How about stepping into a realm of devotion and history right here at Raj Rajeshwar Temple? This Shiva Temple is no ordinary shrine. It is nestled within Jaipur City Palace. Its story is intertwined with Jaipur’s royalty and their spiritual leanings.
Jaipur’s rulers were dedicated to Lord Krishna. Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II was an exception. He was a devout Shiva follower. In 1865 AD he built this temple. It was a departure from the grand temples usually built by Jaipur’s royalty. Space was likely limited within the City Palace.
Imagine the palace grounds 125 years after its founding. Space was managed to accommodate this temple. Today, the temple offers a unique glimpse of Chandra Mahal. Pritam Chowk is also visible. Pritam Chowk is known for its four gates representing the seasons. These gates are Instagram favorites.
Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II ruled from 1835 to 1880 AD. He was a forward-thinking ruler. He initiated modern hospitals, schools, and colleges. He reorganized the police and revenue departments. He also implemented a piped water system. Photography was another passion. He was likely India’s only photographer king.
Access to the Shiva Temple is through Chandni Chowk. This temple stands near the royal kitchen. To reach it, you pass through galleries and corridors. Visiting during Maha Shivratri is special. The walled city residents keep the tradition alive. The temple teems with devotees on this day.
Unlike other famous Shiva temples in Jaipur like Tarkeshwar Temple and Ekling Temple, this one is less crowded. Volunteers offer water to devotees. They fill Ramjhara pots. A Ramjhara is a copper, brass, or steel pot with a spout. It is unique to certain regions of India.
The atmosphere is joyous. A young boy plays the drums. These children likely reside in Janani Deori. A long dark passageway is similar to those in Hawa Mahal. Guards stand watch. They instruct visitors to remove leather belts and footwear.
From here, you enter a dark alley. It leads to the sanctum. Another gate possibly gave Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II direct access from the palace. The temple door has intricate carvings. Flowers and peacocks adorn it. Typically, temple doors have brass foil. As a royal temple, this door is covered in silver foil.
The entrance opens to a small courtyard. It is open to the sky. The interiors are simple yet beautiful. Mughal-styled niches and flowers decorate the walls and arches. Only white marble was used in the temple’s construction. A painting of Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II adorns one of the walls.
Red, green, and blue glass windows offer views of Chandra Mahal. Shiva temples are generally simple. This Shiva temple is different. The idols of Lord Shiva and Parvati are adorned with precious stones and gold. Photography is not permitted in the sanctum for this reason. The idol is a heavily adorned form of Shiva on a swing. It is called Raj Rajeshwar.
Why is the temple named Raj Rajeshwar? One assumption links it to Tantric practice. Raj Rajeshwari is synonymous with occult power. Another suggests it is named after the king, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II. The most famous Raj Rajeshwar Temple in India is in Maheshwar.
Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II worshipped here daily. He couldn’t visit the older Tarkeshwar Temple daily due to practical reasons. This likely prompted him to establish this one on the palace premises. He convened religious conferences called “Mod Mandir” here. Eminent Brahmin heads participated. Their decisions were accepted across India.
Personal guests of Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II also visited this Shiva Temple. It differs from other Shiva temples. It has an element of “Tantra-Mantra” or occult power. Photography and devotion to Shiva defined Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II. He devoted two to three hours daily to this temple. Foreign visitors waited hours for him. He lived in a quarter close to the temple. Many considered him more of a Sadhu than a king.
Visiting this Shiva Temple is limited. It is open to the public only on Maha Shivratri and during Diwali. This Shiva Temple is truly a unique blend of history, devotion, and royal heritage.