Chittorgarh also Chittor is a city and a municipality in Rajasthan. It lies on the Berach River, a tributary of the Banas, and is the administrative headquarters of Chittorgarh District and a former capital of the Sisodia Rajput Dynasty of Mewar. Chittorgarh is mainly known for its beautiful forts and temples.
TEMPLES
JAIN TEMPLES
The Jain temples of Chittorgarh have a significant place in the history of Jainism. The precincts of the Chittorgarh fort embrace within it the Satbis Deora, Kirti Stambha, Vijay Stambha, Digambar Jain Mandir, Chandra Prabhu Jinalaya and temples of Meerabai. The Jain temples are stunning manifestations of art and structural design.
Chandra Prabhu Jinalaya also known as Bhagwan Mahaveer Temple was constructed in the Vikram era in 1167. Bhagwan Shantinath Temple is a small temple but bestowed with intricate work of architecture. It is known as Shrungal Choki. Both are located in the Rampol Street of the Chittorgarh fort.
Chittorgarh witnessed the construction of the Kirti Stambha under the rule of Rawal Kumar Singh. Jeeja Bhagerwala is credited for building this tower in the 12th Century. This Stambha was constructed as Man Stambha of the Chandra Prabhu Jinalaya. The tower rises seventy five feet above the ground level. The design is influenced from the Solanki style of architecture.
The base of the Stambha is circular in shape and has a diameter of thirty feet wide while at the top it narrows down and diameter at the top of the tower is fifteen feet. This stambha has seven stories. The outer walls are decorated with four idols of Bhagwan Adinath. The idols are in Digambara style, having a height of five feet each. The beauties of the idols are further enhanced by the traditional carvings of ornaments.
Currently, the nineteenth tirthankara, Bhagwan Mallinath is worshipped here. To reach the base of the tower one need to traverse sixty nine stairs. The Tower of Victory or, Vijay Stambha was constructed later under the reign of Maharana Kumbha but same could not surpass the beauty of the Kirti Stambha.
Post construction of the Kirti Stambha, was observed the Pratishtha Mahotsava to celebrate the worship of the deity. It was organized under the leadership of Bhattaraka Dharma Chandra who was honoured as a Jain scholar.
The year 1322 of Vikram era saw the construction of Bhagwan Parshvanath Temple. It is located near the Gaumukhi kund and has four faces and hence, known as the Choumukhi Temple. Under the rule of King Mokal, thirty two temples were built here.
Today one can find the remains of only six. The biggest of them is the Temple of Bhagwan Adinath with fifty two devkulikas. The place was originally named Satbis Deora after the twenty seven temples present here.
KALIKA MATA TEMPLE
The Kalika Mata Temple is a fascinating destination to visit in Chittorgarh. The temple is consecrated to mother Goddess Kali who is the symbol of power.
This ancient temple is an excellent architectural example of the Pratihara Period. Constructed on a raised podium, the Kalika Mata Temple has wonderfully sculptured exteriors. The pillars, mandap, entrances and the ceiling of the temple display great intricate carvings. However, much of its glory was destroyed when Allaudin Khilji attacked Chittorgarh.
Kalika Mata temple belongs to the 14thcentury. It said that this temple placed across Padmini Palace was originally a temple of the Sun God, which was built here during the 8th century by Bappa Rawal. This temple was destroyed after the attack by Allaudin Khilji. Later, Rana Hammir Singh reconstructed and renovated the temple as Kalika Mata Temple during the 14th century. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, this temple is an example of architectural brilliance.
The temple complex also has a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva which is known as Jogeshwar Mahadev. Initially, the temple was built for the Sun God. Hence, the inner Sanctum of this temple has walls depicting Sun God surrounded by spouse and angels. The inner walls of the temple are painted and include Moon god as well. The rooftops are finely carved and narrowed at the top. The frames of the main doors are carved with Sun god as the central theme.
TULJA BHAVANI TEMPLE
Tulja Bhawani Temple is located at Ram Pol, the main entrance gate of the Chittorgarh Fort. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Tulja Bhawani also known as Turya Bhawani. The architecture of the temple is remarkable, and pictures of various Hindu deities adorn the walls of the temple. This temple is an epitome of artistic talent of the natives of Chittorgarh.
KUMBHA SHYAM TEMPLE & MEERABAI TEMPLE
The Kumbha Shyam temple is one of most popular temples in Chittorgarh. Named after the Rana Kumbha, it is one of the most visited temples in the region. The Kumbha Shyam Temple is dedicated to Varaha.
Indo Aryan pattern of architecture was used in building this temple. The temple lies on a podium. The temple comprises of an open course known as the pradakshinapath, a half porch or, ardha mandapa, a full porch or, mandapa, an interior compartment or, antarala and private chamber or, garbagriha. The temple has a unique pyramidal structure on its interior roof and a condescending tower. The archways in the temple are adorned by intersecting loops and patterns. The beauty of the inner walls is enhanced by the sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
The Kumbha Shyam Temple served as a private place of worship for Meera Bai. She spent long hours here in dedication to Lord Vishnu.
Meera Temple, situated in the same complex, was dedicated to bakthi poetess Meerabai. The temple was also constructed during the rule of Maharana Kumbha, the Rajput king. The temple was constructed in the Rajput architecture. The dome of the temple is embellished with a structure of 5 human bodies with a single head. The human bodies symbolize the four castes of the Hindu religion or the Varnas and the 5th caste of the Harijan. The single head symbolizes the faith in God, who can be equally realized by all. Above the chief sanctum rises the conical roof of the temple.
The sanctum sanctorum of the temple comprises of the paintings of Lord Krishna. Paintings of Meerabai offering prayers to the Lord are also placed in the inner sanctum. The small chhatri found in the temple’s forecourt is dedicated to the mentor of Meerabai, Swami Ravidas. He hailed from Varanasi and belonged to the Harijan caste.
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chittorgarh
https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/rajasthan/jain-temples-chittorgarh.html
http://tourmet.com/tulja-bhavani-temple/
https://www.apnisanskriti.com/temple/kalika-mata-temple-chittorgarh-fort-rajasthan-2580
https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/rajasthan/kumbha-shyam-temple-chittorgarh.html
https://www.trawell.in/rajasthan/chittorgarh/kumbha-shyam-temple-meerabai-temple