Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur

In Jaipur, Rajasthan, Govind Ji Temple is the most famous and holy place of worship and perhaps the most important one in the history of the Rajasthani kings. The temple is dedicated to Lord Govind Dev Ji, who is one of the manifestations of the incarnations of Lord Krishna on Earth and is regarded as the principal deity of the Amber / Amer Kachwaha Dynasty of rulers.

The idol of Govind Ji is believed to look just as Lord Krishna did. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the Maharaja of Jaipur, was a devotee of the Lord and hence had his palace built so that after the idol was transferred from Amer to Jaipur, he could get a glimpse of the Lord directly from his palace.

The temple is thronged by devotees all year round and gets a massive footfall owing to its importance and legend.

History of Govind Dev Ji Temple

The primary god of the Kachwaha Dynasty of Amber is Lord Govind Dev Ji, one of the forms of Lord Krishna, and is identified with the rich history of Jaipur and its rulers.

It is said that the original Govind Dev Ji idol was in a temple in Vrindavan, excavated by a disciple of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Srila Rupa Goswami, some 450 years ago from Goma Teela in Vrindavan.

In 1590 A.D, the then Maharaja of Amer, Sawai Man Singh, along with the Mughal Emperor Akbar, constructed a massive temple in Vrindavan, to learn about the life of the temple.  The red sandstone used to construct the temple, which was supposed to be used to construct the Agra Fort, was donated by Akbar. The emperor also gave away nearly 135 acres of land for cattle and feed.

The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was on a binge during the 17th century, razing down Hindu temples and smashing idols. The idol of Govind Ji was taken care of by Shri Shiv Ram Goswami in Vrindavan at the same time. He kept moving the idols from Vrindavan to the Kama in Bharatpur to Radhakund to Govindpura in Sanganer in search of saving the idols.

Since the principal deity of the ruling dynasty was Lord Govind Dev Ji, the then ruler of Amer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh took the oath of guarding the idol and installed it in the Amer Valley, later named in 1714 AD as Kanak Vrindavan. They did not, however, put it out in the open because Amer represented the Mughal court at that period and could not afford to hold a standoff with the Mughals.

Govind Ji’s idol was first carried from Amer to Jaipur and installed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh at the Surya Mahal in 1735 AD after he received orders from the Lord himself to do so in his dreams. As he assumed the palace belonged to Lord Govind Ji, the Maharaja enshrined the god at Suraj Mahal and he moved his residence to a new palace and called it Chandra Mahal. The Chandra Mahal was constructed in such a manner that Govind Ji’s idol would be accessible to him from the palace.

The Suraj Mahal was later renamed and Govind Ji Temple is known by its present name.

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The legend behind the idol at Govind Dev Ji Temple Jaipur

Legend has it that about 5500 years ago, the great-grandson of Lord Shri Krishna, 13-year-old Bajranabh, after receiving suitable orders from his grandmother about the original looks of the Lord, decided to make an exact idol of the Lord.

Only the feet of the first idol he created were like those of Lord Krishna. This first idol was called ‘Madan Mohan Ji’ by the Lord and is enshrined in Karauli, Rajasthan. Vajranabh made a second idol in which only the chest was exactly like Lord Krishna, and the name of Lord ‘Gopi Nath Ji’ was given to this idol, which is enshrined in Purani Basti, Jaipur, Rajasthan.

It was the third idol that Bajranabh created, which in every way looked exactly like Lord Shri Krishna and was accepted by his grandmother. This final idol became known as ‘Govind Ji’ Lord. Govind Ji’s idol is also named ‘Bajrakrit,’ which means ‘Bajranabh made.’

Architecture and Layout of Govind Dev Ji Temple Jaipur

The Govind Ji Temple is made of sandstone and marble with gold-covered ceilings. There is a combination of Rajasthani, Muslim as well as Classical Indian elements to the style of the temple structure. Since it was constructed next to a royal palace, chandeliers, as well as paintings, adorn the walls. A lush green garden also surrounds the temple and the garden is known by the name,’ Talkatora’ and is ideally suited for children.

Places to visit near Govind Dev Ji Temple Jaipur

1. Jai Niwas Garden: One can pay a visit to the Jai Niwas Garden in Jaipur to get a glimpse of the Mughal gardens in Rajasthan. The powerful presence of Mughal influence can be made pretty apparent here.
2. City Palace: One could get a glimpse into how the royals live during their City Palace trip, the current residence of the Royals of Jaipur. After moving his capital from Amer to Jaipur and building the Pink City, it used to be the seat of the Maharaja of Amer. After visiting the City Palace, each visitor brings back a rich history as a package.
3. Jantar Mantar: Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the father of Jaipur, the colossal astronomical monumental buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Observatory methods work according to three classical celestial structures and are a naked eye charm to watch. It is strongly recommended a stop here and not to be missed.
4. Hawa Mahal: Hawa Mahal translates into ‘palace of winds,’ as the name implies. The structure of red and pink sandstone is the best example of the architectural masterpiece of Rajasthani that leaves every tourist in awe. Experience the view of the whole pink town from the palace’s tiny colourful windows, called ‘Jharokhas’ in the local language, at a mere INR 50.
5. Tripolia Bazar: Get into the streets of Jaipur’s oldest and busiest market, named after one of the City Palace gates. Full your wish at steal rates to own custom-made lac bangles, artefacts, silverware, ironware and brass goods. Shopping in Tripolia will improve your negotiation skills. This business is going to satisfy your ‘buy till you break’ wish.

How to Reach Govind Dev Ji Temple Jaipur

As the temple of Govind Ji is situated within the grounds of the City Palace, it is very conveniently accessible by all means and modes of transport from all parts of the city.

• Nearest Bus station to reach Govind Ji Temple: Camp Bus Stop in Sindhi. One can get down to the palace and hire a bike rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, or e-rickshaw.
• Nearest Railway Station to reach Govind Ji Temple: The closest train station is Jaipur Junction Railway Station. To enter the town palace, hire a cab from the train station.

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