Information of Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Moti Dungri actually refers to a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh which is located close to the Birla Temple in the pink city, Jaipur. The Ganesh Temple at Moti Dungri is considered to be amongst the oldest shrines of Jaipur. The mentioned temple is located on a small mountain or hill which is further encircled with a striking palace. Of late, the palace served as the residence of Rajmata Gayatri Devi and is presently inaccessible to the common people. The Ganesh Temple at the hill or Moti Dungri is considered to be the only attraction in the recent time.

Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple Religious Significance

The Ganesh Temple of Moti Dungri is supposed to be amongst the significant religious sites of Jaipur. The statue of Lord Ganesh is stated to be the chief attraction of the temple as the deity is found to be in a seated posture and the trunk is positioned on the left side close to his hand which is known to be quite an auspicious feature. As per Hinduism, Lord Ganesh rides on a rat, therefore, a huge statue of a rat made from marble is situated in front of the god. The idol of the god is always known to be enveloped in vermillion. The process related to appliance of vermillion paste on any revered deity is referred to as 'Chola'. The 'Chola' or the application process takes place at certain intervals of time and during special festivals the idol of the deity is washed with milk and the vermillion paste is even replaced as well. It is said that for the people of Jaipur, a visit to the Ganesh Temple of Moti Dungri forms a part of their regular routine as it is considered to be a good omen to offer prayers to the Lord prior to starting one's day.

Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple Mythology & History

According to the legends it is believed that one particular day the King of Mewar brought along with him a grand statue of Lord Ganesh in a bullock cart. The king decided to construct a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesh wherever the cart would halt first. It is believed that the cart first came to a halt on the land at the bottom of the Moti Dungri hill where the Ganesh Temple is currently located. The responsibility of constructing a shrine was handed over to a business man named Seth Ram Paliwal. The temple was actually constructed for the Shaiva sect known to be the devotees of Lord Shiva. Lord Ganesh is believed to be the 'Lord of planet Mercury; as per Hinduism and Wednesday is supposed to be devoted to Mercury planet. Therefore, each Wednesday, a fair is held on the temple premises at Moti Dungri.

Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple Architectural Significance

The Ganesh Temple at Moti Dungri was built during the beginning of the eighteenth century by Seth Jai Ram Paliwal. The temple is known to occupy an area of about 2 kilometres and is made of stone. The temple is encircled with the magnificent Moti Dungri palace. The temple is quite well known for its intricate pattern carvings on marble along with elaborate stone work. Mythological figures are found to be etched on the stone which offers an impressive view for the people visiting the temple. The statue of Lord Ganesh is positioned right in the centre of the shrine but at the same time is not easily visible. The temple is made of white coloured marble and is considered to be an ideal fusion of Western, Hindu and Islamic pattern of architecture.