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Mandore, located about 5
miles north of Jodhpur, was the former capital of
Maharajas of Marwar, but was later abandoned for the
security of Mehrangarh fort. Here you will find the
dewals, or cenotaphs of Jodhpur's former rulers.
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Mandore
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Unlike the usual
chhatri-shaped cenotaphs typical of Rajasthan, they were
built along the lines of a Hindu temple, four stories
high, with fine columns and an elegant spire, all in red
sandstone. The most impressive is the dewal of Maharaja
Ajit Singh (reigned 1678-1724). These cenotaphs are set
in beautiful landscaped gardens. Nearby is the hall of
heroes, dedicated to various deities and fabled Rajput
folk heroes, whose statues are carved out of rock and
painted in bright colours. Next door is a larger hall
called "The Shrine of the Three Hundred Million Gods",
filled with brightly coloured images of the various
Hindu Gods. As you climb up the hill, you come to the
ruined city of Mandore, with its old palace. Don't miss
the extra-ordinary beautiful Maharani's cenotaphs set
apart on a rocky outcrop - a ten minute walk over the
hill.
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