Kristian Bertel | Photography
Archive story
In this archive story we are visiting the Jagdish Temple, which is the biggest temple in Udaipur in Rajasthan.
Read the background story of this archive photo by the photographer.
Devotees in major temples may bring in symbolic offerings for the 'Puja'. This includes fruits, flowers, sweets and other symbols of the bounty of the natural world. Temples in India are usually surrounded with small shops selling these offerings and when inside the temple, devotees keep both hands folded, known as 'Namaste mudra'. A typical, ancient Hindu temple has a profusion of arts from paintings to sculptures.
Devotees in major temples may bring in symbolic offerings for the 'Puja'. This includes fruits, flowers, sweets and other symbols of the bounty of the natural world. Temples in India are usually surrounded with small shops selling these offerings and when inside the temple, devotees keep both hands folded, known as 'Namaste mudra'. A typical, ancient Hindu temple has a profusion of arts from paintings to sculptures.
Kristian Bertel, Photographer By Kristian Bertel, Photgrapher
– Updated on March 22, 2024

Jagdish Temple in Udaipur

Jagdish Temple is a large Hindu temple in the middle of Udaipur in Rajasthan. A big tourist attraction and the major monument in Udaipur, the Jagdish Temple is raised on a tall terrace and was completed in 1651 and it attaches a double-storey 'Mandapa', which is a hall to a double-storey 'Saandhara' with a covered ambulatory sanctum. It is in the inner shrine that devotees seek a 'Darsana' of where they offer prayers. Devotees may or may not be able to personally present their offerings at the feet of the deity.




What is the symbolism of a Hindu temple?

The symbolism and structure of a Hindu temple are rooted in Vedic traditions. A temple incorporates all elements of Hindu cosmos presenting the good, the evil and the human, as well as the elements of Hindu sense of cyclic time and the essence of life symbolically presenting 'Dharma', 'Kama', 'Artha', 'Moksa' and 'Karma'.


A beautiful Hindu temple located in Udaipur
The Jagdish Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple located in Udaipur, India and it was built in 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, it stands majestically in the City Palace complex of Udaipur and the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the most important gods of Hinduism. The three-storeyed temple has a carved entrance and stands on a large plinth. The temple has an impressive gateway, which is intricately carved with numerous Hindu gods and goddesses.




"The entrance is decorated with a large 'Nandi' a bull statue. Inside, the temple is home to many shrines and idols of Lord Vishnu and his avatars. The main shrine is located on the first floor and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Vishnu"




One of the most visited temples in Udaipur
The Jagdish Temple is one of the most visited temples in Udaipur and attracts thousands of tourists every year. Visitors to the temple are often amazed by the intricately carved pillars and ceilings and the intricate sculptures of various Hindu gods and goddesses. The temple is home to various festivals throughout the year, including the annual 'Jagannath Rath Yatra', when devotees pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath around the temple.

The temple is also known for its musical gongs and bells, which can be heard throughout the complex. The temple has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-visit place for those looking to experience the beauty of Udaipur and the Jagdish Temple is a stunning example of traditional Rajasthani architecture and art. It is a great place to explore the Hindu faith and to appreciate the beautiful sculptures and carvings that adorn the temple. Whether you are a religious enthusiast or a curious traveler, the Jagdish Temple is a must-visit destination in Udaipur
.

The spiritual principles symbolically represented in Hindu temples are given in the ancient Sanskrit written words of India like the 'Vedas' and 'Upanishads', while their structural rules are described in various ancient Sanskrit treatises on architecture which are 'Brhat Samhita' and 'Vastu Sastras'. The layout, the motifs, the plan and the building process recite ancient rituals, geometric symbolisms and reflect beliefs and values innate within various schools of Hinduism. A Hindu temple is a spiritual destination for many Hindus, as well as landmarks around which ancient arts, community celebrations and economy have flourished.

A Hindu temple is a symbolic reconstruction of the universe and universal principles that make everything in it function. The temples reflect Hindu philosophy and its diverse views on cosmos and truths. Within this diffuse and open structure, spirituality in Hindu philosophy is an individual experience. It defines spiritual practice as one's journey towards 'Moksha', awareness of self, the discovery of higher truths, true nature of reality and a consciousness that is liberated and content. A Hindu temple reflects these core beliefs.




"The central core of almost all Hindu temples is not a large communal space, the temple is designed for the individual, a couple or a family a small, private space where he or she experiences 'Darsana'. 'Darsana' is itself a symbolic word. In ancient Hindu scripts, 'Darsana' is the name of 6 methods or alternate viewpoints of understanding Truth. These are 'Nyaya', 'Vaisesika', 'Sankhya', 'Yoga', 'Mimamsa' and 'Vedanta' each of which flowered into their own schools of Hinduism, each of which are considered valid, alternate paths to understanding Truth and realizing Self in the Hindu way of life"




Arts in the Hindu temples
A typical, ancient Hindu temple has a profusion of arts from paintings to sculpture, from symbolic icons to engravings, from thoughtful layout of space to fusion of mathematical principles with Hindu sense of time and cardinality. Ancient Sanskrit written words classify idols and images in number of ways. For instance, one method of classification is the dimensionality of completion. 'Chitra', which are images that are 3-dimensional and completely formed, 'Chitrardha' which are images that are engraved in half relief, 'Chitrabhasa' which are images that are 2-dimensional such as paintings on walls and cloths. Images and idols inside Hindu temples vary widely in their appearance. 'Raudra' or 'Ugra' images that display destruction, fear and violence, such as 'Kali' image on left. 'Shanta' or 'Saumya' images express joy, knowledge and harmony. 'Saumya' images are most common in Hindu temples.

Another way of classification is by the expressive state of the image are 'Raudra' or 'Ugra', which are images that were meant to terrify, induce fear. These typically have wide, circular eyes, carry weapons, have skulls and bones as adornment. These idols were worshipped by soldiers before going to war or by people in times of distress or errors. 'Raudra' deity temples were not set up inside villages or towns, but invariably outside and in remote areas of a kingdom. 'Shanta' and 'Saumya' that are images that were pacific, peaceful and expressive of love, compassion, kindness and other virtues in Hindu pantheon. These images would carry symbolic icons of peace, knowledge, music, wealth, flowers, sensuality among other things. In ancient India, these temples were predominant inside villages and towns.

A Hindu temple may or may not include an idol or images, but larger temples usually do. Personal Hindu temples at home or a hermitage may have a pada for yoga or meditation, but be devoid of anthropomorphic representations of god. Nature or others arts may surround him or her. To a Hindu yogin, states Gopinath Rao, one who has realised self and the universal principle within himself, there is no need for any temple or divine image for worship. However, for those who have yet to reach this height of realization, various symbolic manifestations through images, idols and icons as well as mental modes of worship are offered as one of the spiritual paths in the Hindu way of life.

"- This belief is repeated in ancient Hindu scriptures", the Photographer says.




See this video about the Jagdish Temple made by Incredible Udaipur.




The photographer's own experience of the Jagdish Temple
"- I recently embarked on a journey to India, a country rich in history, color and culture. One of the most mesmerizing places I visited was Udaipur, also known as the "Venice of the East" due to its picturesque lakes and charming architecture. And in the heart of this city, lies the magnificent Jagdish Temple. As a traveler, I'm always drawn to historic sites that exude grandeur and tales of the past. And the Jagdish Temple did not disappoint. The temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, dates back to 1651 and was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. As I entered the complex, I was greeted with intricate carvings and sculptures adorning the walls and pillars and the attention to detail was simply astonishing", the Photographer says again.

"- My visit to the Jagdish Temple left an indelible impression on me. It was not just a historic site, but a spiritual experience that connected me to the people and culture of India. I would recommend this temple to anyone visiting Udaipur, as it is not just a monument, but a living and breathing part of the city's identity. As I left the temple complex, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to witness such a beautiful place. It was a reminder to keep an open mind and heart while traveling, as you never know what treasures and experiences await you in a new destination. The Jagdish Temple will always hold a special place in my memories and I hope to return one day to relive its magic once again"
, the Photographer says again.

Read also:  Hindu temples of India



Hindu temples of India


Read also:  Hindu temples of India

More archive stories

India is a land full of stories. On every street, on every corner and in the many places in India, life is rushing by you as a photographer with millions of stories to be told. In the archive story above, you hopefully had a readable insight in the story that was behind the photo of a stone carved figure in Udaipur. On this website of Kristian Bertel | Photography you can find numerous travel pictures from the photographer. Stories and moments that tell the travel stories of how the photographer captured the specific scene that you see in the picture. The photographer's images have a story behind them, images that all are taken from around India throughout his photo journeys. The archive stories delve into Kristian's personal archive to reveal never-before-seen, including portraits and landscapes beautifully produced snapshots from various travel assignments. The archive is so-far organized into photo stories, this one included, each brought to life by narrative text and full-color photos. Together, these fascinating stories tell a story about the life in India. India, the motherland to many people around the world, a land of unforgetable travel moments. The archive takes viewers on a spectacular visual journey through some of the most stunning photographs to be found in the photographer's archive collection. The photographer culled the images to reflect the many variations on the universal theme of beauty and everyday life in India. By adding these back stories the photographer's work might immensely enhanced the understanding of the photographs.

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