Khushi Sharma
Jaipur is one of the few cities having many heritage temples. Records from the mid-1940s indicate there were more than 600 temples within the walled city area of Jaipur. Some of these temples were constructed many centuries ago with the royal patronage. This manifests in their architectural style, layout, and placement at the prominent sites in the city. Temples like Garh Ganesh and Charan Mandir are two such historic temples commissioned by Jaipur royalty; both predates Jaipur city. While Garh Ganesh overlooks the city from a hillock, Charan Mandir, on the other hand, towers over the hills of Nahargarh Fort. It provides panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
Maharajah Sawai Mansingh I who ruled from Amer Fort built this temple. He was a devout follower of Lord Krishna. As per the local legend, Lord Krishna appeared in Maharajah Sawai Mansingh’s dream and instructed him to build a temple in Ambica Van. The region surrounding Amer Fort and Nahargarh Fort was once called Ambica Van (forest). It’s being claimed that Charan Mandir has Charan Chinha (foot marks) of Lord Krishna.
Charan Mandir is just not the usual temples we that we find in the neighborhood around us in terms of architecture and layout. Its layout is unusual with a huge tower attached to the temple complex and fortified walls on its perimeter. The temple complex also has a large water storage tank.
Where is Charan Mandir located?
The temple is located on the way to Nahargarh Fort. Notably it is located in middle of Nahargarh Reserve forest. There is only one road connecting it to rest of the city.
Places to visit near Charan Mandir
Here are some places to visit (tourist spots) with their respective distances from the temple so that the mapping plan for reaching there remains easy and flexible for you
- Nahargarh Fort (2.2 KMs from Charan Mandir in Jaipur)
- Jaigarh Fort (4.2 KMs from Charan temple in Jaipur)
- Amer Fort (8.7 KMs from Charan Mandir in Jaipur)
- Gaitore ki Chhatriya (9.9 KMs from Charan temple in Jaipur)
- Hawamahal (12.4 KMs from Charan Mandir in Jaipur)
Charan Mandir Jaipur Timing
The temple opens for devotees with sunrise and closes by sunset. As the temple is located between the forest areas it is advised to avoid visiting temple during dark.
Reason to visit Charan Temple
Apart from the religious significance of the site the forest is natural habitat of many species of wild animals and birds. Although, during the visiting hours the chances to spot a wild animal is low but the site is promising of beautiful bird watching point. Also, Charan Mandir offers one of the best views of sunrise in Jaipur. But, during sunset the sun sets behind the huge walls of temple so it gets difficult to watch the view. But the view of Nahargarh Forest from top of the minaret of temple is certainly refreshing