It is seemingly impossible for me to get over with my obsession for the majestic beauty and pride of my city, the Mehrangarh fort. Recently, Jodhpur completed 558 years of existence. The kingdom of Marwar has indeed witnessed a glorious and rich history.
'Mihir/meher' = Sun (in sanskrit) and 'Garh' = fort. In fact, even Jodhpur is referred to as the Suncity. (Only those who have lived in Jodhpur can truly understand and appreciate how appropriately it is named so! )
Mehrangarh, one of the most exquisitely and strongly built forts, has a rather interesting legend.
When Rao Jodha moved the capital of the kingdom from Mandore to Jodhpur, the most suited location was a hill called Bhaurcheeria (hill of birds) where a sole hermit named 'Chiria Nath' lived. Like any other ruler, Jodha too ordered the place to be cleared for the construction of the fort.
Angered by the King's decision, the hermit cursed the ruler that his citadel would always suffer from scarcity of water. It is also said that the hermit cursed that no living ruler of Jodhpur would be able to see his grandchild. And for many many years, surprisingly it was indeed true. However, recently the vicious curse was fortunately broken.
Jodha built a house and temple for him in close proximity to the place the hermit used for meditation and managed to appease him. However, to further ensure the kingdom was not affected by the curse, he had a man Raja Ram Meghwal buried alive in the foundation. Even today, his descendants live in Raj Bagh (Meghwal's garden).
Thereafter, the foundation was laid by the famous Hindu warrior sage, Shri Karni Mata.
Legend has it, that only those forts whose foundation was laid down by Karni Mata (Jodhpur and Bikaner), are still in the control of the Rathore clan. All others have been abandoned due to some reason or the other.
Near the fort, is a 'chhatri' or a raised dome-shaped pavilion of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who died defending the fort. Within the fort, is a dargah (tomb) of a Muslim loyal of the royal family.
The grandeur of the fort and its breathtaking location has also attracted several international artists, directors and film makers.
'Mihir/meher' = Sun (in sanskrit) and 'Garh' = fort. In fact, even Jodhpur is referred to as the Suncity. (Only those who have lived in Jodhpur can truly understand and appreciate how appropriately it is named so! )
Mehrangarh, one of the most exquisitely and strongly built forts, has a rather interesting legend.
When Rao Jodha moved the capital of the kingdom from Mandore to Jodhpur, the most suited location was a hill called Bhaurcheeria (hill of birds) where a sole hermit named 'Chiria Nath' lived. Like any other ruler, Jodha too ordered the place to be cleared for the construction of the fort.
Angered by the King's decision, the hermit cursed the ruler that his citadel would always suffer from scarcity of water. It is also said that the hermit cursed that no living ruler of Jodhpur would be able to see his grandchild. And for many many years, surprisingly it was indeed true. However, recently the vicious curse was fortunately broken.
Jodha built a house and temple for him in close proximity to the place the hermit used for meditation and managed to appease him. However, to further ensure the kingdom was not affected by the curse, he had a man Raja Ram Meghwal buried alive in the foundation. Even today, his descendants live in Raj Bagh (Meghwal's garden).
Thereafter, the foundation was laid by the famous Hindu warrior sage, Shri Karni Mata.
Legend has it, that only those forts whose foundation was laid down by Karni Mata (Jodhpur and Bikaner), are still in the control of the Rathore clan. All others have been abandoned due to some reason or the other.
Near the fort, is a 'chhatri' or a raised dome-shaped pavilion of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who died defending the fort. Within the fort, is a dargah (tomb) of a Muslim loyal of the royal family.
The grandeur of the fort and its breathtaking location has also attracted several international artists, directors and film makers.
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| A still from our school visit to the fort |
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| The dargah in the premises |
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| Jaswanthada and the fort behind |
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