Chittorgarh Junction Railway Station (Est. 1881 C.E.) - Picture of the Week #137

Chittorgarh Junction Railway Station is the main railway station of Chittorgarh City. It connects the town with major cities in North and West India. The trains here run on Broad Gauge tracks.

The Chittorgarh City (which was established next to the Chittorgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site) was linked with railways in the late 19th century as a part of Rajputana - Malwa Railway. This railway station is one of the major transit points for travelers and tourists to visit the legendary fort.

One of the most important links in the railway network of this region was the Chittorgarh - Udaipur Railway Link. It was opened in 1898 C.E. Even today this link is the best and most economical way to reach Udaipur. Udaipur is the 456 year old capital of erstwhile Mewar Princely State in Rajasthan and also a tourist paradise.

.......

Read More

Gaumukh Kund, Chittorgarh - Picture of the Week #136

The Gaumukh Kund of Chittorgarh (Kund means a Reservoir) is a pool of water whose source is a natural spring. This reservoir is revered by Hindus. The Gaumukh Kund had been the source of water for the citizens of Chittorgarh during the numerous seiges it faced. Devotees are permitted to feed the fishes in the water here.

Some of the most famous sieges faced by Chittorgarh included -

1. The Siege of 1303 (where Mewar was pitted against Sultan Alauddin Khalji)
2. The Siege of 1535 (where Mewar was pitted against Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat)

2. The Siege of 1567 (where Mewar was pitted against Mughal Emperor Akbar)

.......

Read More

Chand Baori, Abhaneri (Const 8th-9th Cent CE) - Picture of the Week #135

The Chand Baori is one of the oldest and deepest step wells in Rajasthan and India, in particular. It is also known as 'Abhaneri Chand Bawdi'. This magnificent stepwell was constructed by King Chandra of Nikumbha dynasty around 8th-9th Cent. C.E.

This stepwell is 19.5 mts deep and has around 3500 steps ! This ancient step well was religiously and spiritually related to the nearby Harshat Mata Temple. A devotee visiting Harshat Mata Temple was first supposed to perform ablutions here and then go to the temple.

The sight and pattern of Chand Baori's 1200 years old steps leave a powerful impression on the mind and heart of a visitor !

.......

Sources -
1. ASI Info Board on site at Chand Baori in Abhaneri
2. Wikipedia

Read More

Harshat Mata Temple Abhaneri (Const 8th-9th Cent CE) - Picture of the Week #134

Harshat Mata Temple Abhaneri was constructed in 8th-9th century C.E. It is dedicated to Harshat Mata (Goddess of Joy and Happiness). It is located in Abhaneri village in Rajasthan.

The Harshat Mata temple was constructed by King Chandra of Nikumbha Dynasty. It was constructed in Mahameru style of architecture. This temple was demolished in the 10th century CE. As per the temple keeper the King of Jaipur got the temple reconstructed in the 18th Cent CE.

The iconic Chand Baori step well is closely related to the temple. A devotee was supposed to perform ablutions at the Chand Baori before going to this temple.

.......

Information Sources -

1. Information Board on site.

2. Wikipedia

3. The Temple Keeper of Harshat Mata Temple

Read More

Palace Entrance of Bhangarh Fort (Const 1573 CE) - Picture of the Week - #133

Bhangarh Fort was constructed by King Bhagwant Das for his son Madho Singh (younger son of the illustrious Man Singh I). This fort cum township was abandoned in the year 1783 CE. Bhangarh is believed to be one of the most haunted places in India.

On an architectural note this township has been observed, by archaeologists, to be very well planned. There are separate sections in the city for residential areas, markets e.t.c. The streets are well lined as well.

Madho Singh, the individual for whom this town was built, was a royal prince and a soldier. He participated in the Battle of Haldighati (against Maharana Pratap) and led the vanguard of the Mughal forces of Akbar (which were being commandeered by his brother Man Singh).

 

.......

 

 

Read More