The fort is one of the most popular tourist places in India. The fort is situated on a rocky hill which is 400 feet (122 m) above the surrounding places.

The fort is situated in the centre of the city, which is spread on a hill 5 km on top. Its walls, which are up to 36 meters (118 ft) high and 21 meters (69 ft) wide, protect it. If you are planning to visit Jodhpur you can hire a taxi rental in Jodhpur which is the best way to explore Jodhpur and Mehrangarh Fort.

Within its boundaries are several palaces which are known for their wonderful carvings and spacious courtyards. A circular road leads from the city to Mehrangarh.

Rao Jodha (1438-89) ordered the fort to be built on a rock with higher elevation and better natural protection.

For over 5 centuries, Mehrangarh has been home to the senior branch of the Rajput dynasty, known as the Rathores.

Why should you visit it?

Here’s why:

  • You will love to do Flying Fox, it is a very exciting experience.
  • Its architecture is fascinating and houses the works of artists spanning more than 500 centuries.
  • It has two ancient temples of Jodhpur.
  • It has Marwari style painting of Rajasthan.
  • You will see each and every part of Jodhpur culture in the featured articles.
  • The museum has an excellent collection of fine and applied arts from the Mughal period of Indian history.
  • A chance for photographers to capture the spectacular views of the entire Jodhpur from one place.
  • Musicians playing folk songs will welcome you at the gate.
  • You will get tourist-friendly facilities like an audio guide, a lift to the top.

Also Read: ONE DAY IN JODHPUR ITINERARY – TOP THINGS TO DO IN JODHPUR, INDIA

What does Mehrangarh mean?

It is made up of two words:

‘Mihir’ (Sanskrit) – Surya or Sun-god
‘Garh’ (Sanskrit) – Fort

Mehrangarh means ‘Fort of the Sun’ – a reference to the mythological origin of the clan from the sun god Surya.

History of this fort

Rao Jodha (one of the 24 sons of Ranmal) became the fifteenth Rathore ruler.

A year after ascending the throne, Jodha decided to move his capital to a safer place in Jodhpur, as the 1000-year-old Mandore Fort was no longer able to provide adequate protection.

With the reliable help of Rao Nara (Rao Samra’s son), the army of Mewar was defeated at Mandore. Along with this, Rao Jodha gave the title of Diwan to Rao Nara.

The foundation and construction of the fort with the help of Rao Nara were started on a rocky hill 9 km south of Mandore by Jodha on May 12, 1459. This hill was known as ‘Bhorcheria’, the mountain of birds.

Rao Jodha had to displace a sadhu named Cheeriya Nathji (Lord of the Birds) for the construction of the fort.

Disturbed by being forced to relocate to Chiriya, Nathji cursed Rao Jodha that “Jodha! May your palace ever face water shortage!”

Rao Jodha managed to please the hermit by building a house and a temple in the fort near the cave where the monks used to meditate (yoga), although only to the extent that even today the region is plagued by drought every 3 to 4 days. years.

He started the construction of the fort but the next day the fort would be destroyed by itself. To ensure the prosperity of the new site he buried a living man named “Raja Ram Meghwal” (of Sursagar) in the foundation.

The “Raja Ram Meghwal” was promised that in return the Rathores would take care of their family. Their children still live in the Rajbagh of Sursagar. Raja Ram Meghwal Garden, a property given to him by Jodha.

Although the fort was originally commissioned in 1459 by Rao Jodha. Most of the forts that stand today are from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638–78).

Also Read: Best Palaces and Forts in Jodhpur | Things to see in Jodhpur

Temples located in the Fort

1. The Chamunda Mataji Temple

The Chamunda Mataji was the favourite goddess of Rao Jodha. He brought her idol from the old capital of Mandore in 1460 and installed her in Mehrangarh (Maa Chamunda is the kul-devi of Parihar caste of Jodhpur, the then rulers of Jodhpur). She remains the Isht Devi (adopted goddess) of the Maharaja and the Royal Family and is worshipped by most of the citizens of Jodhpur as well. Crowds visit this temple at Mehrangarh during the Dussehra celebrations.

2. Nagnechiji Temple

To the extreme right of the fort, the complex is located the Nagnechiji temple, the family temple of the Rathore dynasty.

The Nagnechiji idol was brought to Marwar in the early 14th century by Rao Dhuhad and when Meherangarh was constructed the idol was placed here.

Movies Filmed in the Fort

The 500-year-old fort is a popular site for filming. It was one of the filming locations for the movie ‘Batman: The Dark Knight Rises’ which was released in June 2012 and ‘Veer’.

Mehrangarh Fort Museum

The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan.

The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores like arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms.

Also Read: Jodhpur- The Gateway To The Thar, A Popular Tourist Destination

Mehrangarh Museum Trust

The Mehrangarh Museum Trust was settled in March 1972 by His Highness The Maharaja Gaj Singh II with the principal objective of setting up a world-class museum in Jodhpur.

It was intended that this museum would eventually house and display the Maharaja’s substantial collections of miniature paintings, portraits, books and manuscripts, weapons, textiles and tents, elephant howdahs and palanquins, and various objects of art.

Timings of the Fort

It is open Sunday to Saturday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

How to Reach

From Jodhpur railway station or Jodhpur airport, you can hire a taxi service in Jodhpur, which is the best way to explore Jodhpur.