Jagdish Temple is a free, working Vishnu temple built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh I, about 150 metres from the City Palace gate. Go for the morning or evening aarti, cover shoulders and knees, leave footwear at the base of the steps, and allow about 45 minutes.
Key facts
- Built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh I
- Dedicated to Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe
- Free entry; footwear left at the base of the steps
- Starting point of Udaipur's Jagannath Rath Yatra
Thirty-two steps up from the busiest junction in the Old City, Jagdish Temple has been a working temple for more than 370 years. Most visitors stop for ten minutes. It deserves a little more.
A short history
Maharana Jagat Singh I built the temple in 1651 and dedicated it to Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe. It’s built in the Maru-Gurjara style, with a tall shikhara and a central black stone image of Vishnu with four arms. A brass Garuda, Vishnu’s mount, faces the shrine from a small pavilion in front.
What to look for
- The carvings. Every surface of the exterior is carved: elephants along the base, musicians, dancers, horse riders and gods, in bands that rise up the tower.
- The elephants flanking the steps. A favourite photo, and a good meeting point.
- The four smaller shrines at the corners, to Ganesh, Surya, Shakti and Shiva.
- The bhajans. In the evening, local women often sing in the hall.
Aarti and timings
The temple opens at dawn, closes for a few hours in the afternoon and reopens towards evening. The morning and evening aartis are the best times to visit, with bells, lamps and singing. Timings change with the seasons, so ask the day before.
Etiquette
- Cover shoulders and knees.
- Leave footwear at the base of the steps; there’s a shoe-keeper.
- Don’t photograph the deity, and ask before photographing people.
- Walk clockwise around the shrine.
Festival days
Jagdish Temple is the starting point of Udaipur’s Jagannath Rath Yatra in June or July, when the deity is pulled through the Old City on a chariot. It’s one of the city’s biggest days. See our festival calendar.
Eat nearby
Right below the steps, Paliwal Kachori serves hot kachori and gulab jamun, and Rajubhai Rabriwale is a few steps away for thick, slow-cooked rabri. See our street food trail.
Nearby
The City Palace gate is a two-minute walk uphill, and Gangaur Ghat and Bagore Ki Haveli a five-minute walk downhill. Our self-guided heritage walk starts here.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Jagdish Temple aarti timings?
Aarti is held in the early morning and again in the evening around sunset. Timings shift with the season, so ask at the temple or your hotel the day before.
Is there an entry fee for Jagdish Temple?
No. Entry is free. You may leave your shoes with a shoe-keeper for a small tip.
Can I take photos inside Jagdish Temple?
Photos of the exterior and courtyard are usually fine. Avoid photographing the deity and ask before photographing worshippers.
