Jagdish Temple

History

Rajasthan Tourism records that Maharana Jagat Singh I built the Jagdish Temple in 1651. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is an example of the Indo-Aryan style, three storeys high, with carved pillars, graceful ceilings and painted walls.

Incredible India adds that Vishnu is worshipped here as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe, in a black stone image flanked by his consorts. The complex also has shrines to Shiva, Ganesha, the Sun god and Shakti.

A flight of 32 marble steps, guarded by two large stone elephants, leads up to the entrance. The temple stands in the heart of the old city next to the City Palace, and morning and evening aarti draw both residents and visitors.

Stories

Built in 1651

Maharana Jagat Singh I built the Jagdish Temple in 1651, beside the City Palace. It stands on a tall terrace, and visitors climb 32 marble steps, guarded by stone elephants, to reach the shrine. The temple is in the Indo-Aryan style with carved pillars and a tall spire, and has been in continuous worship since it was built.

Vishnu as Jagannath

The sanctum holds a four-armed image of Vishnu carved from a single black stone, worshipped as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe. Around it, four smaller shrines to Ganesha, Surya, Shakti and Shiva form a circle, and a brass Garuda faces the main shrine.

Good to know

Listed on Rajasthan Tourism’s Udaipur temple cluster near the City Palace

Indo-Aryan shikhara and richly carved stone mandapa

Active Vishnu (Jagannath form) worship in the old city lanes

Getting there

Nearest airport: Udaipur (Maharana Pratap Airport). Udaipur City railway station; the temple stands in Brahmapuri below the City Palace.