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Jagdish Temple is one of the most famous temples, located in the vicinity of the City Palace complex of Udaipur. This temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651 and it is a fine example of Indo-Aryan style of architecture. The temple is the largest temple in the city of Udaipur, constructed in the honour of Lord Vishnu, who is also known as Laxmi Narayan. From the 'Bara Pol' or the main entrance of the City Palace, the temple can be sited at a distance of around 150 m.
The three-storeyed Jagdish Temple is an example of wonderful architecture, comprising of beautifully carved pillars, extensively decorated ceilings, painted walls and vast halls, which together gives it a magnificent look. Around 1.5 million rupees were spent in those times to build this amazing temple.
The special feature of this temple is its spire, which soars 79 feet high, dominating the skyline of Udaipur. This spire is richly adorned with the sculptures of dancers, elephants, horsemen and musicians, aesthetically chiselled to perfection.
The dance and drama engraved on the spires are absolutely unique in their own way. At the entrance of the Jagdish Temple we can find two massive stone figures of elephants with a stone slab containing inscriptions and references to the Maharaja. The Sanskrit inscription at the porch of the temple, written by Krishna Bhatt in 1651, gives the history of the reign of Maharana Jagat Singh.
A marble flight of 32 steps takes us to the main shrine, where we can find a huge brass image of Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. A striking four-armed image of Lord Vishnu, carved out of a single black stone, is visible behind the garuda. The calm, serene, and the graceful idol of the Lord Vishnu and the spiritual environment gives us a feeling of peacefulness.
This main shrine of Lord Vishnu is located at the centre and it is surrounded by four smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Sun God, Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva respectively. The magnificent architecture of the Jagdish Temple is revealed by the tall pyramidal spire, mandap also known as prayer hall, and the porch- all designed with tasteful architecture and intricate craftsmanship.
50 pillars are seen in the first and second storeys alone. The incomparable marble architecture, the elegant statues- all these provide an environment so peaceful and spiritual that it has made this temple an important tourist attraction on an international level. The smell of roses, jasmines, sandalwood paste, and incense add to the fragrance of faith that floats in the air inside the temple.
Built according to the norms of Vastushashtra, the extensive intricate carvings on the pillars, frescoed walls along with prominent friezes add to the beauty of this temple. Every year, thousands of people come from far and wide to visit this holy place of worship. The serenity and architectural brilliance of Jagdish Temple cannot be expressed in mere words but can only be admired in the wide canvas of heart.
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