Mandore Jodhpur

Mandore Garden Jodhpur A mystical air surrounds Mandore, which is much like its history. The previous capital Marwar, Mandore was known as Mandavyapur till the foundation of Jodhpur in the mid of 15th Century AD. Folklore recounts the union of Ravana and Mandodari, the Princess of Mandore at the city and people here believe that the panel of Ganesh and Asht Matrika near vapika on the hill near the Mandore railway station is in fact Ravana's Chanvri (in Marwari chanvri is the place where the couple take their wedding vows).

Today only ruins remain and are proof of the magnificent architecture that once existed in their place. Aggressive efforts were never made to maintain the site and it is why the architectural beauty and history of Mandore exists mostly in fragmented relics and ruins. However, a large number of tourists still come here to get lost in fantasies and folktales surrounding the legend of Ravana and Mandodari. Also according to the folklore in the Mandore, there exists a cave which is considered to lead to hell and was the very path taken by Ravana when he came to marry Mandodari. This theory came into existence when no-one could accomplish the task of finding the end of this cave. Some came back due to lack of oxygen while others could find their way back, only to die. This lead the Government of India to ban people from entering the cave, though this has not diminished its popularity among tourists.

There exist temples worshipping Ravana in Jodhpur as well. Ravana was supposedly a master of all evil spirits and sacred threads given by priests after intense prayer to Ravana in the temple are believed to contain curing powers. Therefore, if you ever hear “Jai Lankesh Jai Lankesh” or similar chants in the neighbourhood of Mandore or Jodhpur filling the morning air, don't be surprised. It is common practice among the descendants of Ravana to sing Bhajans in praise of the Demon King Ravana, a learned scholar and a victim of his own weakness.