Jodhpur
Home | Jodhpur
MAHAMANDIR TEMPLE
Tangentially, the great temple is a place where sacred glory reigns in a peaceful tranquility. Situated on Mandore road, the temple is an architectural splendor, supported by 84 pillars and ornamented with detailed designs and figures depicting various postures of Yoga. The entire structure is marked by a unique and original style. Experience tranquility as you invoke divine blessings at the ancient Shiva temple that is located within the Mahamandir complex in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. See the ancient ruins that are spread all over Mahamandir. Feel entrapped in a time warp as you see the magnificent Mahamandir ruins on your Jodhpur tours with Indian Horizons. An old deserted town with several homes, surrounded by a thick wall enchants you as you tour the attractions of Mahamandir in Jodhpur with Indian Horizons.
CHAMUNDA MATAJI TEMPLE
Chamunda Mataji Temple in Jodhpur is a place most commonly visited by Jodhpur people. It is located in the Mehrangarh Fort on the southern side. Rao Jodha adored Chamunda Mataji as her favorite goddess. Religion is deeply embedded in the minds of the Jodhpur people. There are churches, mosques, gurudwara, Jain temples and Hindu temples. You can simply amount the religious freedom in Jodhpur.
RAI RANCHODJI TEMPLE
A number of temples are found among the religious monuments of Jodhpur. Since the Rajput rulers of the place were mainly followers of Hinduism, temples are the prime religious monuments found at Jodhpur. The Raj Ranchhodji Temple was built by Queen Jadechi of Rajkanwar. She built the temple after the death of her husband Maharaja Jaswant Singh. The temple has mostly been constructed using red sandstone. It is adorned with carvings and beautiful filigree work on the stone. The black marble statue of Ranchhodji is placed inside the temple. The main door of the temple is beautifully constructed with red, yellow and blue stained glass windows.
OSIYAN TEMPLE
Situated out in the Thar Desert at just over 60 kilometers northwest of Jodhpur, Osian is the location of several Brahman and Jain Temples. Although we visited Osian by hiring a car and driver for the day it's worth noting that if you are traveling on from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer by car it is easily possible to visit these temples on the way by taking the appropriate route clearly shown on maps. The town is dominated by the 12th Century Sachiya Mata Temple - there is no charge to enter the temple area although donations are of course appreciated - as usual you have to leave your shoes off at the bottom steps and be suitably dressed. Just a few minutes walk from Sachiya Mata Temple can be found the Mahavira Jain Temple - this has a small entrance charge and camera fee. Really worth finding and visiting this temple has excellent carvings and really should not be missed out during the trip to Osian. The final and in a way most interesting series of temples to visit are located on the Southern edge of Osian just by the car park area and bus stop. These nine Vishnu and Hari Hara Temples are scattered amongst the scrubland and dunes - you do have to walk out several 100 metres or so through the scrub and sand to find them however these are extremely old temples dating back to the 8th and 9th century and certainly worth the effort.
MEHRANGARH FORT
Mehrangarh Fort is situated on a lofty height, 400 feet (122 m) above the city, and is enclosed by daunting thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces, which are known for their intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards. A meandering road leads to and from the city below. Battle scars of cannon ball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. To the left of the fort is the chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot defending the Mehrangarh fort. There are seven gates, which include Jayapol meaning victory built by Maharaja Man Singh to venerate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol also meaning victory gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of Mughals. The palm imprints still attract devotional attention and are covered by vermilion paste and paper-thin silver foil. The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the finest museums in Rajasthan and certainly the best lay out. In the palanquin section of the fort museum, you can see an interesting collection of old royal palanquins including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin, which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms.
JASWANT THADA
Jaswant Thada, the conventional cremation grounds of the Jodhpur royal families, are approached via a pleasant drive through the rocky hill ranges. The cremation grounds are beautifully landscaped with terraced gardens, exquisitely carved gazebos and a small lake. The main Jaswant Thada memorial is a 19th century royal cenotaph was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh, in the memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. The main memorial is built to resemble a temple. Its walls are made of intricately carved sheets of marble. The marble slabs have been polished till they have become extremely thin and translucent. This makes the monument glow from within when the sunrays fall on its surface. Inside the cenotaph are displayed portraits of various rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur.
CLOCK TOWER & SADAR
The Clock Tower is a popular landmark in the old city. The vibrant Sadar Market is close to the tower and narrow alleys lead from here to bazaars selling vegetables, spice, Indian sweets, textiles, silver and handicrafts. It's a great place to ramble around at leisure.
KAYLANA LAKE
Kaylana Lake in Jodhpur, Rajasthan is located 8 kms to the west of Jodhpur on the Jaiselmer road. Pratap Singh, the then Prime Minister of Jodhpur, got the lake constructed in 1872. This artificial lake is spread over 84 square kms. Where the lake now lies, was once an area having palaces and gardens of two rulers of Jodhpur. They were destroyed to make the Kaylana Lake. Near to the lake is a Dak Bungalow of PHED, the Irrigation department. There are also boating facilities available for the tourists here. An ideal picnic spot for tourists, this lake offers a breathtaking view of the sunset. At that time the sky looks like a canvas splashed with spectacular colors. Kaylana Lake is the perfect place to relax or have picnics. If you are interested in birds, then, this place will further interest you. Also known by the name of Pratap Sagar, the area around this lake was once full of wild bears. It served as a secured hunting place for the royal members. But, with the increase in population it has not remained so. Don't even try to swim in this if you are not an expert swimmer. Better still, don't swim at all. Many youngsters trying to swim across this deep lake have lost their lives. Inspite of this, Kaylana Lake is a charming picnic spot. The beauty of this place will keep on lingering with you for a long time after your visit.
JAI POL
Jai Pol is a gate of triumph which is a part of the Mehrangarh Fort. The fort has seven gates and this is the gate which is the most impressive. Maharaja Man Singh who got this beautiful marvel constructed in the year 1806. The walls close to the gate have battle scars created by cannon balls.
LOHA POL
Loha Pol or the Gate of Iron is a momentous gate that adorns the Fort Mehrangarh. Just 5 km away from the city limits, it is fourth of the seven imposing gates of the fort. This gate was heavily guarded during ancient times as it leads to the palaces and residence of the ruling royalty. It was the also the gate through which the Queens ran to commit Sati and even today, the palm prints of the sati Queens can be seen on the Loha Pol.
MANDORE
Before the construction of Jodhpur, Mandore was the ancient capital of Marwar. It is located in the north of Jodhpur, just 8 kilometers away from the city. Historically, this place is rich with ancient reminiscent and holds great importance. The other sightseeing places in Mandore that can be visited are Mandore Gardens, the Hall of Heroes, the Shrine and the Royal Cenotaphs.
NEHRU PARK
Nehru Park is another popular garden in Jodhpur. Covering an area of 14 acres, this park is designed especially for children. It was first inaugurated by the Chief Minister Shri Mohan Lal Sukhadia on 7th September 1966. It is a great park that reflects the beauty of nature through its beautiful ponds, fountains, plants, trees and flowerbeds.
RAI KA BAGH PALACE
The Rai ka Bag Palace of Jodhpur, Rajasthan is another tourist spot for you to visit on your trip to Jodhpur. The queen of Maharaja Jaswant Singh-I, Hadiji, built this palace. It is situated near the Raika Bag palace railway station. Famous Rai Ka Bag palace in Jodhpur, India was constructed in 1663. It was amongst the favorite palaces of King Jaswant Singh-II. Most of the time he stayed in the octagonal bungalow of Rai Ka Bag palace.In 1883, Swami Dayanand Saraswati came to Jodhpur. The arrangements for his public audience were made in the public ground of this palace only. He gave his sermons there itself. Even Jaswant Singh used to listen to Swami Dayanand in this palace only. At present the palace houses the income-tax office.
UMED GARDEN
The city of Jodhpur boasts some exquisitely landscaped gardens and parks. They are specially designed and maintained to attract tourists. Umed Gardens is one of the most the famous one in Jodhpur and it is named after Maharaja Umed Singh. The garden has five entries to ease tourists entering in to the garden from different directions. Inside the garden, one can enjoy the museum, towering Ashoka trees and aesthetically designed fountains, zoo and a library.
