Jagat Shiromani Temple

Jagat Shiromani Temple in Amer, Jaipur is also popularly called Meerabai Temple. It’s one of the most beautiful temples of Amer town as well as the most ornate ones. I’m sure you must have heard about Amer Fort.

backside-view-amber-fort-jaipur-india-jaipurthrumylens

Beautiful Amer Fort complex as seen from a different angle.

picture-amer-fort-maota-from-jaigarh-jaipur-jaipurthrumylens

Expansive view of the Amer Fort along with the Maota lake.

Jagat Shiromani temple is quite popular among the tourists. It’s an irony that Jaipur residents are unaware of Jagat Shiromani Temple. There is a popular opinion that this is the only temple of Meera Bai in Rajasthan. I’m not sure about this claim but surely this is the only Meerabai Temple in Jaipur.

meera-mandir-jagat-shiromani-temple-amer-jaipur-jaipurthrumylens — One of the most elaborate temples in Amer town – **Jagat Shiromani Temple**

I found the atmosphere at Jagat Shirmani Temple quiet and serene. Ain’t that one of the reasons why we visit a temple?

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

Jagat Shiromani Temple History

Jagat Shiromani Temple dates back to 1599 AD and it took around 9 years to be built. The temple was built in memory of Maharajah Sawai Man Singh I ‘s eldest son Jagat Singh by his mother Rani Kanakwati.

Check out related post – The Elusive Mariam Mahal ruin

The temple has two entry points. It can be accessed from the fort road of Amer town, its main entrance. The other one is through the steps from Amer Fort. Here is a picture of the steps leading to the temple.

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). 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! Torans are usually found in Jain Temples.

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

Another striking architectural element of Jagat Shiromani 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.

beautiful-indian-carving-mythology-jagat-shiromani-temple-jaipur — Beautiful carvings adorn the outer surface of Jagat Shiromani Temple, Amer, Jaipur

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

jagat-shiromani-temple-jaipur-idols-hindu-goddess-indian-mythology — Beautiful idols at Jagat Shiromani Temple, Jaipur

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. Meera Bai considered Lord Krishna as her husband. Meera Bai’s idol has also been placed in this temple. 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

Beautiful carvings adorn the temple walls especially the pedestal section and the canopy housing Garuda. Army of elephants, horse and tiger face is depicted in below picture.

pedestal at jagat shiromani temple — Details at Jagat Shiromani Temple

There are two elephants in playful mood at the base. Procession and people are depicted in a jubilant mood in the second row. Top row has carvings of the birds quite possibly, peacock. Placed just above the pedestal are three marbles plates, depicting Indian mythological characters.

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

Another view of Jagat Shiromani Temple.

Jagat Shiromani Temple is an interesting temple from the heritage, architectural, and religious perspectives. It’s being claimed that this is only temple having an idol of Meera Bai. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains Jagat Shiromani temple.

Check out related post – The Elusive Mariam Mahal ruin

How to reach Jagat Shiromani Temple?

Jagat Shiromani Temple is located in Amer town and can be easily reached within a few minutes from Amer Fort. To reach this temple take the left lane after the Amer Elephant stand on Amer Road.

You can locate temple with help of this map.