Chittorgarh was the capital of the Sisodiya Rajputs. The
Chittor Fort is the symbol of courage and valor of the Rajputs
and till 1568 it was the capital of the Sisodiya clan.
Chittor was attacked by the enemies three times. The first
attack was by Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji in 1303 A.D. and
for a brief while Chittor was under Muslim rule. But the gallant
Rajputs once again got back Chittor in 1326. Chittor was also
attacked by Bhadur Shah during the reign of Udai Singh. The
third attack was by Mughal emperor Akbar. Rana Uday Singh
fled from Chittor to build a new capital in Udaipur.
The Chittorgarh fort is spread over 700 acres and covered
by a 5 km long wall. There are as many as 7 gates to cross
before one reaches the fort. The town is ever expanding and
the river Gambheri flows perennially through Chittor.
Another place worth visiting is the 11th century Jain Mandir
- Sat Bis Deori. The architecture inside the temple reveals
great craftsmanship. The parapets of the temple are decorated
with engravings of Gods and Goddesses.
The Tower of Fame which was built by Jija, a wealthy merchant
belonging to the Jain Digambara sect in 12th century AD is
dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar - Adinath. This magnificent
tower is seven storied and has a victory pillar whose diameter
is 9 m and the height is 22 m. The tower has many Puranic
inscriptions. What is amazing is that even holy verses of
the Koran too are inscribed in Arabic language.
The Chittoreshwari Kalikamala Temple is another notable
attraction of Chhittorgarh. Built way back in the 8th century,
the resident deity is Kali made of black stone.
The Kumbha Palace is renowned for its majestic Rajput architecture.
But today it is on the verge of ruins. Legend has it that
Queen Padmini first took bath in the kunda and then performed
the Jahar.
The Kumbha Shyamji Temple built by Rana Kumbha in 1448 is
a fine example of Indo-Aryan architecture. Here the presiding
deity is Lord Vshnu. The temple's terrace is of pyramidal
shape and the spire of the temple is rather elongated.
Just behind the Kumbha Shyamji Temple, is the Krishna Temple
which was built way back in 1440 AD. The temple does not have
any idol and is built in the Odissi style of architecture.
You would do well to visit the Shringar Chauri Jain Temple
which has the deity of the 16th Jain Tirthankar, Shantinath.
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