Kirti Stambh

Kirti Stambh is a 12th-century Jain tower located within Chittor Fort in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. Standing approximately 22 meters tall with seven storeys, it was built by Jain merchant Jeeja Bhagerwala during the reign of Rawal Kumar Singh around 1179-1191 CE. The tower is dedicated to Rishabhanatha, the first Jain Tirthankara, and features intricate Solanki-style architecture with carved figures of Digambar Jain monks.

Visitors can see a seven-storey tower rising from a 9x9 meter square plinth, adorned with detailed carvings of Jain figures and motifs. The structure stands near the Saat-Bees Jain temple within the fort complex. A narrow staircase allows access to upper levels, though climbing may be restricted at times. The tower showcases Māru-Gurjara architectural style with sculpted niches that originally housed images of Rishabhanatha.

Built around 1179-1191 CE by Jain merchant Jeeja Bhagerwala under the patronage of Rawal Kumar Singh. The tower has been a major Jain center since at least the Kushana period, producing scholars such as Acharya Haribhadrasuri in the 6th century and Virasena in the 9th century. From the 15th to 17th centuries, it served as the seat of a Jain Bhattaraka. Three inscriptions mention Jija of the Bagherwal community as the builder.

Important Jain religious monument dedicated to Rishabhanatha (Adinath), the first Tirthankara of Jainism. The tower represents the historical presence and influence of Jainism in the region and showcases the patronage of Jain merchants during medieval Rajasthan. It has been a significant center for Jain scholarship and religious practice for centuries.