Rajasthan, which is also popular as the Land of Maharajas, is known for its magnificent temples and impressive architecture. Temples here reflect rich Indian history, culture, and artistic excellence of skilled sculptors centuries ago and in ancient times. So, if you are planning a religious trip to Rajasthan, you must be looking forward to visit some incredible temples here, aren’t you? Scroll down to learn about some of the most visited, popular temples in Rajasthan to make your make your Rajasthan tour more interesting.
1. Birla Temple in Jaipur
The famous and situated in all cities across India, the Birla Temple in Jaipur is one of the most visited temples by the travellers and people. It was built by the Birla family in 1998, devoted to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. In Hinduism, they are known for bringing their luck and fortune back. Having the greenery and the beautiful gardens around the temple attract the tourists and gives them amazing experience. It has 3 domes which represents the 3 faiths of India. Three domes in the temple which represent the different religions in India stand out prominently in the structure of this temple. These domes are also a symbol of secularism prevalent in India. The entrance to the temple is adorned by an image of Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped foremost in all Hindu religious festivals and proceedings. The white marble of the temple is inlaid with a golden color and it gives the façade a magnificent look. Outside the main temple structure, there are stained glass windows that have been beautifully adorned with Hindu mythology scenes. Just outside the main temple, there is another small temple with the idol of Lord Shiva in white marble and gold. People come here to pay homage and to admire its beauty.
2. Brahma Temple, Pushkar
Brahma Temple, Pushkar is a Hindu temple situated at Pushkar in the Indian state of Rajasthan, close to the sacred Pushkar Lake to which its legend has an indelible link. The temple is one of very few existing temples dedicated to the Hindu creator-god Brahma in India and remains the most prominent among them. Located close to the sacred lake of Pushkar, the Brahma temple pretty much reflects the Rajasthani architectural style. Although the current structure dates back to the 14th century, the core (ancient) structure of the Brahma temple is about 2000 years old. Built on a high platform, there are a number of marble steps that lead to the entrance of the holy Brahma Pushkar temple which is adorned with pillared canopies. After the entry gate comes the pillared outdoor hall called Mandapa and then the main sanctum sanctorum called Garbhagriha which is dedicated to Lord Brahma and his second wife, Gayatri. The symbol of hamsa (Swan), the mount of Brahma Ji, at the main entry gate, and the 70 feet high red shikhara (pinnacle) are two distinct and prominent features of the temple.
3. Karni Temple in Bikaner
Karni temple is situated in one small village of Bikaner named Deshnok. It is called the temple of rats. The Temple is renowned for 20,000 large black rats, which reside and also eat in the Temple every day. It is dedicated to Karni Mata. The temple is devoted to Siren Mata Karni who is believed to be Goddess Durga’s manifestation. It was designed in magnificent Mughal architecture by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner in the 20th century. Mata Karni’s artwork, which stands at almost 75 cm, is a huge crowd puller. The food is also offered to the rates which are eaten by the rats. The temple opens to all public at 04:00 early in the morning. At that time puja and aarti is also done which is attended by a lot of devotees. The temple closes by 10:00PM a night. The temple designed in Mughal style is a beautiful marble facade which consists of doors of solid silver built by Maharaja Ganga Singh. Across the doorway, there are many more silver doors with panels that depict various legends of the goddess. The shrine of the goddess is placed in the inner sanctum. The temple was further decorated and beautified by the Hyderabad based jeweler Kundanlal Verma in the year 1999. The marble carvings and the silver rats are also donated by him to the temple.
4. Salasar Balaji Temple, Churu
No pilgrimage tour to Rajasthan is complete without visiting the Salasar Balaji Temple in Churu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is visited by a large number of devotees all year round. Their numbers increase especially during the occasions of Chaita Purnima and Ashvin Purnima. This special attachment of the devotees for the temple is due to the fact that it is considered as swayambhu (self-created) and shakti sthal (a pilgrimage site blessed with ultimate power). The main deity of the temple is a childhood idol of Lord Hanuman which has an interesting mythological tale behind it. According to it, the village of Mehandipur was once troubled by regular attacks of demons. One day, the priest had a dream in which Lord Hanuman suggested him to dig the Aravalli hills in a specially chosen area. The digging revealed a childhood idol of Hanumanji, along with the idols of Pret Raja and Sri Ram.
Ranakpur Jain Temple, Ranakpur
It is located almost 90 km from the city of Udaipur, is a marvellous sight to come across. The temple is located in a village of Ranakpur near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan.The temple is a masterpiece of architecture and boasts of not less than four additional shrines. It has 24 pillared halls with 80 domes that are supported by 400 columns. The upper and lower parts of the domes are linked by brackets that have deities’ sculptures. Above all, you would be amazed to see at a height of 45 feet engraved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures. Each column is intricately carved and it is surprising to know that no two columns have the similar design. It covers an area of 48,000 sq, ft, with its architecture being a brilliant amalgamation of size and aesthetics. To give you an idea of its impressive dimensions, here are some statistics. The entire temple complex stands on 1,444 carved pillars and 24 pillared halls which are topped by 80 domes supported by 400 columns. A 6ft tall statue of Lord Adinath (the first Tirthankara in Jain history) is also a major attraction inside the temple, which sits gracefully under the largest spire of the main temple complex. Other temples which surround this temple are Surya Temple, Chaumukha Temple, Parshvanath Temple and Amba Mata Temple.
