Mehrangarh Fort: The Mehrangarh fort was built in the year 1459, with the great and endeavour efforts of the Rajput ruler Rao Jodha. He decided to shift the capital from Mandore fort to the new and safer palace of Mehrangarh as the 1000-year-old Mandore fort was too weak to handle any attack.

The fort was decided to be constructed at the top of Bhakurcheeria hill (Mountain of Birds).

Mehrangarh got cursed with drought

There is a legend which says that when the Rathore ruler Rao Jodha decided the place for the new fort for the establishment of the new capital, he got to ask from the hill's sole human occupant "Cheeria Nathji" (Lord of Birds).

When Cheeria Nathji was asked to shift from the place, "he denied", and as he had an influence on the local population, it was hard for Rao Jodha to use force on him as he had a great following of people.

On this, Rao Jodha asked for help from Karni Mata of Deshnoke. On the request, Karni Mata came and asked Cheeria Nathji to quit immediately.

Seeing a superior power, Cheeria Nathji left at once but cursed the king saying "Jodha! May your citadel suffer a scarcity of water!". Rao Jodha appeased the hermit by making a house and a temple in the fort premises.

Mehrangarh Fort: Appearance of Mehrangarh in movies

The fort also played a great role in some of the blockbuster movies of all time. The fort has musicians who perform round the clock at the entrances of the fort welcoming the tourists.

Disney's 1994 live-action movie "The Jungle Book" was shot in the fort, as well as the 2012 movie "The Dark Knight Rises" was also shot here.

In March 2018, the film crew for the Bollywood film "Thugs of Hindostan" used the fort as one of its shooting locations; actor Amitabh Bachchan left a reflective post about his experience there on his official blog.

Mehrangarh Fort: 2008 human stampede

On 30 September 2008, a human stampede broke out in the Chamunda Mata Temple of Mehrangarh Fort in which 249 people were killed and over 400 were injured.

A stampede is a situation of uncertain movement of a crowd of people which becomes lethal at some point in time.

Geological and tourist attraction of Mehrangarh fort

The Mehrangarh fort houses a phenomenal view of the Blue City of India- Jodhpur, which showcases the culture and the versatile ethic of the Rathore kingdom.

Various festivals held at Mehrangarh Fort

• On the full moon night of the month of October, the Rajasthan International folk festival takes place in the fort to promote the folk dance and music of the Rajasthani culture.

• World sacred and spirit festival takes place in February and aims at conserving and keeping alive the Sufi and sacred traditions of India and the world.

Mehrangarh Fort: Best time to visit

The best time to visit the fort is in winter i.e. between October to March. During this, the festive season is at its peak and the misty weather also makes you feel happy.

• Mehrangarh Fort Entrance Fee: INR 50 – 100

• Mehrangarh Fort Restaurant timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (open all days)

• Mehrangarh Fort Timing: 9 AM – 5 PM (Daily)

Mehrangarh Fort: Frequently asked questions