🌟 Jaisalmer Diaries – Part 1: The Golden Fort That Still Lives 🌟

10-28 16:07

⭐ A Living Legend: Jaisalmer Fort – Part 1 ⭐

A Journey Through Time in the Heart of the Thar Desert-

My journey to the magnificent Golden City of Jaisalmer begins at its very heart — the incredible Jaisalmer Fort! This is no ordinary monument; it’s a living piece of history, a fortress where life still breathes within its golden walls.

The moment I stepped into Jaisalmer Fort, it felt like entering a golden dream. Rising proudly from the sands of the Thar Desert, this fort shines like a crown under the sunlight — which is why Jaisalmer is called “The Golden City.” 🌞

📸 Each corner of this fort deserves its own frame.

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### 🏰 **The Golden Fort: A Snapshot of History** 📅 **Built:** 1156 AD 👑 **Founder:** Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati Rajput ruler 🏜️ **Location:** Trikuta Hill, Thar Desert, Rajasthan The fort was founded by **Rawal Jaisal**, who also gave his name to the city itself. Over centuries, it stood proudly at the crossroads of ancient trade routes — including the legendary **Silk Route**. This golden fortress has witnessed countless events: fierce battles, royal triumphs, and tales of sacrifice. One of the most historic moments was the **siege by Alauddin Khalji** of the Delhi Sultanate around **1299 CE**, when the Rajput women performed *Jauhar* (self-immolation) while their men fought bravely till the end. Later, the fort also came under Mughal influence before returning to Rajput rule. ---

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### 🌍 **The Only Living Fort in India** What makes **Jaisalmer Fort** truly one of a kind is that it’s among the **very few “living forts” in the world**. Unlike most forts that stand silent and empty, Jaisalmer Fort still hums with life — **more than 4,000 people** continue to live within its ancient walls! Families have lived here for generations, running cozy cafés, handicraft shops, and guesthouses. Walking through its **narrow lanes**, you’ll find laughter, conversations, the aroma of Rajasthani food, and echoes of old stories that make the fort come alive. ---

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### 🙏 **Inside the Walls: Temple Grandeur**

Amidst the golden walls stand some of the most exquisite temples in India:

🕉️ **Jain Temples** — A cluster of **seven intricately carved temples**, built between the 12th and 16th centuries. The sandstone carvings, lattice work, and divine calm inside make them a must-visit.

🌸 **Laxmi Nath Temple** — Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple showcases beautiful carvings, frescoes, and an aura of peace that perfectly complements the fort’s grandeur.

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### ✨ **The Charm of the “Golden City”** The moment you lay eyes on Jaisalmer, you’ll understand why it’s called **The Golden City**. Almost every structure — from the fort to the havelis — is built from **yellow sandstone**. During the day, the city glows with a warm, lion-like hue, and as the sun sets, everything turns a mesmerizing **honey-gold**. It feels as though the desert itself turns to gold under the fading light. 🌅 ---

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### 🌟 **A Heritage That Still Breathes**

Perched high on **Trikuta Hill**, Jaisalmer Fort is now a **UNESCO World Heritage Site**, standing as a proud symbol of Rajasthan’s golden legacy. It’s not just a fort — it’s a *living legend* where history, art, devotion, and daily life blend seamlessly.

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Stay tuned for **Part 2**, where I’ll explore the things which were used at that time

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