Jagat Shiromani Temple of Amer near Jaipur is also known as Meera Bai Temple. It’s one of the most beautiful and ornate temples of Amer. I’m sure you must have heard about Amer Fort. In case you haven’t, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the category of “Hill Forts of Rajasthan”. Amer Fort tops the list of places to visit in Jaipur. Here are a few pictures of Amer Fort.
Jagat Shiromani Temple is quite popular among tourists. It’s an irony that residents of Jaipur 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. It is one of the best example of temples built on raised pedestal.

Jagat Shiromani Temple is a tranquil and serene place. Isn’t it one of the reasons why we visit a 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.
Read The Elusive Mariam Mahal ruin
The temple has two entrances. It can be reached from the fort road in Amer town, its main entrance. The other one is through the flight of steps from Amer Fort. Here is a picture of the steps leading to the temple.

Architecture & Design
The most striking features of this temple are the marble Torans (pylon). The Torans are the ornamental arch of the gateway. It is said that these Torans are made from a single piece of marble. That’s commendable! Torans are usually found in Jain Temples.

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 many architectural styles have been fused together, to create a stunning masterpiece.

Jagat Shiromani Temple is built using three different types of stones -local stone (possibly some sort of sandstone), marble, and black stone (probably granite). The use of multiple stones has enhanced the beauty of the temple architecture, making it distinct. Temples in the vicinity are built using a single stone.
The temple is dedicated to 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 the 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.

According to the Hindu religion, Lord Krishna is a 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 supposed marriage. Toran ceremony is one of the important rituals in Hindu marriage. The ceiling of this temple has beautiful frescoes though they have weakened due to the time & poor maintenance. Some historians mention that the above theory doesn’t fit well. It is likely that this temple must have been made as a Jain temple; subsequently before it was complete, it might have been offered to the king. This theory stems from the fact that such ornate Torans are essentially a Jain temple element. Also, Amer had a large Jain population. Many wealthy merchants and ministers in Amer court were Jain.


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

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 the below picture.

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

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 the only temple having an idol of Meera Bai. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains the Jagat Shiromani Temple.
Read 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 the Amer Fort. Take the left lane after the Amer Elephant Stand on the Amer Road. Meera Bai Temple is essential part of the hertitage walking tour of Amer town. Many walk leaders start or end their walk in Jagat Shiromani temple.

You can locate the temple with the help of this map.
Jagat Shiromani Temple Timings
Jagat Shiromani temple is open from 6 AM to 1 PM and from 4 PM to 8 PM daily

Places to visit near Jagat Shiromani Temple
Check out Heritage Temples of Jaipur
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What a beautiful place!
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Thanks Fiona 😊
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This temple has such a significant history behind it! Would have loved to see the idol that Meera Bai worshipped, unfortunately, time did not permit.
Heard the story of another temple at (or near) Amer. The temple of Durga (if I am not mistaken). Can you tell me?
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No worries Somali. There’s always next time. Keep me posted whenever you are next in Jaipur will suggest you some good places to visit.
The temple you are referring to is Shila Mata temple. Idol here was found in the form of stone slab. It was originally at Jessore in Bengal and was brought to Amer in 13 th century after winning the war. Offering a was abandoned many years ago. It has huge following here in Jaipur. It is within Amer palace complex. Hope this helps Somali.
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Yes, my friend had told me about Shila Mata temple. Thanks for confirming.
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You are welcome Somali 😊
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There are so many temples in Jaipur, I never knew before. Thanks for the infos Somali.
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Happy to know you found it useful.
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A sight to behold. Great post.
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Thanks.
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Beautiful pics!!!
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Thank you 😃
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Nice post with lovely pics Jp…..
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Thank you 🙂
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I love the photos! The temple looks so beautiful!
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Thanks Kara 😃
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Hey this is nice!!
Meerabai’s story has always been my favourite. The romance in it appeals to me so much 😊
Awesome reading about the temple dedicated to her.
A lovingly crafted post!! 👍
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Thanks, Radhika. Let me share this with you. I wrote this post when I started blogging. It was during my exploration of this temple that idea of starting a blog and sharing with the world sprung up in my mind. I highly recommend visiting this temple.
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if I want to know about the this Temple who built and when it was built and to know about the story where I can get the books or related papers to read I am very much interested to read and work about that things waiting for your reply sir
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The best thing to do will be get in touch with ASI.
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