Rajasthan’s Udaipur is most known for its numerous lakes and often earns itself the name of the ‘city of lakes’. Along with the lakes, the land is also popular for housing various temples within, ones with history, legends, mesmerizing views, and stunning architecture. One of the best ways to explore the famous temples of Udaipur would be to opt for a temple sightseeing tour spanning the city, covering some of the city’s most sacred and religious sites. These temples that dot the city are dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddesses that are believed to bless the city for generations, some of which have been built as a form of gratitude by the prominent royal families of the region. Read along to find out about the temples that you must see on your next visit to Udaipur.
Name of the Temple |
Location |
Mahakaleshwar Temple |
Ambamata |
Eklingji Temple |
Kailashpuri |
Bohra Ganesh Temple |
Ganapati Nagar |
Neemach Mata Temple |
Dewali/ Fateh Sagar Road |
Mahalaxmi Temple |
Bhatiyani Chohatta |
Sahastrabahu Temple |
Nagda |
Shree Jagdish Temple |
Hiran Magri |
Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata |
Pichola |
Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple |
Titardi |
Jagat Temple (Ambika Mata Temple) |
Jagat |
Also Check Out: Popular Rajasthan Tour Packages
Mahakaleshwar Temple
Mahakaleshwar Temple in Udaipur is one of the best temples to visit in the city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the main deities of Hinduism, who is also referred to as Mahakaleshwar, or the ‘God of Time’, a name that comes with its own set of legends and myths. Believed to have been in existence for around 900 years, the temple is located along the banks of Udaipur’s Fateh Sagar Lake and attracts hordes of devotees every year, especially during the occasion of Mahashivratri, which sees the most amount of devotees. In the temple, the idol of Lord Shiva is believed to be a Swayambhu or a self-manifested one.
Architecture of the Temple
Mahakaleshwar Temple at Udaipur is believed to be one that is almost 900 years old and a beautiful structure made out of white marble. The temple is further beautified by intricate carvings that can be seen all over, with marble statues of Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati, and features sculptures of elephants at the entrance gates as well.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
- The temple worships Mahakaleshwar which is another name by which Lord Shiva is called.
- The idol inside the temple is believed to be a Swayambhu or a self-manifested one.
- The temple houses and worships the Shivling, made of black stone.
- One of the best things to experience at the temple is the Rudrabhishek Aarti that takes place in the evening.
Visiting Hours
05:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Location: Rani Rd, Ambamata, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
How to Reach?
Mahakaleshwar Temple is located at a distance of around 5 km from Udaipur city. From there you can take a cab or the local transport to reach the temple.
Eklingji Temple
One of the most popular temples to visit in Udaipur is the Eklingji Temple, where Lord Shiva is worshiped as the primary deity. Out of the many names that Lord Shiva is owed, Eklingji is the one that is the most prominent among the locals. Built by the Maharanas of Mewar, the temple is an important place of worship for the royals of Mewar, who were and are ardent followers of Lord Shiva. Eklingji Temple is known for housing a four-faced idol of Lord Shiva made of black stone with its east side representing Lord Surya, west representing Lord Brahma, north representing Lord Vishnu, and the southern side representing Lord Rudra.
Architecture of the Temple
With an elaborately carved, tall Shikhara, the Eklingji Temple truly stands out. Its pyramid-like structure is also what adds to its beauty. The temple has various intricately carved pillars that exist throughout the temple complex with sculptures dedicated to Nandi, Lord Shiva’s that carrier can also be seen at different places of the temple, including the gates and near the sanctum sanctorum.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
- Eklingji Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is known as Eklingji locally.
- The temple houses a unique four-faced sculpture of the Shivling and represents various major gods of Hinduism.
- Eklingji Temple was built by the Maharanas of Mewar and is currently their private temple.
- The temple sees the most crowd during the festival of Mahashivratri with devotees coming from various parts of the country to worship Eklingji.
Visiting Hours
- 04:30 AM to 07:00 AM
- 10:30 AM to 01:30 PM
- 05:00 PM to 07:30 PM
Location: Kailashpuri, Girwa Tehsil, near the former capital of Mewar, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313202
How to Reach?
Eklingji Temple is located at a distance of around 21 km from Udaipur city. From there you can take a cab or the local transport to reach the temple.
Bohra Ganesh Temple
Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the Bohra Ganesh Temple is one of the temples you must see on a temple sightseeing tour to Udaipur. Built around 350 years ago, the temple is one of the best temples to visit in Udaipur with your family, especially during the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi when the temple sees an influx of devotees. The temple gets its name from a story associated with it which explains how the temple once acted as a means of lending money to those in need, who then had to repay it with interest. Since the Bohra community works as a money lender in the community, the temple was given their name for this reason. This tradition of lending money was later discontinued since many people refused to pay back the money.
Architecture of the Temple
Built during the reign of Maharana Raj Singh, the temple was initially built outside of the city boundaries but later incorporated after Udaipur’s boundaries were expanded. The temple has the prominent idol of Lord Ganesha which stands in a dancing posture and faces the east direction. At the temple, there is also a sculpture of Lord Ganesha’s carrier, Mushaka, which stands facing the Lord.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
- Around 70-80 years ago devotees in need of money would write the needed amount on a piece of paper and offer it which would eventually materialize with the blessings of the Lord.
- The temple earns the name Bohra since it is the Bohra community that usually deals with the business of money lending as a profession.
- The Bohra Ganesh Temple sees the most crowd during the festivals of Ganesh Chathurthi and Annakoot, during which the Lord is offered up a feast of 56 dishes as an offering.
Visiting Hours
06:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Location: Bohra Ganesh ji, Ganapati Nagar, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
How to Reach?
Bohra Ganesh Temple is located at a distance of 2 km from the Udaipur city. From there, you can take the local transport to reach the temple.
Neemach Mata Temple
Believed to be the clan deity of the royal family of the Maharanas, the Neemach Mata Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Nimcha Mata who is also known as Ambaji lovingly. Located atop the beautiful hill of Dewali, the temple can be reached by a flight of stairs, which provide mesmerizing views of the surrounding area on your journey to the top. One of Udaipur’s sacred and most religious sites, the Neemach Mata Temple houses a beautiful sculpture of three lions that sit facing the idol of the Goddess. Along with this, the temple also has an idol of Lord Ganesha as well.
Architecture of the Temple
Based on top of a hill, the temple is accessible by using the 900 meter long staircase that will take you through some of the most beautiful views of Udaipur. An open temple with a prominent shikhara, the temple captivates you with its pearl white walls. Though a smaller temple, the Neemach Mata Temple has prayer rooms apart from the sanctum sanctorum as well.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
- The Neemach Mata Temple is dedicated to the clan deity of the Maharanas, Goddess Nimcha Mata.
- Located near Fateh Sagar Lake, the view of the lake from the top is simply breathtaking.
- Situated on top of a hill, the temple can be reached by a trek which requires climbing up stairs up to 900 meters.
Visiting Hours
- 04:30 AM to 07:00 AM
- 10:30 AM to 01:30 PM
- 05:00 PM to 07:30 PM
Location: Fateh Sagar Rd, Shilpgram, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
How to Reach?
Neemach Mata Temple is located at a distance of around 6.5 km from Udaipur city. From there you can take a cab or the local transport to reach the temple.
Mahalaxmi Temple
Worshiping the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, the Mahalaxmi Temple at Udaipur is one of the best temples to visit in Udaipur. Dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, the temple is said to have been built by the Maharana Shambu Singh after he emerged victorious in a battle and brought back with himself the idols of Mahalaxmi, Sundar Vinayak and Rishabhdev, which he established at the temple. The Aarti that is performed at midnight during the birthday of the Goddess Mahalaxmi is one of the major attractions at the temple, decided according to the Hindu calendar. Apart from the festivities of her birthday, the temple is also visited by many devotees on the occasion of Diwali and Dhanteras for invoking abundance and success in life.
Architecture of the Temple
A beautiful structure of marble, carved intricately, the Mahalaxmi Temple at Udaipur is pleasing to the eyes. The temple has the idol of the Goddess decorated beautifully at all times. With its walls and ceilings adorned with multiple colored tiles, the temple reflects back a style of Rajasthani architecture. At the entrance of the main shrine, there are sculptures of elephants with lotus on their trunks that stand praising the Goddess as well.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
- At Diwali, the Mahalaxmi Temple at Udaipur sees a four to five-day long celebration that is meant to invoke the blessings of the Goddess for a prosperous life ahead.
- A popular temple of Udaipur, the Mahalaxmi Temple is believed to be about 400 years old.
- The midnight Aarti that takes place on the Goddess’ birthday is a popular attraction of the temple attracting numerous devotees during the festival.
Visiting Hours
- 05:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Location: Bhatiyani Chohatta, near mamaji ki haveli, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
How to Reach?
Mahalaxmi Temple is located at a distance of around 4.5 km from Udaipur city. From there you can take a cab to reach the temple.
Sahastrabahu Temple
Making the list of the must visit temples in Udaipur is the Sahastrabahu Temple, also known as the Sas Bahu Temple. Made in the 10th century, the temple complex is a collection of temples located in Nagda. Within the temple complex, one can find the idols of Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Goddess Saraswati, as well as sculptures of Lord Ram, and Lord Balram, among many others. According to a popular story, the shrines were created by King Mahipala of the Kachhwaha Kingdom, who created a temple for Lord Vishnu for his wife and eventually a temple of Lord Shiva for his daughter-in-law, where they could pray peacefully. Since Sahastabahu is also a name for Lord Vishnu, the temple complex was referred to as the first temple that was established here belonged to him.
Architecture of the Temple
The temple complex has a collection of many temples all on a shared platform. Facing in the east direction, the temples now have ruins of open mandapas and porches, as well as brick laden shikharas all made in a Maru-Gurjara style of architecture. With its walls, pillars, and roofs intricately carved into beautiful designs, the Sahastrabahu Temple offers a mesmerizing visual.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
- The temple complex was constructed by King Mahipala of the Kachhwaha Dynasty who built a temple each for his wife, and daughter-in-law, which became a symbol of familial love and relations.
- Sahastrabahu refers to one of the names of Lord Vishnu and is what the temple is known by due to the first temple that was established here was dedicated to him.
- It was later that the temple was also referred to as the Sas Bahu Temple owing to the reasons of its creation.
Visiting Hours
- 05:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Location: Nagda Village, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313024
How to Reach?
Sahastrabahu Temple is located at a distance of around 20 km from Udaipur city. From there you can take a cab to reach the temple.
Shree Jagdish Temple
With a roaring presence, the Shree Jagdish Temple is one of the temples you cannot miss on your visit to Udaipur. Built in 1651, the temple displays a remarkable architectural style, taking up features from the Maru-Gurjara style of architecture, a prominent style of the time. A three-storeyed structure, the temple was constructed by Maharana Jagat Singh I, and attracts devotees and tourists alike due to its beauty and daunting presence. Though the temple stood vandalized due to enemy invaders in the past, the temple today has been renovated and maintained to protect it from ruin. This beautiful temple of Udaipur is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and attracts numerous devotees over the year.
Architecture of the Temple
Built in 1651, the temple displays a Maru-Gurjara style of architecture, a contemporary architectural style of the time. The Shree Jagadish Temple has 3 floors and intricate, beautiful carvings can be seen all over. At the entrance, sculptures of elephants are also established, along with numerous sculptures of horses, musicians, and dancers as well, that further add to brighten up the ambience of the temple.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
- The Shree Jagadish Temple in Udaipur is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and displays a four-armed image of the Lord.
- At the temple, there is even a sculpture of Garuda, the carrier-bird of Lord Vishnu which stands guarding the inner shrine.
- From the pillars, roofs and to the ceilings, the Shree Jagadish Temple is adorned beautifully with multiple, intricate carvings that make it stand out and is bound to leave one awestruck.
Visiting Hours
- 04:15 AM to 01:00 PM
- 05:15 PM to 08:00 PM
Location: Hiran Magri, Udaipur, Gordhan Vilas Rural, Rajasthan 313001
How to Reach?
Shree Jagadish Temple is located at a distance of around 7 km from Udaipur city. From there you can take a cab to reach the temple.
Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata
Dedicated to an incarnation of Goddess Durga, the Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple at Udaipur worships the Goddess Karni Mata. One of the most famous temples to visit in Udaipur, the Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple is located atop the Machhala Hill Top, which can be reached by either a dedicated trek or by taking the ropeway. Both options will let you soak in the mesmerizing beauty of the surroundings. Apart from the devotional aspect, the temple provides breathtaking views of the rising and the setting sun as well.
Architecture of the Temple
The Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple is a structure based atop a hill and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding city to the visitors. The temple has a prominent shikhara and has beautiful carvings on its pillars, walls, and even ceilings. The idol of the Goddess Karni sits inside the sanctum sanctorum and is adorned beautifully with traditional attires amongst a setting of colorful, painted tiles.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
- It is believed that visiting the temple twice a day is considered auspicious and on doing so one will be blessed with whatever their heart desires.
- The Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur was established between 1620 and 1628 and was constructed by Maharana Karan Singh.
Visiting Hours
04:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Location: Jawahar Nagar, Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
How to Reach?
Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple is located at a distance of around 4.5 km from Udaipur city. From there you can either take buses or cabs to reach the temple.
Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple
Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the temples that you must see on your visit to Udaipur. Located in the village of Titardi the temple is situated in a quiet and serene landscape atop a hill. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple worships him in the form of a Shivling and offers a sense of peace and calm. This temple is located inside a cave and is believed to have existed for more than 1,000 years. During the festival of Mahashivratri is when, just like other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple also sees a great influx of devotees.
Architecture of the Temple
The Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple is built inside a cave and is believed to be a 1,000 year old temple. Passing through a narrow entrance, there are steps that will lead you to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. It is inside the sanctum that the shivling is located, along with a natural water source which makes visiting the temple an even more magical experience. From the bottom of the hill, visitors coming to the temple will have to cover a distance of about 800 meters to eventually reach the temple on the top.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
- The Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple is a temple that is based inside a cave and situated on top of a hill.
- Lord Shiva is worshiped here as a Shivling and can be found inside the temple’s sanctum sanctorum along with a natural stream of water.
- According to local beliefs, the temple is believed to be around 1,000 years old.
Visiting Hours
Open 24 hours
Location: Gupteswar Rd, Titrdi, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
How to Reach?
Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple is located at a distance of around 9 km from Udaipur city. From there you can either take buses or cabs to reach the temple.
Jagat Temple (Ambika Mata Temple)
The Jagat Temple at Udaipur is also known as Ambika Mata Temple and is dedicated to Goddess Ambika, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple is one of the best temples to visit in Udaipur and is located in the Jagat Village near the city. Most known for its architecture, the temple is said to have been made in the 10th century. The beautiful structure of the temple located among the rocky terrains is what makes the temple truly stand out. Intricate carvings can be seen on the temple’s halls, window panels, and pillars, which showcase the artisanship of the time it was built.
Architecture of the Temple
The beautiful carvings on the walls, pillars, and interiors of the temple are a testament to the past. The idol of the Goddess can be found in the innermost shrine of the temple, where she rests awaiting the devotees who come to get her blessings. The carvings inside the prayer hall also showcase Lord Ganesha, and various other gods, and goddesses that add a charm to the purity of the temple.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
- The Ambika Mata Temple has numerous carvings, some of which even tell tales from religious mythologies.
- The carved panels of the temple also depict the goddess and her maidens in beautiful stances.
- The temple is not only a must visit attraction for ardent devotees but also for those who wish to explore historic sculptures of the temple.
Visiting Hours
06:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Location: Jagat, Old City, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
How to Reach?
Jagat Village is located at a distance of 58 km from the city of Udaipur city. From the city, you can either take buses or cabs to reach the temple.
Udaipur is a city blessed with temples all over, visited throughout the year not only by ardent devotees but by enthusiastic tourists as well. Explore the various corners of the city with a temple tour that helps you visit different temples offering different landscapes. From historic temples, to temples within caves, Udaipur has truly some of the most mesmerizing places of worship. Take this chance to create an itinerary and visit these sites of religious significance when you get the opportunity, a visit which will surely create a memory that will be hard to forget.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the famous temples is Udaipur?
The famous temples in Udaipur include:
- Mahakaleshwar Temple
- Eklingji Temple
- Bohra Ganesh Temple
- Neemach Mata Temple
- Mahalaxmi Temple
- Sahastrabahu Temple
- Shree Jagdish Temple
- Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata
- Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple
- Jagat Temple (Ambika Mata Temple)
What are some must visit popular Hindu temples in Udaipur?
Popular temples that you must visit in Udaipur include:
- Mahakaleshwar Temple
- Eklingji Temple
- Bohra Ganesh Temple
- Neemach Mata Temple
- Mahalaxmi Temple
- Sahastrabahu Temple
- Shree Jagdish Temple
- Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata
- Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple
- Jagat Temple (Ambika Mata Temple)
Are photography and videography allowed inside the temples in Udaipur?
Generally, photography and videography would be allowed inside the temples in Udaipur, but it is advised against it to maintain the sanctity and peace of the temple and out of respect for other devotees.
What are the famous historical temples in Udaipur?
Famous historical temples in Udaipur include:
- Sahastrabahu Temple
- Jagat Temple
- Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple
- Shree Jagdish Temple
- Eklingji Temple
Which are the best temples to explore for architectural beauty in Udaipur?
Best temples to explore for architectural beauty in Udaipur include:
- Sahastrabahu Temple
- Shree Jagdish Temple
- Jagat Temple
- Mahakaleshwar Temple
- Eklingji Temple
About the author
Sharon is a curious human who is always eager to learn about the history and mysteries of places, which she then brings to life with her words. A travel writer at Tour My India, her bucket list keeps expanding every day in search of places to explore.