There are more than 400 temples in the holy Pushkar city, but out of these 400 temples, Rangji Temple is an important and popular religious place. It is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Pushkar, Rajasthan. This temple is dedicated to ‘Rangji’, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Sri Rangnath Venugopal Temple is an interesting amalgam of the Dravidian style of temple architecture in South India and the Nagar style of temple architecture in Rajasthan. It is the first temple of the South Indian Ramanuja Vaishnava sect in Rajasthan, made in 1844 AD. We’ve curated a list of all you need to know about Rangji Temple for your next auspicious trip to Rajasthan.
About Shri Rangji Temple
Devoted to lord Vaikuntha Venkatesh, the new Rangji temple is amongst the most ancient temples in all of Pushkar. The temple is acknowledged for its mesmerizing architectural design, including the high-rising Gopuram, a composition that is common amongst several South Indian temples followed by an enormous entrance. The temple, through its layout, also carries the essence of Mughal architecture. Bowing inside the temple, we find its four corners embedded with Garuda, signifying the presence of Vaikuntha Venkatesh. Among the temple exist sections of other temples, specifically eight in number, that are dedicated to various gods including Goddess Laxmi and Lord Krishna, among others. The presence of a priest at the temple is always mandatory and they act as a caretaker of the new Rangji temple.
Visitors can also indulge in prayers and ‘puja’ sessions at the temple which are carried out every day. The serene atmosphere and delightful architecture of the temple have made it one of the most visited places among tourists in the holy town of Pushkar. The temple is particularly crowded with tourists during the Pushkar fair, a holy celebration that is celebrated every year during the Kartik period. All in all, devotees and tourists who delight in architectural elegance should visit the charming New Rangji temple. It is family-friendly and takes more than an hour to explore it thoroughly which makes it a promising destination for weekend getaways with family and friends. There are also various eateries and snack shops near the temple place for visitors to enjoy a good meal.
Must Read: Food Of Rajasthan
Architecture Of Rangji Temple
Image Credit: Siddharth429 for Wikimedia Commons
Built in the year 1823, the architecture of New Rangji temple resembles a mixture of Rajputana, South Indian, and Mughal designs. This is because the person who constructed it was Seth Puran Mal Ganeriwal from Hyderabad and the period during which it was constructed. The temple has an enormous entrance gate and carvings and sculptures on the exterior of the temple which are quite common in South Indian temples can also be found. Furthermore, inside the temple itself, there are 8 more temples dedicated to various gods including Krishan and Laxmi. A distinct feature of the temple is also that the primary idol of the lord is centred in such a way that it’s visible from around the temple, no matter where you stand. This kind of design is also very common in the South Indian style of temples. The high-rising Gopuram is also an additional detail that makes the temple stand off from all the other temples in the town.
Places To Visit Near Rangji Temple
Rangji Temple is dedicated to the lord Rangji, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Pushkar is home to many holy places, including Rangji temple. There are various attractions to see or visit near the Rangji temple. Check out the list:
1. Brahma Temple
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Also called the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, this temple is near Pushkar Lake. It is one of the few Brahma temples remaining in the country and is amongst the rare places to visit in Pushkar. The place of worship was built in the fourteenth century. Constructed of marble and stone, it has a unique architecture and the majestic red pinnacle. The sacred structure’s bird motif gives it a distinctive identity.
Inside the place of worship, images of Brahma adorn the sanctum sanctorum. Married men are not allowed entry into the sanctum sanctorum as this place is reserved only for ascetics or sanyas. The Brahma Temple attracts a diverse crowd of devotees and tourists from all over the world. The atmosphere around the temple is filled with devotion and spirituality, creating a unique sense of peace and serenity. While the temple is bustling with activities during religious festivals like Kartik Purnima and the Pushkar Camel Fair, it remains a place of contemplation and meditation during quieter times.
Address: Brahma Temple Rd, Pushkar
Distance From The Rangji Temple: 900 Meters
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Pushkar
2. Pushkar Lake
Image Credit: Uri Sittan Tripo for Wikimedia Commons
Pushkar Lake is located in the sacred town of Pushkar in Ajmer district of Rajasthan. As per the Hindu scriptures, it is the “Tirtha Raj”- the king of pilgrimage sites related to a water body. Pushkar also houses the most prominent temple of Brahma. The shimmering water of the lake, reflecting the clear sky and majestic hills, is a beautiful sight. The beautiful lake is surrounded by hills on three sides and overlooks a vast desert on the fourth. The surrounding hills are home to many interesting sites like the “Agasthya” caves in Snake Mountain. According to the legends, the lake’s water holds special powers and a dip in the lake can wash away sins accumulated over 100 years.
Address: Pushkar Lake High Bridge, Pushkar
Distance From The Rangji Temple: Approx. 2 Km
3. Vahara Ghat
Image Credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg for Wikimedia Commons
Nestled among the grandeur of ghats in Pushkar, Varah Ghat stands out as a picturesque haven, celebrated for its evening enchantment and breathtaking lake views. Renowned for hosting the grand Aarti ceremony each night, the ghat becomes a sanctuary where visitors immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the vibrant sky, serene waters, and resonating hymns and prayers. As the sun sets, the Varah Ghat transforms into a lively hub with food stalls and local vendors lining its edges, offering an array of culinary delights and exquisite Rajasthani handicrafts. This charming convergence of spirituality, cultural richness, and local commerce creates a unique atmosphere that captures the true essence of Pushkar after sunset. Varah Ghat emerges as a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and vibrant experience in the heart of this culturally rich town.
Address: FHQ4+V8X, Choti Basti, Pushkar
Distance From The Rangji Temple: Approx 1 km.
Suggested Read: Pushkar Mela
How To Reach
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The Rangji Temple is located in the city of Pushkar. Here are some ways to reach Pushkar hassle-free.
By Air
To the city of Pushkar by air, you must check the Pushkar airport. In Rajasthan, the nearest airport to the Pushkar is Jaipur. This is 140 km away from the city of Pushkar and can connect the metropolitan cities of India like Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. Hence if you are planning a trip to Pushkar, you can check Jaipur airport, and from the airport, you can book local cabs. This journey might take nearly 3 hours from Jaipur to Pushkar.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Pushkar is located in Ajmer. It is 30 minutes from Pushkar and connected with the megacities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Bhopal and Bangalore. From the Ajmer station, there are many local cabs and buses that can take you to the pilgrimage city of Pushkar.
Further Read: Things To Do In Pushkar
Now that you have a list of things to keep in mind for your next vacation to see the beautiful Rangji Temple make sure you plan your trip to Rajasthan to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities and book your tickets now!
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Cover Image Credit: Siddharth429 for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Rangji Temple
Where is Rangji Temple located and how can I get there?
Rangji Temple is situated in Pushkar, Rajasthan, India. It's within walking distance from the famous Pushkar Lake. You can reach Pushkar by flying to Jaipur International Airport (about 150 km away) and then taking a taxi or bus to Pushkar.
What are the Rangji temple visiting hours and is there an entry fee?
The temple is typically open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily. There's no entry fee, but donations are welcomed.
What makes Rangji Temple unique?
Rangji Temple is distinctive for its South Indian architectural style, which is unusual in Rajasthan. It's dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Vishnu, and showcases a blend of Rajasthani and South Indian cultures.
Is photography allowed inside the Rangji temple?
Photography is generally not permitted inside the main shrine area. However, you can usually take pictures of the temple's exterior and courtyard.
What should visitors wear when visiting Rangji Temple?
As with most Indian temples, modest dress is required. Cover your shoulders and knees, and be prepared to remove your shoes before entering the temple premises.
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