Kirti Stambh (The Tower of Fame), Chittorgarh

Entry: Free

Not Allowed: Pets

Good for : History, Buffs, Photo Fanatics, Experience Seekers

Visit Duration: 30 minutes

The Kirti Stambha is one astounding piece of architecture, well worth a few pictures and your time.

The Kirti Stambha, also known as Tower of Fame, is a beautiful tower that was erected in the 12th century by a wealthy Jain Merchant, adorned with intricate carvings of Digambars. This seven storied structure is devoted to the first Jain Tirthankara, Adinatha. This tower is built in the Solanki Style of architecture and consists of major balconies and windows that are intricately latticed.

On the second floor, one can see a beautiful statue of Adinatha. If you are determined and make your way to the top of this tower, you will be greeted by spellbinding views of Chittorgarh. The beautiful tower is a fine example of architecture and leaves one marvelling about how one could create something so beautiful.

Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame) is a 22 m (72 ft) high tower built on a 9.1 m (30 ft) base with 4.6 ft (1.4 m) at the top, is adorned with Jain sculptures on the outside and is older (probably 12th century) and smaller than the Victory Tower.

Built by a Bagherwal Jain merchant Jijaji Rathod, it is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankar (revered Jain teacher). In the lowest floor of the tower, naked figures of the various tirthankars of the Jain pantheon are seen in special niches formed to house them. A narrow stairway with 54 steps leads through the six storeys to the top. The top pavilion that was added in the 15th century has 12 columns

Kirti Stambh, positioned inside the Chittorgarh Fort Complex, is a monument of historical and religious importance. Also known as the 'Tower of Fame', Kirti Stambh is a 12th century structure believed to be built by a wealthy Jain merchant, Jijaji Rathod.

Dedicated to the first Jain Thirthankar, Sri Adinath, this 22-m high tower is embellished with numerous figures of naked Thirthankars indicating that it belonged to the Digambara sect. The Kirti Stambh consists of many columned balconies, latticed arches and intricately carved niches which carry the figurines of Jain saints including that of Sri Adinath.

A narrow staircase leads to an observation hall at the top which provides spectacular views of the surrounding areas.

Many followers of Jainism consider Kirti Stambh as a pilgrimage centre.

As the weather is quite harsh in the summers, the best time to visit is between the months of October and February.

One can also visit the other monuments inside the Chittorgarh Fort complex while visiting Kirti Stambh.

Located at a distance of 6 km from the city of Chittorgarh, Kirti Stambh is a monument that can be visited by the whole family.