The Stone Carvings of Jagdish Temple, Udaipur – unexpected effect
“I’m an artist. I’d like to show you my works”.
Isn’t it a much better interpretation of the infamous “come to see my shop”? Needless to say, I wanted to see the works of art. Quite predictably, I ended up in a dreary shop full of lousy, mass-produced paintings of elephants, horses, tigers, peacocks and camels on silk pieces. Each of these “artworks” was “Rupees two thousand only, and you can pay in USD, euros or whatever currency you happen to have”:) In my mid 30s, I still haven’t mastered the art of saying a strict “no, I’m not interested”. Yes, I managed to get out of the shop without buying a thing, but what a waste of time it was, considering I initially came to see the astounding hand carved stone of the Jagdish Temple.
Table of Contents
The intricate stonework of the temple
Located near the City Palace of Udaipur, Jagdish temple is not only a major place of worship for countless devotees, but also a popular touristic attraction. A few roads lead to the temple from different directions, as if inviting people to pay a visit to the monument no matter where in the city they are. The square in front of the structure (known as Jagdish Chowk) is always busy.
Built in traditional Indo-Aryan architectural style, the temple was completed in the middle of the 17th century when Maharana Jagat Singh ruled the state. The opulent shrine was erected in honor of Lord Vishnu, the protector and maintainer of the world. With a 24m shikhar, or steeple, the temple defines the skyline of the city. The whole monument is a visual treat, with its three-storey structure being covered with exquisite stone carvings, designs, figurines. In front of the temple there is a separate shrine for Garuda – a bird-like creature, used by Lord Vishnu as a mount (or vahana, a kind of vehicle).
The outer walls had been carved with sculptures of deities and apsaras, elephants, lions, warriors, musicians and dancers. The number of them was so impressive that it made my head spin. Perhaps the kaleidoscopic effect was intended? This way one could almost see the stone dancers swirling, and horses prancing, and playful elephants stamping their heavy feet in order to keep to the rhythm. By the way, it was at this moment when I was approached by the “artist”. The magic was broken:)
Sadly, lots of these carvings are badly disfigured due to exposure to the elements and acts of vandalism during the turbulent periods in history of India. You’ll find many elephants’ trunks being chipped off and warriors’ heads bashed in.
Jagdish Temple Photos
Travel tips
~ The temple is situated only 150 m from the City Palace, so you can easily visit both places in one go.
~ After climbing the marble stairs you’re expected to take off your shoes. Caretakers will look after your footwear, and a small monetary reward will be appreciated.
~ Avoid taking photos inside the temple when prayers and religious rituals take place.
Jagdish Temple on the map
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21 Comments
Donna Janke
Wow. The carvings are wonderful. I love the elephants.
Antonina
Yes, the elephant theme prevails in many places throughout Udaipur 🙂
Sol Solntze
I’m not surprised your head started to spin. Amazing carvings – mesmirising! Well done for escaping the shopkeeper too.
Antonina
Yes, the effect was very powerful. And yes, I consider escaping the shopkeeper my little victory – usually I feel uncomfortable leaving a shop without buying anything when a person takes so much trouble showing me their stuff.
rupam { xhobdo }
Truly Amazing. Thanks for your informative post.
Awesome pics.
Antonina
Thanks for visiting, Rupam!
Yogi Saraswat
It has so many stairs and the old age people find it difficult to reach there in the temple !! Have you tasted “Mirchi Bada ” just in front of this temple ? This place is reminding me my Udaipur Journey in January 2015. Great post Antonina !!
Antonina
Yes, thee are 32 rather steep marble stairs leading to the temple, and it might be a challenge for an older person indeed.
He he, although I’m accustomed to the spicy food after all these years in India, I wouldn’t order “mirchi” filled snacks on my own free will 🙂 Though I admit it might be very tasty. Thanks for reading, Yogi.
Tales of Travelling Sisters
Details of the art on the walls and pillars are so exquisite, which can be seen in every corner of the temple! As you described it, all these look like they are dancing to their own rhythm.
Antonina
Yes, it’s not common to see the stone figurines being so dynamic – this is what makes the temple so unique.
Sapna
Udaipur is one of my favorite city in Rajasthan. It’s a beautiful temple and it looks mighty from the base when you look at stairs.
Antonina
Indeed, I felt exactly the same, Sapna!
Joe
Hahaha, yes, I had this exact same thing happen to me when I visited; namely, an ‘artist’ approached me and summoned me to his shop. I too managed to get out without buying anything…did we get the same guy! But agree that the architecture here is sublime. Great photos 🙂
Antonina
Yes, looks like it’s a regular thing near the temple… So sad, it does ruin a visitor’s experience.
Glad you liked the photos, Joe 🙂
magiceye
Amazing art, beautifully captured!
Antonina
Thanks a lot for your appreciation!
Dee Nambiar
What a piece of art!
The carvings on the outer walls of the temple and the corners of the building remind me of the Hoysala temples in Karnataka.
Antonina
Hope to make my way there one day and see the Hoysala temples – Karnataka has been always on my bucket list 🙂
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travel His world
The intricacy of these designs are incredible. It’s amazing to think that people from so long ago were able to construct monuments like this. It gives you perspective!
indiapalette
Yes, by using nothing but chisel and their own imagination, they created such astounding works of art.