The historic city of Udaipur is dotted with magnificent temples reflecting its rich religious heritage. Among them, the iconic Jagdish Temple is renowned as one of the major attractions here. Built in 1651, it is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, another name for Lord Vishnu.
With its towering structure of ornamented walls, decorated pillars, and sublime ambiance, Jagdish Temple Udaipur has an air of splendor combined with spirituality that captivates devotees and tourists alike. Read on to learn more about this magnificent shrine located near Lake Pichola.
Key Information About Jagdish Temple Udaipur
| Information | Details |
| Entry Fee | No Entry Fee |
| Timing | Every Day4:15 am – 1:00 pm5:15 pm – 8:00 pm |
| Best Time to Visit | Winter Season |
| No. of Steps | 32 Steps |
| Address | RJ State Highway 50, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, |
Timings of Jagdish Temple Aarti
| Aarti | Timings |
| Mangla Aarti | 4:30 am to 5:00 am |
| Dhoop Aarti | 7:45 am to 9:00 am |
| Shringar Aarti | 10:15 am to 11:00 am |
| Rajbhog Aarti | 11:30 pm to 12:00 pm |
| Gwal Aarti | 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm |
| Sandhya Aarti | 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm |
| Shayan Aarti | 8:15 pm to 8:45 pm |
History of Jagdish Temple Udaipur
As a thumb rule, all the temples existing in India have a great history of them. Talking about the Jagdish temple it is not spared from an interesting history. Jagdish temple was built in 1651 under the patronage of Maharana Jagat Singh I who ruled from 1628-1653. He is said to have commissioned the temple planning and construction to appease Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu.
As per records, an extravagant sum of 1.5 million rupees was spent on its construction over two decades. Its structure combines intricate carvings, lofty shikhara, and sprawling layouts reflective of the prosperous era of the Maharanas.
Over the years, it went through renovations and rebuilding after being subject to attacks during Mughal sieges where parts of the sanctum and shrines were damaged. But efforts have been made to restore it to its historic glory.
Architecture and Design of Jagdish Temple
Built in the Indo-Aryan architectural style, Jagdish Temple is a work of remarkable craftsmanship. It is structured in line with the ancient Hindu architectural science of ‘Vastu Shastra’.
The three-storied layout features intricately carved pillars, enormous porches lined with decorated columns, aesthetically painted walls, and adorned ceilings – all contributing to its majestic aura accentuated by the pyramidal spire on top.
The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The four-armed statue carved out of black stone portrays an abiding calmness and sublime poise. The entryway features an image of Garuda seated opposite the main shrine. Surrounding it are smaller shrines of deities like Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Surya, etc.
What Makes Jagdish Temple Remarkable?
There are many fascinating factoids and anecdotes that make Jagdish Temple Udaipur truly remarkable –
- Its architecture and carvings depict a unique blend of Indo-Aryan style and the opulence of Maharanas.
- The main black stone statue is considered so divine that gazing at its eyes brings a sense of tranquility.
- As per local legends, the inner sanctum’s marble slab has miraculous healing powers.
- The Mughals spared the temple during sieges despite causing much damage to the city palace.
- Its pyramidal ‘Shikhar’ towers over making the temple visible from anywhere in the city.
- Evening aartis with lamps glowing and bells resonating make for an ethereal experience.
Location of Jagdish Temple Udaipur
Strategically located in the heart of the city, Jagdish Temple is an integral part of Udaipur’s living heritage. It is conveniently situated just 150 meters from the City Palace complex and the picturesque Lake Pichola. Its central location makes it easily accessible for locals as well as tourists exploring the city.
The temple’s prominence on the city skyline right beside Lake Pichola and other top attractions adds to its visual magnetism.
Timings and Entry Fees
Jagdish Temple opens daily from early morning till late evening without charging any entry fees. The timings are as follows:
Morning: Opens at 4:30 AM and closes at 1 PM
Evening: Opens at 5 PM and closes at 8:30 PM
So visitors can easily pay respects and make offerings at their convenience. Attending the special evening ‘aarti’ is a must.
Best Timing To Visit
The ideal time to explore the Jagdish temple is during the winter months of November, December, January, and February. During this season, the refreshing cold weather alleviates any weariness from exploring the temple and the surrounding city.
The temple truly shines during festivals, when it is adorned with dazzling lights that enhance its grandeur. One festival that should not be overlooked is the annual car festival in July. This vibrant celebration coincides with the renowned rath yatra or car festival of Puri Jagannath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Things to do at Jagdish Temple
Here are the things to do at Jagdish Temple in Udaipur:
- Explore the unique architecture of the temple, paying attention to intricately carved pillars, captivating paintings adorning the temple walls, and the fascinating tales behind each of the 50 pillars.
- Hire a knowledgeable tourist guide to gain deeper insight into the temple’s history and architecture.
- Appreciate the significance of the various installations present, such as the Mandap, Samavarnas, and Sandharas, to delve into the rich history of the Mewar dynasty.
- Make a humble offering of garlands and sweets to Lord Vishnu if you wish, which can be conveniently purchased from nearby shops and hawkers. Please note that the offering is entirely optional.
How to Reach
Udaipur, a well-developed and well-connected city in Rajasthan, offers various convenient ways to reach Jagdish Temple. Situated in the City center complex, near the bus station, railway station, and airport, the temple is easily accessible. Here are a few options to consider when planning your trip to Udaipur:
1. Personal transportation: For those seeking adventure and a unique experience, road trips are the way to go. Udaipur boasts a well-connected road network, allowing you to embark on a thrilling ride or drive and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones.
2. Public transportation: Taking shared taxis or buses can be an enjoyable opportunity to meet new people and make friends. Engaging in conversations and learning from different individuals can be both inspiring and enlightening. The transport corporations of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh operate buses to Udaipur, ensuring safe and affordable travel.
3. Railways: The Malvi station in Nathdwara district, located 3 km away from Jagdish Temple, serves as a convenient transportation hub.
Ajmer, Ahmedabad, and Jodhpur are three cities located in close proximity to each other. The Dabok Airport, which is only a short 15 to 20-minute drive away from the Jagdish Temple, serves as the main airport for these cities. Upon arrival, you can easily arrange for a taxi and promptly make your way to the temple.
As an architectural jewel snatched right out of history books with its captivating aura of divinity, the radiant Jagdish Temple tops the list of must-visit places in the City of Lakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the entry fee for Jagdish Temple?
A: There is no entry fee for Jagdish Temple Udaipur.
Q2: What are the timings of Jagdish Temple Udaipur?
A: Jagdish Temple Udaipur is open daily from 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:15 PM to 8:00 PM.
Q3: What is the best time to visit Jagdish Temple Udaipur?
A: The best time to visit Jagdish Temple is during the winter months of November, December, January, and February.
Q4: How far is Jagdish Temple from the City Palace?
A: Jagdish Temple Udaipur is just 150 meters from the City Palace complex.
Q5: How can I reach Jagdish Temple?
A: Jagdish Temple is easily accessible by personal transportation, public transportation, or railways. The Dabok Airport is also located just a short 15 to 20-minute drive away.