Chittorgarh Fort is a
massive structure with a 1 kilometre zigzag accent to it. The road leads
through seven gates to the main gate Rampol (meaning Gate of Ram). On
the climb between the second and third gate you see two Chattris
cenotaphs built to honour Jaimull and Kulla heroes of 1568 siege by
Emperor Akbar. The main gate of the fort itself is Surajpol (meaning Sun
Gate). Within the fort a circular runs around the ruins of the fort.
According to often told legend the construction of the fort was started
by Bhim a Pandav hero of mythological epic Mahabharata. The fort has
many magnificent monuments. Akbar carried away all the distinctive
pieces of architecture and sculpture and placed them in his capital.
These are still manifested in the fort of Agra. Even though the fort is
ruin but it is an overwhelming reminder of past history and its walls
resonate with unbelievable legend of extra ordinary men and women and
their equally astounding deeds.
Built in 1440.AD by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over
Mohamed Khilji this 9-storyed tower is adorned by sculptures of
Hindu deities around. There are around 157 narrow steps leading to
the terrace where the balconies give a beautiful top angle view of
the whole town.When illuminated in the evening, the tower reflects a
mesmerizing effect and the view is worth capturing in the camera.
This tower is the piece-de-resistance of chittaurgarh.
Dedicated to Adinathji the
1stJain Teerthankar
adorned by the naked figures of the Digambars [Adherents of the
Digambar sect who does not believe in covering the natural body] A
narrow stairway goes through seven stories of the tower to the top.
The 22 metres high tower was build by a wealthy jain merchant in the
12th century A.D.
The
ruined edifice of great historical and architectural interest, being the
most massive monument in the fort of Chittaur. The palace is believed to
have underground cellars where Rani Padmini and other women committed Jauhar.
Kumbha Shyam Temple:
Built
during the region of Rana Kumbha in the Indo-Aryan style, the temple is
associated with the mystic poetess Meerabai- an ardent Krishna deovtee. She
was the wife of Prince Bhojraj.
Gaumukh
Reservoir A
deep tank filled by a spring coming from a 'cow mouth', situated at the
edge of the cliff. It is considered to be sacred where you can feed the
fishes. Ratan Singh Palace: The winter
palace for the kings, it over looks a small lake and although run down,
is an interesting places to explore
PADMINI
PALACE:
It
is built beside the lotus pool with a historical pavilion that
changed the history of Chittor. Ala-ud-din saw the reflection of
Queen Padmini from here and so mesmerized was he, that the quest of
possessing her led to a furious battle which saw the last of
Maharana Ratan Singh (husband of Maharani Padmini) and the epitome
of beauty-Cleopatra of Rajasthan, became an eternal legend in the
history of chittor and also of the Mewar state. The feel still
lingers on.
A thing of beauty is a joy for ever- and now they don't say this for
nothing.
Gardens and Parks:
Sita Mata Sanctuary,
Dharlyavad This thickly
wooded jungle sprawls over the Aravalli ranges and the Malwa plateau
with three rivers flowing through the forest. According to the
legend, Sita, wife of Lord Rama stayed in this jungle in Rishi
Valmiki's ashram after Lord Rama exiled her. The fauna here includes
leopard, hyena, jungle fox, porcupine, sambhar, wild boar, four
horned antelope, nilgai and flying squirrel.
Pratrap Park, Meera Park and Nehru Park are beautiful laid out parks in
lush surroundings. Beautiful Khwaja rose garden at Saw is just 23 km
from Chittaur.
Meerabai
Temple:The temple where Meerabai worshipped Lord
Krishna is built in north Indian style on a raised plinth with a conical
roof and beautiful inner sanctum. An open colonnade around the sanctum
has four small pavillions in each corner.
Kalika
Mata Temple:
Originally built as a Sun Temple in the 8th century, the temple was
later converted into Kalika Mata Temple in the 14th century A.D.,
dedicated to the mother Goddess Kali- the symbol of power and valour.
