One of the biggest, oldest and most popular temples of Jaipur, Govind Dev Ji Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort, Goddess Radha. Situated within the premises of the City Palace, the temple showcases brilliant architecture and is made of red sandstone. The principal idol of Krishna here in the temple is said to be akin to the Earth’s incarnation. From early morning to late at night, the air in the temple is thick with chants of Mangala Aarti and Shayana Aarti.
History
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built this temple in 1735 corresponding to the belief that he had a dream of Lord Krishna, who asked for residence within the palace grounds.
For Vaishnavites, Sri Radha Govind Dev ji temple is one of the most important temples outside of Vrindavan. The image of Krishna was originally installed in the grand Govind Devji Mandir in Vrindavan, situated at the heart of the Braj region- built by Sawai Jai Singh’s ancestor Raja Man Singh in 1590. The image was removed from the temple, anticipating partial destruction and was finally placed in the present Govind Dev Ji Temple of Jaipur.
Mythology
A legend is that the original structure of the temple was intended as a garden pavilion called Suraj Mahal, where the Maharaja resided while building his dream ‘City of Jaipur’. But according to the belief, Lord Krishna appeared to Sawai Jai Singh in a dream, demanding residence. The King obediently allocated the Chandra Mahal, at the opposite end of the garden and installed the image of Krishna- as the guardian deity of the palace and its rulers at the place. Significantly the story accounts for the building’s unusual structure as it is organized more like a garden palace pavilion, unlike other temples.
Another legend unravels around the creation of the principal deity of Krishna installed within the Govind Dev Ji Temple. According to the legend Bajranabh, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna questioned the appearance of God to his grandmother at the age of thirteen. According to the description narrated by his grandmother, he carved a statue whose feet resembled those of Lord Krishna, so the idol was regarded as “Madan Mohanji.” He tried to shape up the idol again and this time got the chest right- a replica of that of Krishna and this idol came to be known as “Gopinathji”. In the third attempt, he succeeded in replicating Lord Krishna exactly as his incarnation on Earth and thus it was lastly named “Govind Devji”.
Architecture
Built with red sandstone, this Govind Dev Ji Temple building is organized more like a garden palace pavilion, unlike most of the Shikhara topped nagara temples or the more fashionable haveli-plan temples. The architectural approach of the temple consists of a blend of Western, Hindu and Mughal styles. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and the inside of the temple includes beautiful European chandeliers and various paintings, also the magnificent ceilings of the temple are constructed in gold.
The temple is positioned in a way that the Maharaja can get a direct view of the Govind DevJi Temple from the king’s residence, the Chandra Mahal Palace.
Guinness World Records
The Govind Dev Ji temple of Jaipur, bore witness to two Guinness Book of World Records.
One was for the largest display of oil lamps, organized by Dainik Bhaskar to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s anniversary at the Govind Dev Ji Temple on 30 January 2016.
This temple has also earned its name in the Guinness Book of World Records “for having the widest single span RCC flat roof” for a separate pavilion, within the temple grounds known as the ‘Satsang Hall’. The pavilion includes all up-to-date amenities and facilities for the devotees and the public and is situated west of the temple garb-graha. It is claimed to be able to accommodate up to 5000 people at a time with convenience.
Aarti
In this temple, “Aartis” and “Bhog” are offered seven times a day, when the deity is unveiled for “Darshan”.Thousands of devotees visit the temple daily and an even larger number visit during Janmashtami.[table id=8 /]
How to Reach
Govind Devji Temple is located between the Badal Mahal and Chandra Mahal in the city palace complex. To reach Govind Devji Temple one can either hire an autorickshaw or a cab, it is easily accessible as it is situated in the centre of Jaipur City.
Sindhi Camp Bus Stand (3.2 km)
Jaipur Railway Station (5.7 km)
Jaipur International Airport (12.5 km)
Various Festivals Celebrated at Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur
The temple celebrates almost all Hindu festivals throughout the year such as Makar Sankranthi, Kaman-vyanjan Dwadashi, Gopashtami poojan, Sharad Purnima, Annakoot, Basant Panchami Abhishek, Devtha ekadashipooja, Hindi Navvarsh haatipoojan, Holi Jhanki, Janmashtami, Jhula Jhanki, Mahaprabhuji Abhishek, Mahaprabhuji Shobhayatra, Nandotsav, Phool Bangla, Raas Poornima, Rachna Jhanki, Radha Ashtami, Rath Yatra etc.
Devotees as well as tourists flock to this temple to experience Jaipur’s spirituality at its best. Also, to take part in the religious festivities. Hence if visiting Jaipur include the above temple in Jaipur in your travels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who built Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur?
The Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur is built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1735
Q. Which God is Govind Dev Ji?
Govind Dev Ji Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna
Q. How old is Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur?
The Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur was built in the year 1735 and now in 2023, it is 288 years old.
Q. What is the timing of Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur?
4:30 AM to 12:00 PM
5:45 PM to 9:30 PM