Lord Ganesha holds a special place in Hindu mythology and attracts devotees from across the city. The Hindus follow each religious function or festival by offering prayers to Lord Ganesha. According to the holy scriptures, he is the God worshipped at the start of any auspicious beginning. Many famous temples across the country pay homage to Lord Ganesha, and Jaipur tourism holds the claim to fame of having one such Temple in the city.
Information for Travellers
Moti Dungri Temple is one of Jaipur’s most popular and highly revered religious shrines, which sees thousands of pilgrims at its steps. Devotees flock here on every momentous occasion, be it buying their first car, getting married, or applying for a visa. The Temple holds a significant place in the hearts of the city’s people.
Entry Fee: N/A
Entry Timing: 5:30 Am to 1:30 Pm; 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Address: Moti Doongri Rd, Tilak Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302004, India
History of Moti Dungri Temple
Legend says that way back in the 17th century, when the king of Mewar was returning home, he was carrying an idol of Lord Ganesha with him on a bullock cart. He considers that wherever the bullock cart first stopped, he would build a temple for the lord. The cart stopped at the foothills of Moti Dungri, which became the site for the Temple. Its construction was entrusted to Seth Jairam Paliwal and Mahant Shiv Narain, who built the temple in four years and completed it in 1761.
A temple complex resembled a Scottish castle and was the site for Maharaja Madho Singh’s son, and the temple was housed within it. The nearby palace is not open for visitors as it is a private property, but the Temple is available for one and all. The Temple got its name, Moti Dungri, as it was built at the bottom of the hill.
The Architecture of Moti Dungri Temple
The Temple is two kilometres divided by three domes, each representing one of the three major religions practised in the nation. The intricate marble latticework makes the carved stone temple even more beautiful. The mythological scene covers the walls and entices the visitors. Following their prayers at the Temple, devotees can sit on either of the two ledges on either side. It is believed that the deity is happy after praying when worshippers sit for a short while rather than leaving immediately.
The Best Time to Visit the Temple
The best time to visit a temple is since one can go there whenever one wishes to offer prayers. The Temple is thronged by devotees every day of the week, but Wednesday is one of the busiest days. Lord Ganesha is said to be the god of the planet Mercury, and Wednesday is the day of Mercury. A small fair is set outside the Temple, where hawkers selling toys, sweets, and other knick-knacks cover the road leading up to the Temple. The entry of the vehicles to the gate of the Temple is restricted on this day, and barricades are set at a distance from the Temple.
On the other days of the week, Darshan occurs seven times during the Jaipur sightseeing tour. Aartis, bhajans, and kirtans are sung during the darshan, and devotees pay homage to Lord Ganesha when the curtains are pulled aside for him to give an appearance. Many devotees from the city and neighbouring cities also visit the temple at festivals like Ganesha Chaturthi, Annkuta, Janmashtami, and Paush Bada. The road leading up to the Temple is beautifully decorated during these festivals.
Temples near Moti Dungri Temple
There are rows of taps with drinking water at the base of the stairs leading to the Temple. Some of the best places to visit in Jaipur for a religious experience are –
- Birla Temple
- Hanuman Temple & Goddess Durga Temple
- Lord Shiva Temple
Wrapping up
Jaipur is a historically rich city with many architectural wonders that leave one spellbound. To make the most of your Jaipur tour package with family, we at Rajasthan Cab offer a range of budget-friendly and customizable tours that one can choose from and have a memorable holiday experience.