રવિવાર, 12 ફેબ્રુઆરી, 2012

Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh


ocated at the hilltop of the in Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, Chittorgarh Fort is one the biggest fort in Asia. It was built by Mauryans in the 7th century A.D. The exquisite fort stands 180mtrs high hill and covers an area of 700 acres. The magnificent fort has many palaces of interest that are exquisitely designed, carved and depicts the rich Rajput architecture. The fort is not only significant for Rajasthan but is for the entire region of North India. The magnificent fort has so many places of interest with in its precincts. Some of the most highlighted ones are Rana Kumbh Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Padmini Palace and the tower of Victory. Within the premises of the fort there is temples, big complex and Jain temples. The temples is dedicated to Meera one of the great devotee of Lord Krishna. The saga of Chittorgarh is ever green and is known to every one. Chittorgarh was attacked three times and the brave Rajput sacrifices their life to evict the enemies. Till date the glorious past of Chittorgarh in depicted by the marvelous forts and palace so the city. 

A tour to Chittorgarh allows one to explore the history. The interesting places there like Chitorgarh Fort and etc. reveal a lot of secrets hidden in the history of Rajasthan. Chittorgarh is pride & glory of Rajasthan, Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and valour unique to the Rajput tradition. Chittorgarh ruinsA ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular chatris.This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was ‘ Jauhar’ – when women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron robes of matyrdom rode out of the fort towards certain death. Alauddin Khilji was first to sack Chitaur in 1303 A.D. overpowered by a passionate desire to posses the regal beauty, queen padmini. Legend has it he saw her face in the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her mesemering beauty. But the noble queen preffered death to dishonour and committed ‘Jauhar’.
Prime Tourist Places in and around Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh Fort : chittorgarh fortIt is situated 631kms away from Delhi in the state of Rajasthan. The fort of Chittor thrills one’s heart with the reminiscence of the heroic deeds. The fort plainly known as Chittor was the capital of Mewar , it is spread over a rocky hill of about 152kms,constructed in around 7th century by Chitrang maurya.
The fort has seven gates and are named as Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jodla Pol, Laxman Pol and the main entry gate of Lord Ramas that is Ram Pol Within the fort, a circular road provides access to all gates and monument located within the fort walls. All the gateways to the fort have been built as massive stone structures. The main gate of the fort is called the surajpol meaning the Gate of Sun. The doors of the gates with pointed arches are reinforced to fend off canon shots and elephants. The fort once boasted of 84 water bodies, but unfortunately is left with only 22 now. These water bodies are in the form of ponds, wells and step wells.
Rana Kumbha’s PalaceRana Kumbha PalaceThe fort was the brain-child of Rana Kumbha, hence his palace is understandably the oldest structures here. Enter the palace through the Suraj Pol, to the saqbha or council chamber bordered by a Ganesha Temple and the Zenana. The palace complex also houses smaller chambers, which might have been used by the nobles in the king’s court. The central courtyard is the site where Rani Padmini committed jauhar, along with the other women of Chittorgarh, to save them from falling in the hands of the enemy. The palace has intricately carved canopied balconies and a stable-like structure, which must have housed horses and elephants, but is today in ruins.
Fateh Prakash PalaceFateh Prakash PalaceLocated near Rana Kumbha’s Palace, this was home to Maharana Fateh Singh. One part of this palace has been converted to museum and houses interesting articles including swords, utensils and royal garments for public viewing. Open from: 10.00 am-4.00 pm (Friday closed)
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the Bassi Village, almost 25 kms from Chittorgarh, you would view a profusion of panthers, wild boars, antelopes, mongooses and several migratory birds. If you intimate in advance, you could also enjoy a wildlife tour on horseback.
Victory Tower VijayStambha chittorgarhThe victory tower or vijay Stambha is the symbol of Chittor and a particularly bold expression triumph, was established by Rana Khumba between 1458 and 1468 to commemorate his victory over Mohammed Shah I Khilji, the Sultan of Malwa, in 1440 AD. It is approximately 122ft long and has a narrow circular staircase of about 157 steps, consists of 8 floors. The dome which was added later to the building got damaged because of the lightning and was repaired around in 19th century.
Bhainsrorgarh Fortbhainsrorgarh fort chittorgarhThis is credited to be one of the forts, which was never conquered. Located on a 230 ft high rock, its accessibility makes it impregnable. The fort is accessed only by one route, while the remaining three sides open to precarious drops. The fort still houses the original family of Baroli and is not open to the public.
Menal: Located 78 kms from Chittor, this is termed as Little Khajuraho. Of course erotic carvings are not as profuse as in Khajuraho, but if you visit the Shiva Temple here, you could see erotic carvings of gods and goddesses adorning the walls.
Kunwar Pade ka Mahal: This palace housed the prince of Chittor and is the first instance of use of S-shaped arches in Rajput architecture. These arches are also found in the Palace of Rana Ratan Singh, as well as in most temples and step wells constructed later. A special feature of the Kunwar Palace is the excessive use of blue tiles.
Rani Padmini’s PalaceRani Padmini Palace chittorgarhThis three storeyed white building is surrounded by a pool and crowned by carved chhatris. This is also the historical site where Allauddin got the glimpse of Rani Padmini that set him off towards attacking the fort in order to possess her. Located within the palace complex is Bhimlat Kund, an artificial tank built in memory of the Pandava brother, Bhima.
Kirti Stambha : Kirti Stambha chittorgarhAlso known as the Tower of Fame , a 72ft high tower built on a 30 ft base with 4.6ft at the top. It was constructed by Bagherwal Jain merchant Jijaji rathod , is older and smaller than the Victory Tower. It is a six storey building, the top most floor consists of 12 columns and was built around 15th century.
Palaces of Jaimal and Patta: Jaimal and Patta were among the most renowned and strongest defenders of the Chittorgarh Fort. They resided in what was among the last structures to be constructed in Chittorgarh. These are not really palaces, but simple houses with minimally decorated facades and lack the opulence of the other palaces. Located a little away from these palaces is the three-storeyed now in ruins, Chonda House.
Kalika Mata Temple : Kalika-Mata-Temple-chittorgarhAn extremely popular temple is the dedicated to the Mother Goddess. The temple has five chambers and the inner walls lack intricate carvings except those of lotus flowers. The inner sanctum has an image of the Sun God and the walls here have images of Chandra or the moon. Almost all carvings are dominated by themes of Surya surrounded by other deities. Similar to the Kalika Mata Temple.
Jain Temples : In the total of six Jain temples, the temple of Bhagwan Adinath is the largest and consists of 52 Devkulikas. The Digambar Jain Kirtstambha and the seven storied Kirtistambh are the famous two among them
Kumbhashyama Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The use of precious stones is abundant and images of gods, goddesses and the eight rulers adorn the walls. The 16th Century
Adbhutnath Temple shows unrefined images of gods. The main idol within is that of Lord Shiva as the Destroyer, made in wood and sporting three faces. The
Bhawani Temple, dedicated to the Tulja Goddess, patron deity of the Chittor tribes. Next to the temple is the tope khana, which still houses old cannons.
Meera templeMeera-Temple-ChittorgarhThe temple is dedicated to the mystic poetess Meerabai, and a devotee of Lord Krishna. Meera was born in Kurki village near Merta to Ratan Singh Rathors, and was married to Bhojraj son of Rana Sanga of Mewar. Legends say that she consumed poison set by Vikramaditya but nothing happended to her due to the blessings of Lord Krishna. Meerabai-Temple-ChittorgarhIn front of the temple is the cenotaph (chhatri) of Meera Bai’s Guru Shri Rai Das of Banaras, inside the cenotaph is carved a figure of five human bodies with one head, depicting that all castes are equal and even outcasts can attain God.


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