govind dev ji temple jaipur

Govind Dev Ji Temple Jaipur: A Deep Dive into its History and Architecture

Witness the spiritual aura of Vrindavan at Govind Dev Ji Temple in Jaipur and bring out your religious side by immersing in the divine beauty of the deity.

Places To Visit

Tucked away amidst the bustling streets of Jaipur, the Pink City, lies a pristine location of spirituality and devotion—the Govind Dev Ji Temple. This exquisite temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna in his child form, is a must-visit for any traveler seeking a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. With its intricate architecture, vibrant celebrations, and spiritual significance, Govind Devji Temple offers a unique experience that will leave an indelible mark on your heart.

The legend associated with its origin

As per the legends, the sacred idol of Lord Govind Dev ji in the temple was made by Barjranabh, a descendant of Lord Krishna. It’s also called “Bajrakrit” because of Barjranabh’s name and the word “Akriti,” which means “image.” Barjranabh created this statue when he was just 13 years old, following his grandmother’s instructions.

Bajaranabh’s grandmother, who was Lord Krishna’s daughter-in-law, had seen Lord Krishna in person. She described Lord Krishna to Bajranabh, who then created the idol based on her description. When his grandmother saw the finished idol, she said that only the feet resembled Lord Krishna. This is why the idol is called Lord Madan Mohan Ji. Today, this idol of Lord Krishna is located in Karoli.

Bajaranabh was determined to create an idol that looked like Lord Krishna. He made another idol, but it still wasn’t a perfect match. His grandmother said that only the chest and hands resembled Lord Krishna, so this idol was named Lord Gopi Nath Ji.

Bajaranabh kept trying and finally made a third idol that his grandmother said had the same face as Lord Krishna. This idol is known as Lord Govind Dev Ji and can be found in the Govind Dev Ji temple in Jaipur.

Govind Dev Ji Temple Jaipur History 

How old is Govind Dev Ji Temple – The advent of Govind Devji Temple can be traced back to the 18th century. The beautiful statue of Lord Krishna known as Govind Devji was brought to Jaipur from Vrindavan. The original statue created by Bajaranabh was lost over time, leaving only the story behind.

From Its origin to Vrindavan and Jaipur

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a follower of Lord Krishna, wanted to find the places where Lord Krishna had lived 500 years ago. He sent two of his followers, Roop and Sanatan Goswami, to Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood, to search for things related to Lord Krishna.

In 1525, Roop Goswami found the Govind Dev Ji idol at Goma Teela place in Vrindavan. He brought it to Vrindavan, but Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who was sick in Nilachal, Orissa, couldn’t go to Vrindavan to see the idol. Instead, he made a small idol from Asht-Dhatu and used the divine power of Shri Kashiiwar Pandit to give it life. This idol is called Thakur Shri Gaur Govind.

In 1590, Mughal emperor Akbar and Raja Man Singh of Amer built the largest Govind Dev Ji temple in the world using red sandstone. The temple was 117 feet long and 105 feet wide. After the temple was finished, the Chaitanya Mahaprabhu idol was placed on the right side of the Lord Krishna idol.

Vrindavan to Jaipur

The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was against different religions, so the priests hid the Lord Krishna idol in Vrindavan to protect it from him. Aurangzeb tried to attack and destroy the temple. After Aurangzeb died, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh 2, the founder of Jaipur, brought the idol from Vrindavan to a place near Amer called Kanak Vrindavan.

In 1735, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh moved the Govind Dev Ji idol from Kanak Vrindavan to Suraj Mahal in the City Palace of Jaipur. He placed it between Badal Mahal and Chandra Mahal because he had a dream that Suraj Mahal belonged to Lord Krishna. As a result, he moved his own residence to Chandra Mahal and placed the idol in its rightful place in Suraj Mahal.

Architectural and Religious beauty

The architecture of the Govind Dev Ji temple is similar to the Mathura and Nathdwara temples, but it also borrows elements from Mughal and Hindu styles. The temple has intricate designs on its structure and a beautiful overall appearance. It is surrounded by peaceful gardens that contribute to the calming environment. 

The main area of the temple, where the Govind Dev Ji idol is located, is impressive with its tall pillars and gold interior. The marble pillars are heavy but well-balanced and support the arches in a typical Amber style. The ceiling is covered in gold, creating a beautiful effect. There are also elegant chandeliers that add to the temple’s grandeur. As you explore further, you’ll find different paintings that showcase Indian art.

Satsang Hall of Govind Ji Temple 

The Satsang hall is a dedicated space for religious and cultural events within the Govind Ji Temple complex. Notably, the Jaipur Govind Ji Temple’s Satsang hall holds a Guinness World Record for having the widest single-span reinforced concrete flat roof.

Satsang Hall in Govind Devji Temple:

  • The construction of the Satsang hall was completed in 383 days
  • The cost of construction was about 3 crore
  • The foundation of the building is 12 meters deep
  • 290 tons of steel and 2000 cubic meters of concrete were used for its construction
  • The hall is 118 ft by 124 ft
  • It took 36 hours to lay its roof
  • The building is standing on 8 columns

Why is Govind Dev ji temple famous?

Govind Dev ji temple falls in the group of 7 temples of Thakur, Lord Krishna of Vrindavan that also includes Sri Radhavallabh Ji, Shri Bankey Bihari Ji, Shri Govind Dev Ji, and other four important temples.

The Govind Dev Ji temple has an important significance as the idol of Lord Krishna was not made in Jaipur but was brought to it. The Maharaja was the pure devotee of Lord Krishna, he ordered the architects to design his palace in such a way that he can have a direct glimpse of Lord Krishna. 

The temple’s construction was overseen by renowned architects of the time, ensuring that it adhered to the traditional Vaishnava temple style. For the followers of Vaishnavism, the Govind Dev Ji temple Jaipur holds a special place as this is one of the most important Lord Krishna temples situated outside Vrindavan. 

The idol of Govind Ji is taken out for procession during each aarti as well as during the ‘Rajbhog’. Silver utensils are used to offer food, including a variety of sweets, to the deity. Both Radha and Krishna are adorned in different attire for each aarti.

What is the Timings of Govind Devji Darshan

The Govind Devji Temple is open to visitors throughout the year, with specific timings for darshan. Poojas and aartis are carried out within the temple 7 times a day.

  • Mangal Aarti: 4:30 AM – 5:45 AM
  • Dhoop Aarti: 8:15 PM – 9:30 PM
  • Shringar Aarti: 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Rajbhog Aarti: 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
  • Gwal Aarti: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
  • Shayan Aarti: 8:15 PM – 9:15 PM

Please note: During the winter season, the timings for morning aartis are moved earlier by half an hour, while evening aartis are delayed by 45 minutes.

Things to keep in mind: 

While visiting the temple, it is essential to adhere to certain etiquettes. Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the temple. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing. Don’t wear shoes inside the temple complex.

Govind Dev Ji Temple Jaipur Location/Address

Location: Jai Niwas Gardens, Jalebi Chowk, Jaipur, Rajasthan

The Govind Ji Temple in Jaipur is located near Jaleb Chowk, inside the City Palace complex between the Badal Mahal and Chandra Mahal

How to reach:

The Govind Dev Ji Temple Jaipur directions are very easy. It is conveniently located within the City Palace complex, making it easily accessible from all parts of the city by various forms of transportation, including cabs, auto-rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws. If you take the local bus, you can get one at the Gattewale Mandir Bus stop.

Contact Number: +91-1412619413

Entry Fee: Free (no entry fee required)

The best time to visit 

The Govind Ji Temple is open to visitors throughout the year, but the Janmashtami celebrations are especially spectacular. During this time, the deities are adorned with beautiful jewelry and clothing. Holi is another important festival to experience at the temple.

Govind Dev Ji Temple Jaipur Timings

Temple Timings: 5:00 AM – 8:45 PM
Recommended Visit Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

Nearby attractions

In addition to Govind Devji Temple, there are many nearby popular tourist attractions one can visit. The list includes the Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar.

A visit to this temple offers a unique opportunity to connect with the divine and experience the beauty of Hindu traditions. The temple’s serene ambiance, coupled with its architectural beauty and spiritual significance, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Jaipur. Whether you are a devout Hindu or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Govind Devji Temple is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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