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Home » Rajasthan Monuments » Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh FortMarvel of ArchitectureThe Mehrangarh Fort or the 'Citadel of the Sun' stands imposingly on a low range of sandstone hills, 125 meters above the plains surrounding it. Invincible and dauntless, it rises up on sheer bare rock. It is not only a monolith but also an absolute marvel of architecture. Its expansive ramparts stretch out for about 10 kms across the Aravalis and its 17 feet thick and 68 feet tall stone walls ensured that it never got conquered. Not only does this fort guarantee a gorgeous view of the blue city below but on clear days one can even spot the Kumbalgarh Fort which lies about 120 Kms away. One of India's biggest forts it was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha the founder of Jodhpur. As the might of these Valiant Rathore rulers grew so did the fort and today it is a magnificient blend of different reigns and ages, styles and influences, compulsions and dreams. This fort also has a legacy of legends. According to folklore it was built on the spot where an old hermit called Cheeria Nathji, the lord of the birds lived. The hermit was forcefully displaced from his residence to clear the sight for the fort, and in his anger Cheeria cast a terrible curse on the kingdom. To propitiate the hermit the king is said to have buried a man alive in the foundations. Later he also built a temple in the fort dedicated to Cheeria Nathji. Attractions within the Mehrangarh Fort Temples The Chamunda Devi Temple The Chamunda Mataji was Rao Jodha's favourite goddess. She is also the Maharaja's and the Royal Family's Isht Devi or adopted goddess and is worshipped by most of Jodhpur's citizens as well. Nagnechiji Temple Located to the extreme right of the fort complex., it is the family temple of the Rathore dynasty. The Nagnechi idol is said to have been brought from Marwar and consecrated within the temple by Rao Dhaud in the 14th century. Period Rooms and Palaces Moti Mahal The Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace was where the king used to address his subjects. A magnificent alabaster throne adorns one end of the room which is otherwise decorated with mirrors and gilt. It has latticed screens and delicate alcoves opening out into hidden balconies. This is the regal room in which every Jodhpur ruler since the founder Rao Jodha has been crowned. The red sandstone coronation seat or Sangar Choki is ornate and spectacular. The palace also houses the royal palanquins, and silver howdahs (special seat for riding on elephants). Sheesh Mahal - The 'Hall of Mirrors' This hall is exactly as its name suggets, yet beyond conjecture. It has to be seen to be believed how the tiny pieces of mirror have been pieced together to create a sublime ambience. Phool Mahal - The 'Palace of Flowers' One of the grandest rooms in the fort, the Phool Mahal was in all likelyhood a private and exclusive chamber of pleasure. Classical ragas (notes of rythm and melody) of Indian music are depicted on its walls and if you close your eyes you can almost hear the tinkle of anklets of nautch girls who must have swooned from exhaustion here under a ceiling rich in gold and filigree. Takhat Vilas Takhat Vilas is a landmark in the 500 year old history of this fort and its rulers. It symbolises the advent of modernisation and with it the change that came about in the style of decor. Galleries The Mehrangarh Fort also houses a treasure trove of artefacts. Its galleries include Elephant's howdahs, palanquins, a vast collection of Mughal art and Rajasthani miniature paintings, swords, shields and other rare armoury, turbans from every era and of every colour and some of Rajasthan's finest folk music instruments. Weather Jodhpur has a typical desert type of climate, dry and hot with temperature variation being very high. The ideal time to visit is the period between November and March. Some light woolens for the day and some extra woolen stuff for the winter nights is advisable, while if you are travelling to Jodhpur during summers you would be better off carrying loads of cool, cotton outfits. Soak in the Surroundings The city of Jodhpur has its own quirks and character. Everywhere you look you will see huge splashes of colour shimmering in the desert sun, standing out admist the background of buildings painted blue. Jodhpur's second famous monument is the Umaid Bhawab Palace, made of creamy pink sandstone it is magnificent in design. Another sight to see is Mandore, the ancient capital of Marwar has impressive cenotaphs to the Rathore kings with in the Mandore gardens. The kalyana lake, a soothing blue oasis is alos a popular picnic spot. How to Reach : Air : Jodhpur Civil Aerodrome, connected by daily flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur. Rail : Jodhpur Junction, well connected to Delhi by the Mandore Express, to Mumbai by the ranakpur Express and to Kolkata by the Howrah-Jodhpur Expreess. Road : Jodhpur is a comfortable six and a half hour drive from Jaipur on the NH8. Shopping Spree To shop in Jodhpur walk through the busy bazaar streets with charming pavement stalls and hardy handloom houses. The markets offer an ethnic land of mirrors, sequins, beads, lehengas, turbans,mojris, lahariya bandhini's and richly carved wooden furniture apart form an unimaginably wide variety of handicrafts that add color to the very soul of Jodhpur.
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