Legend of Meera Bai
Meera Bai was born into the Rathore family who were the Rajputs of Rajasthan. She was born in 1498 CE and at a very young age was mesmerised with Lord Krishna and his charm so much that she started considering him as her husband. As she grew old, her parents got her married to the Prince of Mewar, Bhoj Raj against her will. She lost her husband a few years later during the Hindu Muslim war. After the passing of her husband, she lost her father-in-law. It is believed that her in-laws tried to kill her by talking her into drinking poisoned nectar and sent her a basket of flowers with a vicious snake hidden in it.
Lord Krishna is said to have converted the snake into his idol and made the poison harmless for her. Her affection reached unexplainable heights, and she decided to give up her title as a princess to live the life of a sage and devote all her energy praising Lord Krishna. Meera Bai and her stories are not found in the historical documents of India but are shared with generations through storytelling, songs and poetry. Over the course of time, these folk tales, poems and songs have been re-made in various renditions, but the essence of her emotions are still kept intact.
Architecture of Meera Bai Temple
Meera Temple is built as per the Indo-Aryan style of architecture in the premises of the Kumbha Shyam Temple. It is considered as a marvellous work of art in India along with being a cultural heritage for the Hindus. The sanctum sanctorum houses a beautiful idol of Lord Krishna. At the entrance, there is a splendid carving of five bodies with one head which signifies unity and non-discrimination by caste and religion.
The temple arcade has several intricately carved pillars and is open on all sides with pavilions. A small area of the temple is also dedicated to Swami Ravidas who was the Guru of Meera Bai. His footprints are also preserved for devotees who wish to offer their prayers. The entire monument is built in stone and has intricate carvings depicting stories of Meera Bai and Lord Krishna.
Best time to visit Meera Temple
November to February is the best time for tourists to visit the Fort. It is advisable to visit the temple in the morning and the evening hours as the temperature is very high in the afternoon.
How to Reach Meera Temple
Meera Temple is located on the premises of Chittorgarh Fort near Fateh Prakash Palace. Tourists can hail public transport from any part of the city of Chittorgarh to reach the temple. Local buses frequently ply within the city. One can choose from auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, rental cars or taxis to commute within the city via Chittor Fort Road or Fort Road.
Top Tourist Places in Chittorgarh
Vijay Stambh
Gau Mukh Kund
Maha Sati
Rana Kumbha's palace
Kirti Stambh
Fateh Prakash Palace
All Tourist Places in Chittorgarh
Tips
1. Tourists need to pay to enter Chittorgarh Fort.2. Although the temple is a historical monument, prayers are still offered by devotees.3. One may hire a guide to hear all of Meera Bai's stories.
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