11 Famous Temples of Rajasthan: A Journey of Devotion and Architecture
Rajasthan, known as the LAND OF THE KINGS, is also a major site of attraction for its historical and magnificent temples. Rajasthan has some of the most beautiful temples that are a confluence of both devotion and architecture. These temples of Rajasthan, not only are major worship sites for the Hindu pilgrims but also attract tourists from all over the world. Some of the temples of Rajasthan were built decades ago and showcase the rich ancient architecture of INDIA. These beautifully constructed temples of Rajasthan are enough to carry you on a journey of the divine and aesthetic beauty of INDIA .
Here’s a list of some of the most unique temples of Rajasthan,
- BIRLA MANDIR, JAIPUR
- BRAHMA TEMPLE, PUSHKAR
- DILWARA TEMPLES, MOUNT ABU
- RANAKPUR JAIN TEMPLE, RANAKPUR
- KIRADU ANCIENT TEMPLES, BARNER
- TANOT MATA TEMPLE, TANOT
- HARSHAT MATA TEMPLE, ABHANERI
- SALASAR BALAJI TEMPLE, SALASER
- EKLINGJI TEMPLE, UDAIPUR
- BABA RAMDEV TEMPLE, JAISALMER
- GALTA JI TEMPLE, JAIPUR
BIRLA MANDIR, JAIPUR
One of the most beautifully designed temples of Rajasthan, Birla Mandir is a uniquely structured Hindu temple, situated in Jaipur. BIRLA MANDIR is a part of the series of the many Birla temples, situated all over the country. Built on an elevated platform, Birla mandir dominates the skyline of Jaipur with its majestic beauty.
History & Significance :
This culturally pleasing temple of Rajasthan was constructed in the year 1988 and is dedicated to one of the TRI-DEVS, LORD VISHNU AND DEVI LAKSHMI. Located at the base of Moti Dungari Hill, Birla mandir is a major temple of Rajasthan and a site of attraction for tourists from all over the globe.
Architectural elegance :
Built using pure white marble, this temple of Rajasthan has intricate carvings, and massive domes which are symbolic of fine Indian architecture. The walls of the Birla mandir have beautifully engraved paintings of Indian Gods and Goddesses which depict the great Indian Mythology and certain important mythological events of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
TEMPLE TIMING – 5 AM TO 9 PM (open all days).
BRAHMA TEMPLE, PUSHKAR.
The BRAHMA temple, also widely known as the JAGATPITA BRAHMA MANDIR is located in the holy city of Pushkar. Brahma Temple of Rajasthan is almost 2000 years old. Brahma temple is one of very few existing temples dedicated to BRAHMA, ONE OF THE GODS IN TRI-DEV, and also the most prominent among them. This temple of Rajasthan has Brahma’s central idol made up of marble which is also called chaumurti.
History & Significance :
The Brahma temple of Rajasthan is of great religious importance to the Hindus and this is the reason why there is always a crowd of pilgrims. Located close to the Pushkar Lake, Brahma temple of Rajasthan was built by Sage Vishwamitra after performing the Brahma Yajna. Many pilgrims visit this temple of Rajasthan during KARTHIK POORNIMA, which is a festival celebrated in the name of God Brahma.
Architectural elegance :
The beautiful old wall of this temple of Rajasthan has intricately painted images of Brahma and his wife Gayatri. The Brahma temple in Rajasthan has a mount of Brahma and a red-colored Shikhara, which is about 700 feet tall. The temple has pillared canopies which look quite attractive. While visiting this temple of Rajasthan, look out for the silver turtle inside the mandal which is built using marble.
TEMPLE TIMINGS- 7 AM TO 6 PM ( Throughout the week).
DILWARA TEMPLES, MOUNT ABU.
The Dilwara temples or the Delvada temples of Rajasthan are a group of Jain temples dedicated to Jain Tirthankars. Located in the hill city of Mount Abu, Dilwara temple of Rajasthan is a marvelous creation and a timeless beauty of Jain architecture. One cannot miss visiting this beautiful temple of Rajasthan to witness the serene landscapes, beauty, craftsmanship, devotion and grandeur of the temple.
History & Significance :
Dilwara temples in Rajasthan were created in 11-13th centuries by the ministers of Solanki rulers. One cannot miss visiting this beautiful temple of Rajasthan to witness the serene landscapes, beauty and grandeur of the temple. Dilwara temples were built around 900 years ago with an approximate cost of 19 crores at that time.
Architectural elegance :
The most enchanting part of this temple of Rajasthan is its magnificent entrance and the gateway that leads to the temple. Also to notice are the exquisite and intricately carved walls, the delicate detailing and display which make this temple of Rajasthan a unique and a must-visit.
Nearby Attractions :
The major sight- seeing include : Nakki lake, Sunset Point, Achalgarh Fort, Guru Shikhar.
TEMPLE TIMINGS- 12 pm to 5 pm (open on all days).
RANAKPUR JAIN TEMPLE, RANAKPUR.
Ranakpur Jain temple is a Swetambara Jain temple of Rajasthan, located in Ranakpur village in Pali district of Rajasthan. The Ranakpur temple complex in Rajasthan comprises 1444 intricately carved pillars, 24 pillared halls accompanied by 80 domes. Also, it is the only living temple that charges an entry fee from foreigners.
History & Significance :
This Jain temple of Rajasthan is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankar. The Ranakpur Jain Temple of Rajasthan is one of the largest and important temples for the Jain community. The temple includes many other temples such as Chaumukha temple, Surya temple, Suparshvanatha temple and Amba temple.
Architectural Significance :
Famous for its intricate carvings and unique architecture, Ranakpur Jain Temple of Rajasthan has five shikharas, out of which the central one is the largest. This temple of Rajasthan is adorned with majestic sculpted pieces with unique and symbolic carvings.
TEMPLE TIMINGS – 12 pm to 5 pm
KIRADU ANCIENT TEMPLES, BARNER.
Another beautiful temple of Rajasthan is the Kiradu ancient temples. Situated at a distance of 35 km from Barner, The Kiradu temples of Rajasthan are five in number. This temple of Rajasthan is famous for both its majestic architecture but also the haunted stories that catches the attention of its visitors.
History & Significance :
These ancient temples of Rajasthan are said to have been built between the 11th and 12th centuries. According to the people there, it is believed that once a saint left his disciple in Kiradu he took care of the people there. But no one except for the potter’s wife did according to the saint’s wish. When the saint returned, he was furious to see that nobody cared for the people and cursed the town. He asked the potter’s wife to leave the town and never return. But out of curiosity, she came back and was instantly turned into stone. Her stone statue is still seen on the outskirts of the town of Kiradu.
Architectural elegance :
Out of the five temples, the Someshvara temple is the most brilliant piece of artwork. This temple of Rajasthan symbolize the Solanki style of architecture. These enchanting temples of Rajasthan are also known as the KHAJURAHO OF RAJASTHAN due to their magnificent sculptures and erotic carvings.
TEMPLE TIMINGS- 8 AM TO 6 PM ( OPENS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK).
TANOT MATA TEMPLE, TANOT.
Tanot mata temple of Rajasthan is situated in Tanot, 120 km away from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.This temple of Rajasthan is very near to the Pakistan border and is surrounded by sand dunes and small bushes.
History & Significance :
Tanot mata rai temple is an old temple of Rajasthan with a history of India-Pakistan war of 1965. As per the story recited by the locals, not even a single bomb that landed in the vicinity of the temple exploded.
Nearby Attractions :
The ancient design, intricate carvings and traditional ornate entrance with domed ceilings of this temple of Rajasthan adds to its architectural beauty. Nearby attractions to explore include Longewala War Memorial, Thar desert, Sam sand dunes.
How to reach Tanot Mata Temple :
The Tanot mata temple of Rajasthan is easily accessible by road, air and railways.
- BY ROAD– Tanot mata temple of Rajasthan is 120 km away from Jaisalmer and a journey through road will take approx 2 hrs to reach the temple.
- BY AIR – The nearest airport is the Jodhpur airport from where cabs are easily available from the airport to the temple.
- BY TRAIN – Getting down at the Jaisalmer Railway station, easy cab services are available to the temple.
TEMPLE TIMINGS- 6 AM TO 8 PM.
HARSHAT MATA TEMPLE, ABHANERI
Harshat mata temple of Rajasthan is a Hindu temple, situated in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. This temple in Rajasthan is situated adjacent to the Chand Baori lake.
History & Significance :
Dedicated to a goddess named Harshat mata, this temple of Rajasthan is built in the Panchayatana style and features a main and four subsidiary shrines. The Harshat mata temple of Rajasthan was built around the 9th century and being very old, most of the temple structure is now ruined. The main shrine of this temple of Rajasthan still exists and is a major heritage site for tourists from all over the world.
Nearby Attractions :
Nearby sightseeing places include – Chand Baori, Bhandrej, Galore fort.
TEMPLE TIMINGS – 6 AM TO 6 PM.
SALASAR BALAJI TEMPLE, SALASAR
The Salasar Balaji Temple of Rajasthan is located in Salasar in Churu district of Rajasthan. Standing in the middle of the town, The Balaji Temple of Rajasthan is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This temple of Rajasthan is visited by a huge number of devotees, all round the year.
History & Significance :
Of all the Hanuman idols across India, Salasar Balaji temple of Rajasthan has the Hanuman idol with a round face, a beard and a moustache. According to the people, the drinking water of the wells of Salasar is due to the blessings of the Balaji. Major fairs are organized here in this temple of Rajasthan in the month of Chaitra and Ashwin.
HOW TO REACH :
Salasar balaji temple of Rajasthan is located approximately 170 km from Jaipur. The nearest airport is in Jaipur, while the nearest railway station is Sujangarh, which is 25 km from the temple. Also, Salasar is well connected by roads. Private tour operators also offer packages upto Salasar balaji temple of Rajasthan.
TEMPLE TIMINGS- 6 am to 9 pm.
Must Read Article – 10 Famous Festivals of Rajasthan
EKLINGJI TEMPLE, UDAIPUR
One of the most famous Shiva temples in India is the Eklingji Temple of Rajasthan. This famous temple of Rajasthan was built by the Maharajas of Mewar who were great warriors and also the devotees of EklingJi.
History & Significance:
This temple of Rajasthan has the idol of four-faced Shiva which is placed in the main temple under the uniquely carved pillared hall, “MANDAPA”. The four-faced idol depicts the four different forms of Shiva. The temple entrance has a silver image of Nandi (bull). The history of Eklingji temple of Rajasthan goes back to 734 AD and is mentioned in Ekalinga Mahatmya, written in 15th century.
Cultural impact :
The Eklingji temple of Rajasthan is double- storied with a marvelous architecture, colossal pyramid style roof and intricately carved towers. This temple of Rajasthan hosts several events and fairs during Navratri and in the months of Chaitra and Ashwin.
AARTI Timings :
- Morning aarti – 5:30 am, 8:15 am, 9:15 am, 11:30 am.
- Afternoon aarti – 3:30 pm & 4:30pm.
- Evening aarti- 5:00 pm & 6:30 pm.
TEMPLE TIMINGS- 4 AM – 7:30 PM ( OPENS ON ALL DAYS OF THE WEEK).
BABA RAMDEV TEMPLE, JAISALMER
Another interesting temple of Rajasthan is the Baba Ramdev Temple. Situated in Ramdevra village of Jaisalmer, Baba Ramdev temple of Rajasthan is a famous hindu temple dedicated to the folk deity of Rajasthan, BABA RAMDEV JI.
History & Significance :
This Famous temple of Rajasthan is the main resting place of Baba Ramdev ji, who was a well- known saint of the 14th century. He was regarded as an incarnation of Lord Krishna by the Hindus while the Muslims popularly acknowledged him as the Ramshah Pir.
Cultural attraction :
During the months of August and September, people from all over the globe visit this famous temple of Rajasthan to attend the enthusiastic Ramdevra fair.
TEMPLE TIMINGS : SUMMER – 4 AM TO 9 PM.
WINTER – 5 AM TO 9 PM.
GALTA JI TEMPLE, JAIPUR
Located on the outskirts of the royal city of Jaipur is the Galta Ji temple of Rajasthan. Galta ji temple in Rajasthan is made up of pink sandstone and is bounded by a beautiful gorge that attracts visitors from all walks of life. This picturesque temple of Rajasthan is situated in the lap of Aravalli hills and is known for various tribes of monkeys that are found here.
History & Significance :
This temple of Rajasthan was built by Diwan rao Kriparam, a courtier of Sawai Jai Singh II. The pink sandstone temple of Rajasthan is dedicated to a saint named GALTAV, who spent all his life at this sacred place in meditation. Pleased by his devotion, The Gods blessed him and this place with copious water. To venerate Rishi Galtav, Galtaji temple of Rajasthan was built and named after him.
Water Tanks at Galtaji temple of Rajasthan :
The Galtaji temple of Rajasthan is most cherished for the natural water springs that sprouts holy water automatically in the temple complex. These natural water springs never gets dry which startles the visitors and leaves them dumbfounded. Out of seven water kunds in this temple of Rajasthan, The Galta kund is the most revered.
Cultural impact :
The people at the Galtaji temple of Rajasthan consider it auspicious to take a dip in the sacred kund of Galtaji temple on the festival of Makar Sankranti in January.
TEMPLE TIMINGS – 5 AM TO 9 PM.
