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 Guide
Jagat Shiromani Temple has become popular among tourists over the last few years. It’s an irony that residents of Jaipur are unaware of this temple. There is a popular opinion that this is the only temple dedicated to 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 examples of temples built on raised pedestals.
Jagat Shiromani Temple is a tranquil and serene place. Isn’t it one of the reasons why we visit a temple?
History Of Jagat Shiromani Temple
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 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 architectural 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.
Stories & legends Of Jagat Shiromani Temple
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 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 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 the 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. The Army of elephants, horses, and tiger faces 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 marble 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. The 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 Amer Road. Meera Bai Temple is an essential part of the heritage 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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Wow amazing! Where in India is Jaipur and how do you teach it from Delhi? I’ve only been to Delhi and someday must see all the splendor of India especially the mountains!
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Jaipur is located approximately 250 Km south west of Delhi. four hour journey by fastest train. It is hugely popular among the tourists. If you haven’t been to Jaipur, do visit next time…till then you can enjoy the pictures here on Jaipurthrumyblog!
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Thanks so much! So much I need to see in India. It is a fascinating country and my favorite food in the world!
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All I can is …. Amen!
🙂
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Nice account,liked the story behind it
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I’m happy you liked it Anidita 🙂
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Very Beautifully written and covered . We too were there on 26 January this year and found it as a must visit place when you are in Jaipur !!
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you were? That’s great…
🙂
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You’ve given the temple a nice introduction. Meera’s love for Lord Krisha seems to show in this temple and I liked how various architectural styles can be seen there.
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Thank you Alok. Happy to know you liked it. Its a beautiful temple worth exploring 🙂
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I’m one of among those to whom you can feel pity, being a resident how come this wonderful place was not in my knowledge. No doubts its architectural style and carvings are amazingly beautiful as any other monuments of royal land of Rajasthan. Think in next visit I need to contact you for all those leftover sightseeing in Jaipur.
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Priyanka, I too was unaware of these gems until two years ago. I have come across so many interesting places, fact and stories. Probably more than what I have blogged till now. Do let me know whenever you are next in town. 🙂
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It’s famous as Meera’s temple. I didn’t know the actual name of the temple before reading your post. What a wonderful piece of architecture!
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Indeed its one of the most beautiful temples around, Maniparna. Since you mentioned that you didn’t know the name, have you ever been here or seen pictures of this temple?
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My husband earlier used to visit different places of Rajasthan regarding his work. He had been in this temple too, and mentioned it as Meera’s Temple.
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Ah! Your husband has visited this temple? Great to know, Maniparna. 🙂
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Everything looks so pretty! Sounds like you had a great visit as well 🙂
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Indeed! I would love to visit it again. Thanks for sharing your views. 🙂
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This place looks like it’s holds a lot of history….you took interesting pictures
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Certainly, this temple has interesting tale behind it. Thanks for checking it out and sharing your views. 🙂
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How majestic and beautiful! Thanks for sharing the view through your lens!
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Thanks Kari. Thanks for checking it out. 🙂
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That’s a beautiful temple with so much history.
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True. Its one of its kind of temple in the city with beautiful architecture and interesting history.
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Such a beautiful place to go! I would love to visit this temple ❤ >
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Sure you must visit this temple. 🙂
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It’s beautiful!
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It sure is. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
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What a beautiful place!
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Thank you. 🙂
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The detail in the architecture is stunning and the fact that the torans are each made from a single piece of marble is more than commendable! A wonderful tour of the temple, Arv, and very interesting information regarding its history. It’s funny how many ‘locals’ ignore their local sites, no matter how interesting or historic they are. I suppose they just get so used to them being there.
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Thanks Millie. You are right. Except for the famous monuments, locals ignore local heritage and history. It’s a irony!
The marble toran is incredibly beautiful. It’s a masterpiece.
I enjoy your posts of places around your town.I also admire your strong connect to heritage and history. Soem of your recent posts on Cornwall is very inetresting Millie. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. 🙂
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Such intricate carving… I loved the elephant statue at the start of the post. As always, great, well detailed post 🙂
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It’s surely one of it’s kind of temple looking at its architecture, Pradita. There’s something really nice about this temple. It’s so peaceful. I’m happy to now you liked it. 🙂
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I did. 😊
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🙂
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