Chittorgarh Travel Guide

The fort has witnessed some of the bloodiest battles in history of India, three great Sakas and some of the most heroic deeds of valor, which are still sung by the local musicians. The antiquity of Chittorgarh is difficult to trace, but it is believed that Bhim the legendary figure of the Mahabharta, visited this place to learn the secrets of immortality and became the disciple of a sage, but his impatience to perform all the rites deprived him of his goal, and out of sheer anger he stamped on ground creating water reservoir, this reservoir is called as Bhim Lat. Later on, it came under the Mauryas or Muri Rajputs, there are different opinions as to when it came under the Mewar ruler, but it remained the capital of Mewar till 1568, when it was shifted to Udaipur.

It is believed that Bappa Rawal the legendary founder of the Sisodia clan, received Chittaur in the middle of 8th century, as a part of the dowry after marriage with the last Solanki princess, after that his descendants ruled Mewar which stretched from Gujarat to Ajmer upto the 16th century.

Vijay Stambh or Victory Tower:
Built by Rana Kumbha in 1440, to commemorate the victory over the combined forces of the kings of neighboring Malwa and Gujarat. The tower is 120ft. (36.5mts) high and has a girth of 30 ft. at the base, the nine storied high limestone structure is richly ornamented from top to bottom.

Kirti Stambh OR TOWER OF FAME:
Built in the 12th century, dedicated to Lord Sri Adinath Rishab deo, the first Jain Tirthankar. The 22meter high structure is replete with figures from Jain pantheon. There are several other Jain temples in Chittorgarh.

RANA KUMBHA'S PALACE:
The largest monument of the fort, it is believed that Rani Padmini committed Jauhar, in once of these underground cellars. The palace is in ruins but generates historical as well as architectural interest. The original palace was believed to have been built by Rana Hamir after regaining the fort in the first siege. The Mewar power reached its acme during Rana Kumbha's time; he was a great patron of art and architecture, which is amply reflected in the palace.

PADMINI PALACE:
The palace of Rani Padmini who preferred death before dishonor, and committed Jauhar, along with her entire entourage. It was here that Rana Ratan Singh allowed a glimpse of the legendary beauty to Allauddin Khilji. The Zanana Mahal overlooks the pond, Padmini stood over here and the reflection of her was shown in the water to Allauddin Khilji.

MEERA TEMPLE:
The temple is dedicated to the mystic poetess Meera and a devotee of Lord Krishna. Meera was born in Kurki village near Merta to Ratan Singh Rathore and was married to Bhojraj son of Rana Sanga of Mewar. Legends say that she consumed poison set by Vikramaditya but nothing happened to her due to the blessings of Lord Krishna. In 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.

KALIKA MATA TEMPLE:
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the symbol of power and valour. Situated towards the southern side of the fort, it was built by Rana Hamir. Originally it was built as a Sun Temple by Bappa Rawal in the 8th century, but was later destroyed during the first sack of Chittaur. Rana Hamir converted it into a Kali temple on regaining the fort in the 14th century. The house of Chunda is situated near the temple.

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM:
The magnificent Fateh Prakash Mahal has been converted into a museum, which houses a rare and rich collection of sculptures from the fort and the temples. (Friday Closed).

GAUMUKH (COW'S MOUTH RESERVOIR):
Situated near the Mahasati Chowk, the water from a spring flows through a stone structure carved in the form of a cow's mouth into the reservoir.