About Jagdish Temple
The Jagdish Temple stands in the old city of Udaipur, Rajasthan, just outside the main gate of the City Palace. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, lovingly called Jagdish-ji, and is the largest temple in Udaipur. Raised on a tall terrace where many lanes of the old city meet, it has been a place of continuous worship since it was completed in 1651, and is a favourite stop for both devotees and visitors to the lake city.
The temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh I of Mewar and consecrated in 1651, and was originally known as the temple of Jagannath Rai. The main image of Vishnu, with four arms, is carved from a single black stone. Like the Jagannath temple at Puri, the temple holds an annual Rath Yatra, when the deity is taken out in procession through the old city. Tradition records that the temple cost a great sum for its time, a sign of the royal devotion behind it.
Visitors climb a flight of about 32 marble steps, flanked by carved stone elephants, to reach the entrance. A brass image of Garuda, Vishnu's mount, faces the sanctum from a small shrine of its own. The temple follows the Maru-Gurjara style, with a two-storeyed pillared hall and a sanctum crowned by a tall, many-layered spire, nearly 80 feet high. Every surface is covered with carvings of dancers, musicians, elephants, horsemen and deities. Four smaller shrines of Ganesha, Surya, Shakti and Shiva stand at the corners, making it a panchayatan temple.
Jagdish Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to around 1:00 PM and from about 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Jagdish Temple
By air
Maharana Pratap Airport (Dabok), Udaipur, is about 25 km away.
By train
Udaipur City railway station is about 4 km away.
By road
The temple is in the old city near the City Palace. Autos can reach Jagdish Chowk, though the narrow lanes are best explored on foot.
Festivals at Jagdish Temple
- Jagannath Rath YatraJun/Jul
- JanmashtamiAug/Sep
- Jal Jhulni EkadashiAug/Sep
- HoliMar
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended; shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Entry
- Free entry.
- The 32 steps are steep; elderly visitors should take the handrail and go slowly.
- Leave footwear at the bottom of the steps.
- Respect photography rules inside the sanctum and ask before taking pictures.
- Visit the City Palace, a few minutes' walk away, on the same trip.
- Morning and evening aarti times are the most atmospheric.
Places to visit near Jagdish Temple
- City Palace, UdaipurRoyal palace complex of the Mewar rulers on Lake Pichola, about 0.2 km away
- Bagore Ki Haveli and Gangaur GhatHistoric haveli museum and lakeside ghat, about 0.3 km away
- Lake PicholaScenic lake with boat rides to Jag Mandir, about 0.5 km away
- Eklingji TempleShiva temple of the Mewar royal family, about 22 km away
Frequently asked questions
Who built the Jagdish Temple in Udaipur?
It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh I of Mewar and completed in 1651.
Which deity is worshipped at Jagdish Temple?
Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, with a four-armed image carved from a single black stone.
What are the Jagdish Temple timings?
The temple is usually open from early morning to around 1:00 PM and again from about 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Check locally for changes.
Is there an entry fee at Jagdish Temple?
No, entry is free.
What is the aarti time at Jagdish Temple?
Mangala aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Jagdish Temple?
Modest clothing is recommended; shoulders and knees should be covered.
How to reach Jagdish Temple?
By air: Maharana Pratap Airport (Dabok), Udaipur, is about 25 km away. By train: Udaipur City railway station is about 4 km away. By road: The temple is in the old city near the City Palace. Autos can reach Jagdish Chowk, though the narrow lanes are best explored on foot.
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