While everyone knows that Jodhpur is nicknamed the Blue City, there is no definitive explanation as to how or why the sobriquet came to be. However, here are some theories as to why Jodhpur in India is known as the Blue City.
First, of course, not all Jodhpur is painted blue, only the old city area near the Mehrangarh Fort has buildings painted mainly in blue. Standing atop the Mehrangarh Fort, admiring the blue coloured houses is a delight for the eyes and a great photo opportunity.
To visit Jodhpur you can hire a taxi service in Jodhpur and can go to explore Jodhpur.
Suggested principles for the colour blue
The blue colour is associated with Lord Shiva
Legend has it that the colour blue is associated with Lord Shiva, who at the time of Samudra Manthan (also known as the churning of the ocean's milk) swallowed the vicious poison called Halahala to save the planet. This poison turned his body blue and since then his followers consider it a sacred colour. Because of its purity, many of his followers settled in the area, painting their homes blue, thus earning the city the moniker, the Blue City.
Blue defines social status
Another belief is that the blue colour is a determinant of social status. The story goes back centuries when the Hindu caste system was considered the basis for determining social status. According to local lore, the Brahmin community (the priestly caste of India) painted their houses blue to differentiate themselves from the lower caste communities and since that time, the colour blue has been associated with Brahmins. You must have heard of these buildings as Brahmin houses as well.
To keep termites away
There are people who believe that the colour blue helps deter termites. According to this view, termites damaged many historic structures and buildings in the city. Hence, to keep their property safe from these unwelcome pests, residents paint their homes blue. This paint is a mixture of copper sulphate and limestone which not only repels insects but also provides a soothing and calming effect. Residents who advocate this theory strongly oppose the belief that blue is associated with Brahmins. In his favour, he says that many families of other castes live in blue houses.
To keep homes cool
Some locals believe that blue is a good reflector of the sun's rays, so painting the house like this will keep them cool in the warmer months.
Talking to the locals will give you many new theories and reasons. Despite the truth, the blue landscape is still aesthetically pleasing.
How to Reach Jodhpur
From Jodhpur railway station or Jodhpur airport, you can hire a taxi rental in Jodhpur and go to explore the Jodhpur.
