Jagdish Temple Udaipur

Udaipur, being home to several historical monuments, is known for rich and traditionally preserved heritage. Ancient structures are appreciated for intricately carved architecture. Jagdish Temple, one of the historical & religious tourist attractions in Udaipur, has survived the ravages of time and stands proudly with its pristine glory. Jagdish Temple, a masterpiece of Nagar style of temple architecture, is the finest and largest temple of Udaipur, Rajasthan. Like everything else at Udaipur, the great 79 feet high Jagdish Temple is set on a hill-side. The temple is also known as Jagannath Temple as well by the locals. Built in 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, Jagdish Temple is the largest and most attractive temple in Udaipur. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the sanctuary is famous for its superb images and a very large ‘shikhar’. Its bold structure is a delight to the archaeologist. If one could come to grips with carving of the best, one should examine the plinth, piled high, packed tight warehouse-fashion-with row upon row of figures executed by artists, who could have beaten miniaturists at their own game in the skilful reproduction of detail. A black stone idol of Lord Vishnu and a brass image of his carrier-bird, Garuda, are seen in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. A flight of thirty two steps leads to the shrine. Glimpses of life on the earth and beyond are the motifs of some of the pictures on this temple. From temple architecture point of view, Jagdish Temple is built in north Indian Nagar- Panchayatan style (नागर – पंचायतन शैली). Two exquisitely carved and large-sized stone elephants flank the main gateway of the temple.