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Situated 9 kms to the north of Jodhpur,
Mandore was the capital of Marwar prior to the
foundation of Jodhpur standing on a plateau
overlooking the present Mandore Gardens. The extensive gardens with high
rock terraces make it a popular local attraction and a picnic spot.
The ruins of the original capital of Marwar, stand in lush, shady gardens
and are entered via the Ajit Pole, the gate that was built in celebration
of Ajit Singh’s victory over the Moghals in 1707 AD.
The gardens also contain the cenotaphs of Jodhpur rulers, and the largest
and the finest of them all, the soaring memorial to Maharaja Ajit Singh.
Here, one may find a captivating collection of cremation-site memorials,
mostly 17th-18th century set amidst surprisingly green, clean and
hassle-free gardens.
The highlight of the Mandore Gardens include the graphic Hall of Heroes,
a rock wall with high relief, brightly painted depictions of local heroes
such as Pabuji and Chamunda and crowded modern shrine of 30 crore gods.
Fairs in Rajasthan are mythological in nature, relating to gods and
goddesses. They are even celebrated to commemorate the brave deeds of
medieval heroes.
Mandore Gardens provide the perfect venue for The
Marwar Festival, held in
memory of the heroes of Rajasthan. The festival is celebrated in the Hindu
month of Ashwin (Sept.-Oct.) in Jodhpur, the former capital of Marwar
Province.