Located about 18 km from Jhansi city on the Jhansi – Khajuraho road, it is believed to have been built by the Pratihara ruler. The ruins of two old Chandela temples are to the northeast of the Baruasagar lake. Nearby is the later Gupta period temple known as Jarai ka Math. It is dedicated to Shiva and Parvati. The eastern side of its shikhara is lavishly ornamented with massive stone sculptures. It is a stone temple built during the 9th century. Located about 18 km from Jhansi city on the Jhansi – Khajuraho road, it is believed to have been built by the Pratihara ruler. The temple consists of various kinds of sculptures, including the beautiful, sensuous ones depicted on the walls.
History Of Jarai Ka Math
The ancient temple of Jarai Ka Math is believed to have been constructed by King Mihira Bhoja I, who belonged to the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty in 860 AD. This dynasty held sway over much of Northern India between the 8th and 11th centuries. Mihira Bhoja is regarded as one of the important political leaders who rose to prominence during the 9th century.
Mihira Bhoja is known to have been a staunch devotee of Vishnu and is believed to have adopted the title of Adivaraha, which refers to Vishnu’s Varaha avatar. Many coins of his time inscribed with images of Vishnu in his Varaha avatar have been found. The Teli Ka Mandir, which can be found within the Gwalior Fort, is also credited to Mihira Bhoja I, who ruled his kingdom from the capital of Kannauj, which was then known as Panchala.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Jhansi
The Architecture Of Jarai ka Math Jhansi
The Jarai Ka Math stands as a signature of the Pratihara style of architecture at the time. It is a monument now under the aegis of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and a designated heritage site. The temple stands atop a raised platform or Pitha and is surrounded by four minor temples. The temple is made up of a rectangular Pancharatha sanctum, and the doorway to the temple is exquisitely ornamented, as are the outer walls of the temple. The Shikhara is ornamented with a Jala of minute Gavaksha arches, however, sadly the upper portion has been lost and only five of its storeys stand today.
The Deity At Jarai ka Math Jhansi
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A pedestal is inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Jarai Ka Math, but the deity is missing. The form of the bejewelled right foot of the Goddess resting on a Lotus is barely visible. However, in the centre of the lintel above the doorway to the temple is the image of a Goddess with multiple arms, and this gives credence to the fact that the temple was dedicated to a female Goddess like Amba and was a temple of Shakti worship. The carvings of female Dwarpalas and other multiple carvings of Goddesses all around the temple’s outer walls also point to this surmise.
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Places To Visit Near Jarai Ka Math
Whether you are a solo traveller or travelling with your family, this place has many tourist attractions for you to explore:
1. Cenotaph Of Raja Gangadhar Rao
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The Cenotaph of Raja Gangadhar Rao, or Raja Gangadhar Rao Ki Chhatri, as it is locally known, was built in 1853 by Rani Lakshmibai in memory of her late husband. Raja Gangadhar Rao ruled Jhansi for over a decade and is still considered one of the most successful rulers in the history of Jhansi. The Cenotaph is an architectural marvel and is surrounded by lush green, manicured gardens, a pond, and walls that follow the same architectural design style as the cenotaph itself. Legend states that the Queen would visit the cenotaph every day after the death of her husband. All these stories and the breathtaking architecture of the monument have made it one of the best places to go to Jhansi.
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Things To Do: Sightseeing
2. Rai Praveen Mahal
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One of the monuments located within the Orchha Fort Complex, the Rai Parveen Mahal, deserves a mention of its own for good reason. The two-story structure was once the prime gem of the Orchha Fort Complex, constructed by Raja Indramani in memory of the beautiful and famed poetess Rai Parveen. While the gardens surrounding the structure have not been maintained, the inside walls of the garden still contain glimpses of the beauty it must have been home to in another lifetime. This makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Jhansi.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Things To Do: Sightseeing, take a stroll
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3. Barua Sagar Tal
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The 260-year-old lake is the centrepiece of the historical town of Barua Sagar. While the town has witnessed several historical battles, including the battle fought between Peshwa’s troops and Bundelas, the lake’s significance has not diminished over the centuries. There is an embankment structure built on the side of the lake, which was commissioned by Raja Udit Singh of Orchha. Apart from holding great historical significance, the embankment structure offers sublime views of the city of Barua Sagar and is one of the most popular viewpoints in the area.
Best Time To Visit: April to July
Things To Do: Sightseeing
How To Reach Jarai ka Math
There are a lot of ways to reach Jarai ka Math:
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By Air: At 103 km from Jhansi, Gwalior is the nearest airport. Delhi is the closest international airport, 321 km from Jhansi.
By Train: Jhansi is an important railhead on the Delhi-Chennai route. Most major cities in the country, like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Agra, Bhopal, Gwalior, etc., are connected to Jhansi by rail.
By Road: Jhansi is well connected by road to many major cities in the country. Cities like Agra, Khajuraho, Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, etc., are easily accessible by road from Jhansi.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Uttar Pradesh
The Jarai Ka Math Temple is an important heritage tourist attraction in Jhansi. This important gem of UP tourism is nearby, and you should make it a point to spend some time there admiring the exquisite craftsmanship of the temple. So plan a trip to Uttar Pradesh and prepare to go to a place where you might forget about your usual busy day and immerse yourself where every stone silently tells tales of a past era and where the connection between the human mind and god is.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jarai Ka Math
What is Jari Ka Math and its historical significance?
Jari Ka Math is an ancient Hindu temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Jhansi. It played a crucial role during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, serving as a strategic defence point for the rebel forces led by Rani Laxmibai.
What are the major attractions inside the Jari Ka Math complex?
The main attractions include the Shiva temple with intricate carvings, a step-well (baoli), and remnants of fortifications and underground passages used during the rebellion.
What is the architectural style of the Jari Ka Math?
The temple complex showcases a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, reflecting the region's diverse cultural heritage.
Is there any entry fee to visit Jari Ka Math?
No, there is no entry fee to visit the Jari Ka Math complex.
What are the best times to visit Jari Ka Math?
The best times to visit are during the early morning or evening hours when the temperature is pleasant, and the lighting conditions are ideal for photography.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
