Kumbha Shyam Temple & Meerabai Temple

Historical

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Chittorgarh Railway Station): 6 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 Mins

Place Location: Near Rana Kumbha Palace

Transportation Options: Cab / Auto / Rental Bike

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 350 m from Kumbha Palace and 6 km from Chittorgarh Railway Station, Kumbha Shyam Temple is a Hindu temple situated inside Chittorgarh Fort. It is among the popular temples in Chittorgarh Fort Complex and also one of the Chittorgarh sightseeing places.

Kumbha Shyam Temple was built by Rana Kumbha in 1448 AD. The temple is dedicated to Varaha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Though there is also a Kali Mata temple and Meerabai Temple in the same premise but the Kumbha Shyam temple is dominating in size. This temple is the place where Meera used to worship Lord Krishna, and the Bhakti movement originated at this place.

The temple built in Indo-Aryan style presents a compact architecture. The temple has a unique pyramid-like roof with a high tower. The temple is placed on an elevated plinth. The temple has an open pradakshinapath, ardha-mandapa, main mandapa, antarala and garbhagriha. The sculptures of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses inside the temple are fascinating. The sculptures of eight rulers of the land are also present in the temple. The image of Garuda stands under the canopy facing the temple.

Meera Temple, situated in the same complex, was dedicated to bhakti poetess Meerabai. The temple was also constructed during the rule of Maharana Kumbha, the Rajput king. The temple was constructed in Rajput architectural style. The dome of the temple is embellished with a structure of 5 human bodies with a single head. The human bodies symbolize the four castes of the Hindu religion or the Varnas and the 5th caste of the Harijan. The single head symbolizes the faith in God, who can be equally realized by all. Above the chief sanctum rises the conical roof of the temple.

The sanctum sanctorum of the temple comprises the paintings of Lord Krishna. Paintings of Meerabai offering prayers to the Lord are also placed in the inner sanctum. The small chhatri found in the temple's forecourt is dedicated to the mentor of Meerabai, Swami Ravidas. He hailed from Varanasi and belonged to the Harijan caste.

Timings: 9.45 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fee: situated inside the fort complex

Fort Entry Fee: Rs. 15 for Indian and Rs. 200 for Foreigner