Udaipur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is home to the enormous Hindu Jagdish temple. Originally built as the Temple of Jagannath Rai, it is now more often referred to as the Temple of Jagdish Ji and is a popular destination for tourists.
Worship of Lord Vishnu, the universe-keeper, is central to the temple’s mission. As far as Udaipur temples go, this one is the biggest. From 150 meters away, at Bara Pol of the City Palace, one can see the shrine’s entrance. The Indo-Aryan style of construction is shown in this massive temple. Wonderful architecture is on display in the three-story temple. Beautifully carved pillars, walls, and ceilings, as well as lush hallways, are all part of it.
History
The building of the temple, which was situated on a lofty elevation, was completed in 1651. It was constructed by Maharaja Jagat Singh, ruler of Udaipur from 1628 until 1653. At that period, 1.5 million rupees was the whole cost of the temple’s construction. Maru-Gurjara-style architecture is on full display at this temple. The temple is the most stunning building in Udaipur because of its towering height, which reaches into the city skyline.
Structure and architecture
Located about 150 meters away from the Bara Pol of the City Palace, the magnificently designed temple’s entrance is easy to see. The construction cost of around 1.5 million rupees was well-known at the time. An architectural wonder, the three-story Jagdish Temple has exquisitely graven pillars, decorated ceilings, painted walls, and sumptuous hallways.
The most prominent temple in Udaipur has a tower that, at around 79 feet tall, unquestionably dominates the cityscape. A marvel to see, this Shikhar (spire) is adorned with sculptures of dancers, elephants, horsemen, and musicians. Two massive stone elephants guard the temple’s entrance, and a stone slab with inscriptions pertaining to Maharaja Jagat Singh can be found just in front of the shrine.
To get to the main shrine, you have to climb 32 marble stairs. Standing sentry above Lord Vishnu’s entrance is a metal sculpture of Garuda, a mythical creature that is half man and half eagle. The picture of Lord Vishnu with four arms is housed in the main temple. The black stone used to carve this statue is a single piece. Just by looking at the idol, you may feel the joy of the heavenly realm. immerse yourself in the quiet atmosphere and connect with the almighty. In the center of the compound are four smaller temples, all devoted to Lord Jagdishnu or Vishnu. Lord Shiva, Sun God Ganesha, and other Hindu divinities are worshipped in these temples.
There are other well-known and visually appealing examples of creative architecture as well. The most ideal arrangement would have a porch, a mandap (prayer hall), and a pyramidal spire. Each of the two stories of the temple has fifty pillars, and the exquisite carvings on each of them enhance the splendor of the temple even more. Also constructed using the Hindu architectural technique of Vastu Shastra, the Jagdish temple attracts numerous pilgrims from near and far each year.
How to reach
In the middle of Udaipur’s Old City, on the southern end of Chand Pol Bazaar, you’ll find Jagdish Temple. It’s just a two-minute stroll from the City Palace ticket desk. From the shores of Lake Pichola, it’s just a short stroll, and from the bustling city center, it’s only a ten to fifteen-minute drive to the Udaipur City train station.
Entry fee and timings
Every day of the week, from 5:00 AM in the morning until 9:00 PM in the evening, the public is welcome to visit the temple, and all puja vidhis are conducted promptly.
Anyone is welcome to visit the temple, and there is no admission cost.
The best time to visit
In the winter, when temperatures are mild and the weather is beautiful, visitors may experience the temple’s greatest sightseeing. On top of that, the temple is open to the public during festivals so that everyone may see it in all its festive glory.
