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Temples In Jaipur

Natwarji Temple | Kanak Vrindavan Garden

Kanak Vrindavan Garden in Kanak Vrindavan Ghati near Amer Fort has an old temple complex in Jaipur dedicated to Lord Krishna.

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Kanak Vrindavan Jaipur, as seen from distance.

History of Kanak Vrindavan Temples in Jaipur

Temples at Kanak Vrindavan Garden were built in 1713 AD. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur ordered the construction of a new temple for establishing the idol of Lord Govind Dev Ji upon its movement from Vrindavana in 1669 AD. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb issued an order to destroy all major Hindu temples across North India. Govind Dev Ji Idol was moved from Govind Devji temple in Vrindavan built by Man Singh I of Amer.  Vrindavana is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. More information on Aurangzeb & Mughals, at the end of this post.

This movement of deities from Vrindavana to Amer/ Jaipur was precautionary as the Kachhava rulers of Jaipur were followers of Lord Krishna; Govind Dev Ji temple was built by their forefathers. In part, it was also to save the Hindu religion.

From 1669 Ad to 1713 AD the deity did not have any permanent place as it kept moving from one place to another. The Kachwaha Rajputs ruled from Amber; Jaipur was not founded until 1727 AD. A need for a permanent place was felt to establish Govind Devji’s idol. Kanak Vrindavan Ghati was located on the outer edge of Amber town with Mansagar lake right next to it, making it a picturesque place. Maharajah Jai Singh II found this place most suitable for building a temple. It resembled the beautiful environs of Vrindavana with many Kadambh trees. The following picture depicts the beautiful Kanak Vrindavan Ghati.  There is Kanak Vrindavan temple in the center and Mansagar Lake in the background.

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Read Kanak Vrindavan Garden -Radha Madhav Temple

A final round of shifting of Lord Govind Dev Ji’s idol took place from Kanak Vrindavan Ghati to Jai Niwas garden, near Jaipur City Palace around 1716-1720 AD. The new site later came to be known as Govind Dev Ji temple. Hence the relationship of Lord Govind Devji with Kachhava rulers changed to a family deity. Here is a picture of Govind Devji Temple in Jaipur.

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After moving Lord Govind Devji to new temple premises at Jai Niwas in Jaipur, the Kanak Vrindavan Garden complex fell into oversight, neglect, and disrepair.  This situation prevailed for years until it was renovated by the Hindustan Charitable Trust, a few years ago.

Kanak Vrindavan complex consists of two temples. Natwar Ji temple is supposed to be built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II’s sister – Amar Kanwar in 1707 AD. Lord Govind Dev Ji deity was established in Radha Madhav Temple before moving it to Govind Devji temple in Jaipur.

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Natwarji Temple at Kanak Vrindavan Garden in a monochrome picture.

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Monochrome picture of Natwarji temple
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The signboard. Natwarji temple, Kanak Vrindavan, Jaipur

The temple is managed by Govind Devji temple trust.

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The entry to the temple is through the new stairs

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The sanctum of Natwarji Temple is beautiful and displays similar workmanship as Sheesh Mahal in Amer Palace. Here is a picture of Sheesh mahal from Amer fort.

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Of course, all this has been restored as the place was in shambles for more than a century. Everything has been restored beautifully as per the prevalent restoration practices; this effort needs to be appreciated.

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Inside the sanctum, an idol of Lord Krishna.

There is a prohibition on photography in the temple complex. I could only photograph places where this rule is not followed.

This is one of the early Haveli temples of Jaipur, an architectural style unique to Jaipur. These temples are masterpieces with beautiful architecture devoid of ostentatious elements. A regal style without going overboard; an understated elegance.

You must visit Kanak Vrindavan Garden for its beautiful environs and lovely architecture. This is much more than a temple.

Read Kanak Vrindavan Gardens | Radha Madhav Temple

Who was Mughal emperor Auranzeb?

Aurangzeb was the third son of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who ruled over a vast Indian subcontinent. Shah Jahan built the famous Taj Mahal, a UNESCO world heritage site in Agra. Aurangzeb is ill-famed in Indian history as he imprisoned his father Shah Jahan; executed his brothers in a struggle for the throne. He was a Muslim fanatic who after ascending to power in 1659 AD started a systematic program to destroy all popular Hindu temples and deities from 1666 AD on-wards across India. This is what most historians believe. Aurangzeb was a self-proclaimed defendant of Islam imposing the rule of sharia. He imposed Jizya, a tax on non-Muslims & was a cruel ruler, hated by the masses for his policies which led to the downfall of Mughal rule in India. Mughals were Muslims originating from central Asia who invaded India, ruling over a period reigning from 1526 AD to 1707 AD, after which their rule weakened.

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Beautiful chhatris at Natwar ji temple, Kanak Vrindavan Gardens, Jaipur!

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61 thoughts on “Natwarji Temple | Kanak Vrindavan Garden”

    1. Surbhi…I always find it difficult to “write well”. Transferring thoughts to the words has always been quite tough for me. As for photography, there are quite many things which I need to upgrade on…software being one of them. While everyone uses LR and PS, I still belong to old world – I don’t have either of these! Thank you for your kind comment Surbhi! 🙂

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      1. With whatever you write and click, you exhibit it well. 😊 I also find it difficult framing what I actually want to write, but when people appreciate it, there’s no better motivation for me!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Right Surbhi..there is always a different take by other people on your creation/ work. It’s true that appreciation is the best motivation. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s not surprising Sukanya. Given many options among tourist sites and paucity of time, it never features among top places to see in Jaipur. Probably its a blessing in disguise. 🙂

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      1. These old architectural structures mesmerizes me beyond words. They are made with such patience! Every nook and corner of them are given attention to. Just like you, I too can sit and admire each aspect of them one by one for hours. Or entire structure as a whole and the visual treat it gives.

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      2. Mana, in my opinion, the architectural heights achieved by our predecessors is had to replicate. each region had it’s own hallmark style. Looking at current architectural pattern and style, it seems we are merely aping west. we have nothing of our own…looks like the epitome of art and architecture was achieved long back and it’s heading nowhere now! 😦

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      3. “The epitome of art and architecture was achieved long back”, I completely agree with this! Even if we’d copy our own architecture rather than aping west as you say, our building would be more weather friendly!

        For instance the building I am sitting in right now. It is an institute and is built by a very famous architect, who has been student of another famous french architect. Architects from all over the world come to see it, but hardly anyone knows how unsuitable it is for the purpose it is built and how suffocating it is for us to sit and work.

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      4. It’s a problem we all are facing -cut copy paste! If it’s a glass building that’s in trend now, everyone wants that. Not realising that it might suit cold and overcast weather, sunny weather out here doesn’t require it. Local sensibilities have been thrown out! Well it’s a multinational mafia who needs to profit, architects are it’s instruments! Even in west, old architecture is forgotten. it’s a sin to even think about it. Unfortunately, we are made to believe that everything new is good.

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    1. Hi! These temples are not empty, it’s a pre-decided style of my photography. You’ll find people also in temple, you can check out Govind Devji temple posted in response to weekly photo challenge. It depends on what I’m focusing on. Do you prefer pictures of temple with people?

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      1. Frankly I find pictures with people more meaningful but that’s my personal choice. Our temples have a life of their own not seen in any other place of worship – noisy ,colourful,irreverent even , sometimes with monkeys or stray dogs hanging around . ….

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      2. Sure! You have a point here which I will agree with. My perspective here is different as I focus on it’s history and architecture. there were post like Govind dev ji temple and ramchandra temple where you’ll see lots of devotees. I usually visit temples when it’s less crowded. Another thing is that I write about many heritage temples which are not very popular but they have rich history. So there are various factors. But you will see devotees in some of the future posts. Thanks for writing your views, gives me a fresh perspective. 🙂

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    1. Somali, as per old vastu shastra there can be many layouts for temples, Haveli style architecture and layout is the most common one among the heritage temples of Jaipur commissioned by the royalty. 🙂

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    1. Thanks for reading and appreciating. There are many such places which are beyond standard tourist circuit, all it needs is interest and time to explore. Let me know whenever you are in town, will help you plan and visit. 🙂

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  15. Pingback: Brahampuri – Jaipur….some history! – Jaipur thru my lens !!

  16. I want to be here…………Nice, marvelous, beautiful…….
    Visit to my blog……….. and give your valuable comments and likes, if my blog is good so don’t forget to share……..I am looking forward for Content writing project I working as a freelancer……

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  18. Pingback: Kanak Vrindavan, Jaipur Part II/ Radha Madhav Temple – Jaipur thru my lens !!
  19. Pingback: View of the Kanak Vrindavan Garden & Mansagar Lake – Jaipur thru my lens !!

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