Jaswant Thada
Historic building in Jodhpur
could-see attraction
Opening hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
Address: Lawaran, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Ticket price: Indian/foreigner ₹30/50, camera/video ₹50, guide ₹100
Visit duration: People typically spend up to 45 minutes here
About Jaswant Thada, Jodhpur
It has been a tradition for royal families to build monuments for their loved ones when they pass away. There are magnificent cenotaphs built in the state of Rajasthan. One such spectacular monument is the Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur.
The Taj Mahal of Marwar, as locals often call the Jaswant Thada, is a 1 km drive from the Mehrangarh Fort. Once you reach this tourist destination in Jodhpur, you can sense a certain calm that is amiss in Jodhpur’s bustling city areas.
From the outside, Jaswant Thada might not appear like it has much to offer. Often tourists stroll through this place after an exhausting Jodhpur tour unaware of the splendour that awaits you once you enter the place.
History of Jaswant Thada
This memorial building was erected in the memory of Jaswant Singh II, a ruler of the land in the nineteenth century. Jaswant Singh’s son, Maharaja Sardar Singh, built this marble memorial in his father’s honour in 1899.
There are smaller cenotaphs of other members of the royal family. The main hall of Jaswant Singh’s cenotaph is built like a temple where the daily ritual of worship is performed. Worshipping ancestors and seeking their blessings is a common tradition still practiced by Rajputs.
The place had been used as the cremation ground for royal family members. Previously, Mandore Gardens was used for the same purpose before this place was built.
Inside Jaswant Thada
Before you enter the place, you can see the lake in front with birds of different colours. Just opposite the lake is a life-sized statue of Jaswant Singh on a horse with one hand pointed towards the Mehrangarh Fort.
Made with impeccable white marble on a red sandstone base, the building walls showcase exquisite carvings. The use of marble in the building is very thin and polished to perfection. This is why when sunlight falls on the monument, it starts to glow. The main hall houses several portraits of the rulers. The view of the city from the windows is amazing. Other than the main memorial monument, there are three more memorials.
The gardens are well maintained and are a great place to relax for a while. You can also visit the separate memorial ground where you can see burnt wood remains kept as memories.
Entry fee and timings
Jaswant Thada opens daily from 9:00 am in the morning till 5:00 pm in the evening.
The entry fee is different for Indian tourists and foreign tourists. While Indians have to pay ₹30, the entry fee for foreigners is ₹50. As you can bring cameras to capture your memories, you have to pay extra charges of ₹50 for carrying them.
You can hire a local guide who can tell you more about the Thada and its surroundings cenotaphs at a mere charge of ₹100.
Facts and tips about Jaswant Thada
- It is said that a peacock accenditally fell into the funeral pyre of Jaswant Singh II.
- The Jaswant Thada has been built in a manner and with a purpose that is very similar to the Royal Gaitor in Jaipur.
- The view of the Mehrangarh Fort from Jaswant Thada is mesmerising. This is also a great place to click some good photographs of the mighty fort.
How to reach Jaswant Thada
You should ideally plan your trip to Jaswant Thanda on the day you indent to visit Mehrangarh Fort as it's on the way. Jaswant Thanda is just 7 minutes drive from the Old Blue City.
See location on Google Maps
Other attractions near Jaswant Thada
- Mehrangarh Fort - 1.0 km
- Old Blue City & Clock Tower Market - 2.0 km
- Umaid Bhawan Palace - 5.1 km
FAQs about Jaswant Thada
1. Is Jaswant Thada a temple?
Though Jaswant Thada looks like a temple, it is actually a cenotaph. The place has other cenotaphs belonging to the royal family members. A part of this place was also used as a cremation ground for the royal family members.
2. What is Jaswant Thada made of?
Jaswant Thada, also called the Taj Mahal of Marwar, is made of thin sheets of spotless white marble that has inticrate designs on it.
3. How much time will it take to see Jaswant Thada thoroughly?
As there are numerous things to see, it will take 30 minutes to 45 minutes on average.
