Meera Bai and the temples of Rana Kumbha
Meera Bai, a Rajput princess of the 16th century, married into the royal family of Mewar but devoted herself to Krishna, rejecting court life. Her bhajans, devotional songs, are among the most loved in India. According to tradition she worshipped at the small temple beside the larger Kumbha Shyam temple on Chittor Fort.
The Kumbha Shyam temple, built in the 15th century under Rana Kumbha, is in the Indo-Aryan style, with a tall spire and carved walls. The Meera temple next to it is smaller, with an image of Krishna and a shrine to Meera's guru. Pilgrims still come to sing her songs here.
Your guide can tell Meera's story and, if you wish, share the words of one of her bhajans. We visit in the morning as part of the fort tour. Shoes come off at the temples, and modest dress is expected.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Who was Meera Bai
A 16th-century Rajput princess and poet-saint who married into the Mewar royal family and devoted her life to Krishna. Her devotional songs are sung across India. Chittor Fort holds a temple traditionally associated with her worship, beside the larger Kumbha Shyam temple, where pilgrims still come to sing her bhajans. Your guide can tell her story and, if you wish, share the words of one of her songs.
Can you visit the Meera temple at Chittorgarh
Yes. It stands within the Kumbha Shyam temple complex on the fort and is open to visitors. Remove shoes before entering and dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. It is usually part of every fort tour. The temple is small, with an image of Krishna and a shrine to Meera's guru, and we visit in the morning, when pilgrims often come to sing.
Who built the temples on Chittor Fort
Many were built or rebuilt under Rana Kumbha in the 15th century, including the Kumbha Shyam temple. Others, such as the Kalika Mata temple, are older, originally built in the 8th century as a sun temple. The Kumbha Shyam temple is in the Indo-Aryan style, with a tall spire and carved walls, and the smaller Meera temple stands beside it. We visit them in the morning as part of the fort tour.
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