The roots of Jainism in the region of Chittorgarh go deep. It is believed that it was the centre of Jainism, centuries ago, and one of the most remarkable testimonies to this is the Kirti Stambha that is located inside the Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India. The Chittorgarh Fort is one of the few living forts in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is listed with other forts of Rajasthan under the listing, “Hill Forts of Rajasthan.” The Chittor fort is like a living museum with many amazing monuments, Jain temples, as well as Hindu temples including a unique temple to Meerabai.

Overview of Kirti Stambha – Kirti Stambh Chittorgarh Fort | About Kirti Stambh – Tower Of Fame

Here is a brief Kirti Stambh, Chittorgarh Overview. The Kirti Stambha is a six-storeyed tower that is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara Adinatha, who is also known as Rishabhanatha. The Kirti Stambh is located within the Chittorgarh fort. The Kirti Stambh is believed to have been built by a Jain merchant named Jija of the Bagherwal clan. The tower has beautiful and ornate carvings and images of the Jain Tirthankaras including that of Adinatha.

Though there is no concrete, historical evidence regarding the exact year of the building of the Kirti Stambh or Tower of fame, the general belief is that the Kirti Stambh was built in the 12th century.

Kirti Stambh Chittorgarh – Quick Facts

Kirti Stambh, Chittorgarh History

A board outside the Kirti Stamba Chittorgarh gives some facts about the history of the Kirti Stambh. According to this board, “the Kirti Stambha is dedicated to Adinatha, the first Jain Tirthankara, this elegant Stambha was built by Shresthi Jija and Punyasing of Bagherwal clan in VS 1357 (AD 1301).”

Centuries ago Chittor was a centre of the Jain religion. It was located very near the ancient city of Madhyamika. Inscriptions dating back to the Kushan period ( 1-3rd Century), mention a place called Majjhimilla, which is believed to have been Madhyamika. This establishes that Jainism flourished in the region as long back as the 1st century.

There are many other facts that prove the dominance of Jainism in the Chittor region in later years. A famous Jain Acharya named Haribhadra Suri who lived in the 6th century is believed to have been born in Chittor.

Thus it is no surprise, that the tower of fame stands today as a silent testimonial to the historic influence of Jainism in Chittor and the surrounding regions. There is no clarity regarding the exact date when the Kirti Stambh was built. Some historians opine that an old monument dating to the 12th century existed and the merchant from Bagherwal, Jija built a new Kirti Sthambh at the same place in 1301.

Another inscription says that the Kirti Stambh was renovated again in the year 1489. This inscription is attributed to the grandson of the builder of the Kirti Stambha, Shresthi Jija.

The Architecture of Kirti Stambha Chittorgarh | Kirti Stambh Architecture

An inscription found near the Jain Kirti Stambh Chittorgarh gives the following details about the tower of fame.
“This six-storeyed tower (24.5m high) stands on a square platform. A central staircase winds up a square shaft through six storeys to a small pavilion of elegant design, the roof of which rests on twelve columns. Large standing images of Tirthankara are placed in four niches on the lowest storey. Hundreds of small figures are carved on upper storeys. Standing next to the tower is a 14th century Jaina temple. Raised on high Jagati, it comprises of a sanctum and a mandapa, its walls are beautifully carved.”

The Kirti Stambha stands solidly atop a square platform. The entrance into the tower is a small door that is reached by a flight of stone steps that have been cut into the side of the base platform. The stairs wind their way through a square shaft to the top floor. The top floor has a beautiful pavilion with balconies in all the cardinal directions and supported by twelve ornate pillars. The tower has niches that have beautiful statues of the Tirthankaras. The outer walls of the tower are embellished with beautiful carvings of Jain symbology and iconography.

The Kirti Stambh is believed to be a Manastambha, which is a feature of Jain temples in North India and South India as well. Manastambhas are found in front of Jain temples and have images of Tirthankaras at the top. The imposing height of the Manasthambhas was meant to destroy the egos of the devotees before they entered the main temple. Manastambhas can be seen at Shravanabelagola and at the Neminath Basadi in Varanga, as well as elsewhere in India.

Besides the Kirti Stambh stands a small Jain temple that dates back to the 14th century. The temples rest on a huge Jagati or platform that is reached by a flight of stairs. The temple has elements of the Nagara style of temple architecture. It has a Garba Griha or sanctum which is preceded by a Mandapa or outer chamber. A Shikhara rises above the sanctum. and is crowned with an Amalaka toped with a Kalasam.

The Kirti Stambh, despite being hundreds of years old retains its exquisite beauty and symmetry. It is a visual delight, both for the lay visitor as well as for connoisseurs of art and architecture.

How To Reach Kirti Stambh in Chittorgarh

• Kirti Stambh is located in the Chittor Fort also referred to as Chittorgarh in the western Indian state of Rajasthan
• Chittorgarh is about 110 kilometres from the famous city of Udaipur which is known for its lakes and palaces
• Chittorgarh is around 316 kilometres from Rajasthan’s capital, Jaipur

By Air

• The nearest airport to Chittorgarh is at Udaipur at a distance of about 92 kilometres
• Udaipur is well connected to major cities of India
• One can fly to Udaipur and from there travel by road to reach Chittorgarh

By Rail

• The Chittorgarh Railway Station is situated at a distance of about 8 kilometres from the Chittorgarh Fort
• The Chittaurgarh Railway Station is a part of the Western Railway zone and is well connected with other parts of the country
• Trains from and to Udaipur, Jaipur, Indore, Bhopal, Mumbai, Mysore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, BangaloreRameswaram, etc, pass through Chittorgarh Railway station
• For details of trains to and from Chittorgarh check out the official IRCTC website

By Road

• Chittorgarh is well connected with different cities and towns of India through the  road network
• Rajasthan is a great place for road trips and hence Chittorgarh can be conveniently reached by road either from Udaipur or Jaipur

If your interest is awakened and you are planning a trip to Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, India then you can book a cheap flight through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here. You can also exercise the option of flying to Udaipur or Jaipur and then from there you can travel to Chittorgarh by road. Road trips in Rajasthan are always a great way to travel, the options to reach Chittorgarh could be by self-drive car or cab or bus.

Interesting Facts About Kirti Stambh In Chittorgarh Fort

• Kirti Stambh In Chittorgarh is a Manasthambha which is usually found near Jain temples
• Kirti Stambh history dates back to the 12th century and beyond
• Kirti Stambh at Chittorgarh was built by a Jain merchant and not by any king
• Kirti Stambh At Chittorgarh is a religious Jain monument as opposed to the Vijay Stambh which is a monument that commemorates the victory in a war
• Jain Kirti Stambh Rajasthan is not as spectacular as the Vijay Stambh but it predates the Vijay Stambh and could have been its inspiration

Tips For Visiting Kirti Stambh Chittorgarh Fort

• There is much to see within Chittorgarh Fort, so be ready for a bit of walking
• Rajasthan is hot and sunny, even if you are visiting in winter, ensure you are well protected against the sun
• Carry your own reusable water bottle to stay hydrated as all the walking and the sun are sure to drain you
• Take as many pictures as you can as the Kirti Stambh and other monuments are very photogenic, the Images of Kirti Stambh Chittorgarh, are sure to bring back the memories at a later date

Where To Stay | Top Hotels In Chittorgarh | Chittorgarh Hotels

There are many options for staying at Chittorgarh which is a popular tourist destination and a Must-visit place for followers of Jainism. One can stay at the hotels in Chittorgarh or also visit Chittorgarh as a day trip from Udaipur. One of the good hotels to stay in Chittorgarh is the Kukda  Resort.

You can book this hotel or any other hotel in Chittorgarh or anywhere in Rajasthan or India, right here. through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline and save a lot by getting the best savings on booking your stay.

Places To Visit In Chittorgarh | Chittorgarh Attractions | Nearby Attractions

There are a plethora of places to visit in Chittorgarh as well as things to do in Chittorgarh. here is a list of some other places to visit in Chittorgarh apart from the Kirti Stambha.

1. Meera Temple
2. Kumbha Shyam Temple
3. Gaumukh Kund
4. Samadhishwara Temple
5. Vijay Sthambh
6. Padmini Palace
7. Ratan Singh Palace
8. Rana Kumbha Palace

Rajasthan is a veritable travellers paradise. It has much to offer to every type of traveller. From wildlife in Ranthambore to the forts of Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Jaipur, to the lakes of Pushkar, Rajasthan is a dream come true.

You can plan your Chittorgarh itinerary and book your  Chittorgarh trips, right here.  So go ahead and book online places to see in Chittorgarh and popular activities in Chittorgarh and cover attractions in Chittorgarh.

FAQ – Kirti Stambh Chittorgarh

Are Kirti Stambh And Vijay Stambh the Same?

They are different monuments within the Chittorgarh Fort. While the Kirti Stambh is a Jain religious monument and is believed to be a Manasthamba, the Vijay Stambh is a victory monument. Kirti Stambh in Chittorgarh is built by a Jain merchant named Jija while the Vijay Sthambh is built by King Rana Kumbha.

What is the difference between Kirti Stambh and Vijay Stambh?

Both are monuments with different purposes and built by different people at different times. While Kirti Stambh Chittorgarh, is a Jain religious monument, the Vijay Sthambh is a monument that commemorates a victory in war. The Vijay Sthambh is inspired by the Kirti Stambh, though it is bigger and on a larger scale.

Is there any Entry Fee for Kirti Stambh, Chittorgarh?

There is no entry fee for visiting the Tower Of Fame – Kirti Stambh In Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India, though there is a general entry ticket that needs to be bought for entering the Chittorgarh Fort.

What are the Kirti Stambh, Chittorgarh Visit Timings?

Kirti Stambh, Chittorgarh Timings: The timing for entry into the Chittorgarh Fort is between 10 AM to 5 PM.

What is the best time to Visit Chittorgarh?

The best time to visit Chittorgarh or for that matter, any place in Rajasthan is during the winter months, from October to February. The summer months can be unbearably hot and the desert heat draining.

Who built Kirti Stambh in Chittorgarh fort?

The tower of fame at Chittorgarh is believed to have been built by a Jain merchant named Jija from the Bagherwal Jain community.

Why was Kirti Stambh built?

Though there is no historical evidence of its purpose, it is believed that the tower of fame at Chittorgarh Fort, was built as a Jain religious monument, dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Adinatha. It is believed to be a Manasthmba, an integral feature in Jain temples.

What is the height of Kirti Stambh?

The tower of fame at Chittorgarh rises to a lofty height of 24.5 metres.

We hope you liked reading our Kirti Stambh blog post and looking at the Kirti Stambh, Chittorgarh images or the Kirti Stambh photos you feel like visiting this place. Stay tuned to our blog for more interesting posts about the monuments of India. Subscribe to our blog for instant updates when new posts are published. Connect with us on our social media handles for two-way interaction.

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