9 of the Most Impressive Sacred Sites in Jaipur

Although Jaipur's sprawling Lakshmi Narayan (Birla Mandir) temple complex only dates to 1988, it's considered a must-visit place in Jaipur and is a popular stop on many Jaipur city tours. Although the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Preserver, and Lakshmi Devi, his goddess consort, there are marble carvings of numerous deities and important people throughout the temple, including Ganesh, Jesus, and even Socrates. Colorful light pours into the space through stunning stained-glass windows, which adds to the tranquil vibes.

Located in the village of Amber on the outskirts of Jaipur, the Jama Masjid was built under the orders of Emperor Akbar in 1569 AD, hence its alternative name: Akbari Mosque. The architecture is marvelous, with scalloped arches and onion dome minarets that show influences of both Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture. The mosque is busiest on Fridays, but is open to visitors daily. Stop there en route to the nearby Amber Fort (Amer Fort).

Dating back to the 18th century, the Temple of the Sun God is dedicated to the sun god Surya, but it’s also known as the Monkey Temple, thanks to the large bands of rhesus macaques that call this spot home. The temple was built in a crevice between two cliffs and is surrounded by water tanks that pilgrims use for ritual bathing. It's at its liveliest during the annual Makar Sankranti festival, celebrated on the winter solstice, but it’s worth visiting throughout the year, particularly on a tour of Jaipur’s spiritual places.

Established in 1872 by a group of missionaries from Scotland, St. Andrews Church is among the oldest churches in the state. From the outside, it looks like a cross between a British castle and a Rajasthani palace, with a gray brick facade and a minaret-style belltower, while simple interiors invoke a sense of peace. The church is located at Chandpole, one of the gates to the historic city, making it a convenient place to stop by on your way to central attractions such as the Palace of Wind (Hawa Mahal), the City Palace, or Bapu Bazaar.

At the base of Moti Dungri hill, the Moti Dungri Temple draws in devotees wishing to pray to Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed remover of obstacles. The temple was built in 1761, but the Ganesh idol it houses is much older—some estimate it dates back to the Middle Ages. Many people visit the temple in tandem with Lakshmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir), and it’s a good place to stop if you want to experience Jaipur beyond the typical tourist path.

Among Jaipur's largest Sikh temples (gurudwaras), the Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara is a fantastic place for meditating quietly away from the noise of the city. In line with the Sikh faith, which preaches the equality of all humans, all are welcome at this Jaipur holy place, irrespective of their background or religious beliefs. The gurudwara is located in Jaipur’s Raja Park area, a neighborhood known for its eateries and shopping opportunities, not far from the Albert Hall Museum (Government Central Museum).

Amber Fort is among Jaipur's most popular attractions. While many people come here to explore the many rooms and chambers of the sandstone-and-marble castle, the fort also draws pilgrims from near and far to visit the Shila Devi Temple. The temple houses an idol of the goddess Durga and attracts droves of devotees during Navratri, a nine-night celebration of the goddess. While many Amber Fort tours stop at the temple, travelers who are particularly interested in seeing the religious sites in Jaipur the city may prefer to visit on a religious tour.

Although the bulk of religious sites in Jaipur are Hindu Temples, the city also has a small community of Jains, adherents of Jainism, an ancient religion that places a huge emphasis on the importance of ahimsa (nonviolence). You can learn more by visiting another Jain temple, Shri Digamber Jain Atishay Shetra, located on the western end of town, which is open every day from morning until evening. However, you may wish to visit the city’s Jain sites (and beyond) with a guide who can teach you more about Jain beliefs and customs.

Constructed at the turn of the 17th century, the Jagat Shiromani Temple in Amber venerates Lord Krishna and his devotee, a woman saint known as Mirabai. It's worth visiting for the architecture alone—check out the massive pillars and arches adorned with intricate carvings and chhatris (umbrella dome-topped pavilions). Although the temple doesn’t get as many international visitors as some of the more popular spots in town, some guided Jaipur tours do stop here.