Jaipur Govind Devji Mandir is not just a religious site; it is a spiritual heaven for devotees who have their unbreakable faith in Lord Krishna. It is famous not just as a temple, but also as a cultural and historical landmark that continues to inspire devotion and reverence. So, if you haven’t experienced the magic of Jaipur Govind Devji Mandir, read the entire article to know its religious significance, history, aarti and darshan timings, and everything you need to know about this divine place.
Jaipur Govind Devji Mandir Religious Importance
The temple is considered one of the “Sapt Devalayas” (seven temples) of Vrindavan, an honor that emphasizes its religious sanctity. Thousands of devotees visit the temple daily to offer prayers. During Janmashtami, Lord Krishna’s birthday, the number of worshippers surges immensely.
Unlike many temples where devotees cannot get close to the deity, the Govind Devji Mandir is unique in allowing them to have an unobstructed view of the idol from a considerable distance. Devotees experience seven “Aartis” (rituals of worship) daily, each conducted with great devotion and fanfare.
The Satsang Hall at Govind Dev Ji Temple is used for religious and cultural events. It holds a Guinness World Record for being the world’s widest single-span R.C.C. flat roof, measuring 118 feet, and took 383 days to build using 290 tons of steel and 2000 cubic meters of concrete.
During each aarti and the Rajbhog (food offering), the idol of Govind Ji is taken out in a procession. The food is offered in silverware, with sweets in abundance. Radha and Krishna are dressed in different costumes for each aarti. The holy prasad is laddoo, available for purchase at the temple.
Jaipur Govind Devji Mandir Location
The temple is situated near Jaleb Chowk, within the sprawling City Palace complex, and is surrounded by expansive gardens and intricately designed pavilions. There is no entry fees.
Jaipur Govind Devji Mandir Opening Time
Govind Dev Ji Temple Timings (During Summer):
- Morning Hours: 4:30 AM – 12:00 PM (All Days)
- Evening Hours: 5:45 PM – 9:30 PM (All Days)
Govind Dev Ji Temple Timings (During Winter):
- Morning Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:15 PM (All Days)
- Evening Hours: 5:00 PM – 8:45 PM (All Days)
You can check out the aarti timings, festivals celebrated, and more details from the official website of the temple as well. If you want to make donation to the temple, you can also made online through their official website.
Aarti and Darshan Timings
The aarti timings at Govind Dev Ji Temple change a bit depending on the season—by about 30 to 45 minutes during summer and winter. In the summer, the morning Mangla aarti starts bright and early at 4:30 AM. After that, the Dhoop aarti happens at 7:30 AM, and the Shringar aarti follows at 9:30 AM. Around 11:00 AM, the deities are offered food during the Rajabhog, which lasts until 11:30 AM.
In the evening, the Gwal aarti begins at 5:45 PM, then the Sandhya aarti starts at 6:45 PM, followed by the Shayan aarti (night aarti) at 9:00 PM. During winter, the morning aartis are moved forward by about half an hour, while the evening aartis are pushed back by around 45 minutes to adjust to the shorter daylight hours.
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Jaipur Govind Devji Mandir Historical Significance
The temple is renowned not only for its religious significance but also for its connection to the royal history of Jaipur and its splendid architecture. It holds a special place in the spiritual and culture life of Jaipur. The history of the temple dates back to the 18th century, during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. The deity worshipped in the temple is Govind Devji, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, was originally worshipped in Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. Legend has it that this idol of Govind Devji bears a striking resemblance to Krishna’s actual form as described by his contemporaries.
The idol was brought to Jaipur by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II from Vrindavan in the 18th century. The relocation was prompted by concerns over possible destruction during the Mughal era, particularly under Emperor Aurangzeb, who was known for destroying Hindu temples. Jai Singh II, a devout follower of Lord Krishna, made special arrangements to house the deity in his newly established city, Jaipur.
The Royal Connection
The Govind Devji Temple has deep ties to the Jaipur royal family, which continues to patronize it. The temple’s proximity to the City Palace symbolizes the close connection between the rulers and the deity. It is said that Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II designed the layout of Jaipur city in such a way that he could view the temple from his palace.
The temple has also served as a place of royal worship for centuries, with the royal family regularly attending its functions and festivals. This royal connection adds to the temple’s prestige and has ensured its upkeep and significance throughout Jaipur’s history.
Unveiling Govind Devji Sacred Idol According to Legends
According to legend, over 5,500 years ago, Lord Krishna’s great-grandson, a 13-year-old boy named Bajranabh, wanted to create an idol that looked exactly like Lord Krishna. He asked his grandmother to describe Krishna’s appearance and began his work.
The first idol he made had only the feet that resembled Krishna’s. This idol was named Madan Mohan Ji and is now worshipped in Karauli, Rajasthan. Bajranabh tried again and made a second idol, but only the chest looked like Krishna’s. This one was called Gopi Nath Ji, and it is kept in Purani Basti, Jaipur.
Finally, on his third attempt, Bajranabh succeeded in making an idol that fully captured Krishna’s true likeness. His grandmother approved it, and this idol became known as Govind Ji. Because it was created by Bajranabh, it is also called Bajrakrit, meaning “made by Bajranabh.”
Architecture and Design of Jaipur Govind Devji Mandir
The architecture of the temple reflects the traditional Rajasthani style with a mix of Mughal influences. There is a large courtyard where devotees gather for prayers and festivals. The outer walls and entrance showcase carvings and motifs typical of Rajasthani craftsmanship. The interior, however, is relatively understated, allowing the focus to remain on the deity of Lord Govind Devji. The serene environment, the devotional chants, and the beautiful setting make visiting the temple a peaceful and spiritually enriching experience.
Places to Visit Near Jaipur Govind Devji Mandir
The temple location is close to many of the famous tourist attractions in Jaipur:
- Jai Niwas Garden
- City Palace
- Jantar Mantar
- Hawa Mahal
- Tripolia Bazaar
If this article excited you to know more about the famous temples in Rajasthan, browse our website, InRajasthan.in.