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Temples In Jaipur

The Obscure Pratapeshawar Temple In Jaipur

Pratapeshwar Temple in Jaipur is probably one of the least heard among the heritage temples in Jaipur! Situated in Chandni Chowk, close to one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jaipur, City Palace, its presence can best be described as “muted’! The entrance to Pratapeshwar Temple is overshadowed by the famous Triploia Gate as well as an uninspiring door.

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Entrance gate of Pratapeshwar Temple, Jaipur

It was built by Maharajah Sawai Pratap Singh.  Hawa Mahal, Brij Nidhi temple, Goverdhan Nath temple were commissioned by Sawai Pratap Singh. The temple was built in 1794 AD; Pratapeshwar Temple is 267 Year old!

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Entry gate to Pratapeshwar Temple, Jaipur

Upon entering the temple, one comes across an inner perimeter and gate which is ornate and beautifully adorned with lion motifs. . 

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Lack of maintenance is evident everywhere inside Pratapeshwar Temple, Jaipur

Lion motif is the most dominant feature of this entry gate. Lion motif is a hallmark style among all the temples built by Maharajah Sawai Pratap Singh. Lion in Dhoondhadi, a dialect of Rajasthani is 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 known landmark in Jaipur.

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

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

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Foundation stone of Pratapeshwar Temple,Jaipur

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

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Jagmohan. Pratapeshwar Temple, Jaipur
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Painting of Lord Shiva and Parvati inside the temple wall. Pratapeshwar Temple, Jaipur

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

Lion motif is dominant in this entrance gate. Lion in Lion motif is a hallmark style among all the temples built by Maharajah Sawai Pratap Singh. Dhoondhadi Rajasthani was called Naahar
Shiva Family also called Shiv Panchayat in the sanctum of Pratapeshwar Temple, Jaipur
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View of inner courtyard or Chowk

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

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Jagmohan 

The temple follows the same architectural features as other temples founded by Maharajah Sawai Pratap Singh–high plinth and walls, opulent and beautiful use of Chhatris, Jharokhas and Jalis, similar to the Brij Nidhi temple.

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Beautiful Chhatris, Jaalis and Jharokas in Pratapeshwar Temple, Jaipur

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

The popular opinion among historians is that Jaipur reached its architectural epitome during the rule of Maharajah Sawai Pratap Singh. Hawa Mahal, Brij Nidhi temple are a 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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53 thoughts on “The Obscure Pratapeshawar Temple In Jaipur”

    1. 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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    1. 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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    1. 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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  7. 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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  12. 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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    1. 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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      2. 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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    1. 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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  16. 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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    1. 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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  18. 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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    1. 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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