Govind Devji, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Deities: Govind Devji (Lord Krishna)
Location: In City Palace Complex, Jaipur
Built by: 18th Century by Raja Sawai Jai Singh
Built In: 1890 by Raja Man Singh
STD Code: 0141
Best time to visit: October to March

Many temples are well known for their artistic beauty in Jaipur – the pink city, but Govind Devji Temple is the best attraction of pink city. It enshrines an idol which has been worshiped by the royal family of Jaipur ever since it was brought from Vinadavan to Jaipur in the 18th century. A vital part of the city Palace complex, this Krishna temple has been highly preserved by the erstwhile royal family.

Sawai Jai Singh installed the image of GOVIND DEV JI (an incarnation of lord Krishna) after it was brought from Vrindavan. In the real, this deity was established by Srila Rupa Goswami who was ordered by Lord Chaitanya to excavate all the lost holy places of Vrindavan. Five thousand years earlier, Lord Krishna’s grandson, Vajranaba, installed a number of important deities in Vrindavan; Govind devji is one of them. Today, the temple attracts devotees, from all over the country.

The image brought from Vrindavan, is housed within the sanctum of this spireless temple. The image is unveiled seven times daily for AARTIES and BHOGS offered in the silver wares, consisting of sweets mostly. The idols of RADHA KRISHNA are dressed in different styles each time for the ‘AARTI’ procession where thousands of followers or ‘Bhakt’ gather around the courtyard for the Darshan.

Festival:
On the Krishna Janmashtmi (Birth of Lord Krishna), various religious programmes are held here.At midnight, the deity of the infant Krishna is bathed, placed in a cradle and worshipped. In the early morning, ladies draw patterns of little children’s feet outside the house with rice-flour paste, walking towards the house. This symbolizes the entry of the infant Krishna into his foster-home. After ablutions, morning prayers and worship, the devout break their fast with Prasadam, food that has first been offered to God. During the fore-noon hours, the “Dahi-Handi“ custom is celebrated. This is followed by sumptuous mid-day feasts, where extended families customarily get together. Sweets made of milk and other dairy products, especially butter, are traditionally prepared on this occasion.

How to reach:
By Air: Jaipur Airport is located near Sanganer at a distance of 13 kms from the city of Jaipur. The airport has been granted the status of an international airport and connects to the foreign cities.
By Rail: Jaipur Railway Station is a central main station of the state of Rajasthan. There are numerous trains which run on a regular basis to and from Jaipur.
By Road: Jaipur is well connected by road to major cities in India. Regular bus services from nearby cities connect Jaipur to the other cities.

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