Jagdish Temple Udaipur: Your Complete Guide

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Jagdish Temple Udaipur should be one of the key attractions on your itinerary when you are visiting the City of Lakes. This iconic landmark, known for its intricate carvings and stunning architecture, offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture.

Whether you are exploring Udaipur’s heritage or seeking a peaceful escape, Jagdish Temple promises a memorable experience. We got to experience and explore Jagdish Mandir Udaipur as part of our tour with Walk and Pedal Travel Tours.

This post does provide in-depth information to guide you through your visit to Jagdish Temple. However, it is always helpful to have a professional guide with you to enhance the experience. They can offer you deeper insights into the history of Jagdish Temple Udaipur, its architecture and more. You also have the liberty to ask questions; and get to know local stories about the temple thoroughly. It’s a great way to make your visit more immersive and informative.

At a Glance: Practical Information About Jagdish Temple Udaipur

Entry Fee for Jagdish Temple Udaipur

There is no fee to enter Jagdish Temple Udaipur, but donations are welcome. Some services like special darshan may have a nominal fee.

Jagdish Temple Udaipur Timings

Summer Season

Morning: 5:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Evening: 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM

Winter Season

Morning: 5:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Evening: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

When is the Best Time to Visit Jagdish Temple Udaipur?

While the temple can be visited year-round, the best time to visit Jagdish Temple Udaipur is usually during the winter months. This means most tourists visit it from October to March when the weather is relatively pleasant.

There are several aartis (prayers) that are performed throughout the day. Hence, the best time to visit Jagdish Mandir Udaipur would be during the afternoon hours. Visiting the temple from noon to 2:00 PM and late in the evening from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM allows you to explore the temple in a calm atmosphere and with fewer crowds.

How to Reach Jagdish Temple Udaipur?

The best part about visiting Jagdish Mandir Udaipur is that it is centrally located. This means that you can walk to the temple if you are staying in any of the hotels near Jagdish Temple Udaipur. The temple is located at Jagdish Chowk (square) from where roads lead in different directions.

If you prefer to use public transport you can hire a rickshaw or book an Uber. However, I’m not quite sure if they drop you right at Jagdish Chowk because of the narrow lane.

Driving your private car to the temple is not something we would recommend. This is because the roads are quite narrow with practically no parking space. If you are planning to visit the temple in your car, we would recommend that you park your car elsewhere and walk the rest of the narrow lane. This will help you save a lot of time and effort.

History and Significance of Jagdish Temple Udaipur

Jagdish Temple Udaipur was built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, ruler of Udaipur from 1628 to 1653. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu triad that includes Brahma (the creator) and Shiva (the destroyer). One of the reasons to visit Jagdish Temple Udaipur is that it still is the largest temple in Udaipur.

The three-storied temple stands on a raised terrace, giving it an imposing presence. As you approach, you’ll notice 32 white marble steps leading you up to the temple entrance. The temple spire (shikhar) rises 79 feet high dominating the Udaipur skyline.

The temple was initially named Jagannath Rai but was later renamed Jagdish Temple. As per Wikipedia, the temple cost is estimated around Indian Rupees 1.5 million (equivalent to $22023) in the year 1651.

Apart from being a cultural landmark, Jagdish Temple also has a lot of historical significance. The temple has stood the test of time and witnessed invasions by the Mughals. During this time, the Mughals have damaged some of the temple carvings and artwork. However, many of the intricate carvings are intact to this day.

Architecture of Jagdish Mandir Udaipur

The architecture of Jagdish Temple Udaipur is a stunning example of Indo-Aryan style. The temple features intricately carved pillars, painted ceilings, and beautifully detailed walls, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era. It consists of three levels: a sanctum, a hall, and a porch, all supported by pillars with delicate carvings.

The outer walls of the temple are adorned with sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, including various deities, goddesses, and animal motifs. The craftsmanship here reflects the devotion and artistic excellence of the period. As you climb the stairs, two elephant massive elephant statues welcome you on either side.

Inside the temple, the sanctum houses the main idol of Lord Vishnu, while smaller shrines dedicated to other deities like Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha can be found throughout. The granite floors and elaborate stone carvings add to the grandeur of the temple’s architecture, making it a true marvel to behold.

The moment you climb the stairs and step inside the temple courtyard area you will see a separate shrine of The Garuda. This structure has the brass idol of The Garuda.

The Garuda is Lord Vishnu’s vehicle (half man – half eagle). He has the wings to reach anywhere swiftly and eyes to keep constant watch to keep evil at bay. The location of the Garuda’s shrine right at the entrance symbolizes guarding the doorway of the temple.

As you explore the courtyard of the temple you will see beautifully hand-carved pillars, painted walls, gargoyles and a lot more. Additionally, you will also see four smaller shrines in each corner. These shrines are dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Surya, Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva.

Things to Do in Jagdish Mandir Udaipur

1. Admire the Intricate Architecture

Right from the moment you see Jagdish Temple Udaipur you will be admiring the overall architecture of this iconic landmark. As you move in, you can see the fine carvings, sculptures, and elaborate ceilings that will leave you in awe.

2. Climb the 32 Marble Steps

To enter the temple, you will have to climb the 32 marble steps that lead to the main door of the temple. This is an important ritual which becomes a part of the experience. As you ascend, admire the two massive elephant statues on either side welcoming you.

3. Seek the Blessings of Lord Vishnu

One of the first things to do in Jagdish Temple Udaipur is to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu. You can also spend time at the shrine of the Garuda in the temple courtyard.

4. Observe the Worship Rituals

One of the things that you can do here is observe locals worshipping and doing various rituals and prayers. This is a great way to know about the local culture and traditions.

5. Explore the Surrounding Temple Courtyard

After seeking the blessings, you can take some time to explore the temple courtyard. This is when you can explore the carvings, sculptures, gargoyles and other details of the temple. You can visit the smaller shrines, and even sit and reflect.

6. Take Jagdish Temple Udaipur Photos

While photography is prohibited when you are inside the temple you can take pictures of the temple courtyard and outer walls. This allows you to capture the stunning beauty of the exterior and the landscape of the Udaipur from the temple steps.

7. Soak in the Divine Vibe

Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing at all. Take a few minutes to sit and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Close your eyes, listen to the sounds and rejuvenate your soul.

8. Shop for Souvenirs

Once you descend the temple stairs you can shop at the Jagdish Chowk. Here you’ll find plenty of stores around that sell antiques, jewellery, refrigerator magnets, embroidery clutches and much more.

How Much Time Does It Take to Visit Jagdish Temple Udaipur?

It takes about an hour to explore Jagdish Temple Udaipur. This includes seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu, exploring the courtyard area and taking some time to Jagdish Temple Udaipur images.

Places to Visit Near Jagdish Temple Udaipur

While you are exploring key attractions of Udaipur like Jagdish Mandir you can also make use of the day and visit other places nearby.

1. Visit City Palace Udaipur

Located at a distance of 250 metres (5 minutes walk), City Palace Udaipur is one of the top places to visit in Udaipur. This iconic royal palace is an architectural marvel packed with museums, rooms and courtyards. Visitors can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Lake Pichola from various palace sections.

To make the most of your itinerary you should read our City Palace Udaipur guide to help you optimize your visit.

2. Spend Time at the Lake Pichola

One of the main attractions in Udaipur is the pristine Lake Pichola. At almost 500 metres from the temple, you can walk to Lake Pichola in around ten minutes. Here you can enjoy boat rides and scenic views of the surrounding hills, islands and palaces.

3. Visit Bagore Ki Haveli

If you are keen on enjoying cultural performances you should head to Bagore Ki Haveli. This historic haveli is 500 metres from the temple and it takes ten minutes to walk here. During the evening hours, you can enjoy various cultural music and dance events.

4. Take Pictures at the Gangaur Ghat

While you are exploring Bagore Ki Haveli you should also explore the iconic Gangaur Ghat. This serene ghat by Lake Pichola is perfect for photography, selfies and enjoying sunset views.

5. Street Shop Around Hathipole Chauraha

If you are interested in shopping in Udaipur, you should walk towards Hathipole Chauraha. You can either walk this 900-metre distance or take a rickshaw if you have limited time. Once you’re at the Hathipole Chauraha you can explore the market and do window shopping or buy handcrafted textiles and artwork.

6. Dine at Upre 1559 A.D

Located near Ambrai Ghat, on the other side of Lake Pichola, Upre by 1559 A.D is a great place for lunch and dinner. This lakeside fine dining restaurant is 700 metres from Jagdish Temple and it takes approximately 15 minutes walk time. Here’s a dedicated article describing our evening at Upre 1559 AD.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are visiting alone, with your partner or family, Jagdish Mandir Udaipur is a must-visit attraction. This magnificent structure is a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance.

While you may have a busy itinerary, it is always a good thing to spare some time and visit this iconic landmark. Here you can explore the architectural beauty, intricate carvings and much more. Similarly, you can also experience a sense of peace and reflect as you are drawn to its spiritual atmosphere.

Hence, if you are planning a visit to the City of Lakes make sure that you put Jagdish Temple Udaipur on your itinerary for a memorable experience.