Kalyanraiji Temple, Todaraisingh, Rajasthan

Kalyanraiji Temple, Todaraisingh, Rajasthan

Kalyanraiji Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Todaraisingh Town in Todaraisingh Taluk in Tonk District, in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, an apsara from Indra Loka had to spend twelve years in earth due to a curse she incurred. A local king named Digva offended her during her stay in earth. She got angry and cursed him to be afflicted with leprosy. The king performed penance on Lord Vishnu to get relief from the curse. Pleased with his penance, Lord Vishnu conveyed the king that his idol will appear at the seashore and the king should build a temple to house the idol through divine voice. As conveyed, he traced the idol, brought it and installed here.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 16^th century CE. Todaraisingh Town was founded by Rai Singh Solanki in 593 CE. The town was named after himself. Todaraisingh means settlement of Rai Singh.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over high raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and pillared sabha mandapa. The sanctum is pancharatha on plan. The doorway of the sanctum has five bands of decoration and is intricately carved. The lintel of the sanctum has an image of Ganesha. The sanctum enshrines an image of Kalyanraiji.

The sikhara is curvilinear with urushringas and karnashringas and a short griva surmounted by amalaka. The bhadra niches enshrines images of Uma Mahesvara on the north, Trimurthy on the west and Durga on the south. There is a unique sculpture of Dholamaru on camel shown on the eastern exterior wall of the pillared sabha mandapa on either side of the entrance. 

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.55 Kms from Todaraisingh Bus Stand, 38 Kms from Kekri, 40 Kms from Tonk, 129 Kms from Pushkar, 116 Kms from Ajmer Junction Railway Station, 116 Kms from Jaipur Airport and 131 Kms from Jaipur. The temple is situated on Todaraisingh to Kekri route.

Location