The world is happy with the intoxication of wine,
but I have drunk deep from the fountain of love and devotion.
Day and night I am intoxicated with its bliss.
(Mirabai)

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If there is only one temple you had the time to visit in Jaipur, let it be this.

The spiritually enchanting and lively Govind Devji Temple, situated in the heart of the city, holds in its magnificence such allure of bhakti and devotion that it’s impossible not to fall for it. Eternal lover, Krishna ever-rests in the temple, soulful melodies of His flute whispering through the loving hearts of His countless devotees, vibrating in the charming environs of the temple.

Inside the main Govind Devji Temple, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Complementing this spiritual beauty, is the royal edifice of City Palace, right across the main temple building, ringed by the surrounding Jai Niwas gardens.

City Palace -Govind Devji Temple, courtyard, Rajasthan

For the best experience… visit the temple just a few minutes before the darshan time, and let the doors to your spirit be lifted by the spiritual charm gushing in.

Peeping through the windows of the Govind Devji Temple, Jaipur, Rajasthan

It is a time when people are eager … to meet their Sakha, or Friend, Govind Devji… to be drenched in His grace. There is a constant thrum of chatter, in no mortal language easy to describe, resonating in the environs as I make my way through the enthusiastic crowd. 

Unaware, I become a strain in the chatter, which later forms a significant part of the experience.

In the courtyard, is a group of local women sitting in a semicircle, all looking extremely elegant in their colourful attire, red, brown and green. One among them is reciting stories and anecdotes from Lord Krishna’s life. Others are tuned in, listening with a concentrating heart.

A group of Rajasthani women at Govind Devji Temple, courtyard, Rajasthan

I amble along, stepping in the main temple hall. Only a few more minutes, until His doors shall open; but the wait is long, the longing… powerful. The curtains of the sanctum are closed, only wavering slightly with the breeze.

‘Kad avela saavariya’, a united cry ricochets fiercely through the temple pillars, a group of devotees gathered in the centre are animatedly beckoning Him to come soon. I click a few pictures of the woman ecstatically dancing in the centre (see the picture in the beginning of the post), the amazing woman that she is, she remains immersed in her trance – absolutely unaffected, by my mechanical digital intrusion. 

And so does everyone else, I digitally intrude for the day. Like this woman in a corner, eyes fervently closed and hands loosely clasped, a look of calm sweeping over her entire face...

A woman prays at the Govind Devji Temple, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Or this old lady, whose wrinkled fingers are nimbly rolling sacred beads, lovingly held for Krishna…

An old devout poses at the Govind Devji Temple, Jaipur, Rajasthan

And this man, dunk deep in the mantra that I can see him mumbling through his lips.

A devotee chanting prayers at the Govind Devji Temple, Jaipur, Rajasthan

They are all so different: differing in genders, differing expressions, differing modes of communion with The One. And yet, they are the same: Humbly immersed in the same purifying current of the waters, waters that are infused with the divine love for Krishna.

A devotee performing dandvat at the Govind Devji Temple, Jaipur, Rajasthan

This is the House of the Lord, where they lower their heads and crush their elephantine egos. In here, there exists no motley divide. Not among the humans, not even among the animals and birds. Everyone is welcome with open arms. Including this peacock in the courtyard of the City Palace.

A peacock in the Govind Devji Temple, courtyard, Rajasthan

And, the mischievous monkeys feasting somewhere in the square.

Monkeys in the Govind Devji Temple, courtyard, Rajasthan

Finally, the wait is over. Like a rushing mighty wind, erupts a loud crescendo of ‘Jai Jai Shri Radhe’, and the curtains are pulled apart. The congregation raises its hand in exaltation as it catches a most celestial sight. He is here, and oh boy!

Isn’t He charming and handsome?

The deity of Radha-Krishna at Govind Devji Temple, Jaipur, Rajasthan

There is a lot to talk and say. Also hear. It’s a conversation between two time-trusted friends. It’s a conversation that has just begun… not easy to describe, for they are felt and experienced, deep in the temple of the spirit, not in the ordinary mortal language spoken in this universe.

People praying in the Govind Devji Temple, Jaipur, Rajasthan

In the Govind Devji temple, is a free pass onto the otherworld. A world which enchants. A world which intoxicates. With a penetrating current of love, yearning and devotion.

This is a world of Mira…

Prayers at the Govind Devji Temple, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Where, drunk in pure bliss,
she beckons every thirsty heart to jump in...
To lose The Self,
... to find The Self.

Darshan/Jhaaki/Arti/Opening/closing temple timings of Govind Devji Temple, Jaipur:

 Mangla arti: 4:30 - 5:00 am.
Dhoop arti: 7:30 - 8:45 am.
Shringar arti: 09:30 - 10:15 am.
Rajbhog arti: 11:00 - 11:30 am.
Gwal arti: 5:45 - 6:15 pm.
Sandhya arti: 6:30 - 7:45 pm.
Shayan arti: 9:30 - 10:00 pm.

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