Meera Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) in Udaipur is the nearest airport.

• By train

  Chittaurgarh Junction (COR) is the nearest railway station.

Why devotees come here

Meera Temple stands in the Chittorgarh Fort Complex, among the Aravalli Hills in Rajasthan. It is also called the Meerabai Temple, and it is an important pilgrimage site for followers of the Bhakti movement, and its sanctum holds a beautiful idol of Krishna.

Meera Temple is an important pilgrimage site for followers of the Bhakti movement. Its sanctum holds an idol of Krishna. Legend says Krishna protected Meera Bai from harm, turning a snake sent to kill her into his divine form. Another popular legend says that with Krishna's blessing she survived poison sent by her brother-in-law. Meera Bai also composed and sang lyrical bhajans called Meera Bhajans.

Incredible India dates the temple to the 16th century, in the Indo-Aryan style. Another account credits Rana Khumba, the Mewar ruler. The exterior is decorated with carvings of scenes from Hindu mythology and from Meera Bai's life. The temple sits on a raised platform. Outside it stands a sculpted statue of five bodies with a single head, which symbolises that there is no discrimination based on caste or creed.

The temple stands inside the Chittorgarh Fort Complex, among the Aravalli Hills, close to the Vijaya Stambha tower of victory.

Festivals

• Begins on Sharad Purnima, which is Mirabai's birthdayMeera Mahotsav

  Organised every year by the Meera Memorial Trust with the district officials.

Tips for your visit

• The temple sits on a raised platform, reached by a few steps.
• A winding hill road of more than 1 km climbs from the new town to Ram Pol, the fort's west main gate.
• Janmashtami, Holi and Diwali are also celebrated at the temple.
• The fort and city of Chittorgarh host the Jauhar Mela each year, a large Rajput festival that commemorates the jauhars.

Questions people ask