One of the most visited destinations in India, Rajasthan has a magnetic charm that never wears out. Centuries-old havelis, fortresses, markets and temples. There are numerous temples in Rajasthan and each has a special historical significance. Let us explore some of the most famous temples of this state and their unique features.
Must-visit temples in Rajasthan
Here are ten temples that you must not miss on your next visit to Rajasthan. Each has its distinctive features and history.
1. Birla Mandir
This is located at Moti Dungari in Jaipur and was built by the Birla family. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Lakshmi. The temple is famous for its exquisite architecture and overall sense of calm. There are three domes inside. The most beautiful view is at sunset when the beauty of the temple is highlighted. While visiting this temple, one should also go to the Moti Dungari temple nearby.
2. Brahma Temple or Jagatpita Brahma temple
Interestingly, this is one of the rare temples dedicated to Lord Brahma. Though Brahma is revered as the God of creation, there are very few temples in his name (as this was a belief according to Hindu mythology) The Brahma temple is ancient but one of one of the most beautiful ones. It is closely located to Pushkar Lake. The temple is said to be more than 2000 years old. The most auspicious time to visit this temple is during Kartika Poornima, when one can take a holy dip in the lake. This is considered an important ritual here.
3. Ambika Mata Temple: The Goddess of Power
Goddess Durga is symbolic of power and she has many forms. Ambika Devi is one of the numerous forms of Goddess Durga. Ambika MATA Mandir of Rajasthan is located in a village called Jagat, near Bharatpur. The idol of Devi Sati is worshipped as “Ambika” at this temple and is one of the Shakti Peethas located across India.
The temple was built under the reign of Rawal Allata of Mewar. It has beautiful carvings and inscriptions all over its walls, dating back to 961 AD. The inscription had to go through some renovations later. Lord Shiva is revered in the form of “Amriteshwar.” During festivals such as Navaratri and Makar Sankranti, the temple is beautifully lit and is a must-visit. One should enjoy its ambience during these festivals. Due to its proximity to Bharatpur, one can also visit other temples nearby like Ganga temple and Laxman temple.
4. Mehandipur Balaji Temple: in Karauli
This unusual temple is situated in the Dausa district of Rajasthan and is 40 km from Karauli. It can be reached by train from Badakui station. In today’s era, most people do not believe in Exorcism. But it is hard to believe, seeing the number of visitors that come here, hoping to drive away evil spirits. This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. However, most people come here for rituals and healing. People believed to be possessed by evil spirits gather here hoping for the spirits to be exorcised. These people are called Sankatwalas in the local language and offer regular prayers to the deity. It is not a temple one should visit with small children or elderly members. Chaitra Purnima and Hanuman Jayanti are two good occasions to visit this. These are two popular festivals, which are celebrated here.
5. Eklingji Temple Udaipur
This famous temple is known for its four-faced statue of Lord Shiva, called Eklingji. It was built in 734 AD and has 108 temples within its premises. The temple was built by Bappa Rawal, who is considered the founder of Mewar. There is a prominent silver statue of Nandi, near the entrance of the temple, along with two images of Nandi carved in black stone and brass. Eklingji or Shiv ji’s statue here is outstanding, carved from black marble and is 50 feet tall. Each of the four images of Shiva depicts his different forms. The most unusual feature is the silver snake around the Shivaling present in the temple.
As Hindus believe Mondays to be sacred for Lord Shiva, this temple has crowds of devotees every Monday. During the festival of Mahashivratri, the temple is packed with worshippers, but the ambience is worth a visit.
6. Sai Dham Temple, Pali district
One of the few Sai Baba temples in Rajasthan is the Sai Dham Temple in Rani, in the Pali district. This temple was built by the Chunnilal Bakhtawar Mehta Charitable Trust from Mumbai. The temple has a Sai Baba idol made of white marble and at a height of 5.5 feet. The statue is almost identical to the one at Shirdi. Thursdays are the best days to visit, as there is a special havan and prayers.
7. Karni Mata Temple
The temple is one of the strange but unusual sites in Rajasthan, built in the name of Karni Mata. It was built in the 1400’s. It is located at Deshnoke, nearly 30 km from Bikaner. The strangest aspect is the presence of 20,000 rats residing in this temple. However, they are called ‘Kabba’s and are worshipped. Devotees offer milk and sweets to the kabbas. According to a famous legend, Karni Mata asked Yama, the God of Death to reincarnate the son of a storyteller. However, Yama refused and Karni Mata vowed that all male storytellers from the Charan caste would be reincarnated as rats. Festivals celebrated here are Karni Mata Fair and Chaitra Dashmi.
8. Galtaji Temple, Khania balaji
This temple is located 10 km from Jaipur. There are several temples in this area and a water tank where devotees can take a holy dip. There are temples dedicated to Lord Balaji and Lord Surya in the same vicinity. Ramgopalji temple, also called the monkey temple is present here. Lodas of monkeys throng in this area for the same reason. The most popular festival celebrated here is Makar Sankranti, a prominent Hindu festival.
9. Salasar Balaji Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and has the status of Lord Balaji. Balaji is considered another form of Lord Hanuman. It is located in Salasar in the Churu district of Rajasthan. There are thousands of people visiting this place of worship daily, as it is famous amongst the community. This ancient temple was made in 1754 AD and different pujas are planned in the temple daily. The best time to visit this temple is during the Chaitra and Ashwin Purnimas as these are two big festivals.
10. Ranakpur Jain Temple
This is located 90 kilometres away from Udaipur in the district of Pali and was built in the 15th century. The Ranakpur Temple is situated on the banks of River Maghai. It showcases beautiful architectural features and is one of the most important l places of worship for the Jain community in India.
Conclusion
Rajasthan is a culturally rich state and is also a prominent pilgrimage place. Devotees from all over India and parts of the world, flock here to pay their tribute to the Gods. Some important festival celebrations are initiated in these temples and religiously celebrated by one and all.