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Chittourgarh Travel Guide
Chittourgarh Travel Guide
Chittourgarh-
The town of the brave, known for its massive fort atop a hill, which can
be singled out for its glorious past.
The fort has checkered history, it has witnessed some of the bloodiest battles
iln history, three great Sakas and some of the most heroic deeds of valor,
which are still sung by the local musicians. The antiquity of Chittaurgarh
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 ilt 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.
Chittourgarh is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit. It reverberates
with history of heroism and sacrifice, which is evident as it echoes with
the tales sung by the Bards of Rajasthan. The main reason for visiting Chittourgarh
is its massive hilltop fort, which is a depiction of Rajput culture and
values. The fort stands on a 240-hectares site on an 180m high hill that
rises rapidly from the plains below.
Thrice a stronger enemy sacked Chittourgarh. The first sack occurred in
1303 when a Pathan King Ala-ud-din Khilji overwhelmed by the beauty of Queen
Padmini besieged the fort in order to capture the regal beauty. In 1535
Bahadur Shah the Sultan of Gujarat besieged the fort causing immense carnage
and it is said that 32000 men donned the saffron robes of martyrdom and
rode out to face a certain death, and the women folkes committed Jauhar
(an act of self immolations by plunging in a large fire) led by Rani Karnawati.
In 1568 Mughal Emperor Akbar razed the fort to the rubble and once again
the history repeated itself. In 1616 Mughal emperor Jehangir restored the
fort to the Rajput but it was not resettled. Today a new township sprawls
below the hill on the west side. Chittourgarh is connected by both bus and
rail. The bus stand and the railway are located in the new township.
Places to see :
Chittourgarh
Fort
A standing sentinel to the courage and valor of Chittaurgarh, it stands
tall over a 180 meter high hillock covering a massive area of 700 acres.
The fort is belileved to have been built by the Maurya rulers in 7th century
AD.
The fort is a treasure house of history and historical monuments the approach
to the fort is very difficult, the one mile steep serpentine thoroughfare
is exhaustive and the fort is reached through huge seven pols of gates,
which are in fact the strong points having a watch tower and massive iron
spiked doors.
It was ravaged thrice, and each time phoenix-like it rose again Allaudin
Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303, legend and history corroborate
that this was because of his passionate desire to abduct Rani Padmini. Yet
she preferred death to dishonor, and committed Jauhar (self immolation)
along with the other ladies of the court. Chitturgarh was plundered again
in 1535 by Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat and finally by the Moghul Emperor
Akbar, in 1567, in an attempt to subdue Maharana Udai Singh.
The fort is approached through massive pols of gates. Near Bhairon Pol,
is a cenotaph or 'chhatra' in honor of the chivalrous Jaimal and his cousin
Kala, who laid down their lives whilst defending Chittaur against the Mughals.
Jaimal who was seriously wounded, but was not ready to die in his bed ,
thus he was carried into battle on the shoulders of his cousin Kala , both
of them died while showing exemplary courage.
At Ram Pol is a memorial to Phatta, who was only 16 years old and had just
been married, his father had already died defending Chittaurgarh, and was
sent into the battle by his mother, to free her son from any affection towards
home she herself pickled up sword along with his bride and jumped into the
battle field both of them died in front of Phatta. Next day the women folk
of the palace ended their lives by committing Johar. Phatta leading the
saffron robed men from the front thundered down like lightening from the
mighty fortress to die fighting.
The other major gates are Padal pola and Hanuman Pol, with a distinct Rajput
style of architecture.
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, this 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 iln the 12th century, dedicated to Lord Sri Adinath Rishab deo, the
first Jain Tirthankar. The 22 metre high structure ils rdeplete with figures
from Jain pantheon. There are several other Jain temples iln Chittaurgarh.
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
Johar, along with her entire entourage before falling into the hands of
Allauddin Khilji. 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 Rathors,
and was married to Bhojraj son of Rana Sanga of Mewar. Legends say that
she consumed poison set by Vikramaditya but nothing happended 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.
KUMBHA SHYAM TEMPLE:
Thetemple dedicated to Varah (Boar), the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It
was built in 1448 AD. By Rana Kumbha Mahasati cenotaphs The cremation site
of the Ranas and their wives, the sites are marked with Chhatris.
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 ws 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. There are several other temples,
within the ramparts of the fort like that of the temple of Annapurana, Jain
Temples etc.
JAIMAL AND PATTA'S PALACE:
Theruins of this palace remind once of the story of the gallant Rathores
Jaimal and Sisodia Patta the two great warriors, who layed down their lives
for the honour of Chittaurgarh.
GOVERNMENT MUSEUM:
The magnificent Fateh Prakash Mahal has been converted into a museum, which
houses a rare and rich collectino 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.
MOHAR MAGRI (HILL OF GOLD COINS):
A small structure which was raised during the invasion of Chittaurgarh by
Akbar in 1567, it gets the name Mohar Magri because it is believed that
Emperor Akbar paid one mohar (gold coin) for each basketful of earth placed
on the mound, as the work was very dangerous, brave soldiers guarding the
the ramparts fromabvoe. The mound was raised to such a height that the Mughal
cannons could be placed over it and fired inside the fort. The important
places inside are, the temple of Tulja Bhawani (the tutelary goddess of
the scribes), the Naulakha Bhandar or nine lakh treasury, Singar Chauri,
depicting inscriptions dating back to 1448 AD. Sat -bis-Deori, the old Jain
temple etc.
Excursion of Chittourgarh
NAGRI (20km)
One of the most important townships of the Mauryan era in Rajasthan, situated
on the banks of river Bairach. It was formerly known as Madhyamika, which
flourished from the Mauraya to gupta era. The excavation over here have
unearthed many interesting facts and have showed signs of strong Hindu and
Buddhist influence.
BAROLI (130 KM)
The ruins of the famous temples of Baroli, near Rawatbhata. This town is
worth visiting, because of the group of ancient temples situated here.
BASSI VILLAGE (25KM)
The historical fort en route to Bundi, is the main attraction. It ahs beautiful
temples and Kund (reservoir). The exquisite sculptures and woodcraft of
Bassi are also very famous.
BASSI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 50 Sq. Km. Near the Bassi village.
The key fauna of the sanctuary are panther, wild boar, antelopes and mongoose.
Migratory birds also visit the sanctuary. For entry into the sanctuary,
prior permission is to be obtained from the District Forest Officer, Chittaurgarh.
SANWARIAJI TEMPLE (40 KM)
The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, situated on the Chittaurgarh -
Udaipur highway. This is not a very old structure and is an important Hindu
pilgrimage centre.
MATRI KUNDIYA TEMPLE (50km)
Also famous as the Haridwar of Mewar' the shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva
BHAINSRORGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (90 KM)
The sanctuary lies in the lush green environs of Bhainsrorgarh, invaluable
archaeological remains can also be seen here.
BIJAIPUR (40km)
The 350-year-old castle built by Rao Shakti Singh, the youngest brother
of Maharana Pratap, is the major attraction. It has now been converted into
a hotel.
SITAMATA SANCTUARY
The sanctuary is spread over the Aravali and Vindhyachal ranges and is the
only forest where teak trees of building value are found. The thickly vegetated
sanctuary has about 50% teak trees besides salar, tendu, amla, bamboo and
bel etc. Three rivers flow through the forest, Jakham and Karmoj are the
major ones. A huge dam has been constructed over the Jakham river for irrigation
, and wild animals in the sanctuary.
The key fauna of the sanctuary are leopard, hyena, jackal, fox jungle cat,
porcupine, spotted deer,wild bear, four horned antelope and nilgai etc.
The most important and conspicuous animal of the sanctuary is the flying
squirrel, which can be observed gliding between the trees during night,this
no curanla creature hides in the day light , the best time to watch the
squirrel is in the months of February and March at Arampura Guest House,
when most trees shed their leaves making it easier to sport the squirrel.
The sanctuary is also associated with mythological events, it is believed
that Sita wife of Lord Rama stayed here during the period of her exile in
the ashram of Saint Valmiki.
DEOGARH
(125 KM).
The16th century fort near Pratapgarh, is famous for the palaces, with their
murals and Jain temples.
MENAL (90 KM)
This is also known as the 'mini Khajuraho' blessed with natures bounty.
This scenic spot is situated on the Chittaur - Bundi road and is famous
for the ancient temples, waterfalls and beautiful forests.
GOTMESHWAR (130 KM)
The place is famous for the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
JOGANIYA MATA (100 km)
This temple of Goddess Yogini is said to be 300 years old.
How to reach :
Air:
Nearest airport Dabok, Udaipur (90KM)
Indian Airlines - City Office, Delhi gate, Udaipur
Reservation timings: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM
Rail:
Well connected by rail with direct trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer ,Ahmedabad,
Jodhpur, Khandwa, Indore, Ratlam, Mandsore, Kota, Bundi Kachiguda etc.
Some important trains reaching Chittaurgarh are:
Chetak express (Delhi - Udaipur)
Meenakshi Express (Jaipur - Secunderabad)
Chittaur - Ahmedabad ( Fast Passenger)
For Reservation : Railway Reservatino Office, Platform No. 1
Timings :10AM to 5PM
Road:
The town is well connected by road also and the bus services for Udaipur,
Adhmedabad, Mt. Abu, Sirohi,Jalor Jodhpur, Dungarpur, Banswara, Bundi, Kota,
Rawatbhata, Ajmer, Jaipur, Pratapgarh, Ratlam, Indore, Tonk and Nathdwara
etc. are available.
For reservation: Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporatino Bus Stand, Near
Bridge Tel : 4177 Timings 10 AM to 5PM
Chittaurgarh is connected with many towns and cities of the country by road.
Chittaurgarh is 297 km. From Mount Abu and 585 km. From Delhi.
Chittourgarh Travel Guide Reservation Form
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