Nestled within the opulent City Palace complex of Jaipur lies the Govind Devji Temple, a sacred haven pulsating with history and devotion. Devoted to Govind Devji, a highly revered form of Lord Krishna, the temple is not just a place of worship but a captivating tapestry woven with tales of divine vision, royal patronage and enduring faith.

From early in the morning to late at night, the air is thick with the sounds of Mangala aarti is dawn and Shayana Aarti at night. During the reign of Emperor Akbar by Sawai Man Singh in 1590 and was regarded as being one of the largest temples of the world during its time.

Being dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple sees an upbeat and exciting celebration during the Janmashtami time in August. The temple is part of the City Palace, which was the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur, it has a beautiful coexistence of Hindu, Muslim and Western styles of architecture. The temple is surrounded by beautiful gardens. One can see some beautiful European chandeliers and paintings of Indian art.

History of Govind Devji Temple –

Rupa Goswami is a devout Krishna follower and a disciple of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the first founded by the Original Govind Devji Temple at Goma Teela in Vrindavan. When the Muslim emperor Aurangzeb tried to destroy the shrine at Vrindavan, the idol was picked up from there and relocated to Jaipur. The Maharaja of Jaipur belongs to the Raja Sawai Jai Singh embraced the idol and believed that Govind Dev or Lord Krishna is the real King.

Architecture of Govind Devji Temple –

The temple was built by Sawai Man Singh, the Emperor of Amber at that time with the help of Emperor Akbar. It is believed that Akbar provided the same red marble that were used in the construction of the Agra Fort. It was regarded as the largest Temple of that time. The temple is spread from East to West 117 feet in length and 105 feet from North to South. Emperor Akbar also donated 135 acres of land for the cows to live and feed.

The position of the temple allowed a direct view of it to the Maharaja who wished to see the idol from his Chandra Mahal Palace. The Garden has a special name given to it, which is Takatora and famous among the children.

Visitor’s Information –

Entry Fee: No

Visiting Time: 4:30 AM – 11:30 AM; 5:45 PM – 9:30 PM

Visit Duration: 30 Minutes to 1 Hour

Govind Devji Temple Facts –

Some interesting facts about Satsang Hall in Govind Devji Temple:

• The construction of the Satsang hall was completed in 383 days
• The cost of construction was about 3 crore
• The foundation of the building is 12 meters deep
• 290 tons of steel and 2000 cubic meters of concrete were used for its construction
• The hall is 118 ft by 124 ft
• It took 36 hours to lay its roof
• The building is standing on 8 columns

Other Places of Interest around Govind Devji Temple

The temple is in the center of all tourism and commercial activities in Jaipur. There’s a lot to discover around the temple –

• City Palace
• Jantar Mantar
• Sargasuli Tower
• Hawa Mahal
• Amber Fort

Conclusion –

Unlike traditional freestanding temples, Govind Devji Temple resides within the City Palace complex. The unique arrangement reflects the deep personal connection the royal family shared with the deity. The temple itself is a marvel of understated elegance. The sanctum sanctorum is adorned with intricate silver work and houses the captivating idol of Govind Devji, revered for its lifelike features.

The Govind Devji Temple transcends the boundaries of a mere place of worship. It’s a living testament to a legacy of faith, a testament to the enduring power of devotion that continues to captivate hearts across generations.