Moti Dungri, Jaipur - 7 Reasons to Enjoy an Evening
Hinduism holds wisdom, knowledge, prosperity, and wealth highly as main contributors to a fulfilled life. The god to all these life-changing attributes is Lord Ganesha. He rightfully holds supreme position amongst all the Gods. It is customary to pray Lord Ganesha before starting any work for the Lord will make sure its smooth fruition.Almost all the temples have a Ganesha Idol. Moti Dungri, Jaipur is the hilltop palatial residence of the royals spread across over two kilometers. Moti Dungri got its name due to pearl drop shaped appearance of the palace atop the hills. Moti Dungri translates to Moti meaning Pearl and Dungri meaning hill. There is also Laxmi Narayan Temple in the vicinity.
Architecture of Moti Dungri
Moti Dungri was once residence to the Sawai Man Singh II, the last ruler of Jaipur. Later famed Maharani of Jaipur Gayatri Devi and her youngest son continued to live in it ever since. Appearing like Scottish Castle, both the palace and the Ganesha Temple inside are a piece of architectural art. The pattern work on delicate marbles is known for its legendary descriptions. This is one place where all three Indian, Islamic, and Western-style domes represent the unity in diversity.The scenic panoramic view from the hillock adds to the beauty of the already beautiful temple. Moti Dungri is a private property today and is inaccessible to the public. Only the Ganesha Temple located within is open to the public and can be visited. Dating back to the 18th century, this temple has beautiful stonework on it. If you see from an adjacent hillock, Moti Dungri appears as a small fortified palace overlooking Birla temple.
Legend of Moti Dungri
There is a legend on the establishment of the Ganesha idol here. It is said that some five hundred years ago while returning to his palace from a long journey the king of Mewar wished to establish a temple. He wished that the first pit stop of the bullock be the point to establish the huge Ganesha idol that he was carrying along. The cart stopped at foothills of Moti Dungri and would not move. The Ganesha was established in this temple. A temple was commissioned and responsibility was given to Seth Jai Ram Paliwal and Chief Priest Mahant Shiv Narain. It took 4 months to complete the temple and was opened to awaiting Shaivites (Shiva devotees). Today even devotees and travelers from all over the world travel to the temple to take blessings and offer prayers.Customs and Festivals of Moti Dungri
The Ganesh idol is in sitting position and is covered in vermillion and ghee paste known as ‘Chola’, as per Hindu traditions. Chola is applied by the head priest to the Ganesha idol on a timely basis as per the traditions. His favorite ride - the rat - made of marble also accompanies the deity in the temple. Ablutions on special occasions are also a part of paying respect to the deity. This ritual marks purification of Lord Ganesha in milk. It is considered especially important for the newly wedded to take blessings from the deity for an auspicious start of their life journey together. Owners of new vehicles also come to worship and take blessings of Ganesha. Every Wednesday a fair is organized in the temple premises. Being the lord of Mercury, Wednesday is considered Lord Ganesha’s favorite day.Another occasion of supreme importance is the Ganesh Chaturthi when god is believed to have incarnated. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most celebrated festivals of Jaipur. A jhanki or tableaux is organized in which various sizes of laddoos and modak (a sweet) are on display.
Few other festivals celebrated here are Krishna Janmashtami - the birth of Lord Krishna, Annakuta also known as Diwali in other parts of India, and ‘Paush Bada’ – a month-long festival during Paush month (Hindu calendar) to welcome the winter season. ‘Paush Badas’ are the highlight of this festival in which the hot vadas are served to the deities.
Things to Do at Moti Dungri
There are many things to do at Moti Dungri, Jaipur and enjoy the evenings.1. Visit the Ganesha temple, offer prayers, and attend morning Arti.
2. The devotional music ceremony happens every evening and is very tranquilizing.
3. Enjoy the scenic view of surrounding Aravalli mountain range.
4. Visit Birla Temple which is quite close to Moti Dungri.5. One can enjoy the Wednesday fair organized in honor of the deity.
6. Paush Bada is a month-long festival where devotees can enjoy.
7. Flamboyant celebrations and religious procession on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi are not to be missed if you are around.
Visiting Hours: The Ganesha Temple at Moti Dungri can be visited from 5:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. The rest of the place is not open to the public. The place looks very beautiful around winters when everything is green and prosperous here.
Temperature: Summer 28°C to 43°C, winter 15°C to 30°C
Ticket: No entry fee