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Udaipur is often known for its lakes, palaces and royal history, but the city also has a deeply spiritual side that many travellers quietly experience. Temples here are not only places of worship; they are a part of everyday life. Bells ring early in the morning, locals pay a visit after work, and festivals are celebrated simply, without any grandeur. Visiting temples in Udaipur will give you a peaceful break from sightseeing and help you to get to know the cultural soul of the region.
Most temples in and around Udaipur are easily accessible and can be visited without any rush. Some are in the city, while some are situated peacefully among hills and villages. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or just a curious person, these temples will definitely add meaning to your journey. Below are ten popular temples that travellers usually visit while exploring Udaipur. Read ahead to know more:
Jagdish Temple is one of the most visited temples of Udaipur and is located in the middle of the old city. This temple was built in the year 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is located fairly close to the City Palace, making it easy to do a walking tour of the old town while passing the temple.
The architecture of Jagdish Temple is impressive with detailed carvings on the pillars, walls and ceilings. The idols inside the main temple are those of Lord Vishnu in the form of Jagannath. Devotees and visitors often sit quietly during the morning or evening aarti which creates a peaceful atmosphere despite the busy area outside the main temple.
Climbing the marble steps to the entrance, there is a lovely view of the surrounding lanes. Early morning is a good time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and have a calm experience.
The temple, located about 22 kilometres from Udaipur, is one of the most important temples of Mewar. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is said to be the ruling deity of the Mewar region. The Maharana of Udaipur is said to rule as a servant of Lord Eklingji, which demonstrates the importance of the temple in the cultural context.
The temple complex contains more than a hundred small shrines, all of which were constructed in stone and with fine carvings. The main sanctum has a four-faced black stone idol of Lord Shiva. The atmosphere of this place is very spiritual, especially during early morning prayers.
Visitors are obliged to dress modestly and photography is not permitted inside the temple. The surrounding area is quiet, making it a place for those who are seeking peace from the city.
Neemach Mata Temple is located on a hill close to Fateh Sagar Lake. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this temple is popular with the locals who come here to offer prayers for strength and protection. Reaching the temple requires a short uphill walk, which is considered by many devotees as part of their spiritual effort.
Once there, you are rewarded with beautiful views of Udaipur city and nearby lakes at the top. The temple is simple but well-kept, and the surroundings are clean and tranquil. Morning and evening times are the best times to visit, especially if you like quiet places.
This temple is also visited by people who like light walking and nature, along with spirituality.
Karni Mata Temple is on Machla Magra hill and is famous for its ropeway which is also a popular attraction for tourists. Dedicated to Goddess Karni, the temple has one of the best panoramic views of Udaipur including Doodh Talai Lake and the City Palace.
You can either walk up the hill or take the ropeway, which makes the visit easy for seniors and families. The temple itself is small but holds a lot of significance for the devotees. Many visitors come here during the sunrise or sunset, because at that time the view is so beautiful.
The tranquil environment and fresh air make this visit to the temple a relaxing and memorable experience.
Bohra Ganesh Temple is one of the oldest temples in Udaipur and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Located near the city’s entrance, it is frequently the first stop for devotees entering Udaipur. According to local people, by seeking blessings here before beginning any journey, one will have good fortune.
The idol of Lord Ganesha here is of a unique appearance in the form of a child. The temple has a warm and welcoming feel and priests are usually happy to explain the significance of rituals to visitors.
Festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi are celebrated with devotion but even on an ordinary day basis, the temple is active with prayers and offerings.
Although technically located in Nathdwara, around 48 kilometres from Udaipur, Shrinathji Temple is often included in temple visits in Udaipur because of its importance from a religious perspective. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple is one of the most sacred Vaishnava temples in India.
The temple has a peculiar system of darshan, in which the idol is revealed to the devotees several times a day. Each darshan has a different mood and decoration and therefore, the experience is a special one. The temple can get crowded, especially on weekends and festivals so it helps to plan your visit.
Many travellers club this visit with the nearby Jain temples or include it as a part of a longer spiritual journey, such as a Ranakpur Temple tour, while staying in Udaipur.
Rishabhdeo Temple is also known as Kesariya Ji and is located about 65 kilometres from Udaipur and is devoted to Lord Rishabhdev, who was the first Jain Tirthankar. This temple is highly respected by the Jain community as well as visited by people from other faiths.
The temple is known for its peaceful environment and simple, yet meaningful rituals. Devotees offer saffron at the temple, hence it is also known as Kesariya Ji. The idol inside is beautifully made and the temple complex is clean and well-organised.
The path to the temple is covered by beautiful countryside, which makes the visit enjoyable for road trip lovers
Ubeshwar Mahadeo Temple is one of the temples located about 22 kilometres from Udaipur, which is devoted to Lord Shiva. Surrounded by forests and hills, this temple is a favourite of not only devotees but nature lovers too.
The serene environment is perfect for meditation and quiet prayer. During the monsoon season, small waterfalls appear nearby which add to the beauty of the place. The temple is at its best during Maha Shivratri when devotees throng in large numbers.
Visiting Ubeshwar Mahadev is a refreshing change from sightseeing the city and enjoying nature together with spirituality.
Another important Karni Mata temple in Udaipur is the Shri Mansapurna Karni Mata Temple which is situated near the ropeway station. This temple is dedicated to the fulfillment of wishes as the name Mansapurna suggests.
Devotees believe that sincere prayers are answered here and many people return to offer thanks when their wishes are fulfilled. The temple has a very peaceful atmosphere and is often less crowded than some of the bigger temples.
The view from the temple is wide and scenic and it is a pleasant place to sit quietly for a while.
Located near Delwara village, close to Udaipur, Adinath Jain Temple is known for its fine marble carvings and peaceful setting. Dedicated to Lord Adinath, this temple is a fine example of the simplicity and elaboration of the Jain style of architecture.
The temple complex is well-kept and generally quiet, so it is suitable for slow and respectful exploration. The stories from Jain teachings and daily life are represented by carving on pillars and walls.
This temple is often visited by travellers who are interested in architecture and history along with spiritual learning.
When going to temples in Udaipur it is important to wear modest clothes. Shoulders and knees should be covered and footwear should be removed while entering the temple premises. Early mornings are generally the best time to make a calm visit and evenings are the ideal time for aarti and offering prayers.
Photography rules vary from temple to temple and it is better to ask or look out for signs before taking pictures. Respecting local customs and keeping quiet inside the temples helps in the process of making the experience pleasant for everyone.
Temples of Udaipur are not just religious places. They provide an opportunity for peace in a moment, to understand the local traditions, and connect more with the history and beliefs of the region. From ancient Shiva temples hidden in quiet forests to colorful Krishna shrines where the rituals of daily life just keep going on, every temple represents a different aspect of the cultural life of Udaipur. These holy spaces are not outside the normal life of the city and the villages in its surroundings, but are built in the rhythm of the city and its villages.
Including temple visits in your Udaipur itinerary means that you can slow down and explore the destination beyond the palaces, lakes and some of the popular places to take pictures. Sitting quietly during an aarti, watching the locals make their offerings or just enjoying the peaceful environment, can be extremely refreshing even for non-religious travellers. Whether you decide to visit one of them or all ten of them, these places of worship bring a sense of balance to your journey and an understanding that you have come to know the heritage of Rajasthan with more thought and meaning.
