Govind Dev Ji Temple

The Govind Dev Ji Temple is the spiritual heart of Jaipur and one of the most revered temples of Lord Krishna in all of India. Set within the Jai Niwas Garden of the City Palace complex, it draws vast crowds of devotees every day and is woven deeply into the daily life of the city.

History

The presiding deity, Govind Dev Ji — a form of Lord Krishna — was originally worshipped in Vrindavan, and the image is believed to be one of great antiquity associated with the tradition of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II brought the deity to Jaipur and installed it here around 1735, dedicating the temple within his new capital so that the god would preside over the city. The Kachhwaha rulers regarded Govind Dev Ji as the true sovereign of Jaipur, ruling on their behalf.

The temple

Unlike most Hindu temples, Govind Dev Ji has no towering shikhara (spire); instead it takes the form of a large, open pavilion, so that thousands of devotees can gather together and see the deity at once. Its position was deliberately aligned with the Chandra Mahal of the City Palace, so that the Maharaja could behold his patron deity from his own quarters.

Worship and aarti

The deity is honoured with seven aartis (devotional ceremonies) through the day, each revealing the image after the curtain is drawn back to the sound of bells, music and chanting. The Mangala aarti at dawn and the evening aartis are especially charged with emotion, and festivals such as Janmashtami and Holi fill the complex with colour and celebration.

Visiting tips

Entry is free. Check the day's aarti timings and arrive a little early, as the darshan can be very busy. Dress modestly and be prepared to leave phones and footwear at the counters provided. The surrounding gardens are a peaceful place to sit, and the temple is only a short walk from the rest of the City Palace and Jantar Mantar.