Govind Dev Ji or Krishna is the most admired deity in Jaipur. Govind Dev Ji Temple is one of its kind temple in Jaipur and has a huge following. It is one of the few temples in Jaipur attracting a large number of devotees. It is commonly referred to as Aradhya Govind Dev Ji. Many travelers visit Govind Dev Ji temple to experience the atmosphere of Bhakti during the Darshan or Aarti. Indeed, the experience is one of a kind. I have met many people who speak highly about it and equate it with a spiritual experience. Of course, in my opinion, this is personal and it is possible that not everyone might agree. I will leave that decision for the reader to decide.
A Guide To Govind Dev Ji Temple in Jaipur
Govind Dev Ji Temple Vrindavan
In 1590, Mirza Raja Mansingh built the Govind Dev Ji temple in Vrindavan. The temple was built during the rule of Mughal ruler Akbar. Mirza Raja Mansingh was his trusted general. Mughal Ruler Aurangzeb is infamous for causing the destruction of Hindu temples and mutilating the idols therein following a firman in 1699 largely in North India. This is a common belief although many researchers hold different views. Govind Dev Ji temple in Vrindavan was also one such temple. As per popular legend, the two floors of the temple were destroyed. The idols had been smuggled out before the sanctum was destroyed. Some records claimed that Aurangzeb himself offered prayer after the destruction and conversion to a mosque in 1670. Later, in 1870, this temple was restituted to Hindu devotees under British rule. As per available information, this is one of its kind event where the Britishers restored the destroyed Hindu temple.
Govind Dev Ji Temple Jaipur History
Govind Devji Temple is supposedly built around 1730 AD by Maharajah Sawai Jai Singh II. The idol of Govind Dev Ji was brought to Amer from the temple in Vrindavan, to save it from the destruction order of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The temple is today known as Kanak Vrindavan Temple – Radha Madhav Mandir. Govind Devji’s idol was later shifted to its current location near Jaipur City Palace near Jai Niwas not far from Jaipur City Palace. Some records also mention that idol of Govind Dev Ji was shifted to the current location in 1716 AD, much before the city was founded.
Photography at Govind Dev Ji temple is challenging with constantly moving devotees and low light conditions.
The atmosphere of Bhakti at Govind Dev Ji Temple & Devotees
Irrespective of the slot, the Jagmohan or prayer hall is always teeming with devotees. Lord Govind Dev Ji was revered by Jaipur royalty, public admired the Lord equally. While many things have changed with the concept of royalty and rulers long gone, admiration by the public for their Lord still continues unabated.
This is a common scene witnessed at Govind Dev Ji temple especially when people are unable to have Darshan of their admired deity. They perform Parikrama.
People raise their hands during Darshan time; asking Lord Govind Dev Ji to bless them
Religious Significance of Govind Dev Ji Temple
Govind Dev Ji temple is one of the important temples of Gaudiya Vaishnavs. This form of Vaishanavs follows Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Bengal region is the origin of these Vaishanavs. Some researchers mention that Kacchawa Amer rulers started following Chaitanya Mahaprabhu at some point. The custodian of the temple are Bengalis and are known as Goswamis. Their genealogy can be traced to Rupa Goswami. The temple is managed by a trust.
Krishna Temples in Jaipur
Govind Dev Ji is not the only Krishna temple in Jaipur. There are many other Krishna temples in Jaipur. While a few can be classified under the heritage temples of Jaipur others were built during the last 3 decades. Some of the temples that fall in the heritage category are Brij Nidhi Temple, Goverdhan Nath Ji Temple, Radha Damodar temple, Radha Madhav Mandir, Natwar Ji Mandir, Sri Govardhan Nath Ji Temple, Anand Bihari Temple, Charan Mandir, Sri Radha Gopinath Ji Temple, to name a few. Among the new Krishna temples in Jaipur are the ISCON temple, and Sri Krishna Balram Mandir- Akshay Patra, among others. However, Govind Dev Ji is the most famous Krishna temple in Jaipur.
Unique Aspects Of Govind Dev Ji Temple
The idols in the temple are adorned in special dresses made according to the season. Therefore, Govind Dev Ji wears summer dresses and winter dresses which are made from materials suitable for the weather. Apart from these, there are special dresses for special occasions or auspicious days. The temple trust follows a specific schedule for make-up or Shringar. In short, Govind Dev Ji is treated like a human person.
Govind Dev Ji Darshan Timing
Darshan at Govind Dev Ji temple can be done 7 times a day as per fixed schedule/slots; Temple follows the same pattern as the temples in Vrindavan. Check here for darshan/Jhanki timings. The slots change as per season. For Govind Devji Jhanki Darshan time table refer to their official website – govinddevji.net/jhakia.htm
This post is part of the Weekly Photo Challenge –Admiration. Check out previous posts on Weekly Photo Challenge–Click here
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🙂 Really a sacred experience watching these photos (despite low light). It is interesting how differently lord Krishna is worshipped across the world. Names and forms.
I also find the ancient temples and their history interesting. Enjoyed the way you added desciption with each photo.
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Mana.. Jaipur has many heritage temples built over the years by various members of Jaipur royalty. They were all ardent followers of Lord Krishna. it’s very interesting to explore difference in style and architecture of temple and relating it with it’s time period. Jaipur is a gold mine if you love heritage temples. At the time of independence, walled part of Jaipur city – had over 600 temples!
Thanks for liking and commenting mana!
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Oh my God! That’s quite a number. I am very much interested into ‘ love heritage temples’ since they are amalgamation of so many things. Art, architecture, iconography, literature and history. It basically reflects the people and their view to look at life. It is interesting how people create an entire world within a temple. And also how at the end only temples survive of any civilization. Probably that’s those who have built become immortal. Will surely come to Jaipur someday to specially visit the select temples.
In fact my research is on a pilgrim place and a Sanskrit Kavya written about it.
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True. Kings have always tried to outlive their name long after they are gone by creating great architecture, buildings and temples. Tradition that has been abandoned. Therefore lot of thought and efforts went into the creation. What is created now in terms of buildings is not unique anymore. what is your research subject Mana?
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Are you acquainted with Palitana? Mount Shatrunjaya? Mine is a 14th century Sanskrit Kavya narrating renovation of this pilgrim place. How it was invaded by the foreign rulers and how it was reconstructed.
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Yes I’m. Jain temple… ? That’s interesting. Have you posted it somewhere?
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No, not yet. It is the topic for my doctoral degree. So, not until I complete it.
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Oh! Will look forward to it then!
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Such a beautiful choice
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Thank You Janaline! 🙂
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I’ll call this faith 🙂 great pictures and well done for the prompt!
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Thank you for those words Parul 🙂
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some other interesting entries for WPC-Admiration are as follows:
https://ruthsarc.com/2016/05/02/weekly-photo-challenge-admiration/
https://theeternaltraveller.wordpress.com/2016/05/02/telling-stories-one-stitch-at-a-time/
https://cartoslibrary.wordpress.com/2016/05/01/admiration-libraries-and-antiquarians/
https://awawdrodze.wordpress.com/2016/05/01/wpc-admiring-work/
https://johnsviccellio.wordpress.com/2016/05/01/weekly-photo-challenge-admiration/
https://eyestoheart.me/2016/05/01/street-art-in-firenze/
https://mytravelness.wordpress.com/2016/05/01/admiration/
https://snaphappi.wordpress.com/2016/05/01/admiration/
https://atpomis.com/2016/05/01/weekly-photo-challenge-admiration/
https://asnappshot.wordpress.com/2016/05/01/mahatma-gandhi/
https://wanderingcows.wordpress.com/2016/05/01/weekly-photo-challenge-admiration/
https://thirdeyemom.com/2016/04/30/the-rebirth-of-spring/
https://equineguidedgrowth.com/2016/04/30/mindfulness-sixteen-steps/
https://twobrownfeet.com/2016/04/30/yin-and-yang/
https://mywordwall.wordpress.com/2016/04/30/music-man-for-wpc-admiration/
https://ameditativejourney.wordpress.com/2016/04/29/weekly-photo-challenge-admiration/
https://thirdpersontravel.com/2016/04/29/admiration-dp-weekly-photo-challenge/
https://memorycatcher.me/2016/04/29/weekly-photo-challenge-admiration/
https://mygulitypleasures.wordpress.com/2016/04/29/weekly-photo-challenge-admiration/
https://oliteahouse.wordpress.com/2016/04/29/admiration/
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All very well yet when will people realize God, no matter which name, cannot be found in the air. Or the walls of whatever building. There is only one place to find love and peace. That is in, your hearts. Cheers Jamie.
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You’re so right…However things are pretty different across the world. While we are seeking God in buildings and places…we forget to search in ourselves. Another things is God resides in humans, so humanity is mother of all religion. Serve Humans to get closer to the God…whatever name and form you may call! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!…appreciate that..
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Beautiful photos! I wish I can visit to India someday and sure Jaipur is one of the destinations 🙂
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I’m happy to learn that Jaipur is top on your list. ..and also that you enjoy the pictures on the blog! 🙂
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nice post arv.. i always love the calm and peaceful feeling associated with temples… i can feel it even in midst of a crowd thronging the place… 🙂
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Nitin! what I felt at this temple is that devotees behave in a manner as if they know each other. The atmosphere is quite like a family
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Lovely post Arv. Photos with the description will make anyone understand the ways of worship done. Temples are places where there has to be a place where you can sit and meditate. Looks like this temple is one. My list of places to visit has this for sure.
On note of the pictures taken in capetown I have put some in Instagram. tingle-ur-tastebuds. Follow me there.
Have a great weekend Arv. 👍🏼
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Thank you!
The vibe at this temple is certainly different. It buzzing with activity
Do visit this temple when you’re in Jaipur.
Already followed you on instagram. 🙂
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Thankyou. Sure will do. 👍🏼😊
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🙂
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So many helpless people! Nice post anyway.
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I appreciate your point of view. I personally feel, more people are heading towards temples to seek some respite from their problems. At least, among all popular temples like Tirupati or Vaishano Devi, number of visitors seem to be rising. Thanks for posting your thoughts! 🙂
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Super Duper Post once again. The scene looks like that from any temple in Mathura Vrindavan.
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I haven’t been there to witness this…so you’re better judge. Thanks Anuradha. 😃
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I have visited Jaipur three times and somehow i missed visiting this temple. I am adding it to my bucket list. I will definitely visit the temple, the next time i am in Jaipur.
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Certainly, you must visit this temple. Do note that darshan is possible only during the prefixed timing window.
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I was not knowing about this govind dev ji temple in jaipur. It really worth to go here. Darshan can be done 7 times which is great.
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I would definitely recommend a visit if you love culture and religion. It is an offbeat exploration, Yukti. 🙂
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I am from India but i never get a single chance to visit Jaipur, all pics looks amazing, added to wishlist 🙂 thanks for sharing your experience with us.
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It is always interesting to learn about Indian history and the amazing places that exist within. Great share
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Thank you 🙂
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I’m not sure if or when I will ever get to India, but the more I see, the more I want to go and experience the culture there. These were really great pictures you took!
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I’m hoping someday you will. Ever read the book -The secret?
The universe will conspire to make it happen.
Thanks for appreciation and comment. 🙂
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the photos are nice. I would love to visit India someday to learn more about the culture! I feel like there’s so much to learn and explore! 🙂
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Certainly, If you love to learn about culture, India is a great place. There are many cultures out here. And also a huge diversity to experience and explore. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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Looks like such a spirital and sacred experience, what lovely photos x
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Thanks for your kind comment and appreciation. 🙂
It surely is. Ever been to India?
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