Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan.

It is believed to be one of the very few "living forts" in the world (such as Carcassonne, France), as nearly one fourth of the old city's population still resides within the fort.

For the better part of its 860-year history, the fort was the city of Jaisalmer. The first settlements outside the fort walls, to accommodate the growing population of Jaisalmer, are said to have come up in the 17th century when the fort was in Mughal control. Much of it was built during that time and was beautified with Indo-Islamic architecture.

Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan, built in 1156 AD by the Rajput Rawal (ruler) Jaisal from whom it derives its name, and stood at the crossroads of important trade routes (including the ancient Silk road).

Fort walls seen from east to west.
The fort's massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion colour during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason it is also known as the Sonar Quila or Golden Fort.

The fort stands amidst the sandy expanse of the great Thar Desert on Trikuta Hill, hence also known as Trikutgarh.
It is today located along the southern edge of the city that bears its name; its dominant hilltop location making the sprawling towers of its fortifications visible for many miles around.

Akhey Gate (Akhey Pol).
The fort has four fortified entrances or gates from the townside, one of which was once guarded by cannon.

Jaisalmer Fort seen from the square between Akhey Gate and Suraj Gate.

Suraj Gate (Suraj Pol).

Ganesh Gate (Ganesh Pol).

Climbing towards Hawa Gate.

Hawa Gate (Hawa Pol).

Shopping street leading to the Jain temples.

Hotel Suraj Vilas.

Ganesha shrine built into the wall.
Ganesha is here accompanied by his two consorts Riddhi (prosperity) and Siddhi (spiritual power).

Ganesha, also spelled Ganesh, is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. His depictions are found throughout India.
Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains and Buddhists and beyond India.
See more at Ganesha - Wikipedia.

Buildings next to Laxmi Narayan Temple.
Devotees offer grain, which is distributed before the temple.

Tower (Shikhara) of temple next to Laxminath Temple.

Building next to Laxminath Temple.

Laxminath Temple (Shri Laxminathji Mandir).
The Laxminath temple was built in 1494 and is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi (Goddess of Wealth) and her consort Lord Vishnu.

Door on the north side of the fort.

Buildings next to Mahavira Temple (Sri Mahaveer Mandir).
Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was the 24th tirthankara (supreme preacher) of Jainism.

Mahavira was born in the early part of the 6th century BCE into a royal Kshatriya Jain family in ancient India.
Mahavira abandoned all worldly possessions at the age of about 30 and left home in pursuit of spiritual awakening, becoming an ascetic.
Mahavira practiced intense meditation and severe austerities for twelve and a half years, after which he attained Omniscience (Kevala Jnana).
He preached for 30 years and attained Moksha (liberation) in the 6th century BCE.
See more at Mahavira - Wikipedia.