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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It looks beautiful! Definitely a new one for me. Thanks, Arv.
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Hi Mick! Glad to know that you liked this one. Even though I had planned to visit this temple few months back, I could only visit it in November. There’s lot to write but lately, I’m short of time! hence could post it only now!
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In spite of neglect of maintenance the temple is very beautiful. Your city is so rich in cultural monuments. Would you say that other cities in India have likewise so much to offer?
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India has a rich history, which means that heritage sites are in plenty! While some places are quite strong others are not so lucky. But even then, you will find quite a bit. Rajasthan (it’s a state) has many many forts, palaces, temples….If you love history, culture, religion, look no further!
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Most of the historical monuments are not maintained, but this still looks good to me 🙂
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Anoop, Yes, this is fine. But last repair work carried out in this temple was four years back, looking at condition of temple, it does need some repair. Thanks for checking out my blog!
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My pleasure 🙂
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🙂
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Very interesting post and enjoyed the photos – thanks for sharing 🙂
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Thanks Colette B! I’m happy that you enjoyed this post!
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Wonderful buildings..! Jaipur is a wonderful city..! 🍁
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it sure is! 🙂
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Indeed..! 🍁
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I find it interesting, to me. That those who write about, the notion of the Anunnaki, etc. Once again the image of Shiva is with a Snake or Naga reptile around the neck, or in the hand. That the Lion images over the gate, too, may be seen in the older temples or city gateways in Greece, of Cybele.
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Never knew that similar Lion images exists in Greece too! Thanks for this piece of info! 🙂
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion_Gate
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Thanks for the link..checking it out right away!
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This was such a great post. It is still so beautiful in spite of its neglect.
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Yes, Debbie.. the grandeur that was meant to be is still there..A little more care, will highlight it even better! Thanks for reading and commenting! 🙂
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Beautiful pics, Thanks for the post
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🙂
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Glad to have Jaipur lovers like you take us on journeys to these hidden gems.
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And I’m happy with people like you who appreciate it! 🙂
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Never heard before about this temple… Thanks
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Neither have most residents of Jaipur!! It’s a irony… thanks for reading and following my blog!
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Hope to get such unexplored stuff more often… 😉
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🙂
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I missed these temples. I saw only Govindji. mandir. I have another blog My Pilgrimage. So I wish to visit many temples.
Any inputs on abt. Jaisalmer and Udaipur
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These temples are pretty close to the major tourist attractions like city palace and jantar mantar, but they’ve never been highlighted by tourist industry. do visit lodhurva jain temples and jain temple complex in jaiselmer. you can visit nathdwara and shreenathji both near udaipur but located in different directions. nathdwara temples are quite similar to dilwara temple. what the complete url of my pilgrimage?
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I will chk ur blog. Tnx for information. It is difficult to find such info on net
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I agree with that Chitra. The net is full of information…..Unfortunately, only the regular and cliche type! Very less information beyond the tourist circuits!
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Mine is chitra-mypilgrimage.blogspot.com
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Checking it out…Thanks
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Never knew about the temple. Terrific shots and thanks for uncovering the hidden gem.
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Arunabh! Even I’m discovering such places! In terms of pictures, personally I feel the light conditions were not good. hence these pictures aren’t as good as I would like them to be. thanks for visit and comments. appreciate it. 🙂
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Beautiful as always!
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Thanks Lidiia! you never fail to appreciate.. 🙂
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It seems that I`m already in love with Jaipur)
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Wow! I guess next logical step would be a visit….in future? Btw, if you love Jaipur, I take that as a compliment! 🙂
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Yeah, India is on my wish list) so Jaipur too)
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🙂
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Just makes me wonder how so close to God they were back then to have such large paintings.
The architecture definitely speaks of their culture. Your captures are great, I see you closeness to such places.
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Thank You Alok! Out here the rulers were big time followers of Lord Krishna and built many ornate and flamboyant temples. They were pretty religious. the walled part of city -old one contains more than thousand temples!
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The architecture is beautiful and unique and the colours and carvings help me to imagine how fabulous this temple was when it was first built. What a wonderful place to visit.
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You’re so right Millie! It was intended to be a masterpiece 🙂
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Wow. Another hidden gem. Love the heritage of Jaipur. There is so much to see and discover in the lanes around the crumbling buildings. I really really wish they restore it. It is timeless treasure.
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I hope so too. Unfortunately the state department which manages all these temples built by royalty/ erstwhile rulers doesn’t have enough resources. They are unable to appoint a dedicated priest to these temples. So priests are supposed to take care of two or three temples. It’s a sad state!
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