Vijay Stambha in Chittor Fort of Rajasthan - The highest monument inside India's Largest Fort : Victory Tower of Mewar with stunning carvings on it & a special place to great Panoramic views of Chittorgarh

Vijay Stambha in Chittor Fort of Rajasthan - The highest monument inside India's Largest Fort : Victory Tower of Mewar with stunning carvings on it & a special place to great Panoramic views of Chittorgarh When you are out in Chittor Fort for exploration, you head towards the famous Vijay Stambha after visiting Rana Kumbha Palace. Vijay Stambha is one of the most special monument which helps many reconnect with Chittor Fort. The Vijaya Stambha is a victory monument located within Chittor Fort in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan India. This blogpost shares more about Vijay Stambha, other important places around this beautiful tower and some related facts/history associated.

When you are out in Chittor Fort for exploration, you head towards the famous Vijay Stambha after visiting Rana Kumbha Palace. Vijay Stambha is one of the most special monument which helps many reconnect with Chittor Fort. The Vijaya Stambha is a victory monument located within Chittor Fort in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan India. This blogpost shares more about Vijay Stambha, other important places around this beautiful tower and some related facts/history associated. 

Related Blogpost - Great example of Rajput Architecture & Ruins of Rana Kumbha Palace inside unique UNESCO World Heritage site and India's largest fort in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan  After parking your car, you walk through an entry gate where your ticket is checked. There is no special ticket for Vijaya Stambha and the entry ticket for Chittor fort works here as well. Above photograph shows the view of Vijaya Stambha just after entering through the gate. There is a small walk from gate till the tower and more structures come on the way.   Related Blogpost - Badal Mahal in Rajasthan - A brilliant palace inside Kumbalgarh Fort for Panoramic Views of the mountains surrounding second largest wall of the world  There is no special entry fees for Vijay Stambha or Shiva temple. There is only one entry ticket for whole Chittor fort and everything inside the fort is part of that. Entry ticket for Chittor Fort costs you 40rs per adult, while online ticket cost is 35 rs. There is no extra cost for vehicle and best part is that you can take your vehicle inside. Going in a vehicle is must as it's huge and vehicles makes it easy to move between the places of Chittor Fort. We were there during pandemic so comparatively it was less crowded. I can imagine that during peak tourist season, the fort must be crowded and there is a possibility of traffic jam within the fort.    Related Blogpost - Tour de Churu Streets having grand havelis with marvelous fresco paintings | Haveli Heritage Tour Rajasthan, India



After parking your car, you walk through an entry gate where your ticket is checked. There is no special ticket for Vijaya Stambha and the entry ticket for Chittor fort works here as well. Above photograph shows the view of Vijaya Stambha just after entering through the gate. There is a small walk from gate till the tower and more structures come on the way. 


There is no special entry fees for Vijay Stambha or Shiva temple. There is only one entry ticket for whole Chittor fort and everything inside the fort is part of that. Entry ticket for Chittor Fort costs you 40rs per adult, while online ticket cost is 35 rs. There is no extra cost for vehicle and best part is that you can take your vehicle inside. Going in a vehicle is must as it's huge and vehicles makes it easy to move between the places of Chittor Fort. We were there during pandemic so comparatively it was less crowded. I can imagine that during peak tourist season, the fort must be crowded and there is a possibility of traffic jam within the fort.  


As you can see in above photograph, the Vijaya Stambha ( Victory Tower ) is pretty high and one of the most interesting structures inside Chittor Fort of Rajasthan.   Related Blogpost - Hamerpal Lake - A place which needs serious reconsideration by everyone visiting Kumbalgarh & Rajasthan Tourism for conservation of it's great natural ecosystem

As you can see in above photograph, the Vijaya Stambha ( Victory Tower ) is pretty high and one of the most interesting structures inside Chittor Fort of Rajasthan. 


While exploring Vijaya Stambha or Chittor Fort, you will encounter lot of langoors all around. They usually don't disturb you unless they feel threatened. Having said that, please be careful and be aware of your surroundings. Try not to carry stuff to eat in your hands, as that can be tempting for them to pay attention to you :). Above photograph is clicked around entry gate for Vijaya Stambha in Chittor Fort. All photographs in this blogpost are clicked with phone camera.

While exploring Vijaya Stambha or Chittor Fort, you will encounter lot of langoors all around. They usually don't disturb you unless they feel threatened. Having said that, please be careful and be aware of your surroundings. Try not to carry stuff to eat in your hands, as that can be tempting for them to pay attention to you :). Above photograph is clicked around entry gate for Vijaya Stambha in Chittor Fort. All photographs in this blogpost are clicked with phone camera. 


Archeological Survey of India is still doing excavations around this part of Chittor fort as lot of temple ruins and sculptures are found in this part of the Chittor Fort. Surroundings of Chittor Fort also has huge area which is considered as the place where thousands of women of Chittor fort did johar. According to our guide Manish, that used to a way for women to ensure that king is not under pressure because of safety of women inside the fort, specially when any war becomes tricky and very competitive. I am sure there is more to all that, but we shall cover that in separate blogpost after little more research.   Related Blogpost - Kumbhalgarh Fort of Royal Rajasthan - A grand example of Indian defence Architecture within the second Longest Wall in the world

Archeological Survey of India is still doing excavations around this part of Chittor fort as lot of temple ruins and sculptures are found in this part of the Chittor Fort. Surroundings of Chittor Fort also has huge area which is considered as the place where thousands of women of Chittor fort did johar. According to our guide Manish, that used to a way for women to ensure that king is not under pressure because of safety of women inside the fort, specially when any war becomes tricky and very competitive. I am sure there is more to all that, but we shall cover that in separate blogpost after little more research. 


Vijaya Stambha, a beautiful tower was constructed by the Mewar king, Rana Kumbha, in 1448 to commemorate his victory over the combined armies of Malwa and Gujarat led by Mahmud Khilji. The tower is dedicated to Vishnu. Our Guide Manish also mentioned that each floor of the tower has symbols from different religions in the world and that has also saved this tower till date. Supposedly the fort and various parts of the fort were destructed but Vijaya Stambha was not touched. The Vijaya Stambha is a remarkable example of religious pluralism practised by the Rajputs. The topmost storey features an image of the Jain Goddess, Padmavati. Just look at above photograph again to appreciate carvings on Vijaya Stambha and it's full of these from bottom till top.     Related Blogpost - Neelkanth Mahadev Temple inside KumbalGarh Fort, Rajasthan - One of the few active temples inside Second Longest Wall of the World     The inscribed slabs in the uppermost storey containing a detailed genealogy of the rulers of Chittaur and their deeds are ascribed to Ran Kumbha court scholar, Atri and his son Mahesh. The names of the architect, Sutradhar Jaita and his three sons who assisted him, Napa, Puja, and Poma are also carved on the fifth floor of the tower.  Related Blogpost - Ranakpur Jain Temple in Pali District of Rajasthan || Gorgeous Architecture Inspired by a Divine Vision

Vijaya Stambha, a beautiful tower was constructed by the Mewar king, Rana Kumbha, in 1448 to commemorate his victory over the combined armies of Malwa and Gujarat led by Mahmud Khilji. The tower is dedicated to Vishnu. Our Guide Manish also mentioned that each floor of the tower has symbols from different religions in the world and that has also saved this tower till date. Supposedly the fort and various parts of the fort were destructed but Vijaya Stambha was not touched. The Vijaya Stambha is a remarkable example of religious pluralism practised by the Rajputs. The topmost storey features an image of the Jain Goddess, Padmavati. Just look at above photograph again to appreciate carvings on Vijaya Stambha and it's full of these from bottom till top.

 

Related Blogpost - Neelkanth Mahadev Temple inside KumbalGarh Fort, Rajasthan - One of the few active temples inside Second Longest Wall of the World

 

The inscribed slabs in the uppermost storey containing a detailed genealogy of the rulers of Chittaur and their deeds are ascribed to Ran Kumbha court scholar, Atri and his son Mahesh. The names of the architect, Sutradhar Jaita and his three sons who assisted him, Napa, Puja, and Poma are also carved on the fifth floor of the tower.

Related Blogpost - Ranakpur Jain Temple in Pali District of Rajasthan || Gorgeous Architecture Inspired by a Divine Vision


Vijaya Stambha compound also has that popular Shiva temple which is also shown in Bollywood movie Padmawat. This Shiva temple is still active and queen of the Chittor used to visit Shiva temple everyday after taking bath in nearby water tank. This Water tank is visible from Shiva temple boundary. This place also offers panoramic views of Chittor town in the valley.

Vijaya Stambha compound also has that popular Shiva temple which is also shown in Bollywood movie Padmawat. This Shiva temple is still active and queen of the Chittor used to visit Shiva temple everyday after taking bath in nearby water tank. This Water tank is visible from Shiva temple boundary. This place also offers panoramic views of Chittor town in the valley. 


Related Blogpost - A stroll around beautiful Ghats of Lake Pichola - One of the best walks to explore a different Udaipur in Rajasthan  Above photograph is clicked from Shiva Temple of Chittor Fort and you can see the water tank. If you have checked the blogpost about Rana Kumbha Palace, this water tank is connected with that palace through a cave which was in use by queen and her ladies during morning. Queen used to take bath here, pray at Shiva temple and then start the daily routine. This water tank is still used for some religious activities by locals.   Related Blogpost - Raj Niwas - Book the whole hotel around Lake Pichola of Udaipur, if you are looking for an accommodation for 3 families with a private party space with stunning panoramic views in City of Lakes


Above photograph is clicked from Shiva Temple of Chittor Fort and you can see the water tank. If you have checked the blogpost about Rana Kumbha Palace, this water tank is connected with that palace through a cave which was in use by queen and her ladies during morning. Queen used to take bath here, pray at Shiva temple and then start the daily routine. This water tank is still used for some religious activities by locals. 


Above photograph shows people enjoying panoramic views of the Chittorgarh from Shiva temple in Vijaya Stambha compound in Chittor Fort.   Related Blogpost - Some of the most stunning sunset views around Lake Pichola & Top places to witness sunset in Udaipur , Rajasthan  One can plan a day trip from Udaipur to Chittor Fort. Chittorgarh from Udaipur is approx 120 km which takes 2 hrs one side. Please note that day trip means 2 hrs of drive, so personally I would recommend staying around Chittorgarh and give at least full day to Chittor Fort as there is so much to explore and photograph. There can multiple factors to consider as per individual choice to decide day trip to Chittor from Udaipur or stay around the fort.   Related Blogpost - The Grand City Palace of Udaipur - Best place to visit in the City of Lakes to appreciate grandness of Mewar kingdom & well preserved heritage in new-age museums


Above photograph shows people enjoying panoramic views of the Chittorgarh from Shiva temple in Vijaya Stambha compound in Chittor Fort. 


One can plan a day trip from Udaipur to Chittor Fort. Chittorgarh from Udaipur is approx 120 km which takes 2 hrs one side. Please note that day trip means 2 hrs of drive, so personally I would recommend staying around Chittorgarh and give at least full day to Chittor Fort as there is so much to explore and photograph. There can multiple factors to consider as per individual choice to decide day trip to Chittor from Udaipur or stay around the fort. 


Vijaya Stambha has 9 stories accessed through a narrow circular staircase of 157 steps up till 8th floor, from where there is good view of the plains and the new town of Chittor. Since we visited during pandemic, we were not allowed to climb up otherwise these stairs are open for tourists. The dome of Vijaya Stambha in Chittor Fort was a later addition, was damaged by lightning and repaired during the 19th century. The Vijay Stamba is now illuminated during the evenings and gives a beautiful view of Chittor from the top.  Related Blogpost - Walking around the Streets of Heritage City Udaipur in Rajasthan to see some stunning architecture, colourful graffitis, Old Havelis & lot of surprises along the way


Vijaya Stambha has 9 stories accessed through a narrow circular staircase of 157 steps up till 8th floor, from where there is good view of the plains and the new town of Chittor. Since we visited during pandemic, we were not allowed to climb up otherwise these stairs are open for tourists. The dome of Vijaya Stambha in Chittor Fort was a later addition, was damaged by lightning and repaired during the 19th century. The Vijay Stamba is now illuminated during the evenings and gives a beautiful view of Chittor from the top.


Related Blogpost - Ancient Surya Narayan Temple of Ranakpur, Rajasthan - A special venue with huge Amphitheatre where Ranakpur Festival takes place  This Tower of Victory or Jaya Stambha, called the symbol of Chittor and a particularly bold expression of triumph to celebrate Rana Kumbha's victory over Mahmud Shah I Khalji, the Sultan of Malwa. Vijay Stambha was supposedly built over a period of 10 years and it's approx 37 metres high, over a 47 square feet base. Vijaya Stambha has been one of the most special monument for me to explore in Chittor Fort, although I wish to go again and climb up those circular stairs inside it.   Related Blogpost - Will you be surprised if I say that World's Second largest wall after Great Wall of China is in India - The Wall around Kumbalgarh Fort of Rajasthan  If you liked this post and found it helpful, I would request you to follow these things when traveling -   1. Manage your waste well and don’t litter. Use dustbins. 2. Tell us if you went to a place and found it hard to locate a dustbin.  3. Avoid water bottles in hills. Usually you get clean water in hills and water bottles create lot of mess in our ecosystem. In plains, refill your bottles with RO at hotel.   4. Say big no to plastic and avoid those unhealthy snacks packed in plastic bags. Rather buy fruits.  5. Don't play loud blaring music in forests or jungle camps. You are a guest in that ecosystem and disturbing the locals (humans and animals) is not polite.


This Tower of Victory or Jaya Stambha, called the symbol of Chittor and a particularly bold expression of triumph to celebrate Rana Kumbha's victory over Mahmud Shah I Khalji, the Sultan of Malwa. Vijay Stambha was supposedly built over a period of 10 years and it's approx 37 metres high, over a 47 square feet base. Vijaya Stambha has been one of the most special monument for me to explore in Chittor Fort, although I wish to go again and climb up those circular stairs inside it. 


If you liked this post and found it helpful, I would request you to follow these things when traveling - 

1. Manage your waste well and don’t litter. Use dustbins.
2. Tell us if you went to a place and found it hard to locate a dustbin. 
3. Avoid water bottles in hills. Usually you get clean water in hills and water bottles create lot of mess in our ecosystem. In plains, refill your bottles with RO at hotel.  
4. Say big no to plastic and avoid those unhealthy snacks packed in plastic bags. Rather buy fruits. 
5. Don't play loud blaring music in forests or jungle camps. You are a guest in that ecosystem and disturbing the locals (humans and animals) is not polite.

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