Mehrangarh Fort
Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of
the largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur
of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard
sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri
sculptures. Mehrangarh Fort, spreading over 5 km on
a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 meters, presents
a majestic view on city horizon.
It was built on advice of a saint in 1459 to establish
an impregnable head-quarter. This Fort is one of the
best in India with its exquisitely latticed windows,
carved panels, elaborately adorned windows and walls
of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal. A collection
of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes,
furniture and the cannons on the fort's ramparts are
well preserved.
Jaswant Thada
Close to the fort complex, lies Jaswant Thada. This
19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in
commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three
other cenotaphs, stand nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja
Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers
and Maharajas of Jodhpur. A visit inside the cenotaphs,
with some villagers of the region, would bring forward
the reverence they still hold for their brave kings
Umaid Bhawan Palace
The romantic looking Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually
built with the purpose of giving employment to the people
of Jodhpur during a long drawn famine. The royal family
of Jodhpur still lives in a part of the palace.Another
part of the palace houses a well-maintained museum,
displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the
Maharaja and the royal family - weapons, antiques &
fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies
Government Museum
This museum has a rich collection of weapons, textiles,
miniature portraits, local crafts and images of Jain
Tirthankars. It is situated in the middle of the Umaid
public gardens.
Rai-ka-Bag Palace
This palace is situated near Raika Bag palace railway
station. It was constructed in 1663 by Hadiji, queen
of king jaswant Singh-I. King Jaswant Singh-II liked
this palace very much. He mostly stayed in the octagonal
bunglow of this palace. In 1883 when Swami Dayanand
Saraswati came to Jodhpur, his sermons were arranged
for the public in the public ground of this palace.
Even Jaswant Singh used to listen to Swami Dayanand
in this palace only. Now income tax office functions
in this palace.
Umed Garden
Umed garden covers an area of 82 acres. developed by
Maharaja Umed Singh, it has green lawns, towering Ashoka
trees, roses and seasonal flowers, museum, fountains,
library and a zoo.In 1978 'Walk-in Aviary' was constructed
there one could see different types of birds, local,
African and Australian parrots, ducks, rabbits etc;
in their natural environment. There are large cages
for bears, foxes, deers, lions leopard etc. It is place
frequented by children and adults with equal interest.
Raj Ranchhodji Temple
It was made by queen Jadechi Rajkanwar after the death
of her husband, king Jaswant Singh. Major Part of the
temple is made of red sandstone, carved with beautiful
filigree work. The heart of the temple has the statue
of Ranchhodji made of black marble.It has green, yellow
and blue glassess fixed on its main door.
Achal Nath Shivalaya
Achal Nath Shivalaya was constructed by Nanak Devi,
queen of Rao Ganga. The construction was completed on
21st May 1531. A large water reservoir called Bawari
was made near the Shivlinga which is known as Ganga
Bawari. The Garbh Griha, Mandap and Kirtan Bhawan of
the temple are made of carved Chhitar stone.
Siddhnath
Siddhnath Shiv temple is located between Takhat Sagar
hills. On the road going from the right of filter house
on Jodhpur-Chopasani Road, on crossing the stairs made
by cutting rocks, one can reach Siddhnath temple. Many
years ago it was an absolutely deserted place. And because
of that, a hermit Veetragi Narain Swami started staying
here. He was a highly worshipped and respected saint,
known in the nearby areas. Once a handicapped saint
named Gaurishanker, later known as Nepali Baba, came
to this place. He had only four fingers in each of his
hand and foot. He made a big temple by cutting stones,
which is now known as Siddhnath.
Ganesh Temple
The area which is called Ratanada was named after a
dog called Rata. About 150 years ago a teacher Radidas
in a place called Gorunda saw a statue of Vinayakji
in the hills of Ratanada. The statue is eight feet high
and five feet wide. |
