Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathor dynasty, is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. He established Jodhpur as the capital of Marwar

in 1459. He was one of the 24 sons of Ranmal and became the fifteenth Rathor ruler. A year after his accession to the throne, Jodha decided

to move his capital to the safer place of Jodhpur, as the thousand-year-old Mandore Fort was no longer considered to provide adequate

protection. With the reliable help of Rao Nara (son of Rao Samra), the Mewar army was subdued at Mandore. Along with this, Rao Jodha

gave the title of Diwan to Rao Nara. With the help of Rao Nara, the foundation of the fort was laid on a rocky hill 9 kilometers (5.6 mi)

south of Mandore by Jodha on 12 May 1459. This hill was known as Bhakurcheriya, the mountain of birds. According to legend, he had to

displace the only human inhabitant of the hill, a hermit named Chiriya Nathji, the lord of birds, to build the fort. Chiriya Nathji had

as his followers the local populace and was therefore influential in the region. When requested to relocate he categorically refused.

This happened many times. Rao Jodha then took extreme measures and sought help from another more powerful saint, the female warrior sage

of the Charan community, Shri Karni Mata of Deshnok. On the request of the king, she came and asked Chiriya Nathji to leave immediately.

Seeing a superior power, they immediately left but Rao Jodha said, "Jodha! May there never be a shortage of water in your citadel!"

cursed with words. Rao Jodha managed to please the sadhu by building a house and a temple in the fort. Seeing the influence of Karni

Mata Rao Jodha then invited her to lay the foundation stone of Mehrangarh Fort and the same was done by her.