MOST POPULAR TEMPLES IN RAJASTHAN

Birla Temple, Jaipur

Like the majority of Indian cities, Jaipur is home to the highly frequented Birla Mandir, one of Rajasthan’s most popular temples. Known by another name, the Lakshmi-Narayan Temple is a prominent landmark on South Jaipur’s skyline. The white marble used in its construction gives it a modern appearance at all times. Constructed in 1998 by the affluent Birla family, it is devoted to Lord Vishnu and his associate, Goddess Laxmi, who is thought to bestow prosperity and success upon Hindus. This temple is remarkable in every way, with exquisite craftsmanship seen in every crevice. The sculptures within the temple illustrate a variety of mythical subjects. The one of Laxmi and Narayana is particularly noteworthy. The deity idols and the complete temple structure are made of white marble. Adjacent to the temple grounds is a museum.

In addition to Lord Vishnu’s and Goddess Lakshmi’s idols, there are also images of other saints, philosophers, and accomplished people from history. The days of Navratri and Diwali are the ideal times to visit this temple. Beautiful, environmentally friendly grounds surround the Birla temple. But the domes on this extremely distinctive Rajasthani temple are what catches the eye. The Birla Mandir, which is said to be a temple that symbolizes secularism above all, features three domes that are constructed in the forms of the three main Indian religions—Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam combined. It embodies India’s secular spirit perfectly!

Temple Timings: 06:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 03:00 – 08:30 PM, open 7 days a week

Temple Address: Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, Tilak Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004

Nearby Attraction: Amar Jawan Jyoti as well as Src Museum of Indology.

Brahma Temple, Pushkar

Located close to Pushkar Lake, the Brahma temple is also known as the Jagat Pita Brahma Temple. There is a legend that claims Lord Brahma personally constructed the lake. The only other Brahma temple in the world is the Pushkar Brahma Temple. It is devoted, as the name implies, to Lord Brahma. One of Rajasthan’s most significant religious tourist destinations is Brahma Mandir in Pushkar. According to experts, the temple is among the most well-liked tourist destinations in the area and dates back around 2000 years. Stone slabs and marble are integrated within it.

There are over 500 temples in Pushkar, but the Brahma Temple is the most significant. The devotees have a particular meaning for the shrine. It is thought that in the very location where the temple now stands, Lord Brahma performed a yajna upon his descent to Earth. The statue of Lord Brahma and his spouse, Gayatri, is kept in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. Its shikhara (tower), made of marble and stone slabs, is visible from a distance. Maharaja Jagat Raj of Ratlam is credited with creating the current structure. Speaking about the temple’s architecture is situated atop a tall pedestal and is accessed by several marble stairs. Pillar canopies adorn the archway of the entrance gate. The temple’s red shikhara represents a swan, which served as Lord Brahma’s conveyance.

People travel to Pushkar from all around the nation and even the world to ask Lord Brahma for his blessings. A large fair is held in Puskar every year at Kartik Poornima, which falls in October or November. During this season, people go from far and wide to the town to take a bath in the sacred Puskar Lake.

Another name for Pushkar City is “Tirth Raj,” which means “king of pilgrimages.” There are fifty-two ghats around the lake where pilgrims can enter the sacred water. Pushkar is conveniently accessible from Ajmer, approximately 11 kilometers away, using public and private transportation.

Temple Timings: 06:00 AM – 09:00 PM

Salasar Balaji Temple, Churu

Salasar Dham, as it is commonly called, is a Shakti Sthal, meaning “Power Place.” A pilgrimage vacation to Rajasthan would not be complete without a stop at Churu’s Salasar Balaji Temple. This eighteenth-century temple is well known for its artichokes and festivities. Every day, the rites are performed in the temple. The extra-round forehead of the Balaji god is adorned with a mouse and a mustache.  A substantial portion of the temple is built of white marble, but the Sanctum Sanctorum prayer hall features an amazing piece of silver and gold work. Another highlight of the building is the elaborate carvings at the main entryway.

Many devotees flock to the temple, which is devoted to Lord Hanuman, throughout the year. They become more numerous, particularly on Ashvin and Chaita Purnima celebrations. Because the temple is revered as both a Shakti sthal (a pilgrimage destination endowed with ultimate power) and swayable (self-created), the devotees have a unique bond with it. The temple’s primary deity is a youthful idol of Lord Hanuman with a fascinating legendary background. It says that there once was a time when demons would frequently assault the village of Mehandipur. The priest once dreamed that Lord Hanuman advised him to excavate the Aravalli hills in a specific location. The idols of Pret Raja and Sri Ram were discovered during the excavation, along with a childhood idol of Hanumanji.

It was built in 1754 AD by Mohandas the temple. The temple’s current appearance was later contributed by his successors Kaniram and Ishwardas, and later concrete work was done by Rao Devi Singh, Jagirdar of Sikar. It is thought that those who pray fervently will have their desires granted.

Were you aware?

The Salasar Balaji Temple in Churu is a component of a religious circuit that includes other nearby pilgrimage sites, including Rani Sati Temple, Jeen Mata Temple, and Khatu Shyam Ji.

Temple Timings: 04:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, Jaipur

Not only is Lord Ganesha revered in Hindu mythology, but he also has a special place in the hearts of all who worship him. Hindus begin all religious ceremonies and celebrations with prayers to Lord Ganesha. He is the God worshipped at the beginning of any auspicious beginning, according to religious texts. Lord Ganesha is revered in many well-known temples around the nation; Jaipur is renowned for having once housed one of these temples. Thousands of devotees flock to Jaipur’s most well-known and beloved temple, Moti Doongri, every day. Every significant life event, such as purchasing their first automobile, getting married, or waiting to apply for a visa, is marked with pilgrimages to this shrine. The residents of the city have a great deal of affection for the temple.

The Moti Dungri Temple’s past

Seth Jai Ram Paliwal built the Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple in 1761. It is among the most well-liked tourist spots in Jaipur. The story goes that the King of Mewar was riding a bullock cart with an enormous Ganesh idol as he made his way back to his palace after a protracted voyage. The king allegedly intended to construct a temple and had decided to dedicate the Lord Ganesh statue at the location where the bullock wagon had stopped the first time. The current temple was constructed at the base of the Moti Dungri hills, where the bullock wagon came to a rest. At the location, a structure modeled after a Scottish castle was constructed for the son of Maharaja Madho Singh, and it contained the temple. The surrounding palace is private property and is not open to the public, however, the temple is open to everyone. Because it is situated at the base of Moti Doongri hill, this temple was given the moniker Moti Doongri. In the local language, Doongri refers to a little hill, while Moti, when translated into English, signifies a pearl.

The three domes of the temple are devoted to Lord Ganesh. The seated position of the idol of Lord Ganesh with the trunk facing left is regarded as highly auspicious. Vermillion covers the idol (Sindoor). In front of the Ganesh image is a large idol of Mushika, the vehicle of Lord Ganesh. The temple is made of stone and features some exquisite marble lattice work with mythological figures etched on it. The stunning Moti Dungri palace, a replica of a well-known Scottish castle, is tucked up against the temple. Rani Gayatri Devi once lived in the palace, but it is now closed.

An enormous number of devotees swarm the temple on the important festivals of Ganesh Chaturthi, Janmashtami, Annkuta, and Paush Bada. The people of Jaipur think that Lord Ganesh of this temple should always receive the first invitation. Additionally, many recentlyweds begin their marriage by paying a visit to this temple.

Timings: 5 AM – 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Eklingji Temple, Udaipur

One of the temples you should see as part of a pilgrimage to Rajasthan is the Eklingji Temple in Udaipur. Despite several changes throughout the years, it has never lost its grandeur or beauty. The Mewar dynasty’s founder, Bappa Rawal, constructed the initial temple in the eighth century. Rana Kumbha renovated the temple and built a temple for Lord Vishnu in the fifteenth century. Several historical accounts state that Rana Raimal, the son of Rana Kumbha, was responsible for the temple’s most recent erection.

He installed the statue that you see inside the temple today, and as a result, the villagers think highly of it. The temple’s exquisite architecture astounds guests as well. It has a pyramid-shaped roof and is two stories tall. The temple is home to a rare black marble idol of Lord Shiva with four faces. The idol is around fifty feet tall, and its four faces represent the four incarnations of Lord Shiva. Upon entering, you are greeted by a massive canopy that displays a huge silver representation of Nandi, the bull of Lord Shiva, and his vehicle. But the shivling, adorned with a silver snake, is the temple’s main feature. Two water tanks and silver doors can also be found in the main temple. Statues of Goddess Parvati, Lord Kartikeya, and Lord Ganesha encircle it.

Were you aware?

To the north of the temple are the Karz Kund and Tulsi Kund water tanks. Everybody who visits the temple on the day of Shivratri, a celebration honoring Lord Shiva, drinks its water.

Temple Timings: 04:15 AM – 06:45 AM, 10:30 AM – 01:30 PM, 05:15 PM – 07:45 PM

Karni Temple, Bikaner

Thirty kilometers from the Rajasthani city of Bikaner sits Deshnoke, home to the most well-known Karni Mata temple. It is referred to as the rat temple. Notable features of the Temple include its 20,000 huge black rats, which live there and eat there every day. It bears Karni Mata’s dedication. One of the most popular temples in Rajasthan is the Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner. The shrine honors Goddess Mata Karni, who is thought to be a manifestation of Goddess Durga. Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner constructed it in the opulent Mughal style during the 20th century.

Aside from the rats, the nearly 75-cm-tall statue of Mata Karni is a big draw. Because rats are treated with the utmost care in this temple, it is also well-known as the Rat Temple. They are indeed worshipped in the same manner as the other temple deities. On any given day, hundreds of rats can be seen scampering around the temple’s grounds. Additionally, food is provided to the rats, who eat it. Rats feast on the milk that devotees pour in bowls on the ground. The followers then consume some of that, believing that doing so will bring prosperity and good fortune. People travel from all across the state and the nation to this well-known tourist destination, the temple, to seek the blessings of Karni Mata.

Were you aware?

Many claim that the Karni Mata Temple is always home to about 20,000 rats, who are revered as “kabbas.” In the temple, among the thousands of black rats, there are also some white rats. These white rats have a very sacred status. According to legend, seeing a white rat is especially fortunate. The belief held by devotees is that rats die and are reborn as people, and humans die and are reborn as rats. I had no idea that rats had it so good!

How to Get There: The highly renowned Mata Karni Temple is located about 30.5 km from the Bikaner Airport terminal and just 610 m from the Deshnok train station. Bus travel to Bikaner is common from Delhi, Ajmer, Udaipur, and Kota.

Temple Timings: 05:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur

The Govind Dev Ji Temple is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India’s City Palace complex. The temple has great religious significance and is a well-known tourist destination in Rajasthan. One of the most well-known Hindu temples in Rajasthan, India, is Govind Dev Ji. One of the seven temples of Thakur of Vrindavan, the temple is dedicated to Govind Dev Ji, also known as Lord Krishna. The other four temples are dedicated to Bankey Bihari Ji, Govind Dev Ji, and Shri Radhavallabh Ji. The founder of Jaipur, Raja Sawai Jai Singh II, carried the murti, or idol, of the deity, from Vrindavan. However, the Mughal Emperor Akbar built the temple. Additionally, it is thought that the temple’s idol of Lord Krishna precisely resembles the form that Krishna had when he was an Earthly incarnation.

The idol formerly belonged to Srila Rupa Goswami, one of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s students. According to another tradition, Lord Krishna’s great-grandson Bajranabh is credited with creating the idol known as Bajrakrit. For Vaishnavites or followers of Krishna, the shrine is among the most significant temples outside of Vrindavan. When the goddess is revealed for Darshan, she is given aarti and bhog seven times a day in this temple. Every day, the temple receives a thousand visits from devotees, and on Janmashtami, even more people come to the shrine. Devotees can receive a darshan of the Lord during aarti. Devotees have a special place in their hearts for the Govind Dev Ji Temple, which is thought to have an idol that was transported from Vrindavan in the 18th century. The focal point of the temple is the exquisitely decorated idol of Lord Krishna, who is dressed in vibrant clothing and jewels. There is a sense of peace and devotion in the temple due to the presence of God and spiritual energy.

The Govind Dev Ji Temple’s architecture is a fusion of Mughal and Rajput elements. A visual feast for the eyes, the elaborate marble carvings, priceless paintings, and elaborate decoration on the walls and ceilings highlight the skill of the artists of that era. In addition to being a religious experience, going to the Govind Dev Ji Temple offers the chance to see Jaipur’s rich cultural legacy. The temple complex offers a sense of devotion and tranquility in the middle of the busy metropolis, leaving a lasting imprint on visitors’ minds and emotions with its grandeur and spiritual aura. The Govind Dev Ji Temple in Jaipur represents faith, dedication, and the ageless traditions of Hinduism, making it a hallowed haven for followers of Lord Krishna and those looking for a deeper spiritual connection.

THE ATTRACTION’S HISTORY

Legend has it that some 5,000 years ago when Lord Bajranabh was just 13 years old, he asked his grandmother what Lord Krishna looked like. He received a detailed description of the Lord, and he proceeded to create an idol by that portrayal. His grandma informed him that only the idol’s feet had a resemblance to Lord Krishna’s after it was finished. He then created a second idol, this one with a chest that matched the god’s. Then he created the third idol, which had Lord Krishna’s visage on it. In this manner, Lord Gopinath Ji, Lord Madan Mohanji, and Govind Dev Ji were the names of the first three. Everything was forgotten over time, until some 500 years ago, one of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s students discovered the Govinda idol, which had been hidden beneath to keep out Mughal invaders.

GOING AHEAD

Because Jaipur City is well-served by highways, trains, and airports, getting to the temple is not a tough undertaking. To go to the temple, transportation is easily accessible.

Activities in and around

The temple is well-known for its numerous daily jhankis and aartis. To ask the Lord for a blessing, go to the temple. Aside from that, you can go sightseeing and visit the beautifully built and planned temple.

ENTRY CHARGES

The temple does not charge an admission fee.

BEST TIME TO GO

The temple is worth seeing at any time of year, but Janmashtami is the perfect time to see it in its finest light. The Lord is clothed in jewels and garments designed especially for him, and the temple is decked with lights and flowers, providing the devotees with a captivating sight.

HOURS AND DAYS OF OPENING AND CLOSING

Every day, the temple opens at 04:30 AM for puja and aarti as well as for the general public. It shuts at 09:15 PM.

Rani Sati Temple, Jhunjhunu

Rajasthanis still tell the tale of Rani Sati, popularly known as Dadi Ji, with great pride and love. The Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan is home to the Rani Sati Temple, which honors her courage and valor. Rani Sati, a heroine in the Hindu historical epic Mahabharata, demonstrated her unwavering devotion to her husband by self-immolating following his death.

Naryani Devi is another name for her. This temple is devoid of gods. A large trident, symbolizing power, bravery, and strength, is there. In the shrine, the portrait of Rani Sati is large. The temple features beautiful murals and is constructed entirely of white marble. One striking thing about the temple is that there are no statues of any of the gods, male or female. Rather, the trident—a sign of strength, courage, vitality, and power—is kept inside the sanctum sanctorum. In addition to the twelve minor sati temples, there are other tiny temples honoring Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, and Lord Hanuman. The temple hosts two aartis a day: an evening one and an early dawn one. It is encircled by lush, lovely gardens that elicit a sense of tranquility among guests.

Were you aware?

The 400-year-old temple is the biggest of its kind honoring Rani Sati.

How to get there: Jhunjhunu is conveniently connected to all modes of transportation and is only 180 kilometers away from Jaipur. Regular busses are accessible from Jhunjhunu to the Rani Sati temple.

Temple Timings: 05:30 AM – 01:00 PM; 03:00 PM – 10:30 PM