From my childhood years, I grew up witnessing a religious procession or a pilgrimage in Jaipur during the rainy season; a regular monsoon event. While cycling back from my school with my friend on the days of procession, it was sad to witness littering by many of these pilgrims on roads. Back then, I had no understanding of what this pilgrimage was about. I can also recall how some of the people working for our family would take a day or two off to undertake this pilgrimage. Over time, I understood what this annual pilgrimage in Jaipur is all about. What remains unchanged over the years is that pilgrims still litter. So what is this annual monsoon pilgrimage in Jaipur called? It is called Diggi Kalyan Yatra. Some even refer to it as Diggi Malpura Pad Yatra. The term Pad Yatra refers to a pilgrimage undertaken on foot. This pilgrimage is different from another popular monsoon religious pilgrimage, called Kanwad Yatra. Here is a picture of Kanwar Yatra in Jaipur.

What you need to know about Diggi Kalyan Lakhi Padyatra

Diggi Yatra is one of the most important pilgrimages in the region of Jaipur or Dhundhar, as it was known before. Here is a picture Diggi Yatra with vehicles in Ramniwas Garden, Jaipur.

What is Diggi Kalyan Yatra?

The Diggi Kalyan Yatra is an annual pilgrimage or “Padyatra” from Jaipur to the Shri Diggi Kalyan Ji Temple in Diggi, Malpura Tehsil of Tonk district, Rajasthan. Shri Diggi Kalyan Ji Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Kalyanji. Padayatra means pilgrimage on foot. For many, this is a barefoot pilgrimage undertaken out of devotion. Diggi Kalyan Yatra covers a distance of approximately 90 Km. If you have not read about Vishnu temple in Jaipur, read: Chaturbhuj Temple Jaipur

What is the purpose and significance of Diggi Kalyan Yatra?

The purpose of Diggi Kalyan Yatra is to seek blessings of the deity, Kalyan Ji to remove obstacles, roadblocks and sufferings especially related to health. Kalyan Ji Temple is located in Diggi town approx. 90 km from Jaipur.

When will Diggi Kalyan Yatra take place?

Diggi Kalyan Yatra takes place in the month of Savan or monsoon, as per the Hindu or Indian calendar. Usually, it falls in July or August, every year. These are the months that receive a lot of rain, also called, monsoon. Here is a picture of Yatra during the rains in Ramniwas Garden near Albert Hall Museum.

What is the history of Shri Diggi Kalyan Pad Yatra pilgrimage?

There are many stories associated with the history of Diggi Kalyan Padyatra pilgrimage in Jaipur. The first legend associated with the history of Shri Diggi Kalyan Yatra is of Guli Devi Chhipa. She started Padyatra to Shri Kalyan Ji Temple in Diggi with women from Shri Gopinath Temple in Jaipur in the 1950s. The next one is associated with Shankarlal Pudiwala & Sarju Devi, his wife. The couple started Diggi Kalyan Yatra in 1963 with a few devotees from Roop Chaturbhuj Temple near Choti Chaupar in Jaipur. Another Diggi Kalyan Yatra, senior citizens from the city recall, was initiated by Rameshwar from Tarkeshwar Temple, Jaipur in 1963.

The most popular story associated with the history of Shri Diggi Kalyan Pad Yatra pilgrimage is of Rameshwarlal. Someone suggested him to take a pilgrimage to Diggi Kalyan Ji Temple to fulfil his wish for a son. He initiated a pilgrimage to Diggi Kalyan Temple with a few of their friends and devotees. After a while, his wish came true. He named his son Shree Jee. After being blessed with a son, Rameshwar Lal visited Diggi Kalyan Temple in his car, an old Hinustan Motor model- Ambassador. The Diggi Malpura Yatra in Jaipur starts from Tarkeshwar Temple in Chaura Rasta. Shree Jee initiates the Yatra. The old Ambassador car is also part of the annual pilgrimage tradition. Here is a picture of Tarkeshwar Mandir, Chaura Rasta, Jaipur.

How did Diggi Malpura Padyatra become so big?

What started as a personal pilgrimage of Rameshwar Lal and a vow has turned into a big movement, it is now a Lakhi yatra meaning yatra attended by a few Lakh people. When it comes to demographics, people from all walks of life attend Diggi Kalyan Malpura Yatra. People have high hopes and expectations when undertaking this padyatra, especially healing from disease. Of late, Diggi Kalyan Ji Mela is a big attraction among the locals, drawing a large crowd.

What is the Diggi Ji Padayatra Experience?

The padyatra starts at Tarkeshwar Temple in Chaura Rasta. From there it moves to Albert Hall Museum through Ramniws Garden, Teen Murti, Birla Temple, Gandhi Circle and on to Tonk Road all the way to Diggi in Malpura in Tonk district. Shri Diggi Yatra terminates at Kalyan Ji Temple in Diggi village. The temple is around 90 km from Jaipur.

Facts associated with Diggi Kalyan Ji Yatra

Old Car in Padytra

The opening ceremony of Diggi Kalyan Ji Padyatra includes an old Ambassador car used by Mr. Rameshwar Lal for promotional and press coverage. Usually, the media coverage in the local newspaper has a picture of an old Ambassador car.

What is route of Diggi Yatra?

The Diggi Padayatra starts at Tarkeshwar Temple in Chaura Rasta, Jaipur and ends at Kalyan Ji Temple in Diggi town. The Diggi Padyatra route map includes Ram Niwas Garden, JLN Marg, Rambagh Circle, Sanganer, and finally, Diggi town.

Where is Diggi Kalyan Temple?

Diggi Kalyan Temple is in the town of Diggi, near Malpura. It is 90 km from Jaipur.

What is Diggi Yatra support system?

Many organisations and individuals set up stalls to provide food and water to devotees doing the Padyatra. Often, many religious bodies often collect donations from people to fund such set ups. Such a set up provides support to Padyatris walking to Diggi town on foot. Here is a picture of refreshment booths set up for devotees walking on foot to Diggi.

How do devotees prepare for Pad Yatra to Kalyan Ji Temple in Diggi?

Many Yatri undertake this pilgrimage barefoot. Since it is a 90 km route, it requires a tremendous physical and mental energy. Many are chanting to gain mental strength. Most yatris travel in groups and can be seen carrying a small bag with a supply of essentials to undertake this Yatra.

What is the demographic of Diggi Yatra?

The demographics of Diggi Yatra include people of all ages and economic status. However, many ordinary people from upcountry villages and towns form a large chunk of devotees. Both men and women are part of the Yatra.

What is the atmosphere during the Diggi Padyatra?

Devotees are excited to undertake this pilgrimage to Kalyan Ji Temple. The atmosphere is buoyant and uplifting. They cheer each other on to complete the pilgrimage.

What you need to know about Kalyan Ji Temple and Diggi?

Diggi Kalyan Temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu. The historic temple’s rich heritage and unique architecture draw thousands of pilgrims, especially during the famous Diggi Kalyan Padyatra, a walking pilgrimage. This pilgrimage is popular in Dhundhar region.

Temple Architecture

The Diggi Kalyan Ji Temple is built in classic Rajasthani architecture. The pattern is reminiscent of a grand haveli, a feast for architecture lovers. “Dholi Gate” is a gateway with a stunning arched entrance. It is named Dholi probably because of colour; Dhola in Hindi means white.

Inside, the temple is supported by sixteen intricately carved pillars, leading up to a magnificent domed roof. The main sanctum is made of pure marble, creating a peaceful and divine atmosphere. Look out for the beautiful flowers and deity carvings that adorn the walls, each telling a story of devotion and skill.

A Story of Faith and History

Legend says the temple was built by King Digva, who was healed from a curse after a divine encounter with Lord Vishnu. He was guided to install the deity’s idol here, establishing this holy site. Over centuries, the temple has been rebuilt and restored multiple times. Even after being damaged during an invasion, the precious idol of Lord Vishnu was safely preserved and reinstalled, showing the deep faith of the local people.

Diggi Fort

Also located in the town of Diggi is a fort. Unlike many other forts in Rajasthan, it is not a hill fort.

Diggi Fort is well fortified and quite beautiful. My visit was not a planned one hence, I did not venture inside, this being a privately owned. Owners of Hotel Diggi Palace in Jaipur are from the same lineage and family. Information on Diggi Fort history is limited. As per available information, this region was part of Jaipur or Dhundhar. Malpura Diggi was allocated to one of the Kacchawa (Rajputs) who ruled Jaipur/Dhundhar. Their lineage is called Khangarot named after Rao Khangar Ji. This lineage was an important part of Jaipur rulers, one of the 12 important lineages. Diggi Malpura was allocated to Khangarot in 1740 AD. Sitaram Temple and Natwar Ji Temple in Diggi Fort are considered beautiful and historic. Another historic legend associated with the fort is that Rana Sanga of Mewar state was treated in the Diggi fort by an Ayurvedic doctor having injured in a battle.

Over the last few years, Diggi Fort has become a wedding venue. It is one of the few forts near Jaipur that can host small intimate weddings. Such weddings are quite popular among film actors, actresses, and stars. Rajasthan is a preferred wedding venue and these forts are perfect for hosting small weddings away from the public. With a rise in demand for destination weddings, many forts like Diggi are witnessing a renewed interest.

One can also locate a stepwell near the entry gate of Diggi Fort in a bad state. The Diggi Baori or stepwell is a dumping ground and is out of use. In some towns in Rajasthan, the stepwell is treated as a holy place often because a temple is attached to the stepwell. Sadly, that’s not the case. Read more about Baoris in Jaipur: Jaipur Stepwells.