Govind Dev Ji Temple
Krishna as Govind Dev Ji, with Radha temple · Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
The Govind Dev Ji Temple stands within the City Palace complex in the heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan. It is dedicated to Krishna in the form of Govind Dev Ji, worshipped together with Radha, and is one of the most visited temples in the city.
The image enshrined here has a long journey behind it. According to tradition and historical records summarised by Incredible India and Wikipedia, it was rediscovered in Vrindavan in the 16th century, taken away from Vrindavan for safety in the late 17th century, and finally brought to Jaipur by Sawai Jai Singh II, the city's founder, who regarded the deity as the true ruler of his kingdom.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Govind Dev Ji Temple
According to legend, recounted by Incredible India, the image was originally made by Vajranabha (Bajranabh), Krishna's great-grandson, guided by his grandmother's memory of Krishna's appearance, and it is believed to show Krishna's face as he looked on earth. Wikipedia notes that the Govind Dev image is counted among the principal deities of the Gaudiya Vaishnava Goswamis of Vrindavan and is traditionally linked with Rupa Goswami, a follower of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
The deity has a special place in the history of Jaipur. Wikipedia, citing the historians Monika Horstmann and Margaret Case, records that Sawai Jai Singh II declared Govind Dev Ji the sovereign of Amer and Jaipur and described himself as the deity's chief minister, an arrangement observed by the Kachhwaha rulers until Rajasthan joined the Indian Union. A new Maharaja of Jaipur traditionally pays homage to Govind Dev Ji first at his coronation.
The temple is also associated with Gaudiya Vaishnava scholarship: Wikipedia notes that Baladeva Vidyabhushana is said to have written the Govinda Bhashya, his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, here. Today the temple is led by Mahant Anjan Kumar Goswami, whom the temple's website lists as mahant and sole trustee.
Heritage
History of Govind Dev Ji Temple
Incredible India and Wikipedia both record that Rupa Goswami rediscovered the image in Vrindavan around 1525. Wikipedia notes that a permanent temple was built there and that Raja Man Singh of Amer later built a large seven-storey temple for Govind Dev in Vrindavan, for which an inscription gives the date 1590. Incredible India describes this temple as built with the support of the Mughal emperor Akbar and Man Singh.
During the reign of Aurangzeb the image was removed from Vrindavan for its protection. Wikipedia, citing an inscription, dates the removal to 1670 and records that the image stayed at several places, including Kaman, before reaching Jaipur. Incredible India says it was kept for a time at Amer. Sawai Jai Singh II laid out a garden called Kanak Vrindavan by the Mansarovar lake and established regular worship there from 1719, according to Wikipedia, and the deity was later installed at Surya Mahal in his new city of Jaipur in 1727.
Sources differ on when the image was moved to the present shrine, so no single date is given here. The modern Satsang Hall in front of the temple, opened in July 2009, is recognised by Guinness World Records for the largest reinforced concrete flat roof span.
Architecture and sacred features
Incredible India describes the temple as combining Rajput and Mughal elements, with carved details, marble inlay and painted decoration. Unlike most temples built under Jai Singh, it has no shikhara (tower); the image sits in a rectangular hall surrounded by an arcaded passage with a flat, decorated ceiling.
In front of the shrine is the Satsang Hall, a pillarless hall for devotees. According to Guinness World Records, its flat roof of reinforced concrete spans 36.27 metres (119 feet) in a single span, supported by eight perimeter columns. It was designed and built by the Jaipur firm N. M. Roof Designers and opened to the public in July 2009.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
Darshan at the temple is arranged around a series of aartis through the day, so plan your visit around them. The temple is especially crowded on Janmashtami, Radhashtami and Holi. Dress modestly and follow the instructions of temple staff. Confirm the current aarti schedule with the temple administration or its website before visiting.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Mahant Anjan Kumar Goswami (mahant and sole trustee, per the temple website) (official website) before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Govind Dev Ji Temple
Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna's birth festival, which draws the largest crowds of the year according to Incredible India and Wikipedia.
Radhashtami
Radha's appearance day, another of the temple's busiest festivals, per Wikipedia.
Holi
Celebrated with large gatherings of devotees, according to Incredible India.
Sharad Purnima and Kartik Purnima
Full-moon festivals listed by Wikipedia among the temple's celebrations.
Location
How to Reach Govind Dev Ji Temple
The temple is inside the City Palace complex in central Jaipur, close to Jantar Mantar. Incredible India gives Jaipur International Airport as the nearest airport and Jaipur Junction as the nearest railway station.
Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Nearest airport: Jaipur International Airport
Nearest railway station: Jaipur Junction
More in Hindu temples in Rajasthan · Krishna as Govind Dev Ji, with Radha temples · Temples in Jaipur Tehsil · Temples in Jaipur District
Questions
Govind Dev Ji Temple: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Govind Dev Ji Temple?
It is inside the City Palace complex in central Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Where did the Govind Dev Ji image come from?
From Vrindavan. It was rediscovered there by Rupa Goswami around 1525, removed for safety during Aurangzeb's reign, and brought to Jaipur by Sawai Jai Singh II.
Why is Govind Dev Ji important to Jaipur?
Sawai Jai Singh II declared the deity the sovereign of his kingdom and called himself its chief minister. Jaipur's rulers traditionally pay homage to Govind Dev Ji first at their coronation.
What is the Guinness record at Govind Dev Ji Temple?
The temple's Satsang Hall, opened in 2009, holds the Guinness World Record for the largest reinforced concrete flat roof span: 36.27 metres (119 feet) in a single span.
Who is the legend behind the Govind Dev Ji image?
According to legend, Krishna's great-grandson Vajranabha made the image, and it is believed to show Krishna's face as he looked on earth.
Which festivals are celebrated at Govind Dev Ji Temple?
Janmashtami and Radhashtami draw the biggest crowds, and Holi, Sharad Purnima and Kartik Purnima are also celebrated.
Sources and attribution
- Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India — Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur
- Mandir Shri Govind Devji, Jaipur — Mandir Shri Govind Dev Ji, Jaipur (home page)
- Guinness World Records — Largest reinforced concrete cement flat roof span
- Wikipedia — Govind Dev Ji Temple
Further reading: Govind Dev Ji Temple on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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