Udai Mandir

The city of forts, Jodhpur in Rajasthan is home to several ancient temples built by skilled artisans and designed by architects renowned all over the then Indian subcontinent. One among them is the Uday Mandir Temple situated on the Uday Mandir Road of Jodhpur.

This pilgrimage heritage site is sure to incite within you a sense of immense respect towards the rich culture of knowledge and technology that was embodied within Indians during that era when several civilizations were taking baby steps towards development. The Uday Mandir is another striking example of the intricate details put into the architectural plan of the temple. The holy site greets visitors with a grand welcome through its main gate which is carved with sandstones. On entering and facing the main temple, it is seen that the shrine is built on more than 100 strong pillars.

Art and photography enthusiasts, this temple is visit a place for you as you can brace yourself for a surge of awe-struck moments while viewing the highly illustrated paintings hung within the beautifully carved walls of the temple. The sanctum sanctorum or the Garbha Griha is partially covered with a cloth that is embroidered with elegant designs. Gold pots cover the circumference of this cloth. Also, you come across paintings depicting 84 Yogasanas.

History of Udai Mandir

Known to be present before the establishment of princely states within Rajasthan, this temple places great significance in terms of Indian architecture and culture. It inspires all with its display of various postures in Yoga and meditation that have been in practice in India since the Vedic era.

Architecture of Udai Mandir

Built on a raised platform on the outskirts of Jodhpur, Udai Mandir is amongst the finest examples of architectural brilliance. The temple stands on 102 pillars on a raised platform. Admiration for the structure starts rising from the entrance gate itself, as it is completely carved out of sandstone. The use of sandstone for decoration from the entrance gate goes high to the upper part of the temple.

On entering inside, beautiful wall paintings of Nath Yogis performing different yoga asanas, made up of gold are most likely to catch the interest of an art and architecture lover. On shifting the focus from these wonderful paintings, one can spot the main hall of the temple, which is known as the ‘Garba Griha’. The upper portion of it has been kept covered with cloth, while its surroundings are occupied by pots of gold. There also lies a massive door, which is entirely made up of sandalwood.

Exteriors of Udai Mandir boast of gold polishing, which in its current form has still not lost its original sheen. Flaunting such details, Udai Mandir has managed to prove itself as one of the top tourist attractions in Jodhpur, every passing year.