The Govind Dev Ji Temple dedicated to Govind Dev Ji (Lord Krishna) is located in the City Palace complex in Jaipur, Rajasthan. There is an idol of Radha and Krishna enshrined in this magnificent temple. Govind Dev Ji Temple is one amongst the major tourist attractions of Jaipur. The Temple stands testimony to the royal past of Jaipur. Etched in red sandstone, this spireless temple has a very captivating architecture. The seven-storied temple displays a unique combination of Western, Hindu and Muslim architectural styles.
Govind Dev Ji Temple History
In the earlier times, the idol of the lord used to reside in the temple of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. According to one of the legend, Govind Dev Ji appeared in the dream of Raja Sawai Jai Singh and had asked him to bring his idol from Vrindavan to Jaipur. As the wish of gods Raja Sawai Jai Singh brought the idol and placed it in his own royal residence, ‘Surya Mahal’ and worshipped lord Krishna as the principle deity of Jaipur. According to admired legend, Lord Krishna's image in the place of worship looks exactly like Krishna's form during his incarnation on Earth.
Govind Dev Ji Temple Legend
According to mythology, the idol of Lord Govind Dev Ji was sculpted by the great grandson of Lord Krishna, Bajranabh. As He asked his Grand Mother as to how Lord Shri Krishna looked like. Then later he made an image of Lord Shri Krishna according to the definition given by his Grand Mother. She revealed that only the Feet of that image looked like those of Lord Shri Krishna. After all this he made another image, yet she said that the only the chest looked like the same. Thereafter, he made the third image about which his grandmother said that it was completely like Lord Krishna. This image was named 'Bajrakrit', meaning 'created by Bajra'. The first idol created by Bajranabh was known as Lord Madan Mohan Ji, the second one was known as Lord Gopi Nath Ji, and the third idol is called Lord Govind Dev Ji. Later on, approximately 500 years ago in year 1525, Lord Govind Dev Ji revealed himself to Shri Roop Goswami on Basant Panchami at Goma Teela (famous place in Vrindavan Dhaam).
The main deity is unveiled for darshan or viewing seven times a day after elaborate rituals of offering Aartis and Bhog . Bhogs are offered in the silver wares, consisting of sweets mostly. The idols of Radha Krishna are dressed in different styles each time for the 'Aart' procession. The Govind dev ji temple of Lord Radha-Krishna is surrounded by beautiful gardens and palaces. The patron deity of the royal family is very religiously worshipped by the people from the city and nearby areas. Thousands of devotees throng the temple during Janmashtami, to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna.