Jagdish Temple (Rajasthan)

The splendid architecture of the temple boasts
of a pyramidal spire, mandap (prayer hall) and
a porch. The first and the second storey of the
temple possess 50 pillars each.

Jagdish Temple (Rajasthan) Hindu Temples

Maharana Jagat Singh built this temple between 1628-1653 at a whopping cost of Rs 1.5 million. Udaipur temple tour will take your to Jagdish temple, the famous temple of Udaipur, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, is at a great height and can be approached by a long flight of stairs. The entrance to the temple is flanked by two massive stone elephants. The temple has a pyramidal spire (shikar), a vestible (mandap) and a porch. The spire is about 79ft high and is decorated with friezes of dancers, musicians, elephants and horsemen. The temple is a three storeyed structure and has 50 pillars each in the first and second storeys and is one of the largest and popular Vishnu temples in Northern India.

The interior of the temple has exquisite carvings and is supplemented with prominent friezes. The temple has several smaller shrines in four corners of it that are dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Shiva, the Sun God and Goddess Shakti. A Sanskrit inscription in the porch written by Krishna Bhatt in the year 1651gives a detailed history of the reign of Maharana Jagat Singh. A huge brass image of Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu stands guard in front of the main shrine.

This three-storied temple is a wonder of architecture that comprises beautifully carved pillars, decorated ceilings, painted walls and lush halls. In those times, 1.5 million rupees were spent to raise this structure. The spire of the main temple is around 79 feet high that undoubtedly dominates the skyline of Udaipur. This shikhar (spire) is festooned with sculptures of dancers, elephants, horsemen and musicians making it truly a sight to behold. As and when you approach the temple, you will be welcomed by two huge stone elephants at the entrance. On the very front of the temple, you would find a stone slab that is imprinted with the inscriptions with reference to Maharaja Jagat Singh. To reach the main shrine, you have to take a marble flight of 32 steps. Here, you will find a brass image of Garuda, a figure of half-man and half-eagle. This huge idol stands as if; it is guarding the doorway of Lord Vishnu.

The main shrine houses the striking four-armed image of Lord Vishnu. This idol is carved out of a single piece of black stone. A single glimpse of the idol takes the person to the celestial world to find everything calm and serene. The main shrine of Lord Jagdish/ Vishnu is centrally located encircled by four smaller shrines. These shrines are dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Sun God, Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva respectively.

The splendid architecture of the temple boasts of a pyramidal spire, mandap (prayer hall) and a porch. The first and the second storey of the temple possess 50 pillars each. The intricate carvings on the pillars need an enduring sight to praise the noteworthy beauty of this temple. This temple was built keeping in the mind the Hindu architectural science of 'Vastushstra'. Every year, people from far and near come to visit this holy place of worship. The serenity as well as the architectural magnificence of the temple cannot be bounded in words, so one must visit this temple to get the blessings of Lord Jagdish.

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