Pratapeshwar Temple in Jaipur is probably, one of the least heard among the heritage temples in Jaipur! Situated in Chandni Chowk, close to the world-famous City Palace, its presence can best be described as “muted’!

Muted? It’s because the entrance of Pratapeshwar Temple is overshadowed by the famous Triploia Gate as well as an uninspiring entrance gate.

It was built by Maharajah Sawai Pratap Singh.  World famous Hawa Mahal, Brij Nidhi temple, Goverdhan Nath temple to name a few were all commissioned by him.

The temple was built in 1794 AD,  so Pratapeshwar Temple is 267 Year old!

Upon entering the temple, we come across inner perimeter and gate which is ornate and beautifully adorned with lion motifs. . 

Lion motif is dominant in this entrance gate. Lion motif is a hallmark style among all the temples built by Maharajah Sawai Pratap Singh. Lion in Dhoondhadi Rajasthani was called Naahar

The Jaali pattern in the inner perimeter wall is similar to the architectural style used in Hawa Mahal, too. The architectural style used in Pratapeshwar Temple has two key elements – high plinth level and fusion of Mughal-Rajput architectural styles. Pratapeshwar Temple is located close to the Tripolia Gate which is a well know landmark in Jaipur.

To the uninitiated, Tripoliya Gate is closed for the use of  general public. It is reserved for the exclusive use of family members of the erstwhile Jaipur royalty or Maharajah of Jaipur.  Link to the picture

The tradition of installing foundation stone in the buildings was followed in Jaipur during 18th & 19th Century! In below picture, the foundation stone of Pratapeshwar Temple has all the relevant information like laying of  foundation stone, date etc.

Most temples sanctioned or commissioned by the Jaipur royalty followed Vaishnava sect of Hinduism. This one is an exception though. Pratapeshwar temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. Here is a picture of the Jagmohan or worship hall.

The temple sanctum has idols of Shiva Family i.e. Lord Ganesha, Kartika etc made out of white marble. It is also known as Shiv Panchayat.

Pratapeshwar Temple is highlighted with beautiful walls and entrance gate. But the building housing sanctum is understated and simple. Unlike other temples built during similar time frame, this one has a simple Jagmohan i.e. worship hall.

 

The temple follows same architectural feature as other temples founded by Maharajah Sawai Pratap Singh– high plinth and walls, opulent and beautiful use of chhatris, jharokhas and jaalis, similar to the Brij Nidhi temple.

Pratapeshwar Temple is maintained by Devesthan Department of Rajasthan. The maintenance of temple is far from satisfactory. There is an urgent need of repair and maintenance in the temple compound.

The popular opinion among the historians is that Jaipur reached its architectural epitome during the rule of Maharajah Sawai Pratap Singh. Hawa Mahal, Brij Nidhi temple are few examples of the exquisite workmanship and architecture of this period. 

Probably, in its heydays it was a popular temple, given its proximity to the city palace -the residence of royalty. Unfortunately, it’s not the same, anymore!

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