Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri is an umbrella situated at Devapura to the south of Bundi town in Rajasthan. Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri, as it is also known, was constructed in the year 1683 by the Maharaja of Bundi, Rao Raja Anirudh in memory of his nurse, Deva, under whose love and guidance the prince grew up. He was very fond of Deva, thus he constructed 84-Pillared Cenotaph in her honor. It is also widely known as “Music Maharani’s Chhatri. It is said, that one cannot count all the 84 beams at a time.
The umbrella is a double storied structure that is beautifully decorated with artistic figures depicting the art that was prevalent back then. At the upper level, the core chattri is supported with 16 pillars. This umbrella consists of 4 chattri placed on the 4 corners of the structure. At the lower level of 84-Pillared Cenotaph, a large Shiv Linga is placed which is protected by a marvelously adorned roof top that stands strong with the support of 84 pillars. These pillars together are called “chaurasi khamba”. Thus, the name 84-Pillared Cenotaph has been given to the structure.
Over the period, a section of Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri has been damaged. But this in no way dampens the spirit of the tourists who visit this sight in large number to be a part of its history. 84 Pillar Cenotaph is a very important tourism sight in Bundi.
History:
It was got built in 1683 A.D. by Rao Raja Anirudhav Singh (1681-1695 A.D.) in the memory of his foster brother Deva Gujjar.
Architecture of 84-Pillared Cenotaph
The 84-pillared cenotaph is a two-storeyed structure and is comprises of 84 strong pillars or Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri. The interiors of the Chhatri are lavishly designed and decorated with elaborated stylish patterns. On the upper level of this monument, 16 pillars are there to support the core cenotaph overpowered by a dome. This cenotaph consists of 4 chhatris placed on 4 sides or corners of the structure. At the lower part of the structure, one can find a large Shiva Linga, which is protected by a remarkably adorned rooftop that stands sturdy with the support of 84 pillars. With the passing time, a part of this elegantly built monument has been damaged. But still, it is a must-see sight in Bundi.
Best Time To Visit Here:
The favorable time to plan a trip to Bundi and 84 Pillared Cenotaph is during winters, i.e. in the months of October to April. Winter days here are very pleasant and the summers are horrifying hot. While in the monsoons, Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri commonly receives average to heavy rainfall Rajasthan Budget tours.
How To Reach Here:
As Bundi has well-connectivity to major cities of the country, one can easily get here. Once you reach Bundi, you can easily get public transport which is abundantly available in all parts of the city to reach Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri.
• By Air- Nearest airport to reach Bundi is Kota Airport, which is nearly 39 km from Bundi.
• By Rail- Bundi railway station is the nearest railway station. Train links are from cities like Kota, Agra, and many other cities.
• By Road- Bundi town is easily accessible by the roadways from Kota. State buses or private buses are easily available to reach the place. Once you reach Bundi, you can also hire a taxi, cab or auto-rickshaw to reach Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri.
