Mandore Garden is one of those rare places where history feels alive. Located just a short drive from the busy streets of Jodhpur, this garden opens up into a world filled with stories from Rajasthan’s royal past.
As you stroll through the wide pathways of this garden, you pass by beautifully carved temple-like structures. They are, in fact, cenotaphs: special memorials erected for kings and rulers of the Marwar region.
What sets them apart from other places in Rajasthan is their style. They look more like shrines than graves, with tall spires and detailed pillars that lend almost a sacred atmosphere to the place.
Historical Background: A Past You Can Feel
Mandore has a very old story that began in the 6th century, well before the conception of the city of Jodhpur. Mandore was ruled by the powerful Pratiharas of Mandavyapura.
When Rao Chunda, a brave fighter from the Rathore family, married a Pratihara princess, he was given Mandore as a dowry. The ancient Mandore Fort came along with it. That’s how the Rathores took over Mandore.
For many years after that, Mandore remained the centre of power for the Rathore kings. But in the 15th century, neighbouring kingdoms, mainly Gujarat and Malwa, repeatedly attacked, making it weaker over time. Then, in 1438, Rao Ranmal, a prominent Rathore ruler, was killed by Rana Kumbha of Mewar.
To protect his people and their future, Rao Jodha, son of Rao Ranmal, moved the capital to a safer place. He chose a rocky hill not too far away and began building what we now know as the majestic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur.
Today, Mandore still stands strong, carrying the legacy of Rajasthan’s brave rulers, talented artists, and the many untold stories of a glorious past.
Paintings, Statues, and Stories in Every Corner
The structures in Mandore Garden look like temples, but they’re actually cenotaphs—memorials for kings and nobles. They stand out because they don’t look like the usual dome-shaped cenotaphs seen in Rajasthan.
Key structural elements include:
- Chhatris for the Kings: Built from red sandstone, these chhatris have tall spires, carved pillars, and open pavilions. Each one is different, showing off the style and personality of the ruler it was made for. The biggest and most impressive cenotaph belongs to Maharaja Ajit Singh. It was built in 1793.
- Old Fort with Stories in the Walls: Even though most of the Mandore Fort is in ruins now, you can still see parts of its strong walls and high terraces. Some of the carvings show animals, plants, and stars, hinting at the glory it once had.
- Hall of Heroes: This part is carved from a single rock and has 16 big statues of local heroes and deities. These colourful figures are painted with bold colours and tell tales of bravery. You’ll meet folk legends like Chamunda and Pabuji, true heroes of Marwar.
- Temple of 33 Crore Gods: This extraordinary temple is dedicated to the 330 million deities of Hindu mythology. Its walls are adorned with colourful images and sculptures, making it a vibrant symbol of Rajasthan’s spiritual diversity.
Hidden Corners, Big Stories
Mandore Garden is a mosaic of experiences, with each corner offering something new and memorable:
- Government Museum: The museum’s collection of artefacts, coins, textiles, and weapons offers deep insight into the region’s history and culture.
- Mandore Fort and Ravana Temple: The ruins of Mandore Fort and the nearby Ravana Temple, believed to be the native place of Ravana’s wife, Mandodari, add layers of myth and legend to the site.
- Gardens and Lakes: The lush lawns, lotus ponds, and shaded groves make Mandore Garden a perfect spot for picnics, family outings, and leisurely walks. Feeding the fish in the ponds and watching the antics of langur monkeys are favourite activities for visitors.
Mandore Garden stands tall as a gateway to royal memories of Rajasthan, where children, devotees, and birds share the air with smiles, chants, and songs. The garden and its temples, with their intriguing architecture, greenery, and the many legends that cling to it, make for an enchanting place to visit in Jodhpur.
