Chittorgarh, famous for bravery, chivalry, and strong will power of its Rajput Man and equally proud of determination and purity of its women is a living example of Rajput Traditions. The fort that is now ravaged by the passage of time has seen a glorious past that is still remembered in the form of folklores, folk songs and stories. Its ancient name was ChitraKut and it was built by the ChitranGanda Mori and thus named after him. In middle of the 8th century the brave ruler of sisodia dynasty, whose legends are still sung by the folksingers, Bappa Rawal conquested the fort. ChittorGarh is famous for Legendary Mahrana Pratap who had the courage to fight a fierce battle against Mughals even when his army was too small as compared to vast mughal army. Disagreeing on bow his head in to the power of Mughals, this greatest Son of the Soil accepted a Spartan lifestyle in the jungles leaving the luxuries of his magnificent palace. He went to the jungles formed an army of Bhils, a forest tribe of Rajasthan and fought bravely against mughals. He was also an excellent Guerilla Fighter and those skills helped him a lot during his battles. Apart from his army, he was also supported by his loyal and brave Horse Chetak who helped him a great deal during his battles. Or in a way we can say The horse was also an active fighter rather than just a means of commute. That’s is why the legend of Mahrana Pratap Singh along with his horse Chetak is popular not only in Chittorgarh or Rajasthan but all over theIndia. The place is also consecrated by the greatest woman saint ofIndia, MiraBai an ardent devotee of the Great Lord of the Universe,Krishna. Another legendary figure is Bhamashah, a wealthy merchant who gave away all his property and assets to help the Mahrana Pratap Singh in his patriotic cause.
Chittorgarh is an enormous Fort Complex Inhabited by various palaces, temples and museum. This place is sure to leave an awe-inspiring impact on you. The fort is surrounded by circular walls which has seven huge gates. Situated in crown of Rajasthan like a Jewel in the crown, This place is a Must See for every tourist. Below are the descriptions of various places of this fort:
Vijay Stambh
Standing High at its 9-storied tower with a pride, Vijay Stambh serves as a memorial to glorious victory of Legendary Rajput Ruler Rana Kumbha over Alluddin Khilji after a fierce fighting. The tower is beautifully surrounded by exquisite sculptures of Hindu deities. With its 157 narrow steps leading to the terrace, it is sure to give you an out-of-the-breath experience but the game is worth its candle because the stairs will take you to beautiful balconies on top that will give you a bird’s eye view of the picturesque surroundings. Those few awe-inspiring moments will leave you mesmerized. The beauty of the tower is enhanced manifolds in the night when it is bathed in light like a newly wed bride in the best of her beauty. It is a sight that will surely occupy a very special place in your memories.
Kirti Stambh
While Vijay Stambh commemorates the worldly victory, Kirti stambh commemorates the victory over the world. Built by a wealthy Jain merchant in 12th century, this magnificent tower is adorned by the pure, godly figures of Digambars. Digambar is a Jain sect that stresses on renunciation of worldly objects and pleasures. As The highest example of this belief, they don’t even cover their natural body leaving it naked as it is. This 22 mtrs high tower has a special air of divinity. This seven story high tower is a place where the peace resides. The sight of naked, unadorned natural idols of Digambars (or Saints) and their tranquil, calm countenance will give you a soothing peaceful religious experience and make you ponder over the futility of this world..
Gaumukh Reservoir
It is a large tank, home to the clean spring water. The spring water flows from a CowShaped Water Source that is perched on a cliff.. While you are here, don’t forget to do earn good “Karmas” by feeding the fishes of the reservoir.
Rana Kumbha Palace
Once standing proudly as an example of beauty, magnificence and strength, and presently ruined by the passage of time this grand palace is believed to contain the cellars where Rani Padmini and other Brave Rajput women committed Jauhar.
Padmini Palace
Padmini is a feminine Indian name. This palace as is clear by the name is an exquisite example of feminine beauty. Exemplifying the feminine qualities everything here is delicate, beautiful, pure, artistic and simply adorable.
Meera Temple
Besides giving birth to brave rajput sons, the soil of Chittorgarh was also consecrated by one of the greatest woman saint Meerabai whose single hearted devotion to Lord Krishna, The lord of the universe is world famous. Mahrana Sangarm Singh, The Father in Law of Great Woman Saint MiraBai, built a small temple called Kumbh(Kumbha)ShyamTempleon request of MiraBai. It was a smallKrishnaTempleso that Mirabai Can offer her prayers to the Lord. I was made for the personal use of Mirabai. The Guru of MiraBai was Saint RaiDas. There is a small chhatri in the temple in which the Footprints of Saint Raidas are marked. Needless to say, the chhatri is dedicated to Saint Raidas. The temple is also an exquisite example of rajput architecture. An ideal place forKrishnadevotees, this temple houses stunningly beautiful paintings of meera bhajans. . Adorned with beautiful idols and permeated with the mystic air of divinity, this exquisite temple was built by Mahrana Kumbha in 1449.
Kalika Mata Temple
This was basically the sun temple built in 8th century but in 14th century it as converted to its present form.
Fateh Prakash Palace (Museum)
The palace named after its founder Mahrana Fateh Singh is a house to the kaleidoscope of eye catching sculptures belonging to various temples and buildings of this fort. Tastefully decorated with arresting array of beautiful paintings, this museum is an example of artistic and aesthetic interests of Rajput Rulers. But one has to spare some time to observe these paintings closely, as each painting is depicting a tale of this mysterious land of heroes and martyrs. Beauty of the paintings will increase manifolds once you have identified the tale it is associated with. Apart from these exquisite paintings, this museum has various other objects of artistic excellence too like aesthetically arranged beautiful sofa sets, dressers, dining tables, etc. You can still feel the sensuous fragrance of Royal Era by visiting the perfume section where innumerous bottles of perfumes are displayed. Equally mesmerizing is the Big and Beautiful Idol of Lord Ganesh. Do not forget to feast your eyes on an adorable carpet that is artistically studded with jewels. The sheer intricacy with which these jewels are studded is enough to leave one spellbound. Apart from these beautiful objects depicting artwork, delicacy and creativity, the museum also has an armory section where you can see various impressive weapons used in battles at that period.
Jain Temples
The grandtempleofBhagwan Adinathais a memorizing treat for the sore eyes. It is believed that at some point of time this place should be a house to 27 jain temples as it is also called sattavish dari (satavish means twenty seven) but today only six jain temples are standing in the chittorgarh fort complex.
Seven Gates
The fort is guarded by seven huge gates each one of a different size, name and shape namely: Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Jorla Pol, Ganesh Pol, Laxman Pol, Ram Pol.
There are several other places near Chitttorgarh that one can visit:
Nagri (20 Kms. Tehsil Chittorgarh) It was one of the most important town ships if mauryan era and thus buddhist influence too was prevailing here over that time. Many excavations here have revealed the strong buddhist and hindu influence here.
Barolo
A group of ancient and magnificent temples is the main attraction of this place.
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary:
Home to various varieties of beautiful wild animals like panther, antelopes, mongoose, wild boar etc. this is an abode for wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary covers a large area of 50 Sq. Kms. It is situated at only 25 km from tehsil chittorgarh.
Sanwaria Ji Temple
A very important and revered hindu pilgrimage especially for krishna devotees this beautiful temple is situated on the chittaugarh-Udaipur Highway at the town ofMandaphia. A must visit for ardent devotees. It is 40 Kms from Chittaurgarh.
Matri Kundiya temple
Dedicated to The Great Lord of Renunciation and Yoga, Lord Shiva, This beautiful temple will surely arouse the devotional feelings in the hearts of Lord Shiva Devotees. It is also famous as Haridwar of Mewar. It is 50 Kms from Chittorgarh.
BhainsoGarh WildLife Sanctuary
Here you can see the various wild animals roaming around freely in the lush greenery. The place is abundant with flora and fauna. It also houses archaeological remains of immense value.
Bijai Pur
Built by the Youngest brother of Legendary Mahrana Pratap Singh, this Old castle (dating back to 17th century) is synonymous with Royalty and an exquisite example of architecture. And there is another good news for you if you like to experience the Royal Lifestyle, This Castle is now converted into an hotel.
SitaMata Sanctuary
With a variety of flora and fauna in this sanctuary, you are impelled to think that the place is personally favored by Mother Nature. The place has a religious value too as it is believed that Sita Mata the Wife of Lord Rama also stayed here during her exile period. The sanctuary is beautifully populated by various wild animals like Wild Bear, Jackal, Fox, Jungle Cat, Spotted Dear and Neelgai to name a few. If possible you should visit here in the month is February and March when you can see the most stunning occupant of this sanctuary, The Flying Squirrel. Yes, It is a Squirrel that has sort of flab joining her forelegs and hind legs that look like wings when she glides in the air. And it gives the feeling as if it is Flying in the air hence the name Flying Squirrel. The Park is also noted for its dense vegetation and various types of trees.
DeoGarh
It is a Large Fort that is house to various beautiful palaces. Its name literally means (the fort of Gods). And rightly so, as it houses 31 revered jain temples with their walls beautifully adorned with Jain Mythological Figures. The place also has an archaeological value.
Menal
The best place to spend some quality time with your loved ones, this scenic beauty encompassed by serene atmosphere will surely attract you. The place is everything on offer to make your stay unforgettable:LushGreenForests, Calm, Quiet and sometimes noisy Waterfalls,ExemplaryAncientTemplesthat exemplifies the faith and devotion. Do not forget to Visit the Great Temple of The Great Lord Of Renunciation and Yoga, Lord Shiva, calledMahaNaleswarTemple. The temple’s walls are beautifully adorned by the motifs depicting Lord Shiva and His Consort Goddess Parvati surrounded by various deities. Meenal is 90 Kms from Chittorgarh.
Gotmeswar Temple
Famous for the ancientShivaTemple, This is another place that should be present on your itinerary. It is 130 Kms from Chittorgarh.
Jogniya Mata Ji
Dedicated to Goddess Yogini this temple dates back to 8th century. It is situated in midst of dense forests.
Rani Bindar Tunnel nearby is another sight to see.
Tulja Bhawani Temple
Located at the entrance of Gate Ram Pol this exquisite temple was built in 16th century.
