Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur is a city of plush palaces and mighty forts that are testimony to its rich history and culture. Visits to these places bring alive vibrant heritage and glorious traditions in the form of paintings, statues, arts & artifacts standing sturdy since the bygone era. These colossal forts and palaces have been witness to the rich legacy of the royals of Jodhpur, be it their inspiring love stories or intense war affairs.
One such attraction of Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort which has an interesting history attached to it. So, let us begin exploring.
The History Of Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
Set atop a hill named Bhakurcheeria (the mountain of birds) at a height of 410 feet above the city of Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort is among those attractions that hold the pride of the city because of its splendid architecture and diverse history. The fort is among the most formidable and magnificent forts and palaces in Rajasthan that were built by the royals.
The Mehrangarh Fort was built in the year 1459 by Rao Jodha, the ruler of Mandore and the founder of the city of Jodhpur. Whilst building the city, he realized that the location is safe, isolated, and hence apt to be his capital. That is when he decided to build a massive fort spread over an area of 5 km with a height of 125 m to keep his loved ones and the people of his kingdom safe from invaders.
Legend has it that Rao Jodha had to forcefully relocate a hermit named Cheeria Nathji from the hill to build the fort, which ended up with a curse. The hermit cursed that the fort will always suffer from the scarcity of water. In an attempt to get rid of the curse and appease the hermit, Rao Jodha built a temple and a house for him within the fort. There are other stories about the process followed by the king to reduce the effect of the curse. Some say that he buried alive a common man named Raja Ram Meghwal in the fort’s foundation to nullify the impact of the curse. Since the man agreed to give up on his life, the king promised to take care of his family throughout their life.
Rumors or truth, the Mehrangarh fort remains to be a popular attraction and one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur.
Mehrangarh Fort Architecture
Paying an ode to the Rajputana grandeur and their architectural brilliance, the Mehrangarh fort boasts a history of over 550 years.
There are seven gates that serve as an entrance to the fort. Each of these gates was made by different rulers during their reign and represents the honor of their victory over the Bikaner and Jaipur armies. The fort’s structure was built over a period of 5 centuries, starting from the mid-15th century to the late 20th century. This, in turn, resulted in architectural influences from different eras, giving it a unique charm.
Further, the entire structure is surrounded by walls that are 117 feet long and 70 feet wide. In some places, the walls rise up to a height of 120 feet, which enhances the beauty of the overall structure. However, the purpose of this elevation was to ensure the safety of the people living within the premises back then.
Within the fort, one can see the magnificent palaces, namely Phool Mahal, Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Jhanki Mahal, Takht Mahal, and Zenana Mahal. Besides, there are two exquisitely decorated temples within the premises, namely Nagnechi Mandir dedicated to the Kuldevi, and Chamundi Devi Mandir dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Mehrangarh Fort Timing And Entry-Fee
Are you all set to pay a visit to this magnificent place of historic importance in Jodhpur? Here are the timings and entry fees to the Mehrangarh Fort.
Timings: 9 am to 5:30 pm every day
Entry fee: Entry to the fort is free. However, entry to the museum inside the fort charges a fee. The same can be confirmed at the time of entry.
Gauge yourself with all the crucial information and location of the Mehrangarh fort and plan a visit soon to witness the royal splendor of the rulers of Jodhpur.