Apart from its magical architecture, the royal residence, and a museum, the city palace has lesser known but not less beautiful gates in its third courtyard. In the inner courtyard of City Palace, Pritam Niwas Chowk has four small gates known as Ridhi Sidhi Pol, which are elaborately decorated in brilliant colours. This courtyard is dominated by Chandra Mahal which is said to be the most charming courtyard in City Palace.
Each door has a different role to play and a story to tell. These gates are adorned with themes symbolising four seasons and are dedicated to a specific Hindu God & Goddess.
- Lotus Gate– Beautified with lotus petals and stunning floral patterns representing summer season, Lotus gate is dedicated to Lord Shiv and his consort Parvati. Lotus gate surrounds the statue of God and a motif of sun. The beguiling colours and detailed lotus flower work all over the gate will leave you stunned.
- Peacock gate-It is one of the most famous and admired gates of them all. This gate is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and symbolizes the autumn season. It is located on the North-East side of the courtyard. The carved peacocks surround the statue of God and are brilliantly decorated with colourful paintings.
- Rose gate– The repeated petal pattern represents winter season and is dedicated to Goddess Devi. Rose gate, which is in the third number in the series of the four gates, is beautifully designed and painted with rose petals that also surround the statue of God and a motif of sun.
- Lehariya Gate– The beautifully vivid green coloured gate or the green gate represents the green of spring season. This indicates the start of the spring and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Lehariya means waves, which was how it got it’s name. It also has a statue of Lord Ganesha surrounded by the motifs of waves.
The above-stated gates give us the spiritual connection and the essence of the life of the medieval period in India. The City Palace surely makes you fall in love with its art.
Jaipur Beat 