GOVINDJI TEMPLE

Built in 1730 on the orders of Jai Singh II, this temple was intended to house a statue of Krishna (Govind, the Lord of the Cows). The idol, which had been worshipped in Vrindavan - the childhood home of the mischievous god located not far from Mathura, in present-day Uttar Pradesh - was threatened by the iconoclastic zeal of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. So Jai Singh II transferred her to his city and made her the patron deity of the maharajahs of Jaipur. He had the temple erected at the end of the City Palace gardens and the palace can be seen through the fences. The maharaja had direct access to the temple and could even observe it from his bedroom window and pray without having to move.

The temple, rather unspectacular, includes a vast hall preceding the chapel where stands the statue of Krishna surrounded by his companion Radha and a cow. The statue is hidden under veils and offered to the eyes of the faithful at specific times of the day. Try to come during the evening darshan (ceremony), whose time varies according to the season. This is the time when the largest number of devotees flock to pay homage to Krishna and view his statue. They sing lively bhajan (hymns). You will also notice that they have a very special way of greeting each other. They use the expression " radhe radhe" instead of the usual " namaste " or " ram ram ". By visiting this temple, you will discover a warm and colorful aspect of Hinduism.