This Krishna Temple is highly revered by the erstwhile royal family. The image brought from Vrindavan, is housed within the sanctum of this spire less temple, the patron deity of the royal family is very religiously worshipped by most of the Hindus in the city and near by areas. The image is unveiled seven times daily for 'AARTIES' and BHOGS offered in the silver wares, consisting of sweets mostly. The idols of RADHA KRISHNA are dressed in different styles each time for the 'AARTI' procession where thousands of followers or 'Bhakt' gather around the courtyard for the Darshan (a look connecting them with the divine).
An ancient pilgrimage centre, lying beyond the gardens amidst low hills. Temples, pavilions and holy kunds (natural spring and reservoirs) along with lush landscape make it a delightful spot. The small temple of the sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the highest peak is visible from all parts of the city.
The royal temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, Govind Dev Ji temple is situated in the City Palace complex. Well preserved by the erstwhile royal family, the image of the chief deity Govind Deo Ji (Lord Krishna) is said to have been brought from Vrindavan and was installed here by Raja Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur. Since then, he has been worshipped as the patron deity of the royal family and occupies the sanctum of this spire less temple. 'Aartis' and 'Bhog' are offered to the deity seven times a day, when the idol is unveiled for the benefit of the devotees who come here to pay their homage to the deities. 'Bhog' mostly consists of sweets and is offered in the huge silver wares. Each time, the idols of Lord Krishna and his eternal beloved Radha are unveiled, they are dressed in different styles for the benefit of the devotees who come here to have a glimpse or 'Darshan' of the deities.
The temple was built in 1890 with the money donated by Raja Man Singh, the famous general of great Mughal emperor Akbar and is set between Chandra Mahal and Badal Mahal to allow the sighting of the deities of the temple from the royal palace itself. Thousands of devotees visit the temple, especially during Janamashtmi, to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. The seven-storied structure was built in the form of Greek cross at an enormous cost of one crore rupees. It is said that Emperor Akbar donated red sandstone meant for building Red Fort at Agra for construction of the temple. The architectural style in which the temple is built is a pleasing amalgamation of Western, Hindu and Muslim architectural traits.
Timings of Prayer
Mangla 5.15 - 5.30 A.M.
Dhoop 8.30 - 9.30 A.M.
Shringaar 10.30 - 11.00 A.M.
Rajbhog 11.45 - 12.00 A.M.
Gwal 5.00 - 5.30 P.M.
Sandhya 6.00 - 7.00 P.M.
Shain 8.00 - 8.15 P.M. |
