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Introduction This is one of the many forts that add to the beauty of Rajasthan. However, the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is regarded as one of the largest and the most famous fort in India. It is also a famous tourist place. Situated on a 400 feet hill this fort is garlanded by thick and high walls. Inside this fort there are many palaces that are famous for their intricate carvings and rambling courtyards. Legend of Mehrangarh Fort Earlier during the period of the kings and queens strong forts were built so as to protect the empire. Generally, these forts served as the capital. There was a similar story behind this fort also. It's story dates back to 1458 when Rao Jodha after holding the throne decided to shift his capital to a safer place, as the old Mandore fort was no longer strong and safe. This need for a safer place laid down the foundation of the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. Mehrangarh Fort, which literally means the Majestic Fort, is one of the largest forts in India. This fort was built on a rocky hill, which was 9 km south to Mandore. This hill was known as Bhaurcheeria, which in other words is called as the mountain of birds. For the sake of building this fort the only inhabitant of that hill Cheeria Nathji had to move from there. Because of this he gave a curse and in order to please god and nullify the curse Jodha built many temples in that fort. Places of Interest There are many places on interest inside the fort of Mehrangarh. There are many temples inside the fort but amongst them the most famous was the Chamunda Mataji Temple. Chamunda Mataji was Rao Jodha's favorite goddess. She is regarded as the Isht Devi or the adopted goddess of the Royal's Family and she is worshipped by most of Jodhpur's citizen. There are many period rooms as well in this fort. They are Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Takhat Vilas. All of these period rooms had some or the other significance in themselves. With its fabulous palaces inside Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur stands as the guardian of the Rajasthani culture.
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