Jaisalmer fort

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Popular Festivals in Rajasthan

Overview
Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Sonar Quila, is one of the largest forts in the world and can be found in Jaisalmer City, Rajasthan, India. The name “Jaisal” originates from the year 1156 AD, when a ruler from the Bhati Rajput clan built it. The inhabitants of Jaisalmer have a soft spot for this fort, which is known as the Sone Ka Quila. Jaisalmer Fort, one of the city’s most recognizable attractions, dominates the Thar Desert’s apparently endless golden dunes.

History
Jaisalmer Fort, one of many forts in the Hill Forts of Rajasthan complex, is situated in the Indian city of Jaisalmer and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Named for the Rajput ruler who had it built in 1156 AD, “Rawal Jaisal Fort” is an apt description. Rawal Jaisal was the ancestor of the Manj and Bhati Rajput lineages, and Shalivahan II was born into this line. Amidst the expansive Thar Desert, Jaisalmer Fort sits atop Trikuta Hill and has had its share of battles.

With its massive sandstone walls that change color from honey-gold at night to a tawny lion hue during the day, the fort becomes part of the golden desert. Because of this, it goes by many names other than only Sonar Quila and Golden Fort.

Architecture
Although Rajasthan is home to several large forts, Jaisalmer Fort stands out. Jaisalmer Fort’s majesty has the power to baffle and charm. Sonar Quila, meaning Golden Fort, was the new name given to Jaisalmer Fort for that reason.
Perched on a 250-foot slope in the Thar desert, its proportions are 1500 feet long and 750 feet wide. Upon first glance, this magnificent blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture will leave you speechless.

The magnificent yellow sandstone of the Jaisalmer Fort takes on a golden tint when the light directly hits it. The sandstone changes from a tawny lion color to a honey-gold hue as the sun sets.

The fort is accessible by four stunning entrances. The four gates—Hawa, Akshay, Suraj, and Ganesha—are named after gods. It has some really remarkable architectural wonders including the Moti Mahal, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal, Sarvotta Vilas, and Akhai Vilas.

The Lakshminath Temple, Seven Jain Temples, Raja ka Mahal Palace (also known as Maharwal Palace), and Rani ka Mahal Palace are just a few of the fascinating sites in the area. These Jaisalmer sites are characterized by intricately carved designs and embellishments that cover the walls. Incorporating aspects of Bengali art, Mughal themes, and the Rajasthani style elevates the craftsmanship to an all-new level.

Of all of them, the Moti Mahal stands out due to its magnificent design. Two brothers, who lived on opposite sides of the home, built the house around 1815. Its peacock-style roof and several balconies, or jharokhas, make it an attractive and scenic building.

Inside Jaisalmer fort

Maharwal Palace
Jaisalmer Fort is not complete without the Raj Mahal. It was formerly the home of the Maharwal family of Jaisalmer, so another name for the palace is Maharwal Palace. It’s enchanting and intricate. Similar to Mehrangarh Fort and other large forts, these forts stand tall and proud. The saffron-orange patterns are visible as soon as you step foot in the palace. Before they committed Jauhar, the ladies of the fort produced these handprints. This Raj Mahal Palace is a multi-story. It features many rooms, jharokhas, balconies, and little courtyards.

Guests of the palace were welcomed with honor and grandeur at the Diwan-e-Khas. The king’s private quarters have stunning flower carvings on sandstone. This section is known as Gaj Mahal. The Queen Palace, also known as Rani Ka Mahal, may be accessed by an open courtyard.

Rani ka Mahal Palace
The Rani Ka Mahal, also known as the Queen’s Palace, is located in a separate section of the Raja Ka Mahal Palace. Comparatively, the Raja Ka Mahal is rather larger than the Rani Ka Mahal.

Delicately carved balconies and sandstone jharokhas adorn this royal residence. There formerly resided the female attendants of the Jaisalmer queen. Nevertheless, just a tiny fraction is accessible to visitors. Goddess Gori also has her temple here. During the Gangaur festival, the queen and her attendants would traditionally partake. Leaving these areas will lead you out the main entrance of the Rani Mahal and onto Dussehra Chowk.

Jain temple
The narrow passageways bring you straight in front of the Raj Mahal to three exquisite Jain temples within the fort. On the way to the temple, you’ll encounter a handful of right turns and left turns. The Jain temple has magnificent detailed stonework and is large as compared to the Jain temple located in Ranakpur.

There are 7 distinct Jain temples within the fort but these 3 are the important ones. Also, those Jain temples are dedicated to several Jain Teerthaankars. The most prominent one is devoted to Parshwanath Bhagwan. This Jain temple is one of the most spectacular of all Jian temples within the fort.

Lakshminath Temple
Another Jaisalmer monarch, Rao Lunkaran, constructed the Lakshminath temple in the 1800s. The Lakshminath temple is a place of worship for Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Adjacent to the Jain temple is this temple.

Food
The cuisine served within Jaisalmer Fort is both visually and gustatorily appealing. Within the fort, you will find a plethora of restaurants serving authentic Rajasthani food. Street food carts, homely kitchenettes, and restaurants abound. A variety of cuisines, including authentic Rajasthani, Italian, Continental, and more, are available. From the small jharokhas, you can take in the sunsets and sunrises while you dine.

How to reach
Jaisalmer has excellent rail, road, and air connections to most of India’s main cities. Jaisalmer has excellent public transit options. In Jaisalmer City, an auto rickshaw is an inexpensive way to get about.

You may easily reach the main Jaisalmer City center on foot. A rickshaw may be hired at your hotel.

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