Pushkar, a small town in Rajasthan, India, is known for its religious and spiritual significance. It is home to over 500 temples, many of which are ancient and have a rich history. But one of the most famous and important temples in Pushkar is the Rangji Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu in his incarnation as Rangji. This temple is located on the outskirts of Pushkar town, near the railway station. It is a blend of South Indian and Mughal architecture, with a distinctive red spire and a hamsa bird motif. Visit during One Day Pushkar Local Sightseeing By Private Cab
The temple also has idols of other deities, such as Lakshmi, Saraswati, Sharda and Ramanujacharya. In this article, we will explore the overview, location, timing/entry fees, how to reach, things to do/must see, significance, FAQ’s and conclusion of this temple.
Overview of Rangji Temple
The Rangji Temple, also known as Sri Vaikuntha Nathar Temple or New Rangji Temple, is a Hindu temple of Vishnu in his form as Rangji, which means “the lord of the stage”. The temple was built in 1844 by Seth Puran Mal Ganeriwal, a wealthy merchant from Hyderabad. The temple was designed by an architect from Hyderabad, who incorporated the elements of South Indian and Mughal architecture. The temple has a high red spire (shikhara) with a hamsa bird (the mount of Brahma) on top. The temple also has a large courtyard with a water tank and a garden.
The temple has three chambers: the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), the mukhamandapa (entrance hall) and the rangamandapa (assembly hall). The garbhagriha houses the idol of Rangji, which is made of black stone and has four arms. The idol is adorned with gold ornaments and jewels. The mukhamandapa has the idols of Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and Rangji’s consort), Saraswati (the goddess of learning) and Sharda (the goddess of wisdom). The rangamandapa has the idols of Ramanujacharya (a prominent Vaishnava saint) and his disciples.
The temple is one of the most popular and revered pilgrimage sites for Vaishnavas (followers of Vishnu), especially those from South India. The temple also attracts tourists who admire its unique architecture and beauty. The temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year, such as Ram Navami, Janmashtami, Diwali, Holi and Kartik Poornima. The temple also organizes a Jagran (night-long worship) on the seventh day of Bhadrapada month (August-September), when devotees sing devotional songs and offer prayers to Rangji.
Location of Rangji Temple
The Rangji Temple is located in Pushkar town, which is about 10 km northwest of Ajmer city in Rajasthan state. Pushkar town is one of the oldest towns in India and has a rich history and heritage. It is also known as the “City of Temples” or “Tirth Raj” (the king of pilgrimage sites). Pushkar town is situated at an elevation of 530 meters above sea level and has a pleasant climate throughout the year.
Timing/Entry Fees Rangji Temple
The Rangji Temple is open for visitors every day from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple, but donations are accepted at various places inside the temple. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the temple premises and dress modestly and respectfully. Photography and videography are not allowed inside the temple.
How to Reach Rangji Temple
The nearest airport to Pushkar is Jaipur International Airport, which is about 150 km away from Pushkar. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Pushkar. The nearest railway station to Pushkar is Ajmer Junction Railway Station, which is about 10 km away from Pushkar. From there, one can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach Pushkar. There are also regular buses available from Ajmer to Pushkar. Alternatively, one can also drive to Pushkar by taking the National Highway 48 or 58.
To reach the Rangji Temple from Pushkar town, one can either walk for about 2 km or take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw for about Rs.20-30 per person.
Things to Do/Must See Rangji Temple
Apart from visiting the Rangji Temple, there are many other things to do and see in Pushkar. Some of them are:
- Take a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake, which is believed to have been created by Brahma himself. The lake has 52 ghats (steps) where pilgrims can bathe and perform rituals. The lake also has many temples and shrines around it.
- Visit other temples in Pushkar, such as Brahma Temple (dedicated to Brahma), Savitri Temple (dedicated to Brahma’s first wife), Varaha Temple (dedicated to Vishnu’s boar incarnation), Apteshwar Temple (dedicated to Shiva), and many more.
- Enjoy the annual Pushkar Fair or Camel Fair, which is held in November every year along with the Kartik Poornima festival. It is one of the largest and most colorful fairs in India, where thousands of camels, horses, cattle and other animals are traded and exhibited. The fair also features cultural events, competitions, folk dances, music and handicrafts.
- Explore the local markets and shops in Pushkar, where one can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, clothes, books and more. One can also try the local cuisine, such as dal bati churma, malpua, kachori, lassi and more.
- Experience the spiritual and cultural vibe of Pushkar, which is known for its ashrams, yoga centers, meditation camps and festivals. One can also interact with the local people, who are friendly and hospitable.
Significance of Rangji Temple
The Rangji Temple is significant for many reasons. Some of them are:
- It is one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Rangji, an incarnation of Vishnu who is the preserver and protector of the universe. Rangji is also known as Vaikuntha Nathar, which means “the lord of heaven”.
- It is also one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Vaishnavas (followers of Vishnu), especially those from South India. The temple follows the Sri Vaishnava sect of Hinduism, which was founded by Ramanujacharya. The temple also has idols of Ramanujacharya and his disciples, who are revered as saints by the Vaishnavas.
- It is also one of the best examples of a blend of South Indian and Mughal architecture, which reflects the diversity and harmony of Indian culture. The temple has a high red spire with a hamsa bird motif, which is typical of South Indian temples. The temple also has arches, domes and minarets, which are typical of Mughal architecture.
FAQ’s
Q: Why is Rangji Temple called New Rangji Temple?
A: Rangji Temple is called New Rangji Temple because there is another older temple dedicated to Rangji in Pushkar town, which is known as Old Rangji Temple or Sri Goda-Rangamannar Temple. This temple was built in 1851 by Seth Radhakrishna and Seth Govind Das from Mathura. This temple also follows the Sri Vaishnava sect of Hinduism and has idols of Goda-Rangamannar (a form of Vishnu and Lakshmi) and Ramanujacharya.
Q: What is the best time to visit Rangji Temple?
A: The best time to visit Rangji Temple is during the Kartik Poornima festival in October-November, when thousands of pilgrims and tourists flock to Pushkar to worship Brahma and Rangji and take a dip in the lake. The temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and a grand aarti (worship) is performed at night. Another good time to visit Rangji Temple is during the Pushkar Fair or Camel Fair in November, when thousands of camels, horses, cattle and other animals are traded and exhibited at the fairgrounds near the temple. The fair also features cultural events, competitions, folk dances, music and handicrafts.
Q: What are the rules and regulations for visiting Rangji Temple?
A: The rules and regulations for visiting Rangji Temple are:
One has to remove their shoes before entering the temple premises.
One has to dress modestly and respectfully, covering their shoulders and knees.
One has to maintain silence and decorum inside the temple.
One has to refrain from taking photographs or videos inside the temple.
One has to follow the instructions of the priests and staff.
Conclusion
The Rangji Temple is a blend of South Indian and Mughal architecture in Pushkar that attracts millions of devotees and tourists every year. It is a place where one can witness the glory and grace of Lord Vishnu in his form as Rangji, who is the lord of heaven. It is also a place where one can experience the spiritual and cultural richness of Pushkar, which is a town full of temples,
