Temples of Rajasthan are an important part of the state’s 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.
This post is written for the RAS Prelims examination; click here to read the detailed version for the RAS Mains exam.
Major Temples of Rajasthan
Major Temples of RajasthanTemple construction in India have seen systematic development during Gupta period (4th–6th 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.
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S.No. |
Nagar style |
Dravid style |
Vesar style |
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Area |
Himalayas to Vindhyachal |
Krishna River to Kanyakumari |
Vindhyachal to Krishna River |
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Original form |
North Indian style |
South Indian style |
Nagara + Dravidian mixture |
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Summit |
Curved |
Pyramidal Gopuram |
Mixed and balanced |
|
Sanctum (गर्भगृह) |
square |
With a spacious courtyard (Mandapa) |
Compact |
|
Key features |
Micro carving |
Huge complex, gopuram |
simple and balanced design |
|
examples (India) |
Bhitargaon Vishnu Temple (oldest) |
Meenakshi Temple (Madurai), Brihadeshwara (Thanjavur) |
Ladkhan Temple, Aihole (oldest) |
|
Examples (Rajasthan) |
Someshwar (Kiradu), Ambika (Jagat), Dadhimata (Nagaur), Osian |
Ranganath Temple (Pushkar), Tirupati Balaji (Sujangarh) |
| Style | Key features | Examples (India) | Examples (Rajasthan) |
| Panchayatana Style | One principal deity (Vishnu) + four subsidiary deities (Surya, Shakti, Shiva, Ganesha), a circumambulation path. | Harihar Temple, Osian | Bhanddevra (Baran), Budhadit (Kota), Jagdish (Udaipur), Bardoli |
| Bhumij Style | Nagara sub-style, open circumambulatory path (प्रदक्षिणा पथ) | Sewadi Jain Temple, Pali | Undeshwar (Bijolia), Mahanalaleshwar (Menal), Bhanddevra (Ramgarh) |
| Ekayatan Style | temple of just 1 main diety | temples having only one god idol | |
| Kachhapghat style | Massive peaks, Meru-Mandavar pillars, Ghatapallava motifs, Panchashakha garlands | Kachchhapghat dynasty | Shantinath Jain Temple, Padmanabha Temple (Jhalrapatan) |
Temple construction in Rajasthan-
7th Century – Evidence of Construction
7th – 10th Century –
- Developmental Phase
- 8th Century – Development of the Gurjara-Pratihara / Maha-Maru style.
- Prominent Temples of this Period:
- Osian: Sun Temple, Harihara Temple, Mahavira Jain Temple, Sachchiyay Mata Temple, and Paplaj Mata Temple.
- Abhaneri: Harshat Mata Temple.
- Chittorgarh: Kalika Mata Temple.
- Khed (Balotra): Ranchhod Ji Temple, Kameshwar Mahadev, and Magarmandi Mata (Nimaj).
- Nagaur: Dadhimati Mata Temple.
10th – 11th Century
- The climax of the Gurjara-Pratihara style and the simultaneous rise of the Solanki style.
- Prominent Temples of this Period:
- Kekind/Jasnagar (South of Merta): Nilkantheshwar Temple.
- Sikar: Harshnath Temple.
- Nilkantheshwar Temple:
- Rajorgarh / Paranagar (South-west of Sariska)
- Commissioned by the Pratihara feudatory Mathandeva
- Trikutakara (A Triple-Shrine plan consisting of three sanctums opening into a single common assembly hall/mandapa).
- Someshwar Temple, Kiradu: 1016 AD
- Regarded as the final and most superior (best) example of the Gurjara-Pratihara style.
Temples of this period (NOT of Gurjara – Pratihara style)
- Baroli Temple
- Sas-Bahu Temple, Nagda
- Ambika Temple, Jagat (Udaipur)
11th – 13th Century
- The Golden Age of Temple Architecture: Dominant Styles
- Solanki and Maru-Gurjara styles.
- Key Example: Samidheshwar Temple (Chittorgarh Fort).
- Architectural Characteristics: Highly ornate (decorated) Slender, tall, and circular pillars.
- High plinth (Pithika/Jagati) or base structure.
- Bhumija Style
- Sewari Jain Temple, Pali (1010–1020 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
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Temple |
Details |
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Jagdish Temple, Udaipur |
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Eklingnath Temple, Kailashpuri (Girwa) |
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Rishabhdev (Kesariyaji/ Kalaji) Temple, Dhulev |
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Ambika Devi Temple, Jagat |
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Sahastrabahu/ Saas-Bahu Temple, Nagda (Girwa) |
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Adivaraha Temple, Ahar |
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Jain temples of Ahar |
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Jawar Vishnu Temple, Jawar |
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Machhindra Nath Temple, Udaipur |
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Gupteshwar Mahadev, Udaipur |
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Chittorgarh District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Samidheshwar / Tribhuvan Narayan Temple (Chittor Fort) |
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Mirabai Temple (Chittor Fort) |
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Kumbhasyam Temple (Chittor Fort) |
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Kalika Mata Temple (Chittor Fort) |
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Tulja Bhavani Temple (Chittor Fort) |
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Baan Mata Temple (Chittor Fort) |
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Shringar Chanwari |
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Mahanaleshwar Temple (Menal) |
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Mangaleshwar Mahadev (Matrikundiya, Raashmi Village) |
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Sanwalia Seth Temple (Mandphia) |
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Lalbai-Phoolbai Temple (Putholi) |
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Badoli Shiva Temple Complex (Bhainsrorgarh) |
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Annapurna (Birwadi Mata) |
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Rajsamand District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Dwarkadhish Temple, Kankroli |
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Shreenathji Temple, Nathdwara |
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Charbhuja Temple, Garhbor |
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Kunteshwar Mahadev, Farara |
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Vishwas Swaroopam, Nathdwara |
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Parshuram Gufa |
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Banswara District‘s Templerict
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Ghotia Amba Mata Temple (Ghotia) |
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Nandini Mata Temple (Barodiya) |
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Tripura Sundari (Talwara) |
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Chhinch Mata Temple (Chhinch) |
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Brahma Temple (Chhinch) |
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Kalinjara Jain Temple (Kalinjara) |
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Other temples- Ranchhodji of Dhuni (Banswara) |
Dungarpur District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Beneshwar Dham (Nawatapara) |
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Dev Somnath Temple (on Som River banks) |
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Hari Temple / Sant Mavji Temple (Sabla) |
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Vijay Raj Rajeshwar Temple (Gab sagar) |
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Gavari Bai Temple |
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Phuleshwar Shivalaya |
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Shiv Gyaneshwar Shivalaya |
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Pratapgarh District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Gautameshwar Mahadev Temple (Arnod) |
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Bhramara Mata Temple |
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Sita Mata Temple |
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Temples of Kota Division
Kota District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Bhimchauri Shiva Temple (Mukandara Hills) |
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Kansua Shiva Temple (Kota) |
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Daad Devi Temple |
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Vibhishan Ji’s Temple (Kaithun) |
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Charchauma Shivalaya (Charchauma Village) |
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Budhadit Sun Temple (Digod) |
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Geparnath Mahadev (Kota) |
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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) |
Jhalawar District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Shitleshwar Mahadev (Jhalrapatan) |
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Saat Saheli Temple (Jhalrapatan) |
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Chandrabhaga Temple (Jhalrapatan) |
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Shantinath Jain Temple (Jhalrapatan) |
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Buddhist Caves of Kolvi |
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Other temples: Chhaneri-Paneri Devalaya; Nageshwar Parshvanath; Chandkhedi Jain temple (Tirthankara Adinath); Karah temple |
Baran District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Bhanddevra Shiva Temple (Ramgarh) |
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Brahmani Mata(Sorson) |
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Gadagachha Temple (Atru) |
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Sitabari (Kelwara) |
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Kalyan Rai (Shreeji) Temple |
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Chacha-Bhanja Temple Phooldevra (Atru) |
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Kakuni Shiva Temple Chhipabarod |
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Bansthuni Shiva Temple |
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Bundi district’s temples
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Keshavray Ji (Keshavray Patan) |
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Kapaleshwar Temple (Indragarh) |
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Temples of Jaipur Division
Jaipur district’s temples
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Jagat Shiromani Temple(Amer) |
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Govind Dev Ji Temple(Jaipur) |
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Gopinath Ji Temple(Jaipur) |
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Lakshmi Narayan/ Birla Temple(Jaipur) |
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Ganesh Temple(Moti Dungri) |
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Chulgiri Jain Temple(Jaipur) |
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Ambikeshwar Mahadev(Amer) |
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Surya Temple(Galta Ji) |
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Surya Temple (Amer) |
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Kalki Temple (Jaipur) |
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Rajeshwar Shivalaya |
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Brihaspati Temple Jaipur (Rajasthan’s 1st Brihaspati temple), Tarkeshwar Temple Jaipur |
Alwar District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Neelkanth Mahadev – Sariska |
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Bhartrihari Temple, Alwar |
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Pandupol Hanuman, Alwar |
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Somnath Temple – Bhangarh |
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Naugaja Jain Temple, Alwar |
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Naugawan Jain Temple, Alwar |
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Narayani Mata Temple |
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Dausa-Sikar-Jhunjhunu District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Harshad Mata TempleAbhaneri (Dausa) |
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Mehandipur Balaji (Dausa) |
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Harshnath Temple (Sikar) |
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Khatu Shyam Ji (Sikar) |
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Sapt Gau Mata Temple (Raiwasa) |
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Lohargal Temple (Jhunjhunu) |
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Raghunath Ji Temple (Khetri) |
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Other Temples:
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Temples of Jodhpur division
Osian District‘s Temple
- 8th–12th century, contribution of the Pratihara dynasty
- Jain, Vaishnava and Shakta temples, Mahamaru style called ‘Bhubaneswar of Rajasthan
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Mahavir Jain Temple |
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Surya Temple |
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Harihar Temple |
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Sachchiya Mata Temple |
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Piplaj Mata Temple |
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Jodhpur District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Mahamandir |
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Adharshila Ramdev Temple |
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Ravana Temple (Mandore) |
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Veero ki Daalan (Mandore) |
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Devtao ki Saal (Mandore) |
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Teeja Manji Temple |
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Other temples: Rasik Bihari Temple (Vaishnav tradition); Ghanshyam Temple (Mughal influence); Raj Ranchhodji Temple (built: Queen Jachedi Kanwar in memory of Jaswant Singh II); Kunj Bihari Temple (built: Vijay Singh’s Paswan Gulabrai); Kala-Gora Bhairava Temple (Mandor); Jwalamukhi Temple (rock-cut statue of Mahishasura Mardini)
Jaisalmer District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Ramdevra |
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Lakshminath Temple (Jaisalmer Fort) |
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Lodrawa Parshwanath Temple |
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Parshwanath – Rishabhdev Temple |
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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
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Kiradu Temples |
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Rani Bhatiyani Temple(Jasol) |
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Safed Akhara |
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Alam Ji Temple(Dhangi Dhora) |
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Kapaleshwar Mahadev (Chauhatan) |
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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
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Bhairav Ji / Nakoda Parshwanath Jain Temple |
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Haldeshwar Mahadev (Piplud) |
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Other Temples: Brahma Temple (Asotra), Mallinath Ji Temple (Tilwara) |
Sirohi District‘s Temple
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Temples |
Details |
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Dilwara Jain Temple Complex (Mount Abu) |
11th–13th CE: Solanki (Chalukya) architecture |
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1. Vimalvasahi Jain Temple
2. Lunavasahi Jain Temple
3. Pitalhar Temple
4. Parshvanath Jain Temple
5. Mahavir Swami Jain Temple |
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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. |
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Achaleshwar Mahadev(Mount Abu) |
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Rasiya Balam / Kunwari Kanya Temple (Mount Abu) |
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Saraneshwar Mahadev |
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Surya Temple (Varman) |
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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) |
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Jalore District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Sundha Mata Temple |
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Sire Temple |
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Jinalaya 72(Bhinmal) |
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Other Temples: Jagat Swami Surya Temple (Bhinmal); Varaha Temple: Bhinmal (yellow stone), Neelkanth Mahadev: Jalore (black-yellow Shivaling); Aapeshwar Mahadev Ramseen (Gurjara-Pratihara period); Pataleshwar Temple: Sevada; Chamunda Mata Temple: Ahor |
Pali District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Ranakpur Jain Temple |
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Sewadi Jain Temple |
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Kameshwar Mahadev (Auwa) |
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Swarn TempleFalna (Pali) |
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Munchala Mahavir (Desuri) |
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Jain Panchtirtha |
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Temples of Bikaner Division
Bikaner District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Kapil Muni Temple (Kolayat) |
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Poonrasar Hanuman Ji |
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Heramba Ganpati (Junagarh Fort) |
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Bhandashah Jain Temple |
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Lakshminarayan (Lakshminath) Temple |
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Raj Ratanbihari Temple |
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Poorneshwar Mahadev Temple: Bhinasar |
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Kodamdesar Bhairuji: Kodamdesar |
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Sunari Devi Temple – Bikaner |
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Churu District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Salasar Balaji |
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Tirupati Balaji (Venkateswara) Sujangarh |
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Sahwa Gurudwara: Sahwa |
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Sri Ganganagar- Hanumangarh District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Gurudwara Budha Johad (Dabla) |
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Gogaji Temple (Gogameri) |
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Bhadrakali Temple (red stone statue); Dada Pamparam Dera (Vijayanagar) |
Temples of Bharatpur Division
Bharatpur District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Ganga Temple |
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Lakshman Temple |
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Usha Temple/ Usha Mosque |
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Dholpur District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Sher Shikar Gurudwara |
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Machkund |
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Other temple: Chopra Shiva Temple (19th CE); Chausath Yogini Temple; Saipau Mahadev Temple; Mahakaleshwar Temple (Sarmatura) |
Karauli District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Shri Mahavir Ji Temple(Hindaun City) |
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Kaila Devi Temple |
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Manmohan/ Madanmohan Ji |
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Sawai Madhopur District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Trinetra Ganesh Temple(Ranthambore Fort) |
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Ghusmeshwar Mahadev(Shiwad) |
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Chamatkar Ji Temple |
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Kala-Gora Bhairav |
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Other temples: Dhundleshwar Temple; Amareshwar Mahadev |
Deeg District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Poonchari ka Lautha(Govardhan) |
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Chaurasi Khamba Temple (Kama) |
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Temples of Ajmer Division
Ajmer District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Ranganath Ji Temple (Pushkar) |
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Soni Ji Ki Nasiyan |
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Brahma Temple (Pushkar) |
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Varaha Temple (Pushkar) |
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Savitri Temple (Pushkar) |
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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
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Bagor Sahib Gurudwara |
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Undeshwar Mahadev Temple |
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Chamunda Mata Temple; Mandakini Temple (Bijoliya); Tilaswa Mahadev (Sarveshwar Mahadev) |
Tonk District‘s Temple
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Temple / Place |
Key Details |
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Devdham Temple |
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Kalyanji Temple |
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Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple |
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Sunheri Kothi |
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Other Temples: Tapasthali of Sage Mandav; Jama Masjid (by Nawab Amir Khan); (Bawdi Village, Todaraisingh); Badri Vishal Temple (Natwara); Dhanna Bhagat Gurudwara |
Nagaur District‘s Temple
- Bade Peer Saheb Dargah; Baba Hariram Temple (Jhorda Wale Baba); Kuchaman Surya Temple
Important Terminology
- Toran Dwar: Temple’s ornate entrance
- Up-mandap: 1st Mandap post Torana Dwara
- Sabha Mandapa: Large courtyard/ main gathering place
- Garbhagriha: main temple housing deity’s (Mool Nayak) idol
- Shikhar: vertical curved structure above Garbhagriha
- Pradakshina Path: circumambulatory corridor surrounding Garbhagriha
Gupta Period Temples in Rajasthan
| Temple | District |
| Chaarchauma Shiva Temple | Kota |
| Bhimchori Shiva Temple | Kota |
| Kansua Shiva Temple | Kota |
| Sheetleshwar Mahadev | Jhalarapatan |
| Shiva Temples of Darrah | Kota-Jhalawar Road |
| Makanganj Temple | Chittorgarh |
Gurjar Pratihar Style Temples in Rajasthan (10th RBSE)
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Period |
Temple & Location |
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8th-9th CE |
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9th CE |
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10th-11th CE |
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Solanki Period (Chalukya) Temples
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Period |
Temple & Location |
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11th- 13th CE |
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Some temples dating from Gurjar Pratihar style but still distinct from it:
- Baroli Shiva Temple: Ghateshwar
- Saas- Bahu Temple: Nagda
- Ambika Temple: Jagat (Udaipur)
- Surya Temple: Toos Village (Mandesar, Udaipur)
- Eklingnathji: Udaipur
- Harsha Temple: Bilada (Jodhpur)



