Chittaurgarh Fort

	Chittaurgarh Fort
Home \| Rajasthan \| Ajmer \| Taragarh \| Bikamer \| Jaipur \| Udaipur \| Jaisalmer \| Jodhpur \| Mount Abu \| Pushkar

A path leads from the tower through more fine but ruined temples to Gaumukh Kund , a large reservoir fed by an underground stream that trickles through carved mouths (mukh ) of cows (gau). This quiet spot, away from the main road, commands superb views across the plains. Buildings further south include the Kalika Mata Temple , originally dedicated to Surya in the eighth century, but rededicated to the Mother Goddess after renovations in 1568.

Carvings on the outer wall include images of Surya, the guardians of the eight directions, and friezes depicting the churning of the ocean by the gods and demons, a popular creation myth. An image of Surya guards the main entrance to the temple. Padmini's Palace , now rather dilapidated, stands opposite, in the centre of the pool that allegedly revealed the queen to Ala-ud-din-Khalji.

The road continues south past the deer park to the point used for hurling traitors to their deaths, and returns north along the eastern ridge. Several temples line the route, but the most impressive monument is Kirti Stambh.

The inspiration for the tower of victory, this smaller "tower of fame" was built by Digambaras as a monument to the first tirthankara Adinath, whose unclad image is repeated throughout its six stores. back