Famous Temples in Udaipur: A List of Devotional Places to Visit in the City

Udaipur, the City of Lakes, is known for romanticism, tranquil ambiance, serenity, and splendid visual appeal. Whether it is the sun-kissed City Palace standing proudly by the banks of Lake Pichola or the offbeat lakes nestled in the laps of nature, this city has a lot to offer. The moment you step foot inside the city, you will be hit with overwhelming vibes of royal culture and heritage. In fact, most places here stand as a witness to some of the turning events noted in the pages of history.

But that’s not all! Apart from being the seat of royal heritage and historic semblance, Udaipur is also famous for numerous temples or mandirs. Dedicated to myriad gods and goddesses, these places remain crowded throughout the year. You can see both Indians and foreigners visiting the mandirs and offering their prayers with sheer devotion and gratitude. So, if you want to visit the most famous temple in Udaipur, this brief list will help you make your plans accordingly.

Known to be one of the oldest temples in Udaipur, the Bohra Ganesh Temple will give you an enthralling experience, and that’s for sure. As you walk inside the main temple complex, you will be greeted with an endearing sight of a humongous statue of Lord Ganesha in his dance posture. It is believed that this temple was first built around 350 years ago.

In earlier times, it was known by the name of Borganesh. However, according to tales, almost seventy years ago, locals used to write notes and leave those behind the idol whenever they required money. In return, they were granted the wish with the condition that they had to return the money with interest. This is how the temple got its new name, Bohra Ganesh, as the Bohra caste in India has always been involved in lending money and earning through interest.

This mandir in Udaipur is not just famous for being crowded with tourists and locals all around the year. Instead, it has a historic significance and is also called an architectural marvel. According to local folklore, it is believed that the temple was constructed somewhere around 1651. It has three levels, with the main temple complex housing a shrine of Lord Vishnu. Devotees from all around the country pray and devote their offerings here at the main complex.

The temple sports an Indo-Aryan-style architecture, as can be seen from the distinct lines and intricate patterns on the walls and columns. Additionally, it features a 79-foot tall, cone-shaped spire with numerous sculptures, thereby making it easily distinguishable from afar. While visiting this temple, do preserve all your energy as you will have to climb thirty-two steps to reach the main complex where the shrine of Lord Vishnu is located.

The name Ekling Ji holds a huge significance as per Hindu mythology. Lord Shiva, one of the creators of the universe, is said to be called by one hundred and eighty names, according to his avatar, place, and so on. Ekling Ji is one such name used to denote Lord Shiva and hence the name of this famous temple near Udaipur. It was built around the 8th century by the Maharanas of Udaipur as an ode to their glorious victory in wars. According to folklore, the rulers dedicated the temple to Lord Shiva, who is also known as the God of Power and Valiancy in the Hindu religion.

Besides holding a religious significance, the temple is extremely beautiful just like the rest of Udaipur due to its unique architectural style. There is a humongous statue of a silver-colored bull, popularly known as Nandi, the gate guardian of Mountain Kailash in Hindu mythology. Once you enter the main worship complex, you will be greeted by the majestic four-faced statue of Lord Shiva seated on a raised pedestal known as mandap. On the outside, there is a stairway that leads to an underground water reservoir.

Located at an approximate distance of 3 Km from the main city, this temple near Udaipur is popular for the serene ambiance and scenic beauty of the surroundings. It is perched atop the Machla Magra Hills proudly, like a crown. To reach the temple, you need to get on the ropeway, and throughout the journey, you will be welcomed by some of the most soothing sites of forest-covered mountains and open sky. If you plan to worship at the temple, the best time to visit the temple will be during the day.

However, if you want to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings, visit the Shri Mansapurna Karni temple during sundown. You will be amazed at the views of the vast, open sky painted with the orange and red colors of the sun. Also, you can visit the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park since the ropeway starts from here only.

Located at a distance of 23 Km from Udaipur in the Nagda Village, the Sahastrabahu Temple is another majestic tourist location in the city. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and hence the name, resembling his supreme avatar with 1000 arms. The architecture has uncanny resemblance with the Maru-Gurjara style as you can see from the east-faced structure, open porch and projections, and shikaras made from bricks. With time, the temple got it’s twin, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

As it had numerous similarities with the Saas-Bahu temple of Gwalior, it’s original name, Sahastrabahu was soon replaced by Saas-Bahu. Even though a few areas of the temple complex are now in ruins, you will be amazed at its architectural beauty and thoughtful designs. Both temples are adorned with intricate wall carvings and curved entrances. While visiting this temple, you can also make a detour to explore the Nagda Village and revel in the native culture and heritage of Rajasthan.

Visiting any of the Udaipur temples from this list during your tour is a must, especially as all these locations hold a historic and cultural significance in India. If you are worried about your accommodation, Bloom Boutique | Lake Pichola is your one-stop destination. It overlooks the majestic lake and is located centrally, which makes it easier for you to offer prayers and seek blessings. What makes this hotel more amicable for vacation stay is its unique-styled architecture that resembles the regal heritage of Udaipur.