and is a very famous Hindu temple which is a must visit on your tour to Rajasthan. The splendid work of art on the temple attracts a large number of tourists. The temple reflects the Indo-Aryan style of architecture which was very famous in those times and is still a part of our cultural heritage. The Meera Bai temple and the Kumbha Shyam temple are both built on the same ground. On the outer side of the Meera Bai temple you will notice a carved statue of five human bodies with one head which symbolizes the fact that people of all castes and creed are the same and no differences exists among them.

Kumbha Palace

Rana Kumbha Palace is situated inside the Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan. It is located near the Vijay Stambha close to the entrance gate. The ruins of the once famous palace have the temple of Lord Shiva, Zanana mahal, Diwan -e -aam, along with a stable for horses. According to the legends, the founder of the city of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh was born here, and his life was saved by his wet nurse Panna Dai, who hid him inside a fruit basket. This place was once the home of the famous bhakti poetess Meerabai. It is also believed, that Rani Padmini organized her self- immolation or jauhar inside this fort. The fort is build with stones which are plastered, and have some exquisitely design canopied balconies. It is said that this palace is haunted by spirits. Across from the palace a museum has been constructed.

Gaumukh Kund

Chittorgarh Fort is renowned as the Water Fort. About forty percent of the fort is covered with water bodies in the form of ponds locally known as talabs, wells or, kunds and step wells or baories. Originally eighty four water bodies were built within the seven hundred hectares of the fort area. At present only twenty two water bodies sustain. Any reservoir on an average will take one up to two meters below surface. Together the water bodies present in the Fort of Chittorgarh can store up to four billion liters of water which is sufficient last for an entire year. It can quench the thirst for fifty thousand lives for a span of four years.

Fateh Prakash Palace

Constructed by the Maharana Pratap Singh, the palace used to serve the purpose of erstwhile residence for him. Maharana Pratap Singh deliberately built the palace in Rajasthani style to reveal his quality taste for art and culture. The large number of corridors and pillars of the palace are salient features of Rajasthani architecture. It also has a large number of paintings inside. The palace also reveals other likes and dislikes of Maharana Pratap Singh. The presence of a large variety of crystal objects in the palace also reveals his likings for these objects. In fact, the collection was so vast that in 1968, it was realized that the collection is big enough to be exhibited in a museum. This idea was soon given shape as a large part of the palace was converted into a museum.

Padmini's Palace

This three storied white building was built in the 19th century, and is located in the southern part of the fort. Located amidst water bodies, this is the place where Aladdin was permitted to see the mirror image of Rani Padmini, wife of Maharana Rattan Singh. It is widely believeds that Aladdin was besotted by the beauty of Padmini and the desire to win her led convinced him to destroy Chittor. In the battle that ensued, Maharana Rattan Singh was killed and Rani Padmini committed Jauhar. Rani Padmini's beauty is compared to that of Cleopatra and her life story is an eternal legend in the history of Chittor.

Seven Gates Of The Fort

The Chittorgarh fort has seven gates out of which one was built in fifth century and rest were built in 15th century. Ram Pol is the main gate to enter the fort. The gates were made in such a way that they provide full security to the fort from invasion. They were built with heavy stones and pointed arches. The arches were pointed so that the elephants of the enemy cannot push the gates. They also protected the gate from cannons. Along with these, there are parapets for the archers to shoot arrows. Padan Pol is the gate where Prince Bagh Singh was killed in 1535 while Jaimal was killed between Bhairon Pol and Hanuman Pol. In the commemoration of the death of Jaimal, chhatris and statues were made. A cenotaph has also been built in which a statue of Jaimal sitting on a horse has been built.

Jain Temples

History of Jainism is very old. Its roots can be traced back to third or, fourth millennium BC. The legacy has been borne by the twenty four Tirthankaras. Rishabhanatha is known to be the first Tirthankara, the twenty third was Parshvanatha and the last known was Mahavira. Rajasthan started promoting Jainism since the time of Samrat Samprathi in 220 BC. Samrat Samprathi was the grandson of Ashoka and a follower of Jainism. Many Jain temples were built during his rule. Rajasthan was struck by the Swethambara cult in the 8th century. Although Rajasthan did not have any Jain ruler, encouragement received from the Rajputs paved way for growth of Jainism here. Inscriptions found in Mathura have a mention of ‘Majjhimilla’. It points to Madhyamika another name for Chittorgarh as a centre of Jain religion.