Kirti Stambh

Kirti Stambha of Chittorgarh is a 22-meter-tall tower built by a Jain Merchant (Jijaji Rathod) in 12th century. The main purpose behind its commission was to glorify Jainism. It is also known as the Tower of Fame and is located inside the Chittorgarh Fort Complex.

The tower is dedicated to the first Thirthankara, Sri Adinath. Figures of Thirthankaras indicate that it belongs to Diganmbara sect. Jain Saint’s figures are neatly carved on the Stambha, adding to more charm are columned balconies and latticed arches.

At the top is an observation hall which can be reached through a narrow flight of stairs; visitors are awarded with a splendid view of the vicinity.

Many Jain followers consider Kirti Stambh a major pilgrimage centre. It was the residence of Jinavallabha who propagated the Vidhimarga in the 12th century. From the 15th to 17th centuries, it was the seat of a Bhattaraka. The tower is built in the Solanki style. It is 30 feet wide at the base and narrows down to 15 feet at the top.

Three inscriptions have been found that mention Jija of Bagherwal community as the builder of the stambha. One of the inscriptions mention Dharmakirti, the disciple of Shubhakirti, who was disciple of Vasantkirti. According to the Balatkara Gana Pattavali, Dharmakirti headed the patta during 1224-1257 AD. Thus the structure dates from the 13th century, although an unrelated Jain inscription of 896 AD was found in the vicinity.

Kirti Stambh is older than another tower in the same fort, known as the Vijay Stambha.

Getting There

Numbers of private bus services are available in Chittorgarh, connecting all major cities in India. There are regular bus services from Chittorgarh to other cities in Rajasthan and India. Bus services operate for Delhi, Mount Abu, Jaipur, Indore, and Ajmer.

The nearest airport is the Maharana Pratap Airport at Udaipur, about 90 km from Chittorgarh.

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