Jagat Shiromani Temple

Jagat Shiromani Temple in Amer, Jaipur is also called Meera Temple. It’s one of the best temples in the Amer town and the most elaborate one too.

I visited this temple in morning hours during the winters. I found the atmosphere at Jagat Shirmani Temple quiet and serene.

amer — **Jagat shiromani temple, Amer**– Jaipur

This temple is quite popular among the tourists. Residents of Jaipur are unaware of its presence, which is a pity. Jagat Shiromani temple dates back to 1599 AD and it took around 9 years to be built. The temple was built in the memory of Maharajah Sawai Man Singh I ‘s eldest son Jagat Singh by his mother Rani Kanakwati.

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The temple has two entry points. It can be accessed from the fort road in Amer town – its main entrance. The other one is through the steps behind the Amer Fort.

Here is a picture of the steps descending from the Amer Palace.

way to Jagat Shiromani temple amer — way to ***Jagat Shiromani temple Amer***

What’s unique about Jagat Shiromani Temple ?

The most striking features of this temple is the marble Torans(pylon) at the entrance. The torans are ornamental arch of the gateway. It is said that these Torans are made from the single piece of a marble. That’s commendable!

jagat-shiromani-mandir-amer-most-beautiful-temple-in-jaipur — ***Toran*** **adorning the entrance of Jagat Shiromani Temple, Amer.**

Another striking architectural element of this temple is the amalgamation of different architecture styles – Jain, Hindu, Mughal and South Indian. All these styles have been beautifully incorporated and blended together in this temple. This architecture style bears some resemblance to the Albert Hall museum of Jaipur, where various architectural styles have been fused together, to create a stunning masterpiece.

Jagat Shiromani Temple is built using three different type of stones -local stone (possibly some sort of sand stone), marble and black stone (probably granite). Use of different type of stones, has enhanced the beauty of this temple. It’s a distinct feature. All other temples in the vicinity, are constructed out of a single stone.

imageedit_4_8875115521 — Jagat Shiromani temple, Amer

The temple is dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. Along with this, the temple also houses an idol of Lord Krishna along with the Meera Bai. To the uninitiated, Meera Bai was a wife of the Mewar king and devout follower of Lord Krishna. It is believed that the idol of Lord Krishna housing this temple is the same idol that Meera Bai used to worship in the state of Mewar, some 600 years ago! This idol was saved from the destruction during the Mughal attack on Mewar by Amer rulers. It was brought to Amer from Mewar.

According to Hindu religion, Lord Krishna is reincarnation of the Lord Vishnu, which could possibly explain why the idol of Lord Krishna was placed in this temple. Since Meera Bai considered Lord Krishna as her husband, even idol of Meera Bai has been placed along with the idol of Lord Krishna. Toran near the entrance, bears testimony to this supposedly marriage. (Toran ceremony is one of the important ritual in Hindu marriage)

The ceiling of this temple has beautiful frescoes though they have weakened due to the time & poor maintenance

amer town — Deity. At Jagat Shiromani Temple, Amer. Jaipur

imageedit_8_4414947930 — Beautiful Carvings in the Canopy at **Jagat Shiromani Temple, Amer**

In a canopy adjoining temple, is the idol of Garuda, which is a carrier of Lord Vishnu.

temple garuda canopy amer jaipur — Picture of a Canopy, adjoining the Jagat Shiromani Temple entrance

The temple exteriors has lots of beautiful carvings, predominantly in the pedestal section and in the canopy housing Garuda. Below is a picture, which shows army of elephants, horses and face of tiger in a separate rows. There are two elephants in playful mood at the base. On the top second row is a illustration of some sort of procession and people are depicted in a jubilant mood. The top row has a carvings of a birds quite possibly, peacock.Placed just above the pedestal in black stone are three marbles plates, depiction of Indian mythological characters – possibly Gods and Goddesses.

pedestal at jagat shiromani temple — Details at Jagat Shiromani Temple

Detailing at jagat shiromani temple — White, red and black color stones come together to create a visual treat at Jagat Shiromani Temple, Jaipur

Here is another view of Jagat Shiromani Temple.

Jagat Shiromani Temple is a very interesting temple from heritage,architectural and religious point of view. Its being claimed that this is only temple having an idol of Meera Bai. Sitting here, early in the morning with a great weather, one feels blessed to be able to enjoy peace and tranquility.

Its a pity that most residents of the city have ignored such a beautiful temple. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains this temple.

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