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BIRLA MANDIR, JAIPUR – The Spiritual Marble marvel

Varun Tyagi
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BIRLA MANDIR, JAIPUR – The Spiritual Marble marvel

Situated at the foothills of the Moti Dungri, Birla Mandir is yet another marvel of modern architecture. The temple made in white marble is a sight for the viewers even from far away.

This temple is located on Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg in Jaipur, which is around 1 km from the main gate of Rajasthan University.

The Temple is also called Lakshmi Narayan Mandir as it is devoted to Lord Vishnu, the preserver also known as Narayana, and his companion, Goddess of Wealth and good fortune, Lakshmi.

Although the temple is not very old, it is an apple for the eyes of Architecture lovers, Tourists, and Devotees. It is one of the most peaceful and cleanest places in and around Jaipur. You will be mesmerized by the beautiful white sanctum of Birla Mandir

Birla Mandir: It’s stunning History

Birla Mandir in Jaipur from front
Birla Mandir in Jaipur from front

It is one of the several Birla Mandirs built all over India and is considered to be one of the finest temples of India. Started in 1977 by Ramanuj Das, the land for the temple was given by the Maharaja Man Singh II to the Ghanshyam Birla against a token sum of 1 Rs.

The Birla family is one of the Business tycoons in India working as BM Foundation. 

The temple was completed by 1988. As per the Story, Shree Rang Ramanuj Das saw a dream in which he was told by Lord Laxminarayan in a dream in the year 1904 that he resides beneath the land where the Temple is being built. The Lord asked Ramanuj Das to unearth the idol and bring him back to Earth.

The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. 

The Off White Marble and Serenity

Birla Mandir Jaipur from Inside
Birla Mandir Jaipur from Inside

The Birla Mandir in Jaipur is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. This temple is built on an elevated platform surrounded from three sides by road and the fourth side by Shankargarh fort. 

Built every inch in White marble, this temple dominated the skyline of south Jaipur. An excellent work of art, it has a beautiful display of exquisite sculptures and carvings covering many mythological themes.

The eye is drawn to the images of Laxmi and Narayan, carved as they are, from one piece of marble. 

The temple consists of three domes, a representation of three main religions originated from India or three approaches to God in Hinduism. It is constructed to illuminate in the dark.

When the light falls it looks really beautiful at night. There are tainted glass windows depicting the mythological stories of different deities. The sculptures inside are delicately carved and properly maintained.

Outside the main sanctum are various Hindu motifs and other statues. The other statues in the temple are of great historical personages like Buddha, Zoraster, Confucius, Socrates, etc. The temple is surrounded by lush green gardens. 

Starting at 6 am in the morning, the temple has different artis like Mangala, Shringar, Rajbhog, Sandhya, and Shayan Artis. The three domes of the temple depict the three religions which have originated on this land.

Each part of the architecture holds importance here. You will be amazed to find such beautiful paintings and carvings inside the temple.

There are shops inside the temple complex to buy different items, souvenirs, etc. Priests inside the temple recite to you different stories of the Hindu Religion. There are messages for visitors sculpted from books as Geeta.

The temple is a work of art and has a marvelous display of exquisite carvings and sculptures covering many mythological themes. Other than the main temple, the complex has a museum that exhibits the earlier belongings of the Birla family.

Timings and Best season to visit Birla Mandir

The temple is open from 6 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 9 pm. The timings may differ in different seasons. As the climate of Jaipur is warm and dry, the best time to visit the temple is from September to March. Visitors should also keep a water bottle with them to prevent dehydration.

Visiting during the mornings and evenings will offer a completely serene experience with calming songs which help relieve stress. You can start your trip here with the calming vibes of Birla Mandir.

You should enjoy the Birla Mandir in all its pristine glory and take your time to observe and commend the beautiful carvings. You will enjoy observing the beautiful paintings on the walls depicting beautiful scenes from holy books like Bhagwad Gita. 

How to reach Birla Mandir?

The temple is on one of the busiest roads in Jaipur and there are different modes available to reach the temple. You first need to reach Jaipur, and then either take a cab, e-rickshaw or you might consider getting a car for rent. Parking space is available near the temple. You can enjoy your time at the temple without any worry about your vehicle. 

Must visit places nearby Birla Mandir

After you have given your trip a good start with the serenity of Birla Mandir, you should other places of importance nearby. There are many places around which will make you feel in awe. Though there are many places to visit nearby, you must visit the following:

  1. Moti Dungri: The fort and temple of Moti Dungri are situated atop a hill and offer a scenic view.
  2. Hawa Mahal: The marvel of the pink city is something you cannot miss when visiting Jaipur. 
  3. Jal Mahal: Though you cannot visit the Jal Mahal from inside it looks surreal from far too. You would love the lights working around the palace in the evening. 
  4. City Palace: After paying a nominal fee, you can enjoy the four parts of the city palace. 
  5. Albert Hall Museum: India’s largest museum is situated in Jaipur and you must not miss it when in Pink city. 

Other Important Information

  1. Photography and videography inside of the temple are strictly prohibited. So you cannot click any pictures or make any videos.
  2. Shoes are not allowed and visitors are supposed to keep their shoes in the shoe rack.
  3. You can visit the beautiful temple every day of the week. 
  4. If you are looking for a complete experience of the place, then you should avoid morning and evening visits to the temple as during these times a lot of people visit the temple. 
  5. Due to the heavy rush at the temple, it is advisable to keep your footwear at the designated place only.
  6. Carry a water bottle with you to keep yourself hydrated.

Any questions related to the temple, please write in the comment box below. I would love to answer.

Ganesh Mandir at Moti Doongri

Varun Tyagi
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Ganesh Mandir at Moti Doongri

Ganesh Mandir at Moti Doongri also known as “Riddhi Siddhi Ka Mandir” is a must-visit if you are heading towards Jaipur.

Though there are a lot of temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, in Rajasthan. But there is a temple which people come and visit from every part of the Nation to get blessed by the God of prosperity and Wisdom himself.

The aura of this temple is so good that even those who come here with worries become content after entering the temple. The meaning of the Dungri is called the ‘top of the hill’ and it appears to be a pearl from far away.

Thus the place has become famous with the name of Moti Dungri. When in Jaipur, you must visit the gloriously built, auspicious temple of Ganesh Mandir at Moti Dungri. 

History and establishment of the Ganesh Mandir at Moti Doongri

Jaipur was the epicenter of attacks by Maratha and a lot of bloodsheds happened here.

Madho Singh, the ruler of Jaipur, before becoming one prayed to Lord Ganesha that if he became the Ruler of the place, he would take Lord Ganesh from Mavli to Jaipur.

The idol is said to be more than 500 years old, originally situated in Mawali, the hometown of Madho Singh’s wife from where the Idol was brought under the supervision of Seth Jai Ram Paliwal to Jaipur when Madho Singh became the king.

The city of Jaipur has been at peace thereafter. The peaceful times have prevailed in this glorious city ever since. 

Idol of Lord Ganesha with the trunk bent to the right side at Ganesh Mandir at Moti Doongri

The temple has a huge, attractive Idol of Lord Ganesha with the trunk bent to the right side at Ganesh Mandir at Moti Doongri in Jaipur. The temple sanctum has idols of Lord Ganesha, his wives Riddhi and Siddhi, and his sons, Shubh and Labh. This also contains an idol of Mooshak, the vehicle or vahana of Lord Ganesha.

The establishment dates are engraved on the base of the Mushak Idol in Ganesh Mandir at Moti Doongri.

The throne of the Lord Ganesha idol is made out of silver and gold and is flanked by two large silver pillars on both sides. A big Golden chakra adorns the wall behind the idol while a golden umbrella or chhatra is atop the idol.

The temple offers peace and good vibes to all visitors. Many devotees come here to seek blessings for a better future and health. Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva is known to be one of the most benevolent Hindu Gods. 

Check out more temples in the city of Jaipur.

Specialty and Belief of Ganesh Mandir at Moti Doongri

Lord Ganesha is the Primus inter pares among the Gods, and is worshipped first.

He is considered to be the God of prosperity and Wisdom and is called Vighnesha which means One who takes away all the hurdles. There are several beliefs associated with the temple of Ganesh Mandir at Moti Doongri.

Before observing any auspicious event in their lives, People invite Lord Ganesha to the event. People pray to Lord Ganesha to take away their worries and hurdles of things they are facing problems at and tie Red-colored threads in the temple which has a section dedicated to it.

If Prayed wholeheartedly, Lord Ganesha blesses them with whatever they pray for, and symbolically, they open up one of the thousands of threads there. 

Temple has a usual crowd and is filled up with Devotees on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but the temple looks unique on the Ganesha Chaturthi festival when people from every corner of the country come to visit the temple here. The temple Moti Dungri is revered by all the people around the country. Often people from abroad also visit the temple to get blessed and worship Lord Ganesha. 

There is another belief that people come here to get their new vehicles blessed. So every Wednesday you might also come across a vehicle fair, Those who come here directly from the purchase. It is said that vehicles blessed by the Lord never meet any accidents. Lord Ganesha is known to protect vehicles and the people traveling in the vehicles which are blessed here. You must be cautious when visiting the temple on Wednesday. 

There is a Shivalingam in the Moti Dungri fort complex, which is open to visitors once a year on Mahashivaratri, the festival of Lord Shiva, the Father of Lord Ganesha. The Birla Temple shrine dedicated to deities Lakshmi Narayan is situated in the south of Ganesha temple.

The Temple is Built in the Nagara style and is based on the Scottish castle Model. The temple has three entrance gates and a few steps at the front.

The walls are adorned with scenes from Mythology that leave visitors spellbound. It was built using limestone and marble and construction was completed in 4 months.

People also visit the temple to explore and enjoy the architecture of the temple and the astounding design of the temple sanctum. 

How to reach the Ganesh Mandir at Moti Doongri

Moti Dungri temple is located centrally and one can reach it using any mode of public transport like Cab, or E rickshaw. You can also go to the temple walking if you are staying nearby. The ways in Jaipur are simple to maneuver.

You can also hail a cab or take the metro to reach the temple. The walkway leading to the temple is lined with prasad sellers and other local shops.

Best time to visit the Ganesh Mandir at Moti Doongri

Though you can visit this temple at any time of the year, the Moti Dungri is thronged by devotees every day of the week but Wednesday is one of the busiest days here.

A small fair is set outside the temple this week hawkers selling toys, sweets, and other knick-knacks cover the road leading up to the temple. You can buy Prasad on these streets. The holy walkway will make you feel connected to the divine even before you reach the pious sanctum. 

Other Attractions near Ganesh Mandir at Moti Doongri

  • Birla temple: Birla temple is dedicated to Lakshmi Narayan, this temple is also a magnificent work of architecture. There are many food stalls near Birla Mandir which you should try for an authentic taste of Rajasthan. 
  • Hanuman temple and Goddess Durga temple: This temple is towards the right of the Moti Dungri temple. The Hanuman temple is flocked by devotees especially on Tuesdays.
  • The grand Lord Shiva temple: You must visit the temple for the blessings of Lord Shiva. 
  • World Trade Park: is an amazing place to explore with family and friends. 
  • Raja park: is one of the most amazing areas to explore in Jaipur. Some places like Pali dhaba remain open till 4 am. The area is just 15 mins away from the sanctum of Moti Dungri. 
  • GT: a famous shopping complex is worth visiting while you are in the area. You must take a stroll through the market and buy local Rajasthani handicrafts.

Tips for the visitors

In case you visit the Ganesh Mandir at Moti Doongri on Wednesday, it is prudent to visit in a cab or public transport.

There are some trees right outside the temple which are home to monkeys, so keep your belongings close to you unless you want them snatched. The rush in the prime locations can make your experience overwhelmingly tedious. 

Any questions related to Ganesh Mandir at Moti Doongri, please leave them in the comments below.

Kale Hanuman Ji Temple

Varun Tyagi
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Kale Hanuman Ji Temple

The devotion towards Lord Hanuman will take you to all places of Hanuman Ji, but you might have seen all areas with red or orange murtis of God. The uniqueness of Kale Hanuman Ji ka Mandir lies in the fact that the idol of Hanuman Ji is black in color here. Lord Hanuman is a deep devout of Lord Rama and had a crucial role in Ramayana. 

The unique Lord Hanuman Ji temple in Jaipur offers a strong spiritual connection to devotees. The 1000-year-old temple offers a unique experience to all its visitors. The serenity and unusual spiritual energy make it a highly revered place of worship.

Many devotees visit the temple for peace of mind and relief from worldly issues and mental pain. The fantastic location of worship has a unique history associated with itself and the Black idol of Hanuman Ji. Let us know what the history behind it is.

The Sun God was the Guru of Hanuman Ji at one point in time. Around the completion of Hanuman Ji’s learnings, he offered to give Guru Dakshina to Lord Sun. The Sun God told him that his son Lord Shani is one of his own wills and does not listen to him, and he wishes that Hanuman Ji brings Lord Shani to him as his Guru Dakshina. To fulfill the wish of his Guru, Lord hanuman went out looking for Lord Shani.

After a long-drawn struggle, he finally found Lord Shani. When Lord Shani met Hanuman Ji finally, he was impressed by his devotion towards Lord Son, his father as Guru. Lord Shani said that he would not fulfill any wishes of his devotees until they worshiped Lord Hanuman. Lord Shani imbibed his black color onto Lord Hanuman. Thus, the temple of Kale Hanuman Ji ka mandir denotes the black color imbibed in hanuman Ji. 

Marvelous Architecture of this Glorious Temple

Kale Hanuman temple in Jaipur
Kale Hanuman temple in Jaipur

“Temples are an expression of God’s love.”

– Jean A. Stevens.

The beautiful architecture of the temple is ancient. The beautifully carved pillars in the temple’s sanctum are made as per the Pushta Nakshatra.

The temple was built about 100 years ago, and artists were brought in from Kolkata to construct this marvelous temple. The temple’s sanctum is pious and makes you feel connected to Lord Hanuman.

The beautifully carved temple is also an excellent place for historians and architecture buffs to explore. 

Location of Kale Hanuman Ji Temple

The Kale Hanuman Ji temple is situated on the same road as Hawa Mahal.

The temple is just 5 minutes away from City Palace towards Amber Road on foot. This pure place is located at Chandi ki Taksal. The name Chandi ki Taksal is derived from the fact that this place was used by then kings to make silver coins in the older times. Maharaj Jai Singh set up the silver minting place. The glory of Jaipur as a silver minting place began from this era. 

The Peaceful Sanctum of the Temple

kale Hanuman idol in the temple
kale Hanuman idol in the temple

“Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings.”

– Thomas S. Monson.

This unique temple offers peace and bliss to all visitors. Tuesdays and Thursdays are busy days at the temple.

People visit the temple for blessings and to keep Nazar dosh at bay. Newborn babies are brought to the temple for the blessings from Hanuman Ji and to remove any Nazar dosh.

A visit to this pious sanctum will offer a deep dive into Hindu traditions and a spiritual experience. The black idol of Lord Hanuman is adorned with silver accessories, and it looks so enchanting. You can offer Prasad at the temple. 

Darshan At Kale Hanuman Ji Mandir

You will experience a profound rooted spiritual awakening at Kale Hanuman Ji Mandir. The entry to the temple sanctum is free, and you can visit Monday to Sunday 5:00 am – 1:00 pm (Morning), 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm (evening). On the heavy rush days, that is, Tuesday and Saturday, the timings are 5:00 am – 2:00 pm (Morning), 5:30 pm – 11:30 pm (Evening). You must follow Hindu Traditions while visiting the temple. There are no long lines at the temple, so it takes only 1 hour to visit and complete your trip to the temple. 

Legacy of the Temple in Present times

Kale Hanuman idol inside kale Hanuman temple
Kale Hanuman idol inside kale Hanuman temple

The legacy of this holy temple situated in Chandi ki Taksal continues even today. Many celebrities like Bipasha Basu, Shilpa Shetty, and Ekta Kapoor have visited the temple sanatorium for the darshan of kale Hanuman Ji. 

If you are an ardent follower of Hanuman Ji, you must visit this marvelous temple. This temple is a place where your wishes get fulfilled. The legacy of the temple is because of the pious and spiritual energy at the sanctum. 

The divinity of Kale Hanuman Ji Mandir

Many people have noticed positive changes in their lives after visiting the temple with a pure heart. Many inner heart wishes and wants get fulfilled here.

Many people say that complex problems like lawsuits, unhealthy competition at work, household negativity, and other physical and mental issues get solved by just paying a visit to Kale Hanuman Ji mandir. Many people come back and visit the temple after their wishes get fulfilled as boons. 

Other places to Visit around the Sanctum of Kale Hanuman Ji ka Mandir

Two notable places around Kale Hanuman Ji ka Mandir are the Akbari mosque and Chandrapole Gate.

The gate hosts a complete bazaar of Rajasthani artifacts and local crafts. You will love to explore the local market and buy souvenirs for your family and friends. Here, you can find beautiful threadwork, bandhani, mirror work, etc. here. The beautiful Akbari mosque reminds me of the Mughal influence and past. The mosque is built on a raised platform and has three gateways. The long hall in the mosque is a prayer hall. The mosque was built by Raja Bharmal on the orders of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Entry to the mosque is free. 

A lot of people are devout of Lord Hanuman, the monkey god. Are you among them?? In that case, you must have visited several Hanuman temples around the country.

 “You are never lost when you can see the temple.”

– Gary E. Stevenson

Any questions related to Kale Hanuman Ji, please leave them in the comment section below.

Galta Ji temple in Jaipur

Varun Tyagi
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Galta Ji temple in Jaipur

First Vaishnava Ramanuja Peeth: The Galta Ji temple

Also known as the Monkeys’ temples, the Galta Ji temple is an old shrine located in the Lush Green hilly area of the Aravali hills of Jaipur in Rajasthan. This is one of the best places to visit as it gives a scenic view o the city of Jaipur on the way. The temple consists of a series of temples and ‘Kunds’ (reservoirs) built in the narrow crevices of the ring of hills that surround Jaipur.

The Kunds are filled by the natural spring emerging from the upside of the hill. The temple consists of the temples of Lord Hanuman, Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Lord Surya, and Lord Brahma.

How to reach the magnificent Galav Ashram

The Galta Ji temple is located in Khania Balaji town which is around 10 km east of the town of Jaipur. You can either come from your own vehicle or hire a cab. The best way to reach the place is first to reach Jaipur and then book a cab to the place or take an e-rikshaw (tuk-tuk).

Best time to visit the temple

Galta Ji Jaipur kund

Though the Galta Ji temple is open throughout, it is best to visit in spring or winter, i.e. October to March roughly. This is because, in summers, it is hard to climb up there as it is sweaty and uncomfortable. You can see a lot of pilgrims and temples coming to the temple at the Makar Sankranti festival in January as it is celebrated with great pomp.

Monkeys can be playful and dangerous both at the same time, so if you want to click the view of monkeys taking baths and jumping around, the evening is the best time to visit. The temple is open from 5 am to 9 pm.

The Galta Ji Temple and the place of Samadhi of Galav

Located in the V-shaped valleys of Aravali hills, Galta Ji temple as we mentioned before is a series of temples and Kunds. The temple architecture is Rajputana Style with richly ornamented Facades, fresco paintings. The temple is entirely built-in pink sandstone having pavilions with intricately carved pillars.

The frescoes (a type of wall painting) depict  Hinduism stories. Among the other temples in this series, Shri Sitaramji and Shri Gyan Gopal Ji temple are both built-in Haveli style. As per common belief, the Idol of  Shri Ram Gopal Ji at Shri Sitaramji temple resembles both Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. 

Another must view thing here is the Akhand Jyoti, the eternal lamp flame at the Hanuman temple in the complex which has been burning for centuries since the Hanuman temple was consecrated

This water flows to the Kunds and Baolis (Large reservoirs) here. It is said that the Kunds are never dry. There are 7 Kunds in the temple which are; 

Raja Kund, Brahma Kund, Bhawan Kund, Surya Kund, Gopal Kund, Lal Kund and Galta Kund. 

Gopal kund here is known as Janana Kund which is a bathing space for ladies and for men, the Mardana Kund,  there is Surya Kund. This series of Kunds makes it a special attraction for tourists as the water flowing in Kunds is freshwater. In addition to this, there are Two caves named after Galav Rishi and Krishnadas Payo Hari Ji.

History and Legacy of the magnificent Galta Ji Temple

The Galta ji temple was built by Diwan Rao Kripa Ram, an attendant at the court of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in the 18th century. Before they built the temple here, the place used to be an abode for Ramanandi Vaishnavite Sadhus. The yogis and sadhus were attracted to the place by the mystical and spiritual powers of a Ramanandi Sadhu called Krishnadas Payo Hari who lived only on ‘Milk as the only diet’, thus being called Payo Bhaksha. This name Payo was added to his name after this. 

Ramanandi sect comes from saint Ramananda, a follower of the Ramanujacharya sect of Vaishnavism in the Hindu religion. They consider themselves to be the descendants of Luv and Kush, the sons of Lord Rama.

An important source of history of the Northern Indian devotion, the poem “Bhaktamal” was written by Guru Nabha Dasa Ji at Galta Ji, based on the account of the Bhakts across sectarian paths. The founding philosophy of the International ISKCON movement started by swami Prabhupada was borrowed from Govind Bhashya written by Swami Baldeo Vidya Bhushan in Galta Ji. Govind Bhashya is a commentary on Vedanta Sutra and was written in 1718.

This place is said to be the abode of Galav Rishi, the great-grandson of Lord Brahma. He observed penance (Tapasya) for 60,000 years back in Satyuga as per the Mahants of the temple here at this place and got blessings from God. This resulted in a branch of Ganga emanating from this place. This Gupta-Ganga (the secretly flowing branch) is also known as Galav Ganga in the honor of the Rishi. A rock called ‘Gaumuk’ which literally translates to the mouth of a cow is the origin point of Galav Ganga.

It is believed that in the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar, on Kartik Poornima (the full moon), the Hindu Holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh(Lord Shiva) visits the place. Thus, taking a dip in the Galta Ji temple Kund is considered to be blessed on this day.

Another story says that One completing the Chardham and Saptpuris, which are considered to be quintessential in the Hindu religion, must come to the Galta Ji temple and take a dip in the sacred Galta Kund in order to complete the pilgrimage. Goswami Tulsidas Ji, the author of the epic Rama Charitmanas is also be said to have stayed here to complete several sections of the scripture. 

What NOT TO-DO while visiting this famous Galta Ji Temple and site of Tapasya.

  • You might find touts asking you for entry fees. The temple entry is free, and visitors are recommended not to listen to them
  • Footwear is not allowed inside the holy place, so wear inexpensive footwear as they might get stolen, they should also be comfortable enough to trek uphill also.
  • Monkeys are there in the temple, try not to keep eatables in open, and DO NOT DIRECTLY flash camera as it might scare them. 

Nearby Attractions to explore when visiting Galta Ji Temple

Visitors should Visit the Shri Gyan Gopalji temple, and Surya temple located on the top of the temple complex, which is located on the top. This site is a lesser-known and lesser-visited one. The site provides a serene atmosphere and the best views of the sunsets. Another place to visit is Sisodia Rani ka Bagh.

Govind Dev Ji Temple

Varun Tyagi
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Govind Dev Ji Temple

Govind Dev Ji Temple: “Bajrakrit” pious shrine. Also called the ‘Mini Vrindavan’ of Jaipur, the temple is situated in the Jai Niwas Gardens of the city palace complex. The temple is devoted to Lord Govind dev Ji, who people also address as the “Aradhya Dev of Jaipur”. This fact makes the temple one of the must-visit monuments in Jaipur. The sanatorium is built in an archaic way. The shrine will remind you of the old times.

The Legacy of the Govind Ji Temple

Govind dev ji temple in Jaipur Rajasthan
Govind dev Ji temple in Jaipur Rajasthan

According to the legend, Some 5600 years ago Shri Bajranabh-the great-grandson of Lord Krishna, asked his Grandmother-the daughter-in-law of Lord Krishna about what Krishna looked like.

As per the description she gave, young Bajranabh created three Images of Lord Krishna, One resembled the Feet, the second one looked like his chest and the Third one matched the exact persona.

The former two are called “Madan Mohan Ji” and “Gopi Nath Ji” respectively, while the latter one is the Divine majestic holy image of Lord “Govind Dev Ji”.  The spiritual shrine of Govind Ji will leave you mesmerized and calm. 

Over time, the glories of the culture were forgotten, and the images were also lost from the memories of the people. Some 500 years ago, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the harbinger of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism was born on Indian soil. Vrindavan Dham, the abode of the Lord himself also had become a jungle by the 16th century, Mahaprabhu discovered some of the places mentioned in the Bhagwat Purana, but he was unable to stay there for long.

Chaitanya asked two of his disciples Shri Roop Goswami and Shri Sanatana Goswami to spread Vaishnavism in Vrindavan and discover the lost sites. Later, Lord Govind Dev Ji revealed himself to Shri Roop Goswami at Goma Teela in Vrindavan in 1525. Though he was unable to visit again, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu sent one of his Ashta-Dhatu idols to the temple after getting the news of revelation.

Marvellous Architecture of Govind dev Ji temple

Govind dev Ji Mandir in jaipur

The famous Red stone temple of Govind Dev Ji was built at the spot by Maharaja Man Singh of Amer in 1590. The divine sacred image of Govind Dev Ji was consecrated here.

The sacred image of Radha Rani Ji was also there in the earlier days but to protect the same from the Yavanas (Indo-greeks), a Brahmin named Vrihadbhanu Took the idol to Odisha where it was established in a temple. When the news of the appearance of Lord Govind Dev Ji reached the then king of Odisha sent the idol to Vrindavan and the marriage of Radha Rani Ji took place with Lord Govind Dev Ji. 

During the reign of Religious fanatic Aurangzeb, who is also known as the ‘temple destroyer’, the idols were shifted to the Kama via Barsana, Radhakund, and then to Govindpura. The idols finally reached Kanak Vrindavan in 1714 and were taken uphill to Jai Niwas (the present abode)

In 1715 in the City Palace.

289th descendent of Kush (Elder son of Lord Rama), King Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur lived in the “Suraj Mahal”, One night he dreamt that the palace was meant for divinity and he should leave it. The next day under the guidance of Goswami Ji, he left the place and went to “Chandra Mahal”. Before the foundation of the pink city was laid, Lord Govind Dev Ji was enshrined in Suraj Mahal and it became ‘the temple’. Later on, the images of  Sakhis, female friends, and Sewadhikaris were also included.

Reaching Govind Dev Ji temple

There can be different modes of reaching the temple. The Sanganer Airport is the nearest airport is 11 km away from the temple, the Ramganj railway station is 2km away and the Jaipur bus station is 5 km from the temple. The Jaipur has well run cabs service and buses which connect the city.

If you are coming from your own vehicle you might consider parking your vehicle at Jaleb chowk which is around 100m from the temple premises.

The culturally rich Govind Dev Ji temple and Glory

Govind dev Ji Temple aarti
Govind Ji Temple aarti

The temple has two main dwars. There are shops inside the temple premises. You might buy various items including clothes for the Lord and other decorative.

The temple is open to visitors the whole year so, you might find a crowd in the temple at any time of the year, but the temple is loaded with devotees on the occasion of Janmashtami. The temple is usually open for Darshan between 4:30 am to 12:00 pm and 5:45 pm to 9:30 pm. 

The main attraction of the temple is the 7 Artis performed here, these Artis include Jhankis too. 

Govind dev Ji temple aarti
Govind dev Ji temple aarti

The time schedule for the Arti’s is as follows;

Mangala4:30 am to 5:00 am
Dhoop7:30 am to 8:45 am
Shringar9:30 am to 10:15 am
Rajbhog11:00 am to 11:30 am
Gwal5:30 pm to 6:15  pm
Sandhya6:45 pm to 8:00 pm
Shayan9:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Timings for Govind Dev Ji temple in Jaipur

Mangala Arti is considered to be the most important Arti by devotees. The temple is so aligned that In the older times, the first thing Maharani did in the morning was to bow before the Lord from her window. 

Unmatched Beauty of the spiritually driven shrine of Govind Dev Ji temple

aarti at govind dev ji temple in Jaipur
aarti at Govind dev Ji temple in Jaipur

There are two temples inside the main temple premises, first one is Gopeshwar Mahadev. Another one is the Giriraj Ji temple. The temple has its own kitchen where they produce prasadam.

The temple has also made a mark in the Guinness book of the world record being a marvel in the field of Architecture as its Satsang Bhavan has the widest RCC flat roof construction with a single span of 124 feet x 119 feet. In 2016, it got another record for the largest display of oil-lit lamps.

This roof only has peripheral pillars and no pillars inside the hall. The temple has Jai Nivas Udyan, the fountain in the Udyan is turned on occasionally. Nowadays, people feed birds here. 

Major attractions nearby Govind Ji Temple to explore

There are a lot of mesmerizing places to explore near the holy shrine of Govind dev Ji Temple. Birla Mandir, Akshar Dham Mandir, Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, and Jal Mahal are other nearby attractions that you can visit. The surrounding beauty of Pink city makes it a worthwhile experience.

Any questions related to Govind dev Ji temple in Jaipur, let me know in the comments below.

Best Street Food in Jaipur ? ? ? ?

Varun Tyagi
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Best Street Food in Jaipur ? ? ? ?

The Pink City Jaipur is known for its creative structures like the Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Amber Fort, and many other historical places. This city of beautiful sites also has savory flavors that they serve on a platter. Be it the traditional Rajasthani dish like Dal Bati Choorma or any other lip-smacking food like kachori, dabeli, rolls, noodles, momos, chaats, or bhel puri, this famous street food in Jaipur are worth trying.

Jaipur has a whole lot of variety of sweets, spicy, tangy, and irresistible food.

When at Jaipur, you can find street food almost everywhere. Street food in Jaipur brings a lot of foodies to the city. There are certain food spots from where you must try the Jaipur famous street food if you are a tourist or new to this city. I have listed out some of the best street food in Jaipur that will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji at Pandat Pao Bhaji in Jaipur, street food in Jaipur
Pav Bhaji at Pandit Pao Bhaji in Jaipur

When we talk about the best street food in Jaipur, the only thing that comes to my mind is a plate full of Pav Bhaji with evenly cooked spices and veggies. Thinking of the pav dipped in bhaji and chopped onion with it, the thought itself is mouth-watering, but if you taste it in person, you will revisit this place for sure.

The aroma of the food itself draws you to this food spot if you are anywhere nearby. The best part about this classic Indian food, served by them, is that they offer at a very nominal rate.

  • Best Place to Try – Pandit’s Pav Bhaji near Birla Mandir, JLN Marg, Tilak Nagar

Masala Chowk

In Masala Chowk you get the most iconic street food in Jaipur
In Masala Chowk, you get the most iconic street food in Jaipur

This place is a one-stop food spot and one of the best street food places in Jaipur to satisfy all your cravings. Located near Albert Hall, this place serves almost all kinds of food. They have recently opened another branch at Jagatpura near Haldi Ghati marg.

Rich with culture and spices, the items include Chole Bhature, Dosa, Uttapam, Jalebi, and the list goes on. There is a common sitting area to dine in with your friends and family, and gradually this has turned out to be a regular hangout spot for the people of Jaipur.

  • Location –  At the Ram Niwas Garden or the Ram Niwas Bagh, Landmark Albert Museum

Pyaaz Kachori

Pyaaz Kachori is very famous street food in Jaipur
Pyaaz Kachori is a very famous street food in Jaipur

When looking for the best street food places in Jaipur, you should not miss the Pyaaz Kachori. You can have this Pyaaz Kachori as a snack too or even in your breakfast. This food spot also serves dal kachori, samosa, aloo bonda, Mirchi vada, and varieties of sweets.

It is a renowned food outlet and also known as Rawat ki Kachori for the local people. And visiting this place once and trying their amazing pyaaz kachori will be worth it if you are in Jaipur.

  • Best Place to Try – Rawat Mishthan Bhandar, Sindhi Camp

Pani Puri

Pani Puri in Jaipur is a loved street food in Jaipur
Pani Puri in Jaipur is the most loved street food in Jaipur

The spicy and tangy combination of Pani Puri is a flavorful experience and almost everyone’s favorite food. You can never say no to it. Once you start having the rounds of Pani Puri, you will forget your dieting regime.

One of the best street food places in Jaipur to try, and with different flavors of Chutney to go with it. And if you love the delicious and spicy Pani Puri, you should visit this place for once if you visit Jaipur because they serve Pani Puri at pocket-friendly rates.

  • Best Place to Try – Chawlas, located at Fashion Street, Raja Park or the vendors in front of Birla Mandir.

Kadhi Kachori

Kadi Kachori in Jaipur is favorite morning breakfast
Kadi Kachori in Jaipur is my favorite morning breakfast.

Do not miss this place as it is one of the best street food places in Jaipur. It is a delicious fusion of Rajasthani food as well as the hunger savior. You can find these Kachoris almost anywhere in Jaipur, and if you want to taste the best, I have a suggestion for the same. While on a trip with your friends and family, do try out this combo. I love this combination of Kadhi Kachori because of the richness in flavor the aroma of the spices, and it did satisfy my craving for a portion of spicy food, and it was finger-licking good.

Tip: The best time to enjoy this food is during the monsoon, as we all crave Food with A View.

  • Best Place to Try – Opposite to Amer Fort

Cold Coffee

cold coffee in Jaipur
Cold coffee in Jaipur

Want to go on a coffee date with yourself, friends, or family? These places will be the right choice for a Coffee Date. If you are looking for famous street food in Jaipur, add these places to your list for the best coffees.

Some stalls offer a variety of Cold Coffee, and you should try them while you are out with your friends in the evening. The street lights, the atmosphere, the place, and the view are something that you would never want to miss.

  • Best Place to Try – The GVD Cafe at Malviya Nagar behind World Trade Park, which is also known as WTP, and near the Statue Circle.

Omelette

Omelette in Jaipur at Sanjay Omlette
Omelet in Jaipur at Sanjay Omelet

If you are thinking of a rich diet or searching for the best street food places in Jaipur, you must try the variations of omelets available here.

It is a perfect food jam session you can have with your friends, and especially during the winter season because we all crave spicy food more during this season. And this place is perfect for you with varieties of omelet and chutneys.

Kathi Rolls

Kathi Rolls at Al bake in Jaipur
Kathi Rolls at Al bake in Jaipur

Something that you should not miss if you are at Jaipur. The mouth-watering platter of Chicken rolls and Biryani is worth the price you pay for it. You can choose from a variety of Kathi rolls available at this place.

  • Best Place to Try – Al Bake, M.I. Road

Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka in Jaipur
Paneer Tikka in Jaipur

Paneer Tikka – the vegetarian delight is almost loved by everyone. And the art of mixing the right spices and herbs to make this dish a perfect Paneer tikka that triggers your taste buds in Jaipur is mastered by a very few food outlets. These outlets also offer various chutneys and sauces to add more flavors to this dish.

Momos

Momos in Jaipur
Momos in Jaipur

The street food list here is incomplete without having momos in the list. This tempting and spicy delight with different types of stuffing is loved by all and is one of the famous street food in Jaipur. A plate full of steaming hot momos served with red sauce and mayonnaise is a treat to your hunger.

  • Best Place to Try – Lane 4, Raja Park

Summing up the best street food places in Jaipur

Apart from the rich culture and architectural beauties, Jaipur has some best street foods.

The above listed were a few of the best street food places in Jaipur. And if you love this place, you will love the classic street food in Jaipur. So next time when you visit Jaipur, do not forget to visit these food spots for a delicious munching session. if you have any query do drop a comment below. If you are a tea lover check out my article on famous places to enjoy chai in Jaipur.

Akshaya Patra in Jaipur

Varun Tyagi
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Akshaya Patra in Jaipur is an NGO headquartered in Bengaluru. Jaipur – the pink city of India, is famous for its ancient history, architecture, forts, gardens, museums, and other exquisitely constructed UNESCO World Heritage sites. It also holds its name of being the first planned city in India. Attracting a large number of tourists every year from all around the world, Jaipur is also famous for its beautifully carved temples and sculptures rich with Vedic teachings and spirituality.

The list includes Birla temple or the Lakshmi-Narayan Temple built entirely of white marble, Govind Devji Temple, Moti Doongri Ganesh temple, Akshay Patra Temple, Galtaji, Akshardham Temple, and many more.

There is a quote that says, “Travel – before you run out of time.” But I say travel to places to spend some time with yourself. And such a place is the Akshay Patra temple in Jaipur.

More about the Akshay Patra Temple in Jaipur

Akshaya Patra in Jaipur
From inside!

Located at Mahal Road, near Gyan Vihar University, Jagatpura, Jaipur, the Akshay Patra temple is one of the ISKCON temples. Also, do not mistake yourself for the Akshay Patra temple and Akshardham temple the same; they both are different temples located in distinctive parts of the city.

It is a Radha Krishna temple with the beautiful architecture of Akshay Patra. The temple is under the Akshay Patra Foundation, an NGO that works for the welfare of people and feeds more than 1 lakh people daily.

The other works from this foundation include food for the poor, Vedic education, and providing necessary relief items to families in need.

The entrance has beautiful decorations done with paintings depicting the life of Lord Krishna and his relationships with his friends and family. There is a two-sided stairway with antique doors to the temple.

The temple also has Bhagwad Gita, the holy book of the Hindus, in almost all the languages, spoken. The languages include Hindi, English, Assamese, Telugu, Tamil, Odia, Bengali, German, Arabic, French, Latin, Greek, and many more.

Adding more about the Akshay Temple in Jaipur, inside the temple, you can see a miniature of the entire Akshay Patra temple inside a glass box, which covers the boundaries and the lawns with a detailed blueprint of the temple.

Also, you can find sweet stores inside the temple boundaries that sell prasadam that you can offer to the Hindu deity. The best part is the money they earn, after selling the prasadam goes for charity, where they feed the poor and children.

The temple foundation collaborates with colleges so that they can provide food to the beggars and poor people. Additionally, talking more about the temple and the Gurus there, the Gurus are well versed with Bhagwad Gita and other Hindu holy books and hymn books.

During my visit to the Akshay Patra temple, I also learned that the acharyas and the gurus are graduated with degrees from the top colleges in Jaipur like MNIT, VIT, SKIT, Amity,  and many more. They held degrees of engineering with jobs in good companies, but many of the acharyas left their jobs to choose the path of spirituality and become devotees of Lord Krishna.

Festivals at Akshay Patra Temple

Akshaya Patra temple during night
Temple during night

During the festivals like Holi, Krishna Janmashtami, and Diwali, the temple has beautiful decorations with lights and flowers. The devotees visit the temples in lakhs to worship and celebrate with great zeal and seek blessings from the divine power. Check out my last article on places to visit in Jaipur during Diwali.

They also feed the poor and offer prasadam to them as a blessing from the almighty. Besides this, the privileged people make donations as a part of the noble work and collaborate with the temple foundation to provide clothes and other necessary items for the people in need.

Vedic Education at Akshay Patra

Jaipur is famous for its history and colorful culture, and what attracts more visitors is the blending of spiritual and mythological roots with the Vedic approach. The same goes for the Akshay Patra temple in Jaipur.

The temple conducts spiritual classes for people to attend, of every age and from all around the world. The pandits and gurus there take lessons on the holy books like the Bhagwad Gita, Ramayana, and other Hindu books that teach about the life of Sri Krishna and some important life lessons. The classes take place regularly inside the temple every Saturday.

People of every age, gender, religion attend the classes where the teachers or the gurus teach their students about the facts of the universe and science and relate them with Bhagwad Gita.

Last Words on the Akshay Patra Temple

Rajasthan tourism highly encourages their slogan “Padharo Mhare Desh”; which invites people from every caste and religion to visit this beautiful and colorful land of the royals.

Summing up, the best thing I came to know about the Akshay Patra temple is that they welcome people of every religion without any discrimination, and it is something that everyone should learn and embrace. This foundation helps the poor and the needy by packing the extra food from college canteens so that no one would sleep empty stomach is commendable.

Some companies and MNCs bring excursions to the temple; so that the employees learn the life lessons from the Bhagwad Gita.  They also provide funds to help the poor. Teaching that I learned from my visit to the Akshay Patra temple is, ‘A life lived for others is a life lived. Love reading blogs while having tea, check out these famous tea spots in Jaipur.

Places to cycle in Jaipur

Varun Tyagi
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0
Places to cycle in Jaipur

Do you remember the first time you got your cycle? What an amazing experience it is to ride a cycle!! It fills you with life. Cycling in the beautiful Pink City of India, Jaipur can be an extremely blissful journey. In this article let us take a look at places to cycle in Jaipur.

The freshness in the calm breeze, the fantastic array of green beauty that experience while paving your way riding on the cycle is an unbeatable experience. 

It is not just physically healthy to explore the greenery and panoramic spots on your cycle but also a way for SOUL CARE- the biggest need of this hour to bring down your carbon footprint.

For the records, the cycle stores have reported that 2020-21 has been the golden period for the sales of cycles with a boom. Check out Jaipur’s top cycle shop.

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The buzz for cycling has taken heights in the city in the last five years. From solo riders to club cyclists- it has become a new trend to ride a bicycle now!! There is an end number of people who are crazy cycling enthusiasts.

However, there may be a fuss about the places to cycle in Jaipur. You need not hassle about where to cycle and what are some of the best cycling destinations in Jaipur. You can even join our group for cycling.

This city has enough to offer the thriving cyclists. Whether you ride a cycle just for leisure or want to challenge your strength, Jaipur has a venue for all. Based on the way you ride like trail biking or performance road biking you can get in touch with different cycling groups in Jaipur.

We will guide you with some of the best short and long routes to cycle in this Gulaabi Nagri. Here are the best scenic biking trails of Jaipur that have to be on your go-to cycling list. 

Check out these places to cycle in Jaipur.

Experience the beauty of Nahargarh Fort by passing through Kanak Ghati and Jal Mahal

The cobbled pathway from the old city to Nahargarh fort
Panoramic view of Jaipur city from Nahargarh Fort

If you want to begin your pedaling journey from the most popular Jaipur Cycling destinations then this cycling route is the right pick for you!! You would to thrilled to go on a challenging ride this route offers.

It is not just the adventurous hills, but also the panoramic scenery and views while riding around the exotic Jal Mahal located in Mansagar.

Places to cycle in Jaipur via Jalmahal and kanak ghati
Nahargarh cycling route via jalmahal and kanak ghati

You just need not more than a few minutes to reach the core heart of the astonishing nature. If you are new to the world of cycling, then consider the second route initially. However, all the expert or well-experienced cyclists can go for the challenging route and climb high! 

You have a choice to choose one of the two routes for reaching Nahargarh Fort while cycling. Riding through Kanak Ghati is the first route and the second one goes through the roads of Purani Basti that are pretty old and challenging.

Places to cycle in Jaipur near Nahargarh fort on cobbled pathway

This place stands first among the places to cycle in Jaipur.  

 Sagar Lake in Amer Fort – Second best place to cycle in Jaipur

There are many cycling routes in Jaipur, but the ride to Sagar Lake is a treat to your eyes. The immense calmness at the lake is just breathtaking. This cycling destination will gift you the charm of hills all around the lake, making the view more exotic and admirable.

Place to cycle in Jaipur - Cycle to Sagar lake near amer fort
Cycle to Sagar lake near Amer fort

You can follow the significant route section of the number 1 path till Kanak Ghati reaches Amber Fort (Sagar Lake). The people who cycle often will find this cycling route not very challenging or exhaustive.

Even the beginners could ride easily to the inclined sections of Kanak Ghati and Kheri Gate till Sagar lake. This cycling destination is around 11 km away from Albert Hall.

JLN Road is one of the best places to cycle in Jaipur

Whenever you are confused about where to cycle in Jaipur- just consider one popular cycling destination of Jaipur that is JLN Road.

Cycling at JLN road in Jaipur - Places to cycle in Jaipur
Cycling at JLN road in Jaipur

People who have cycled around this road must be knowing why JLN road is one of the best cycling routes in Pink City. No matter you are a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, this straight-in-line 10 km road is well-paved to give you a smooth cycling experience.

You get the freedom to prioritize your own section routes to ride around JLN road according to the availability of your time and energy. People who are running out of time prefer cycling in this area for a shorter time duration.

You can end your cycling ride at Patrika Gate or Jaipur Airport if opting for a long ride.

Cycling at Patrika gate on JLN marg Jaipur - Places to cycling in Jaipur
Cycling at Patrika gate on JLN marg Jaipur

To reach Bombay Hospital Mahal Road, Jagatpura from Albert Hall, you need to cover a distance of 16 km.

The cycling route via Nevta Dam

Everyone knows about Saint Xaviers College that is located near Nevta Dam. It is the unbeatable choice of people while searching for routes to cycle in Jaipur around the distance of 50 km. You require to have a ride of 25 km for one side ride.

Cycling till Nevta dam in Jaipur | Places to
Cycling till Nevta dam in Jaipur

Also, there are two routes for this cycling destination with an equal distance. As a cyclist, this route lets you witness the adventurous fun of some really unpaved sections giving you an MTB vibe with a road bike.

It is a well-known fact that there is a huge rush of traffic on Ajmer Road, still, it is the most preferable route choice for cycling enthusiasts.

Places to cycle in Jaipur near Nevta dam
Cycling till Nevta dam in Jaipur

For an alternative option, you can pick up the route going through Tonk Road and Muhana Mandi. You shall need to ride for 25 km from Albert Hall to Nevta Dam.

Short route places to cycle in Jaipur

There are times when you are short of time and want to go for short cycling fun. Or maybe you are just planning to begin your cycling journey with some popular shorter cycling routes in Jaipur. Here we present you some of the best short cycling routes in Jaipur.

C-Scheme

Cycling at Vidhan Sabha near C-Scheme
Cycling at Vidhan Sabha near C-Scheme
  • One of the best places to cycle in Jaipur is area around c-Scheme. It has a lot of surprises for the people who love cycling with some broad and well-paved routes. There are multiple varieties to cycle in this area with routes like Bhawani Singh Road, Vidhan Sabha Road, Statue Circle, Ashok Udhyan/Deer Park, Central Park, Prithvi Raj Road, and Janpath.
  • You must try all these fabulous roads for a pleasant cycling experience.

Mahal Road

This is the one I like. One of the best places to cycle in Jaipur. Traffic is less and the roads are wide. Usually, cyclists from Malviya Nagar, Pratap Nagar, Raja Park, and nearby areas prefer this. This 3 km stretch from Malviya Nagar is often known to all cyclists.

Summing up best places to cycle in Jaipur

So these are the best Jaipur cycling destinations recommendations for every cyclist. You would be pleased while pedaling around the beautiful bazaars, busy streets of the Muslim locality, historic Albert Hall Museum and more to witness the true essence of Jaipur

For fulfilling the body fitness needs to pouring the soul blissful requirements- CYCLING is now playing a successful role for every kind of joy you want for your body. Recreate those joyful days from your childhood. Let’s venture off with the cycles and revitalize yourself with the exciting thrill that comes your way while discovering life with moving destinations.

You just need to have time, energy, love for cycling, and definitely the best routes with you for a great cycling experience in Jaipur! Any questions regarding places to cycle in Jaipur, just drop a comment below.

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