Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple Jaipur, India (Timings, History, Entry Fee, Images, Aarti, Location & Phone)

---

Lord Ganesha holds a special place, not just in Hindu mythology but also in the heart of every devotee. Every religious function or festival followed by the Hindus starts by offering prayers to Lord Ganesha. According to religious scriptures, he is the God worshipped at the start of any auspicious beginning. Several famous temples across the country pay homage to Lord Ganesha and Jaipur holds the claim to fame of having once such temple in the city.

Moti Doongri temple is one of the most famous and revered temples of Jaipur which sees thousands of devotees at its steps. Devotees visit this temple at every important occasion of their life, be it buying their first car, or after getting married or before applying for a visa. The temple holds a very important place in the hearts of the people of the city.

History of Moti Doongri temple

Legend has it that way back in the 17th century when the King of Mewar was returning home, he was carrying an idol of Lord Ganesha with him on a bullock cart. He declared that wherever the bullock cart first stopped, he would build a temple for the lord.

The cart stopped at the foothill of Moti Doongri which became the site for the temple. Construction of the temple was entrusted to Seth Jairam Paliwal and Mahant Shiv Narain who built this temple in four years and it was completed in 1761.

A complex resembling a Scottish castle was built at the site for Maharaja Madho Singh’s son and the temple was housed within it. The surrounding palace is not open for visitors as it is a private property but the temple is open for one and all. This temple got its name Moti Doongri as it is built at the bottom of Moti Doongri hill. Moti translated in English means a pearl while Doongri means a small hill in the local language.

Image Gallery of Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple Jaipur

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•  

Architecture of Moti Doongri temple

The temple premise covers a span of 2 km and its building has three domes which signify the three main religions followed in the country. Intricate latticework in marble accentuates the beauty of this temple which has been carved out of stone. The walls are adorned with scenes from mythology that leave the visitors spellbound.

There are two ledges on both sides of the entrance to the temple for the devotees to sit after they have offered prayers at the temple. It is believed that Lord Ganesha is pleased if the devotees sit for a few minutes after offering their prayers and do not rush back home immediately.

Inside the Moti Doongri temple

The inside of the temple is equally breathtaking as its outer structure. A huge idol of Lord Ganesha in a sitting posture with his trunk pointed towards the left graces the temple. Most Idols of Lord Ganesha have their trunk towards the right side and those with it on the left are considered quite auspicious.

The stark orange color of the idol has a marvelous brilliance to it and so does the thick lustrous black hair of the idol. A silver crown adorns the head of the idol which is covered with gorgeous clothes and jewellery.

Statue of a large Mushak or rat is placed near the feet of the Lord Ganesha. Mushak is said to be the riding vehicle of Lord Ganesha. The throne of the idol is made out of silver and gold and is flanked by two large silver pillars on both sides. A big Golden chakra adorns the wall behind the idol while a golden umbrella or chhatra is atop the idol.

Best time to visit the temple

As they say, there is never the best time to visit a temple since one can go there whenever one wishes to offer prayers. Moti Doongri temple is thronged by devotees every day of the week but Wednesday is one of the busiest days for the temple. Lord Ganesha is said to be the god of the planet Mercury and Wednesday is the day for Mercury.

A small fair is set outside the temple on this day every week where hawkers selling toys, sweets, and other knick-knacks cover the road leading up to the temple. The entry of vehicles to the gate of the temple is restricted on this day and barricades are set at a distance from the temple premises.

On other days of the week, Darshan takes place seven times during the day. Aartis, bhajans, and kirtans are sung during the darshan and devotees pay homage to Lord Ganesha when the curtains are pulled aside for him to give an appearance.

A large number of devotees also visit the temple from the city and other neighboring cities on the occasion of festivals like Ganesha Chaturthi, Annkuta, Janmashtami, and Paush Bada. During these festivals, the road leading up to the temple is beautifully decorated.

Moti Doongri temple timings and entry fee

Moti Doongri Temple is open from 5:30 am to 1:30 pm and then from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm on all days of the week.

Entry to the temple is free.

Temples near Moti Doongri

Right adjacent to Moti Doongri temple are three other temples and devotees make it a point to visit these as well when they come here. Many sweet shops located next to the temple sell laddoos and other sweets that devotees offer at these temples. There are rows of taps with drinking water at the base of the stairs leading to the temple.

1. Birla Mandir: At walking distance from the Moti Doongri temple is the Birla temple which is the abode of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The sprawling temple is visited by devotees as well as tourists and it is a magnificent work of architecture.

2. Hanuman temple and Goddess Durga temple: Towards the right of Moti Doongri temple is another temple that is the sanctum sanctorum for lord hanuman and Goddess Durga. The Hanuman temple is flocked by devotees especially on a Tuesday, which is considered his prominent day of worship. Both idols are present next to each other in one temple itself and a flight of stairs leads to the temple. Just like Moti Doongri, devotees spend some time sitting on the stairs of the temple after offering prayers.

3. Lord Shiva temple: This one is a relatively smaller temple but revered nonetheless amongst devotees. The temple has a Shivalinga along with several other idols and since Monday is the day of Lord Shiva, devotees start visiting the temple since early morning on this day to offer milk, flowers and other puja offerings to the Lord.

How to reach Moti Doongri temple

Moti Doongri temple is centrally located and one can reach it using any modes of public transport. Jaipur railway station is well connected to all major cities of India and so is the Jaipur Airport, to all major countries as well as Indian cities. One can also hire a cab from top car rental companies in Jaipur and visit all the famous sightseeing places of Jaipur with utmost comfort.

Traveler tips

• In case you wish to visit the temple on a Wednesday, it would be a good idea to use a cab or public transport since parking your vehicle on that day might prove to be troublesome.
• There are some trees right outside the temple which are home to a lot of monkeys. So keep your belongings close to you unless you want them snatched by the monkeys.

---

Jaipur is a historic city with many architectural wonders that leaves one spellbound. To make the most of your Jaipur tour, we at Jaipur Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA offer pocket friendly and customizable Jaipur Tour packages that one can choose from and have a memorable holiday experience. For more details on the various packages, please fill the Contact Us form.

Location Map for Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple Jaipur