Mandore Gardens, Jodhpur

- Time has stood still since 1459 CE in Mandore -

A suburb of Jodhpur, 5 km. from Jodhpur is the small town of Mandore which was once a seat of power of prominent Rathore clan Rajputs. Not only Rathore Rajputs, Mandore had been the capital city of many Rajput kings and has played a major role in safeguarding Northern India from the attacks of western invaders and Muslim kings from Gujarat. During 6^th century, a princess of Pratiharas dynasty was married into Rathore dynasty and Mandore was the Wedding Gift to the Rathore prince.

Around 1450, the capital seat was shifted to Mehrangarh Fort in order to protect the city and the residents from further attacks and invasions. However Mandore Gardens still stand high in pride to tell the glorious tales of the bygone eras seen by the Mandore. Though Mandore lost the prominence in 1459 CE as the capital seat shifted to Mehrangarh, but word abandoned cannot be used with the town. Mandore gardens have been well preserved to let visitors visualize/ imagine the glorious past of this ancient town.

Ancient temples, Cenotaphs of erstwhile Jodhpur rulers and an ancient tunnel makes an enriching trip to Mandore Gardens. Brilliant temples carved out of Sandstone are the first to get attention. 

Sandstone is one of the most difficult stones to be worked on and to be carved; however the size of the temples, intricate carvings and perfect symmetry is just out of this world. Temple represents whole circle of life is known as “Temple of 33 Koti Gods”. This reminds us of architectural acumen we had in past times.

Another attraction here is the 17th – 18th century Cenotaphs or Chattris of Jodhpur rulers. Surrounded by flowering lawns, Cenotaphs are designed as per the taste of late rulers and carved out of Red sandstone. Signboards are there to let visitors connect with history and check which Cenotaph belongs to which of the King.

Other major attraction here is “The Hall of Heroes”, which is dedicated to various deities and Rajput folk heroes and the statues are carved out of rock and painted in bright colours.

In the next door you will find brightly coloured images of the various Hindu Gods. 

And now the Ancient Tunnel – As told by locales, there is a tunnel inside this structure which was used by Ravana and the guests to arrive at Mandore. Ravana and Mandore...???

It is believed that name Mandore is derived from “Mandodari”, you got it right wife of the demon king Ravana. Mudgil and Dave Brahmins in Mandore, consider themselves as descendants of Ravana, probably settled here after the wedding of Ravana or came here from Lanka post Ravana was killed by Lord Ram.

 

Wedding of Ravana and Mandodari was formalized in Mandore (nearby place called Chanwari) and this tunnel was used by the guests to return to Lanka as well. All efforts to locate the other end of the tunnel have met with failures as no one has been able to explore this tunnel beyond 200 – 300 m. Perhaps some secrets are not for the mortals.

 

Extensive gardens along with lot of Grey Langurs or Leaf Monkeys make it a very popular local attraction. Selfies’ obsessed people should take care of your camera and mobile phones.

To reach Mandore –

Local transport like auto-rickshaws, private taxis or transport buses can be availed from Jodhpur to easily reach Mandore. 

 

Keep exploring Guys