Temples of Rajasthan are an important part of the stateโs rich religious and architectural heritage. In the subject of Rajasthan Art & Culture, these temples reflect the artistic excellence, spiritual traditions, and historical development of different dynasties. From ancient Gupta and Gurjar-Pratihara temples to the magnificent Solanki-style temples, Rajasthan showcases remarkable diversity in temple architecture and devotion.
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Major Temples of Rajasthan
Major Temples of RajasthanTemple construction in India have seen systematic development during Gupta period (4thโ6th century). In early stages, temples were built using perishable materials such as wood and brick, but over time, the use of durable materials like stone and sandstone increased. Indian temple architecture is generally classified into three main styles: Nagar, Dravid and Vesar.
Architectural Characteristics: Highly ornate (decorated) Slender, tall, and circular pillars.
High plinth (Pithika/Jagati) or base structure.
Bhumija Style
Sewari Jain Temple, Pali (1010โ1020 AD): The oldest (earliest) example of the Bhumija style in Rajasthan.
Mahanaleshwar Temple: Located in Menal.
Bhand Devra: Located in Ramgarh (Baran).
Undeshwar Temple: Located in Bijolia.
Post-13th Century –
General Decline: A period marking a gradual decline in the intricacy and grand scale of temple architecture.
Major Large Temples:
Jagdish Temple: Udaipur.
Eklingji Temple: Near Udaipur (Kailashpuri).
Keshoraipatan Temple: Bundi.
Jagat Shiromani Temple: Amer.
Post-16th Century
Impact of Religious Intolerance:
Evolution of Haveli-Temple Architecture:
Temples of Udaipur division
Udaipur District‘s Temple
Temple / Place
Key Details
Temple
Details
Jagdish Temple, Udaipur
Construction- (1651) Maharana Jagat Singh I
Style – Indo-Aryan (Panchayatan)
This Vishnu (Jagannath Rai) temple is situated on a chabutra on the banks of Lake Pichola, with a large statue of Garuda in front of the sanctum.
It is also called the “Temple built from dreams“- Jagannath himself revealed the location of the idol to the Maharana in a dream.
Eklingnath Temple, Kailashpuri (Girwa)
Construction- (734)
Bappa Rawal
present form- Raimal
Ishtdev & Kuldev of the rulers of Mewar.
Mewar rulers consider themselves regent/ Dewan of Eklingji.
Shiva lingam- Chomukha (four-faced) made of black stone
The largest flag is hoisted here.
Complex also houses temple of Lakulisha (27thavatar), the founder of the Pashupata sect.
Meera Bai Temple– Vishnu temple built by Kumbha is located in the complex.
Rishabhdev (Kesariyaji/ Kalaji) Temple, Dhulev
Has 1100 pillars, built without using lime.
Known as Kalaji (due to shining black idol of Lord Rishabhdev) and Kesariyaji (due to the largest amount of saffron offered in the world).
This is the only temple in India where the four sects (Jain, tribal, Vaishnava and Shaiva) worship equally.
Ambika Devi Temple, Jagat
Construction- 10th CE, during the time of Allat
Style – Mahamaru
Shakti Peetha dedicated to the Mother Goddesses .
Known as “Khajuraho of Mewar” due to exquisite sculptures.
The Sikhara is in the Nagara style; although being from Gurjara-Pratihara period, it is not in pure Gurjara-Pratihara style
Sahastrabahu/ Saas-Bahu Temple, Nagda (Girwa)
Construction- 10th CE, during the time of Guhil ruler Shridhar
2 twin temples- larger one is called as : Saas Temple (surrounded by 10 subsidiary shrines) and smaller one is called as : Bahu Temple (Panchayatan style).
Dedicated to Vishnu.
The Saas Temple Sikhara is made of bricks, while the rest of the temple is made of marble.
Nagda was the first capital of Guhils.
Adivaraha Temple, Ahar
Ancient temple: dedicated to Varaha avatar
During the time of Allat
Jain temples of Ahar
10th CE: birthplace of Tapagachha sect of Jainism.
It was here, Acharya Jagatchandra Suri received the title ‘Tapa’ after rigorous penance; initiating Tapagachha tradition.
Jawar Vishnu Temple, Jawar
Construction- Rambai (daughter of Kumbha)
Sculptor: Ishwar (built in Panchayatan style)
Location: Jawar Mines, near Ramakund
Machhindra Nath Temple, Udaipur
Famous for Sanjhi (evening rituals); hence called Sanjhya Temple.
Gupteshwar Mahadev, Udaipur
Location: on the Hada mountain between Titardi-Eklingpura, it is called the “Amarnath of Mewar“.
Rajasthan’s temple getting maximum offerings (quantity)
Jaljhulani Ekadashi Fair
Lalbai-Phoolbai Temple (Putholi)
Main center of Jain tradition in Chittorgarh region.
Badoli Shiva Temple Complex (Bhainsrorgarh)
built- (9th century) Huna king Mihirakula
mixture of Nagara and Panchayatana styles
group of 9 temples;
principal temple- Ghateshwar Mahadev
1821- Brought to light by James Tod
โTo describe their peculiar and magnificent structure accurately is beyond the power of the pen; it is as if a treasure of skill has been completely exhausted.โ โJames Tod
Annapurna (Birwadi Mata)
Kuldevi Of Sisodia dynasty
in reign of king Hammir
Rajsamand District‘s Temple
Temple / Place
Key Details
Dwarkadhish Temple, Kankroli
Built- Maharana Raj Singh
Vallabha sectโs one of 7 principal seats
Shreenathji Temple, Nathdwara
music here is called Haveli Sangeet.
Shree Nathji is also called Sapt Dhawaja ka Swami (Lord of Seven Flags)
main center of Vallabha sect
Charbhuja Temple, Garhbor
Built– Maharana Mokul
Varinath of Mewar; one of four Dhams of Mewar
Kunteshwar Mahadev, Farara
believed to be built by Kunti
Vishwas Swaroopam, Nathdwara
world’s major Shiva statue at 369 feet height
Parshuram Gufa
Amarnath of Rajasthan
Phuta Deval fair held in Shravan.
Banswara District‘s Templerict
Temple / Place
Key Details
Ghotia Amba Mata Temple (Ghotia)
main temple of tribals
Bhil fair on Chaitra Amavasya
Pandava Kund, Bhim Kund; beliefs associated with Pandavas’ exile.
Nandini Mata Temple (Barodiya)
Paush Purnima Fair
Eight-armed idol
Considered 8th child of Devaki.
Tripura Sundari (Talwara)
Main Shakti Peetha of Vagad region Also called Turtai Mata
Chhinch Mata Temple (Chhinch)
Built- By Devidas
near Brahma Temple
Brahma Temple (Chhinch)
built- (12th CE) By Maharawal Jagmal Singh
Life-size four-faced statue of Lord Brahma
Kalinjara Jain Temple (Kalinjara)
Dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev
On Haran River bank
Other temples- Ranchhodji of Dhuni (Banswara)
Dungarpur District‘s Temple
Temple / Place
Key Details
Beneshwar Dham (Nawatapara)
Founder- Saint Mavji (1727)
Som-Mahi-Jakham Sangam
Kumbh of the Tribals/ Kumbh of Wagar/ Pushkar of Wagar
Fair – Magh Purnima
Note – Gautameshwar Mahadev (Pratapgarh fair is also known as the “Haridwar of Kanthal“)
Dev Somnath Temple (on Som River banks)
12th CE: 3-story Shiva temple on banks of the Som River
Built from white stone, without lime or cement
โ Vaibhav (Splendor) of Wagadโ
Hari Temple / Sant Mavji Temple (Sabla)
Birthplace of Saint Mavji (Nishkalank sect)
Mavji’s Vaani- ‘Chopda‘
Vijay Raj Rajeshwar Temple (Gab sagar)
Construction:
start: Vijay Singh
complete: Laxman Singh (1923)
banks of Gaibsagar Lake
Gavari Bai Temple
“Meera of Vagad”
associate with: Bhakti movement
Phuleshwar Shivalaya
construction: (1780) Queen Phool Kanwar
Shiv Gyaneshwar Shivalaya
construction: Maharawal Shiv Singh (in memory of his mother).
PratapgarhDistrict‘s Temple
Temple / Place
Key Details
Gautameshwar Mahadev Temple (Arnod)
Haridwar of Kanthal: Known as the ‘Haridwar’ of the Kanthal region.
Fair: Held on Buddha Purnima (Vaisakha Purnima).
Significance: The The penance grove (Taposthali) of Sage Gautam
Bhramara Mata Temple
Location: Chhoti Sadri, Pratapgarh.
Inscription: There is an inscription (490 AD) here which mentions the Gaur and Aulikara dynasties
Sita Mata Temple
Location: Situated within the Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary.
Wildlife: The sanctuary is famous for Flying Squirrels.
Temples of Kota Division
Kota District‘s Temple
Temple / Place
Key Details
Bhimchauri Shiva Temple (Mukandara Hills)
Rajasthan’s oldest Gupta temple with a Pradakshina path
in Mukundra Tiger Reserve
Kansua Shiva Temple (Kota)
8th CE Gupta Era Shiva temple
sunโs 1st rays fall directly on Shivalinga.
Daad Devi Temple
Kuldevi of Kota royals
Fair: 9 days of Chaitra Navratri
Vibhishan Jiโs Temple (Kaithun)
India’s only Vibhishana temple (3rdโ5th CE)
A headless idol is worshipped as a disciple of lord Ram.
Charchauma Shivalaya (Charchauma Village)
Gupta period Chaturmukhi Shivalinga; Sorati fair of Charchauma on Mahashivratr
Budhadit Sun Temple (Digod)
9th century; Old + Aditya (Budhadit) Panchayatan style temple
Known as Chaturveda Harihar Pitamaha Temple
Geparnath Mahadev (Kota)
Garbhgriha: 300 feet below ground level; continuous water flow on Shivalinga
Other Temples of Kota District: Gardia Mahadev (ancient Shiva temple); Mathuradhish Temple (1st Peeth/ seat of Vallabh sect); Ganesh Temple in which Ganesha in standing position; Karneshwar Temple (NH-12)
Villageโs former name: Runicha; final resting place of Baba Ramdev.
Adopted Dali Baiโs Samadhi
Fair in Bhadwa
Lakshminath Temple (Jaisalmer Fort)
couple statue: Lakshmi-Vishnu
Jaisalmer kings considered themselves dewans of Lakshmi Narayana.
Lodrawa Parshwanath Temple
Black coloured Parshvanatha statue
Panchayatana style
Rebuilt: 1618: Jain monk Dhirush Shah Bhansali
Parshwanath – Rishabhdev Temple
Temples of Parshvanath and Rishabhdev
Built: 1416: by Maharawal Laxman Singh
sculptor: Dhanna
equivalent to Dilwara
Other Temples: Bhatiyani Mata Temple; Surya Temple (built by Vairi Singh; named after Queen Surya Kanwar); Ratneshwar Mahadev; Shantinath-Kunthunath Temple; Sambhavnath Jain Temple; Tikamrai (Adinaryan) Temple; Amarsagar Jain Temple (by Himmat Ram Bafna); Gaj Temple (built by Queen Roop Kanwar in memory of Gaj Singh), Hinglaj Mata Temple; Tanot Mata Temple
Barmer District‘s Temple
Temple / Place
Key Details
Kiradu Temples
Ancient name: Kirat Kup
Dilapidated Shiva-Vishnu Temple
Also called ‘Khajuraho of Rajasthan’ (due to Erotic Sculptures) and ‘Treasure of Sculptures‘ (scenes of mythological stories)
Someshwar Temple:
largest temple in Kiradu
Last & most magnificent temple of Gurjar Pratihar style
Rani Bhatiyani Temple(Jasol)
Known as โBhua Saโ
princess of Jogidas village, Jaisalmer
Revered in west Raj. & Sindh, Pakistan
Worshipped by Dholis
Safed Akhara
Also called Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple
Samadhis of Shiv, Krishna, Radha & Hanuman
Alam Ji Temple(Dhangi Dhora)
pilgrimage of horses
famous Alam cattle fair (horse herders come for good breeds)
Kapaleshwar Mahadev (Chauhatan)
Pandavas spent their exile here.
Worship feet inscriptions of Lord Vishnu (Bishan Pagalya)
Other Temples:Juna Fort & Temple; Chintamani Parshvanath Jain Temple;Safed Akhada; Suiya Fair: Chowhatan (every 4 years, known as Ardh Kumbh), Garib Nath Shiva Temple; Viratara Mata Temple (Kul Devi of Bhopas); Devka Surya Temple (NH-68: Barmer Jaisalmer); Ranchod Rai Temple( Khed)
Balotra District‘s Temple
Temple / Place
Key Details
Bhairav โโJi / Nakoda Parshwanath Jain Temple
Mewanagar, Pachpadra, Balotra
Dedicated to 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanatha
Acharya Kirti Ratan Suri established Nakoda Bhairava
Local name: Haath Ki Huzur, Jaagti Jot
Haldeshwar Mahadev (Piplud)
Rajasthan’s mini Mt. Abu
At Chhappan Hills
Other Temples: Brahma Temple (Asotra), Mallinath Ji Temple (Tilwara)
Sirohi District‘s Temple
Temples
Details
Dilwara Jain Temple Complex (Mount Abu)
11thโ13th CE: Solanki (Chalukya) architecture Rajasthanโs best Jain temple Group of five temples
1. Vimalvasahi Jain Temple
Rishabhdev / Adinath Temple
Built: 1031 by Vimal Shah, minister of Gujaratโs Chalukya king Bhimdev
Architect: Kirtidhar for 57 temples
Colonel Tod: “Finest building after Taj Mahal.”
2. Lunavasahi Jain Temple
Other names: Neminath / Lunvasahi / Devrani Jethani Temple
Built: 1230 by VastupalโTejpal, ministers of Bhimdev II
Architect: Shobhan Dev
Two niches called Devrani & Jethani Gates house statue of 22nd Tirthankara Neminatha
3. Pitalhar Temple
Temple of 1st Tirthankara Adinath
108-man brass idol of Adinath
Sculptor: Bhim Shah โ Bhim Shah Temple
4. Parshvanath Jain Temple
Built: 15th CE by Mandalik
Also called Kharatwasai
3-story Chomukha (4-faced) temple
Temple of Silavats
5. Mahavir Swami Jain Temple
Vashishth Ji Temple
Here, Vashishtha ji performed a yagya, from the fire of which four individuals (Chauhan, Chalukya, Parmar and Pratihara) were born. These later became four Rajput castes.
Achaleshwar Mahadev(Mount Abu)
Kul Devi of Parmar rulers
At Shivalingaโs site, thereโs a pit called Brahmakhad
Worship Shiva’s toe
Mahmud Begadaโs Invasion: army defeated by bee attack โ ‘Bhavrathal‘
Rasiya Balam / Kunwari Kanya Temple (Mount Abu)
Statue of a young man & woman holding a poison cup
Saraneshwar Mahadev
Fort-like Parkota (Boundary)
Kul Devi of Devda kings
Surya Temple (Varman)
Bulit: 7th CE
Ancient name: Brahman Swami Temple
Sun god on a chariot drawn by 7 horses in Sabha Mandap
Other temples: Bajna Ganesh Temple; Kunthunath Digambar Jain Temple (Abu); Arbuda Devi/ Adhar Devi/ Ambika Devi Temple; Vitthal Bhagwan Temple; Deri Seri (group of 12 temples)
Jalore District‘s Temple
Temple / Place
Key Details
Sundha Mata Temple
Also called
Chamunda Devi
Adhreshwari Mata (due to worship of torsoless idol)
Ancient name: Chandanpur โ โMahavir of Chandanpurโ
on banks of Gambhir River Built: Amarchand Bilala (Jain monk)
Fair: Chaitra Shukla 13th
Kaila Devi Temple
On Trikuta Mountain, banks of Kalisil River
16-armed idol of Kaila Devi
Manmohan/ Madanmohan Ji
Temple of Gaudiya sect.
Anjani Mata Idol breastfeeding Hanuman.
Idol brought from Vrindavan & installed by Jaipur King Gopal Singh
Sawai Madhopur District‘s Temple
Temple / Place
Key Details
Trinetra Ganesh Temple(Ranthambore Fort)
India’s oldest Ganesha temple
onlyTrinetra (3 eyed) Ganesha temple
Only face of idol
1st invitation to wedding/auspicious occasion
Fair: Ganesh Chaturthi
Ghusmeshwar Mahadev(Shiwad)
Recognised as Shiv’s 12th Jyotirling โข Shivling always submerged
Rajasthan’s only temple where womenโs entry in Garbhgrah is prohibited
Chamatkar Ji Temple
Jain temple
Statue of Rishabhdev
Kala-Gora Bhairav
2 statues of Kala & Gora Bhairava
called “Jhoolata Bhairu” as they appear hanging
Other temples: Dhundleshwar Temple; Amareshwar Mahadev
Deeg District‘s Temple
Temple / Place
Key Details
Poonchari ka Lautha(Govardhan)
Madhumangal (Lautha Baba), 1 of Lord Krishna’s cowherders
deity in sleeping posture
On 21 km circumambulation route of Giriraj (Govardhan)
Chaurasi Khamba Temple (Kama)
Temple without idol
Mentioned as Vishnu temple in Puranas
Temples of Ajmer Division
Ajmer District‘s Temple
Temple / Place
Key Details
Ranganath Ji Temple (Pushkar)
Dravidianstyle, Famous for gopuram
Built: (1844) Parashurama
Originally Vishnu temple (statues of Vishnu, Lakshmi & Narasimha)
Soni Ji Ki Nasiyan
Also called Laal Temple
Dedicated to Rishabhdev (Adinath)
built: Moolchand Soni & Tikamchand (1864โ65)
Swarnanagari Hall (Swarnakalash) on roof.
has Siddhakut Chaityalay in it
Brahma Temple (Pushkar)
India’s only major Brahma temple
Mention in: Padma Purana & other Puranas
Constructed by Gokulchand Parikh โข Declared a monument of national importance by ASI
Varaha Temple (Pushkar)
Dedicated to Lord Varaha (Vishnuโs incarnation)
Associated with Vaishnavism
Savitri Temple (Pushkar)
Dedicated to Savitri: Brahmaโs wife
on a hill near Pushkar
Other Temples: Rama Baikunthnath Temple (Vaishnavism); Shiva statue of Naad; Nograho ka Mandir (Kishangarh); Nareli Jain Temple; Sai Baba Temple; Atbhateshwar Mahadev Temple (Hemadpanthi architecture style)
Bhilwara District‘s Temple
Temple / Place
Key Details
Bagor Sahib Gurudwara
Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji stayed while on his journey to Punjab.
Undeshwar Mahadev Temple
Bhumija Style
Has 3 Shiv temple groups (Mahakal, Undeshwar Mahadev & Hazareshwar Temples)
Chamunda Mata Temple; Mandakini Temple (Bijoliya); Tilaswa Mahadev (Sarveshwar Mahadev)
Tonk District‘s Temple
Temple / Place
Key Details
Devdham Temple
confluence of Mansi, Bandi & Kherakushi rivers
Kalyanji Temple
Built: King Digva (in reign of Rana Sangram Singh of Mewar)
Hindus: as Vishnuincarnation
Muslims: as Kalhan Pir
Renowned for curing leprosy
Shikhar on 16 pillars.
Rajasthan’s only Vishnu statue which appears in child form in morning, youth in afternoon & old form at night.
Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple
called Bisaldev Ji temple
in Chambal River region
Built: Chauhan ruler Bisaldev (Vigraharaja IV)
Sunheri Kothi
19th CE: also called: Golden Mansion
Other Temples: Tapasthali of Sage Mandav; Jama Masjid (by Nawab Amir Khan); (Bawdi Village, Todaraisingh); Badri Vishal Temple (Natwara); Dhanna Bhagat Gurudwara