Posts Tagged chittorgarh

Kalika Mata Temple – Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

About Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh 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 Chittorgarh 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.

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 in history, three great Sakas and some of the most heroic deeds of valor, which are still sung by the local musicians.

About Kalika Mata Temple

Kalika Mata Temple, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

Kalika Mata Temple, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

Kalika  Mata Temple built by Hamir in the 14 Century AD is dedicated to the Goddess of power and valor, Kali and is located on the Southern side of the Chittorgarh fort.

Originally it was built as a Sun temple in the 8th century by Bappa Rawal, but was destroyed during the first attack and re-built after regaining of the fort  by Rana Hamir.

Temple Architecture

Adorned with beautiful sculpture, the temple is admired by the entire tourist on their visit to Chittorgarh fort.  A center of pilgrimage for many Rajasthanis, the temple is stuffed with fables and stories.

Kalika Mata Temple  is built on Prathira style of design. Based on a raised platform, the temple has intricately impressed pillars, ceiling and gates. A visit to Chittorgarh and the temple is sure to enthrall you with legends Maharqana Pratap and many other unsung heroes of Mewar.

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.

Image Source : WikiPedia

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The Fort of Chittor (Chittorgarh) – King of all Forts

The Fort of Chittor (Chittorgarh)

The Fort of Chittor (Chittorgarh)

The fort of Chittor thrills one’s heart with the reminiscence of the heroic deeds. It is the embodiment of Rajput pride and valour of aspiration. It is here in the bosom of this strong hold of rajput glory that noble sentiments, spirit of self renunciation and feeling of preferring dealth to dishonour were nurtured.

Location and Architecture

Chittorgarh is situated at a distance of 631kms (392miles) from Delhi in the state of Rajasthan. This fort, perched on a precipitous rocky hill of 152 feet, was known to be constructed around 7th century by Chitrang Maurya. For eight hundred years this fort has been the capital of Mewar. The fort covers an area of 692 acres. A steep spiral road leads to the fort interrupted by seven fortified and massive gateways. The gates are named Padalpol, Bhairava pol, Hanuman pol, Ganesh pol, Lachhaman pol, Jodala pol and Ram pol.

History and Important Monuments in Fort of Chittor

The important monuments in the fort is the victory tower erected by Rana Kumbha in commemoration of his victory over the combined armies of Malwa and Gujrat in 1440 AD. He spent rupees 90 lacks in raising this token of victory. Sculptures of Hindu divinity cover the tower which are defaced by Muslim invaders.

The palace of Rana Kumbha is also a noteworthy monument. It bears a testimony to hindu civil architecture. The Chittor fort is the home to the famous Kali temple, one of the oldest temple and belongs to the 8th century AD. Another temple Kumbha Shyam is also a fine piece of architecture. Besides these temples, there are numerous tanks which are noteworthy.

Allaudin Khiji was, the emperor of Delhi was the first to get in the walls of the fort. The soul motive was possession of Padamani, the wife of Rana Ratan Singh.

This fort is a fine sanctury of treasured pieces of Hindu architecture in  both civil and military perspectives. The monuments in the fort are numerous and the details of which is matter of volumes. I suppose this is more than a brief on the most famous of the forts in rajasthan – the fort of chittor. I would be posting again tommorrow with another of a magnificient piece , the walls of Rajputana dynasty, I mean the forts.

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