Moti Dungri Ganesh temple is located in Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan. Moti Dungri is a small hill situated in the heart of the city. Moti Dungri means Hill of Pearls. The hill houses a beautiful palace and a temple dedicated to lord Ganesh. The temple is one the most popular tourist destinations in Jaipur.
Moti Dungri Ganesh Mandir History
It is said that the king of Mewar was returning back to his palace from a long journey and was carting this huge idol of Lord Ganesh ji in a bullock cart. It is said, that the king wanted to build a temple, and had decided to consecrate the idol of Lord Ganesh wherever the bullock cart halted the first time. Legend states that the bullock cart stopped at the foot of the Moti Dungri hills, which is where the temple is situated today. It is said that the construction and the design of the temple was commissioned to Seth Jai Ram Paliwal, who supervised the construction of this magnificent structure, on the inspiration of chief priest Shiv Narain Ji.
The Moti Dungri Temple, Jaipur is popular for its marvelous location as well as exquisite architecture. The temple has fabulous stone carving work and exquisite lattices carved in marble. The mythological images engraved in marble are really fascinating. The idol of Lord Ganesh ji is in sitting posture and the idol is covered with vermillion. A big idol of mushak made of marble is also placed in front of Lord Ganesh ji.
There is a beautiful palace close to the temple called the Moti Dungri palace. The place at the uphill was a small fortress but was later renovated by Sawai Man Singh II. It served as the venue for his many grand parties attended by the top socialites of his times afterwards. Moti Doongri palace is built in the style of a Scottish castle and is a marvel of architecture. In the recent past it served as a home for Rajmata Gayatri Devi's only son, Jagat Singh. Since this is a private property of the royal family public are not allowed to go inside the palace.
The temple located at the foothills of the Moti Dungri Ganesh temple is an important place of worship for the people of Jaipur. People of Jaipur believe in extending the first invitation on every occasion to the Lord Ganesh Ji of this temple before inviting anyone else. Many newlywed couple start the first day of their married life with a visit to this temple. Many also bring their new vehicles to this temple for good wishes. During the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi thousands of devotees throng the famous Ganesh temple at Moti Dungri.