Mahashivratri or ‘The Night of Shiva’ is a sacred Hindu festival that is dedicated to the God Shiva. The auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri unfolds every year on the 14th night of the waning moon in the month of Phalguna, typically in February or March. This year, Mahashivratri is on March 8, 2024. Though the mystical charm of Shiva temples draws visitors to their fold throughout the year, Mahashivratri is a unique and festive occasion for devotees of Shiva marked by prayers, fasting, and temple visits. If you too are a believer of Lord Shiva or are seeking spiritual solace, here we have curated a list of the incredible Shiva temples in Jaipur that are well worth a visit.
Shiva temples in Jaipur to visit on Mahashivratri
The festival of Mahashivratri presents you with a reason to head for a spiritual retreat. These incredible Shiva temples in Jaipur will perhaps help you find the peace that you seek.
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Chaura Rasta
The Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its intricate carvings and peaceful courtyard offer a haven for worshippers. Inside, beautiful marble floors lead to a central black stone Shivling with pictographs adorned with gold. A brass Nandi statue and massive bronze gongs, weighing a remarkable 125kg, flank the sacred icon. Uniquely, the temple is said to have sprung from the very ground itself, drawing devotees from across the globe seeking its spiritual significance. This sacred site is worth visiting on Mahashivratri.
Location: One of the oldest temples in Jaipur.
Special Feature: Known for its historical importance and religious significance.
Eklingeshwar Temple, Moti Doongri
Ekalingeshwar Temple is located in Moti Dungri area of Jaipur is considered under the jurisdiction of the royal family and is open to the common people only on Shivratri. It is also known as Shankar Garhi Temple. On Shivratri, this temple is first worshiped by the royal family of Jaipur then the devotees. As long as the former queen mother Gayatri Devi was alive, she first used to anoint the Shivalinga in this temple and then devotees used to worship Lord Shiva. The temple is older than the establishment of Jaipur. The people have great faith in this temple that devotees start lining up in front of the temple here a day before Mahashivratri.
Location: Atop the ‘Moti Dungri’ temple, forming a beautiful skyline to the new Jaipur city.
Special Feature: Accessible to the public only once a year on Mahashivaratri.
Also check: Top 5 Ganpati temples in Jaipur
Chamatkareshwar Mahadev at Jhotwara
Chamatkareshwar Mahadev Temple located in Bani Park, holds significant religious importance and is revered by devotees for various reasons. This prominent Shiv temple in Jaipur is particularly renowned for its Ardhanarishvara idol of Shiva and Parvati and 12 jyotirlingas brought from different places. The temple features a statue of Nandi Maharaj with a lion, the ride of Lord Ardhanarishwar, which adds to its uniqueness and spiritual significance. Visiting this temple on Mahashivratri allows visitors to explore the spiritual ambiance of the temple and participate in the festivities surrounding Maha Shivaratri.
Location: Jhotwara locality in Jaipur.
Special Feature: A place of worship for Shiva devotees during Mahashivratri.
Also check: Top 10 Heritage temples in Jaipur
Jangleshwar Mahadev at Bani Park
Jangleshwar Mahadev Temple offers a distinctive spiritual experience. It is known for its spiritual aura and peaceful environment, providing visitors with a sacred space for prayer and reflection. Surrounded by lush greenery, this temple provides a tranquil environment for devotees to offer prayers and meditate. The serenity and the rhythmic chants create a peaceful aura, making Jangleshwar Mahadev Temple has become a significant pilgrimage site in Jaipur. Devotees visit this ancient temple to offer prayers and seek blessings, especially during auspicious occasions like Shravan Maas and Maha Shivaratri.
Location: Situated at Collectorate Circle in Bani Park area of Jaipur
Special Feature: A significant temple attracting devotees during Mahashivratri.
Ambikeshwar Mahadev Temple, Amer, Jaipur
Ambikeshwar Mahadev Mandir happens to be present way before the establishment of Amer city. The legend says that when King Kakil Deo heard about a cow giving milk at a certain place, he ordered it dug up. Upon excavating, he came across a Shivling and commanded to build a temple there. Since shivling and cows are considered auspicious, this temple was built. People have to peek through a window to look at the shivling. This temple also contains a water tank or kund, near the main temple, which gets filled to the brim during the rainy season and overflows towards the main temple.
Location: Situated in the Amer Fort of Jaipur.
Special Feature: Shivling believed to be natural and found buried 22ft under the earth.
Bhuteshwar Mahadev at Vidhyadhar Nagar
Situated on Amer Hill, this ancient temple is believed to be around 2,000 years old and holds a unique story. Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple is a famous mahadev temple in Jaipur to visit on the Mahashivratri pilgrimage. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this pilgrimage site holds immense historical and cultural significance. The architecture of the Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple includes a large water tank surrounding it, leading to its recognition as Rani Talab. The temple’s serene location amidst dense forests adds to its mystical charm. Devotees believe in the extraordinary powers of this temple and its ability to grant their wishes.
Location: Vidhyadhar Nagar locality in Jaipur.
Special Feature: A temple serving as a focal point for community gatherings.
Gaiteshwar Mahadev Temple
Gaiteshwar Mahadev Temple, also known as the Gadiyar Temple, stands as a testament to the rich spiritual heritage of Jaipur. Nestled amidst the serene embrace of the Aravalli hills, this ancient temple holds a special significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. Legends says that Shivling within the temple is self-manifested, adding to its sacred mystique. The temple’s architecture, though simplistic, exudes an undeniable charm. Built in the traditional Rajasthani style, the temple features ornately carved pillars and captivating sandstone structures. The central sanctum sanctorum houses the revered Shivling, attracting devotees from all walks of life.
Location: Situated at Gaitore area in Jaipur.
Special Feature: Temple offers a unique experience imbued with history, spirituality, and natural beauty.
Jharkhand Mahadev
Jharkhand Mahadev temple is a renowned Shiva temple in Jaipur that stands as a symbol of faith and devotion. This sacred pilgrimage site has a rich history dating back to its construction in 1918. The temple’s unique feature lies in its construction style, which follows the South Indian architectural tradition, setting it apart from other temples in Jaipur. This sacred site is known for fulfilling the wishes of devotees. The temple has a serene atmosphere and divine energy providing a perfect setting for devotees to connect with Lord Shiva.
Location: Nestled on Queens Road of Jaipur.
Special feature: Its unique charm lies in its South Indian architectural tradition.
Pataleshwar Mandir
Pataleshwar Mahadev temple is one of the hidden gems of Jaipur but on the festival of Maha Shivratri it is flooded with pilgrims. Believed to be about 400 years old, this Shiva Temple is said to have been excavated in 1977. As per the locals, the temple was buried 20 ft below the earth’s surface. After continuous efforts of the locals, the temple could be excavated and today it stands amidst a well like structure which has 20 ft tall walls. Initially buried for 400 years, a stairway having nearly 19 stairs was later constructed to allow devotees to access the temple for worship and prayers. Eventually to protect it, a wall-like structure was built around it. There is also a Hanuman temple established close to it which is flocked by a crowd during Shivratri.
Location: Situated in the Rajput Colony of Jhalana Dungri
Special feature: Buried from the last 400 years, it lies underneath the ground thus named as Pataleshwar Mandir.
Raj Rajeshwar Temple
While most of the above temples are accessible to everyone, Raj Rajeshwar Temple is an exception. The temple is a lesser-known Shiva temple in Jaipur, open to the public only on two occasions. One being Maha Shivratri and another during Diwali. It is a part of Jaipur City Palace constructed almost 125 years after the City Palace was founded. The access to the temple is through Chandni Chowk. It is near the royal kitchen and between Mardani (male) and Janani (female) Deori. The only stone used in the temple is white marble and the temple doors are covered with a silver foil. The idols of Lord Shiva and Parvati are adorned with precious stones and gold.
Location: Situated within the City Palace of Jaipur.
Special Feature: Opens to the public on Shivratri and during Diwali.
We hope that you are virtually blown away on reading about these incredible Shiva temples. If you want to make this Mahashivratri really special, try visiting one of these Shiva temples in Jaipur to get Lord Shiva’s blessings on this day. Let the protective shadow of Shiva be forever with you.
