Temple Profile: Mandir Shri Keshav Rai Ji
Location: Bank of river Chambal at Keshavraipatan. God Worshipped: The idol of Lord Krishna in the form of Keshavraiji Maharaj is enshrined in this temple.
District: Bundi Road Distance from Jaipur: 225 Kms
Built in the year: Vikram Samvat 1698 (1641 AD) Nearest Airport: Kota (40 kms)
By Maharaja of Bundi, Rao Shatrusal. Nearest Rly. Station: Keshavraipatan (10 kms)
       

Cause of Establishment:
It is believed that Lord Vishnu was pleased with the intense devotion of Raja Ranti Deo. He appeared in the form of two idols, one of Shri Keshavji in white stone and the other of Shri Charbhuja Nath in black Stone. Raja Ranti Deo started the building of the temple in Samvat 1307. But this building work was completed in four generations as the domestic conditions of the royal family, palace intrigues and political upheavals disturbed the work which was completed only by fits and starts. Finally the work was brought to completion in the year Samvat 1698 by Maha Rao Raja Shatrusalji.

       
Brief of the Diety:

A beautifully charming idol of Lord Keshavaraiji is seated in a posture of Padmasan or lotus like seating position. The idol is of white stone. The left hand holds a discus while the right hand holds a conch. On the breast lies vaijayantimala and the idol is wearing a Janeu which from the left shoulder goes diagonically to the right side. Initially the pooja of the temple was performed in accordance with the tradition of Ramanuj Sampradaya, but in due course of time, this was replaced by a pooja in accordance with Pushtimargiya tradition. The Pujari of the temple attains priesthood rights by hereditary lineage.

Religious sect to which the temple belongs:

As has been said initially the temple belonged to Ramanuj Sect, but today pooja is performed according to Pushtimargiya sect.

Architecture of the Temple:
Important Architectural Characteristics:

The temple stands on a strong base of a very big platform. The grand and imposing temple has beautiful entrance in the typical style of architecture adopted for the main gates of the temples of medieval times. The walls have an elaborate carving work and images of various Gods and Goddesses have been incurved. The pyramid shaped very high shikhar is built something like in South Indian style. On the shikhar itself images of Gods and Goddesses nymphs and fairies, Yakshas and Yandarvas have been incurved. There appeared to be four story's of the Shikhar. Because inf every story there is a shrine like projection on the frontage within which images of Gods and Goddesses have been incurved. The uppermost portion, tapers off and on the top there is a Kalash. This shikhar is on the sanctum sanctorum. The shikhar on the Jagmohan is in the round shape. What makes the temple magnificent and artistically rich is the immaculate sculpture and architecture.

Important Architectural Characteristics:

To the countless images on the shikhar and panels of the temple, the floral patterns, images of animals and mythical features of gods and Goddesses and demons – all are wonderful to look at. The interior of the Jagmohan also has beautiful design in which circular patterns have been drawn and joining these circles interlacing patterns have also been made. Again images of Gods and Goddesses are shown in these circles. The outer portion of the temple is of two storeys over which canopies in the typical Rajasthani style have been built. Behind the entrance, the structure of the building is wider and the third portion is still wider. Every where wherever there is scope, images of animals of elephants, horses and images of Gods and Goddesses have been encarved. It is a wonderful creation of sculpture and architecture.

Material of Construction:

Stone, Lime

Total Construction Time: Samvat 1307 to Samvat 1698 (391 years).
Religious aspects of temple:

The temple commands respect of the masses, the visitors first take a dip in the holy water of the Chambal river and then they have a darshan of Lord Keshavaraiji.

Unique features of the temple:

The temple stands by the side of the bank of Chambal. Thus it gathers a special importance.

Festivals & Fairs in Temple (Main Events):

Kartik poornima, Holi, Dussera, Dol Yatra, Sharad Poornima, Janmasthmi and Ram Navmi.

Timings:
Morning Time: 4.00 am -12.00 am

Evening Time:

3.00 pm -9.00 pm
Custom & Traditions of Temple:

All customary rituals are performed in the temple. People believe that a sacred bath in the holy river Chambal river and there after a darshan of the deity will entitle them for salvation.

Details of Temple:
Sanctrum:(Sanctorum) 1
Verandah: 1
Garbh Grah: 1
Rasoi: North Side
Others: The sanctum sanctorum is square shaped over which a very high shikhar in pyramid like shape is built. In the shrine a wooden seat is placed on a stone seat. The wooden seat is covered with silver layer and the deity is enshrined on that. To the North of the temple is a Rasoi and outside the temple is a big chowk.
Vandana (If any particular) in text:

Traditional aarti songs are sung. Mangla aarti is performed at 4.00 AM, Rajbhog at 9.30 AM, Sandhya Aarti at 7.15 PM and Shayan Aarti at 9.00 PM

Issues requiring global attention for conservation, protection and improvement of the temple:

Surprisingly there are no dharmshalas around the temple for the convenience of the visitors. The temple should be brought on the world map of tourism. The surroundings of the temple are also to be developed. This heritage temple is one of the lest specimens of medieval architecture and sculpture . It must be lovingly preserved.



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