Temples represent an essential aspect of Indian culture. This is one of the things most foreign travelers look forward to discover during their Indian travel experience. Like many other cities in India, Jaipur has temples at every nook and corner, especially in the walled city area. However, only a few temples enjoy a substantial following, attracting a swarm of devotees. A visit to Govind Dev Ji Temple and Moti Dungari Temple form a significant part of the daily lives of many residents. I have written about one of these temples – Govind Devji Mandir in a few of my write-ups. Govind Devji Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Moti Dungari Temple,Lord Ganesha.
It wouldn’t be inappropriate to say Moti Dungari Temple is akin to Siddhi Vinayak Temple in Mumbai. On Wednesdays, the area around the temple gets swarmed by devotees causing traffic snarls. Thousands of devotees conduct a mandatory visit to pay respect to the deity.
History
Moti Dungari Ganesh Temple was built by Seth Jai Ram Palliwal in 1761 AD. Sawai Madho Singh I, the king of Jaipur was an ardent follower of Lord Ganesha. During one of his visit to his in-laws in Mawli, Mewar, he wished to construct a Ganesha temple in Jaipur. The king of Mewar instructed the Ganesha idol to be transported to Jaipur by a bullock cart. According to popular legend, the cart stopped at the base of Moti Dungari hill and couldn’t be moved. It was decided the temple be built right at this spot assuming it a wish of God. Here is a picture of Moti Dungari Hill with a fort.
Some sources mention the name of Mahant Shiv Narain as a person instrumental in founding this temple. The idol of Lord Ganesh is presumed to be 750-900 years old. Here is an old picture of Moti Dungari Fort from a postcard. Source- Google.
Information
The idol of Ganesha is in the sitting form and wears a vermillion color which is considered as the dress. The temple architecture doesn’t have any striking outward characteristics and is comparatively small.
As per tradition, People visit this temple to seek blessings of the lord before starting any new venture or auspicious work. It an essential part of Hindu customs.
This temple follows the tradition of the Gaudiya Vaishnava sect. The priest’s family is primarily from Bengal and follows the tradition whereby the descendant of the priest is the successor. Therefore, they are called Mahant.
Lord Ganesha is considered to be an obstacle remover. Therefore, people visit here for a small ceremony on the purchase of a new vehicle and to invite Lord Ganesh for auspicious events like marriage. It is difficult not to notice the shops selling Besan Ladoo in the vicinity. This is the most popular offering people make in the temple.
Over the last few years, the temple was involved in a court case as the temple authorities placed barricades obstructing the road leading to the temple. This resulted in inconvenience to the public as it was an encroachment. Moreover, metal railings were installed on the road for maintaining a queue system for entry to the temple. This too created a public nuisance. The court ruling went against the temple management, and amendments were made suitably.
One might wonder why it is called Moti Dungari? Moti refers to pearl and Dungari is a hillock. The temple is situated at the base of a small hillock. I possess a little clue about why it is called Moti. The fort located above the temple used to be called Shankargarh.
It was one of the preferred places of Maharani Gayatri Devi, the last queen of Jaipur. She spent considerable time in this fort and Rambagh Palace, which is closeby.
The kind of aura Govind Devji Temple commands is immense and unrivaled. It hasn’t changed ever since the city was founded. The following for Moti Dungari Temple, on the contrary, has gone up during the last 50 years. Therefore, in many ways, both temples are incomparable. One can experience the respect Govind Devji commands in the heart and minds of people.
The probable reason for this difference can be one of this analogy. Ever since Jaipur was founded, the Jaipur royalty considered Govind Dev Ji as the real ruler of the city. Many of the rulers would start the day with Darshan of Govind Devji. This wasn’t the case with Ganesh Ji Temple. The oldest Ganesha temple in Jaipur is Garh Ganesh Temple in Brahampuri established by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It is a historic temple.
Timings
The temple is open between 5.30 AM to 1.30 PM and 4.30 to 9.00Â PM.
It follows a system of 7 Darshan (windows) whereby a devotee can seek blessings in the temple. Arti takes place many times in the chosen time slots. Here are the slots.
- Mangla -4.30-4.45 AM
- Dhoop – 7.15-8.15 AM
- Shringar – 9.15-9.45 AM
- Rajbhog -11.00-11.15 AM
- Gwal -6.30-6.45 PM
- Sandhya -7.15-745 PM
- Shayan -9.15-9.30 PM
When to Visit
Wednesdays are crowded. One should watch out for pickpockets. As is customary in temples across India, footwear needs to removed before entering the temple. It is best to handover and obtain a token from the incharge for safekeeping of your footwear. Beggars too pose a big nuisance. Reading more on begging issues in India. Other than Wednesdays, the temple doesn’t have so much crowd.
The biggest highlight of the temple is celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi. The celebration lasts more than a day and culminates in a procession which travels all the way to the base of a Garh Ganesh Temple hillock. Here is a picture of the view from Garh Ganesh Temple.
Why is Moti Dungari The Most Popular Ganesh Temple In Jaipur?
Even though Garh Ganesh Temple is the most oldest Ganesh Ji temple in Jaipur, it doesn’t match the number of visitors in Moti Dungari Ganesh Temple. If you are wondering about the reason, here it is. Reaching Garh Ganesh Temple involves a climb through ardous stairs. Only a few can do so on a regular basis. People always prefer an easy way out. Th central location of Moti Dungari Ganesh also helps. Here is a picture of Garh Ganesh Temple stairs.
Places to visit nearby
The Birla Mandir is a popular place visited by the tourists which is just a few meters near Moti Dungari Temple. It makes a great sense to club this with a visit to Birla Mandir. Here are a few pictures of Birla Mandir Jaipur.
If you enjoyed reading this post, don’t forget to share it on your social media.
Follow me on  Facebook    Twitter    Instagram
Wow. This looks like a great place to visit. Thanks for the giving us the history of the temple. I’m always interested in the history of a place when I visit. I’ve got your country on my bucket list, Arv. Thanks for the informative post and the awesome photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think history provides a unique perspective because it is specific to the place. I am sure these temples will be unique experience for a traveler from your side of the world. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Lisa 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like this richly illustrated post on the great temples of Jaipur. I find it interesting to compare the magnificent structures by looking at old b/w photos that you often use. Have a wonderful week and warm greetings from Canada, Arv!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always like to compare things when talking about history. It provides perspective. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this post. Wishing you a great week ahead to you too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent post! Wonderful blend of history and culture.
Great photos. Felt like a personal tour.
So nice to get a viewpoint from a resident and not a travel company – LOL
thanks 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you liked it, Teri. I agree a local can offer a lot more than a tourist guide. Have you been to India?
LikeLike
Arv, we are under lock down and those laddoos… not fair…
Joke apart, never really thought about the origin of its name Moti Dungri. Definitely a lot informative post!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! You are skilled enough to recreate these Ladoos in your home, Deeksha. I’m sure you will soon write a post on these Ladoos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Arv, I have a post on besan ke ladoo. But you know, sometimes we wish to relish food without going in the kitchen..
Your food photography is wonderful!! I still remember those Ghevar 😋😋
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know..sometimes you just want to enjoy without getting into so much work. Well, this picture was clicked with a smartphone, so fancy equipment.
Ghevar is something else. So synonymous with the city!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed 💯
LikeLike
Why would the temple want to put barricades up? I can see why they wouldn’t want that much traffic, but it definitely would make it much more difficult for people to visit. I have always wanted to see a temple. They are beautiful and so full of “history”
LikeLiked by 1 person
The reason temple put barricade is to stop vehicular traffic so as to make things easier for the devotees. It also reduces traffic congestion. I don’t think any temple should rob people of their right to use a road. I hope you do get to visit a temple. Where are you based?
LikeLike
It’s interesting to learn about other cultures and beliefs. The Moti Dungari Temple is a lot more ornate than some of the other temples I have seen. Or at least it appears that way to me. I’ve never been to India, so I don’t know from personal experience. Can you explore the old fort or is it off limits? I’m sure the views are really great from up that high.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kathleen, Jaipur has much more ornate temples than this one. But yes, the interior of the temple is ornate. I hope you get to visit India and Jaipur someday. The experience is far better than pictures. The fort in this post is privately owned so one cannot visit this place. There are many other forts that one can definitely visit in Jaipur. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kathleen.
LikeLike
Stunning photos–what a beautiful place! The colors and intricate details are just lovely. My knowledge of Indian culture and history is very limited, I appreciate the history you shared.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you get to visit Jaipur sometime soon. I’m sure you will the visit. 🙂
LikeLike
Moti Dungari Temple looks like a fascinating site to visit. Thanks for sharing the history Arv, there’s so much to learn about Indian culture. Even though the Garh Ganesh Temple has a lot of stairs I’d love to visit that one too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sure is fascinating. The stairs are from another temple dedicated to the same God. I’m sure you will love visiting the city,
LikeLike
Great post, and even better pictures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Shikha. Have you been to Jaipur?
LikeLiked by 1 person
No… unfortunately not.. Only been to Bikaner for a wedding when I was in high school. Clearly, I am missing a lot!
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh! Hope you get to visit someday. 🙂
LikeLike
Great post again, love your images. I always learn something from your posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and inspiring. I was just wondering if you have permanently shifted to Turkey?
LikeLike
Hi there, so we have bought a yacht here in Turkey. Due to Covid-19 we are unable to sail anywhere at this stage so we are having some work done on the boat. Once we have finished that and are cleared to go we will continue on our way. But at the moment we are living in Turkey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh. It looks like you are currently living in a beautiful place. Enjoy while it lasts, Justine. All the best.
LikeLike
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome post! These are very good recipes to use daily!
LikeLike
I guess you have posted wrong comment here. 🙂
LikeLike
This is wonderful , getting to know your experience and seeing others reactions to it. Glad you had fun!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Javier.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Missed this place during my Jaipur trip. It was a virtual tour. While reading felt like being there. Wonderful as always.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reena, this is not a tourist site therefore it’s not on the travellers list. Birla Mandir which is close by is definitely a popular tourist site. Thanks for sharing your views. Stay safe. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the history of the temples….well written Arv!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Ramani! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a wonderful post. It has history, joy blended into it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m glad you liked this
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s interesting learning about other cultures. I enjoyed reading this article
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
LikeLike
Great place, nice photos, thnx to share this lovely post.
LikeLike
Oh I have been here, didn’t know the history bit. Knowing it makes it much more fascinating.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you have been here. Was that a couple of years ago, Christin?
LikeLike
2years back, me and my father had amazing time exploring Jaipur.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Super happy to hear this, Christin. Where are you based?
LikeLike