Shree Kunj Bihari

At a distance of 2 km from Jodhpur Junction and 3 km from Mehrangarh Fort, the Kunj Bihari Temple is a Hindu temple located near Ghanta Ghar market in Jodhpur city of Rajasthan.

Kunj Bihari Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, also known as Sri Nathji, and belongs to Rama Nandi Vaishnava sect of Hindus. This imposing structure was constructed by Maharaja Vijay Singh in 1847 AD in the memory of his son, Sher Singh, who died at a very young age. The shrine has been beautifully built using Makrana stone and Chhitar sandstone.

Kunj Bihari Temple seems like a replica of the Ghanshyamji temple in Jodhpur and is an architectural marvel specially the temple top and entrance. It has a toran dwar at the entrance and a sanctum sanctorum. Atop the sanctum is an intricately carved shikhar, which has a kalash at the apex. The entrance of the temple is adorned with a statue of Meera Bai, the great devotee of Lord Krishna. To the left and right of this, there stood the statues of Lord Hanuman and Namdeo, a saint. The idol of the presiding deity, Lord Krishna is place inside the garbhagriha.

There is temple named as Achal Nath Shivalaya in front of it. Nanak Devi, the wife of Rajput king Rao Ganga, built the temple, whose construction was completed in the year 1531. This ancient shrine comprises three main halls - garbhagriha, mandap bhavan and kirtan bhavan. All these parts of the temple are made using carved Chhitar Stone. There is a large water reservoir called Bawari in the temple, which was made near the Shivlinga. It is known as Ganga Bawari.

Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM and 7 PM to 10 PM

Kunj Bihari Temple is situated in Jodhpur which seems to be the replica of the famous Ghanshyamji temple in Jodhpur.

The temple is an example of outstanding and splendid architecture. The top of the temple and the entrance is designed in a very beautiful way that will steal a look. The temple is devoted to Shri Kunj Bihari or Lord Krishna. A statue of Meera Bai, the greatest devotee of Lord Krishna rests at the entrance of the temple. There is a Garbha Griha or central hall inside the temple. Opposite to and facing the statue of Meera Bai, the idol of Lord Krishna can be seen.

On the right hand side of the statue of Meera is the statue of Saint Namdeo. Towards the left of Meera is the statue of Hanuman ji. The shrine of Lord Krishna is built using Chittor sandstone and Makrana stones. There is also a toran dwar at the entrance of the temple. On the top of the sanctorum, there is an elaborated and intricately carved shikhar with a kalash at the apex. The paintings inside the temple are amazing to see. The temple is very beautifully designed and will take your breath away. The interiors and age old architecture is worth seeing and only people with enduring sights can understand the value of the temple. The temple has a beautiful entrance arch as well.

History of the Attraction

The temple was built in 1847 by Maharaja Vijay Singhji in the memory of his deceived son Sher Singh who died at a very young age. The temple is situated in the interiors of Jaipur but is accessible by all means. The shrine is made of Chittor sandstone and Makrana marble. The temple belongs to Rama Nandi Vaishnava sects of Hindus. The marvelous architecture of the building is something to keep a note of. A Shiva temple is also there which is 2 floors below the surface but can be seen from the surface. A pathway is also there to visit the temple.

Getting There

The temple is situated at the heart of the city which means it is accessible by all means. Buses, trains and flights are available in the city via which one can come to the city and can later go to the temple with the help of public transport.

Things to Do in and around

There are a lot of things to do while one visit to the temple. First, the darshan of Lord Krishna and second, visiting the entire temple to have a look on its architecture and interiors. Apart from that one can also visit the nearest Shiva temple to seek blessing from the deity as well. Sightseeing is definitely a part of the list. Watching old ladies singing bhajans is also one of things to do around. Visiting Ghanshyam ji temple is also a good idea as it is the exact replica of Kunj Bihari Temple.