A Tragic Twist in the Desert Love Story: How a Misunderstanding Ended Mumal and Mahendra's Eternal Bond

Jaisalmer’s Eternal Love Legend: Mumal and Mahendra

The golden city of Jaisalmer, famous for its sand dunes glowing at sunset, is also home to countless legendary love stories. Among them, one tale continues to live on in folk songs and local folklore — the tragic romance of Princess Mumal and King Mahendra.

The Desert’s Mona Lisa: Princess Mumal

Princess Mumal of Lodurva, near Jaisalmer, was known far and wide not only for her unmatched beauty but also for her wisdom. Her expressive deer-like eyes earned her the title “Mona Lisa of the Desert.” Even today, the ruins of Lodurva’s palace where she lived stand as a symbol of this timeless love.

Mahendra, The Brave King of Umerkot

King Mahendra ruled Umerkot (now in Pakistan) and was known for his valor and adventurous spirit. When he heard of Mumal’s charm, he was captivated. Despite harsh desert paths, he journeyed to Lodurva to meet her. Their first meeting sparked a deep connection that quickly blossomed into love.

Mahendra frequently traveled over 100 kos (roughly 300 km) on camelback just to see Mumal. In return, she would eagerly await him on the palace terrace. However, Mahendra was already married — with seven queens — a fact that eventually became a source of conflict.

Jealousy Breeds Conspiracy

When Mahendra’s other wives discovered his growing affection for Mumal, they conspired to keep him away. They set guards along every route to stop him. Yet, true love finds a way — Mahendra managed to reach Mumal, though one night she had fallen asleep waiting for him.

A Costly Misunderstanding

One evening, while playing, Mumal’s sister Sumal fell asleep beside her wearing men's clothes. When Mahendra arrived and saw a man-like figure with Mumal, he believed she had betrayed him. Brokenhearted, he left without a word, dropping his whip in despair.

The next morning, Mumal found the whip and realized what had happened. She wrote letters to explain, but they never reached him — intercepted by the jealous queens. Desperate, she sent a song through a loyal servant, which moved Mahendra deeply and made him regret his doubt.

The Final Blow

Mumal then sent word that she would come to Umerkot to meet him, but Mahendra insisted on coming himself. In a tragic test of love, he sent a false message to Mumal claiming he had died from a snake bite. Shocked by the news, Mumal collapsed and called his name repeatedly before taking her last breath.

When Mahendra learned the truth, he was overwhelmed with guilt and chose to end his life too. Thus ended one of the most sorrowful yet enduring love stories of Rajasthan — a tale of devotion, misunderstanding, and eternal longing.