Jagdish Temple (Entry Fee, Timings, History, Best Time to Visit)

Overview

The Jagdish Temple in Udaipur, Rajasthan, is indeed a stunning architectural marvel and a significant Hindu place of worship. Completed in 1651, it stands on a tall terrace and showcases intricate craftsmanship and detailed carvings that depict Hindu mythology and iconography. The temple's design is elaborate, featuring a double-storey mandapa (hall) connected to a double-storey sanctum with a covered ambulatory (saandhara). The mandapa has an additional storey within its pyramidal bell roof (samavarna), while the spire over the sanctum boasts two more stories, although they are nonfunctional. Accessing the main shrine involves climbing 32 marble steps, adorned with a brass image of Garuda, the mount (vahana) of Lord Vishnu, at the end. The temple's architecture and design exemplify Hindu iconography, with three stories of intricately hand-carved stone. Its towering spire reaches approximately 79 feet, making it the largest temple in Udaipur and a captivating sight for visitors and devotees alike.

History

Jagdish Temple is one of the famous temples of Udaipur. Located in the City Palace complex of Udaipur, this temple is made in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. In 1651, Jagdish temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh, who ruled Udaipur during 1628-53. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe. It is celebrated for being the largest temple in the city of Udaipur. The gateway of this temple can be sited at a distance of 150 meters from the Bara Pol of the City Palace.

Interesting Facts

• Jagdish temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in the year 1651, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• The gateway of the temple is about 150 metres from the Bara Pol entrance of the City Palace.
• The temple is three-storied and 79 feet high, which can prominently be seen in the skyline of Udaipur.
• Back when it was built, 1.5 Million rupees were spent in its construction and completion.
• The dome of the temple is designed with sculptures of elephants, dancers, horsemen and musicians, which give the temple a distinct quality.
• Two massive stone elephants guard the gates of the temple, and inscriptions about Maharana Jagat Singh can be found right at the entrance.
• The idol of Lord Vishnu in the shrine was carved out of a single piece of black stone, making it a celestial sight to behold.
• There are four smaller shrines consisting of the idols of Lord Shiva, Ganesh, the Sun God, and Goddess Shakti.
• A brass statue of a Garud (half human half eagle) greets visitors at the door, giving the impression of guarding the deity.

Things to Do

• As the shrine is a place of worship, devotees can not only get to see their deity, but at the same time get to admire the intricate carvings and paintings of the temple complex.
• A tourist would experience just as much delight in the temple as a devotee would given the beautiful architecture of the shrine.
• During a tour of the City Palace, the Jagdish temple is always recommended as it depicts the kind of architecture and design the Mewar dynasty of Rajasthan was passionate about.
• Observing the miniature carvings and taking a keen look at the Mandap, Sandhara as well as the Samavarna areas of the temple tell a lot about the attention to detail the Mewar rulers used to have.
• A few religious customs should be followed when entering the temple. Removing shoes is compulsory while at a shrine.
• The temple is prone to be crowded, so one must be prepared to carefully manoeuvre through the people.
• Offerings like garlands and sweets are available to purchase from the temple complex if one wishes to offer those to the deity, though it is not a compulsion.