Mehrangarh Fort In Jodhpur — A Majestic Fort with Incredible Architecture
Jodhpur a most beautiful place which is also famous as the blue city of Rajasthan and Mehrangarh Fort is the major attraction of Jodhpur. There are many attractive destinations in Jodhpur but Mehrangarh Fort is the center of the attraction. Mehrangarh is one of the magnificent and largest forts in India which was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha, who was the founder of Jodhpur. The fort is standing 410 feet (125 m) above the city on a hill cliff “Bahuchiriya” the mountain of birds and enclosed by thick walls.
Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur has a great history to tell and the fort is built so beautifully and strategically that enemies cannot enter the fort easily. Traces of attacks made by cannonballs on the army of Jaipur can still be seen at the second gate. There are many places inside Mehrangarh which are famous for their intricate carvings and large courtyards. The Sun God has been the main deity of the Rathore dynasty and this fort was named Mehrangarh which means the fort of the sun.
The Amazing History of Mehrangarh Fort
Rao Jodha, who was the chief of the Rathore clan was the founder of the Jodhpur City. In 1459 he found Jodhpur City as the capital of Mewar (Mandor was the previous Capital of the Rathore Dynasty). He was one of the 24 sons of Ranmal and became the 15th ruler of the Rathore dynasty. After one year of accession to the throne, he made a decision to move his capital to the safest place of the Jodhpur because Because a thousand-year-old Mandor fort was no longer enough to provide security.
With the help of Rao Nara who was the reliable of Rao Jodha, He laid the foundation of the fort on 12, May 1459, 9 km from the south of Mandor on a Hill cliff which was known as “Bahuchiriya” hill. According to the legend, there was a saint named Cheeria Nathji, who also called the God of Birds, When Chiara Nathji was forced to leave the hills, he cursed Rao Jodha while he was leaving and said “Jodha! Maybe there will be a shortage of water in your stronghold”.
After listening to his word Rao Jodha made a house to appease the saint. Along with this, Jodha established a temple near the cave in the fort in which saints used to meditate. But still, we can see the effect of the curse of the saint, every 3 to 4 years, there is a shortage of water here at some time or other. According to the Rajasthani language, Mehrangarh was renamed from Mihirgarh to Mehrangarh. Mehrangarh Fort history is very interesting and has lots of stories to tell
The Majestic Architecture of Mehrangarh Fort
There are lots of amazing historical places in Rajasthan but Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is something special. Located at the height of 400 feet on a straight-standing rock, this fort is one of the most magnificent and huge buildings in India. This fort gives an amazing view of Jodhpur city and Pakistan very clear. The walls of Mehrangarh extend up to 10 km and the height of these walls is from 20 feet to 120 feet and their width ranges from 12 feet to 70 feet.
The Mehrangarh fort is protected by seven gates which are also known as pols. One of the pols Jai pol was built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 in the celebration of the victory in the war against Jaipur and Bikaner. At the left side of the Loh pol, which is the last gate of the fort, there are hand marks of more than 15 queens who took Jauhar in 1843 after the death of their husband Maharaja Man Singh.
There are many fine painted and decorated palaces inside this fort. These include Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana, and Daulat Khana. Also, Palanquins, royal costumes, musical instruments, royal parlance, and furniture are stored in the museum of this fort. Canon is also placed on the walls of the fort, which enhanced the beauty of the fort.
Major Attractions at Mehrangarh Fort In Jodhpur
There are many amazing places inside Mehrangarh fort which attracts lots of visitors and tourists every year. These places are amazingly built and well painted and give an amazing glimpse of royal life. These places include Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Jhanki Mahal, Mehrangarh Fort Museum, Chamunda Mataji Temple, Chokelao Mehran Terrace.
Sheesh Mahal
Sheesh Mahal is a marvelous piece of fine glass and beautiful workmanship of attractive mirrors. this place is not open for the visitor directly but one can see this amazingly carved place by a small enclosure. Sheesh Mahal walls are beautifully carved with pictures of the flowers and Indian mythology. The beauty of this charming place makes people appreciate it.
Phool Mahal
Phool Mahal was the private party room of the men of that time. The walls of this palace are decorated with pictures of royal families. The palace is colorful and vibrant. Royalty emanates from every nook and corner of glazed ceilings, beautiful glass windows, and massive carpet rooms.
Jhanki Mahal
It has belonged to the queens and princesses of Jodhpur. The Queens saw the royal proceedings taking place through the windows of this palace. Today this place keeps some cradle since ancient times. The roof of the palace is designed in dark blue motifs.
Mehrangarh Fort Museum
This museum of Mehrangarh has preserved all the historical things related to the Rathore dynasty to the Mughal period. The Mehrangarh Fort Museum exhibits Palanquins, royal costumes, musical instruments, royal parlance, and furniture associated with the royal families.
This museum at Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur has a wide range of products such as T-Shirts, postcards, jewelry, textiles, perfumes, caps, bags, books, and many more. These items show the history and the culture of Jodhpur. One can buy these products directly from the museum or you can also buy them from the internet too from the official site.
Website:- http://www.mehrangarhmuseumshop.com/
Chamunda Mataji Temple
Chamunda Mataji Temple is one of the significant places at Mehrangarh fort. This temple situated in the temple complex is very beautiful. Rao Jodha brought the statue of Maa Chamunda idol placed in this temple from Mandor in 1460 May and established it at this place.
Chokelao Mehran Terrace
This wonderful royal restaurant is inside the fort where you can have a candlelight dinner in the amazing light at night. The place has a stunning and majestic view of the Mehrangarh fort on one side and the Jodhpur city on the other side. Mehrangarh is one of the most famous places to visit in Jodhpur.
How to Reach at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
Jodhpur City is well connected to all the major cities of India by air, by road, and by rail. Jodhpur has its own airport and many direct flights are available from all the major cities of India. There are many trains by which you can reach this place without any problem and the local transport is also easily available at all the points.
Once you reach Jodhpur then reach Mehrangarh fort is an easy task. there are auto, taxi, and rickshaw are available which will drop you at the Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur.
Things to do at Mehrangarh Fort In Jodhpur
There are many things to do in Mehrangarh apart from Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. Many interesting activities and attractions are there at Mehrangarh which attract people around the globe. Below is the list of the activity and things to do at Mehrangarh Fort In Jodhpur.
- Enjoy the Rajasthani folk music and dance performed by Rajasthani artists at the main entrance of the fort.
- Visit Chamunda Mataji Temple inside the fort
- Explore the beautifully built palaces inside the fort
- You can visit the Chokelao Gardens situated within the fort complex.
- Enjoy the night light view of Mehrangarh fort
- Enjoy the amazing view of Jodhpur city
Some useful Information For Visitors
- Visiting Hours:- 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Opening Days:- The Fort is open all days of the week
- Entry Fee:- For Indians INR-60 per person and for foreigners INR-400 per person
- If you are planning to visit this place in summer so it is better to keep suncream and a hat to avoid the heat.
- Always keep a bottle of water to being hydrated
Originally published at https://trendaroundus.in on December 21, 2020.