History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Kunj Bihari Mandir, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Kunj Bihari Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Jodhpur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, one of the most popular deities in Hinduism, and is a significant religious and cultural landmark in the region. The temple's name, Kunj Bihari, is derived from two Hindi words, "Kunj," which means a grove or a garden, and "Bihari," which is one of the names of Lord Krishna, meaning "one who enjoys pastimes." Hence, Kunj Bihari means "one who enjoys pastimes in the garden." The temple is also known as "Kunj Gopal Temple," as Gopal is another name for Lord Krishna.
The Kunj Bihari Temple is located in the heart of the old city of Jodhpur, near the famous Ghanta Ghar (clock tower) and the Sardar Market. The temple is easily accessible by public transport, and it attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year.
History of Kunj Bihari Temple
The history of Kunj Bihari Temple dates back to the 19th century when the region was under the rule of the Marwar dynasty. The temple was built by the royal family of Jodhpur and was dedicated to Lord Krishna. According to legends, the temple was built after the Maharaja of Jodhpur had a dream in which Lord Krishna appeared and asked him to build a temple in his honor. The Maharaja followed the divine command and built the temple, which became a popular pilgrimage site among devotees of Lord Krishna.
Architecture of Kunj Bihari Temple:
The Kunj Bihari Temple is a magnificent temple built in the traditional Rajasthani style. The temple is built on a raised platform and has a square plan with a dome-shaped roof. The walls of the temple are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and the life of Lord Krishna.
The entrance to the temple is through a tall and imposing gateway, known as the torana. The torana is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures of various deities, and it leads to a courtyard, which is surrounded by a series of smaller shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses.
The main shrine of the temple is located in the center of the courtyard and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The shrine is decorated with colorful fabrics, flowers, and candles, and it contains a stone idol of Lord Krishna, which is believed to be more than 200 years old.
Religious Significance of Kunj Bihari Temple
The Kunj Bihari Temple is an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Krishna. It is believed that offering prayers and performing rituals at the temple can bring blessings, good fortune, and protection from evil. The temple is especially popular among couples who come to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna for a happy and prosperous married life. It is also a popular destination for families who come to seek blessings for their children.
Every year, a grand festival is held at the Kunj Bihari Temple to celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna. The festival, known as Janmashtami, is a two-day affair and attracts thousands of devotees from all over the region. The festival is marked by devotional music, dance, and feasting, and is considered one of the most important religious events in the region.
The Kunj Bihari Temple in Jodhpur is open for darshan from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the morning and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening. However, these timings may be subject to change during festivals and special occasions. It is always recommended to confirm the timings with the temple authorities before planning a visit.
The Kunj Bihari Temple is a significant religious and cultural landmark in Jodhpur. It is not only a testament to the rich history and traditions of the region but also a symbol of the devotion and faith of the people. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Rajasthan.
How to reach Kunj Bihari Mandir, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
As Jodhpur is major tourist destination and important district of Rajasthan, thus it is very well connected via Air, Rail, and Road network. Jodhpur has domestic Airport from where you can get flights to almost all cities of India. From Airport, taxis and bus services are easily available to reach in city area. By road Jodhpur is easily reachable by private vehicle or state transport bus from all major cities like, Udaipur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Mumbai, Delhi, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Agra etc. It has major railway station so tourist can reach here from all the major cities of India via railway.
