Jagdishwar Mandir - Udaipur

Jagdishwar Temple - Udaipur

In the heart of the lake city (Udaipur) stands the beautifully carved temple of Lord Vishnu – popularly known as Jagdishwar Mandir. The temple stands very close to the Gangaur Ghat and depicts the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. It is said to have been built by Maharana Jagat Singh, the ruler of Udaipur in 1651 at an expense of INR 15 crore.

This three-story temple is the largest in the city. The approach is by a flight of steps that lead you to the entrance guarded by elephants on either side. You enter to be blocked by a canopy that houses a brass image of Garuda. You traverse it to stand in front of the main temple which comprises of beautifully carved pillars, decorated ceilings and painted walls. The sanctum sanctorum houses charbhuj or four-armed idol of Lord Vishnu. This monolith statue is the most striking feature of the temple, one glance of which transforms you into a completely different world giving you the inner peace. The outer walls of the temple are decked with intricately carved images of various Gods and Goddess. A few of these also represent the scenes from great epics. The main spire is 79 feet high and is festooned with sculptures of dancers, elephants, horsemen and musicians.

There are four other small shrines at four corners of the temple. These are dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Sun God, Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva. The temple is an architectural marvel and said to have been built to comply with the rules of Vastushastra.