A number of temples are found among the religious monuments of Jodhpur. Since the Rajput rulers of the place were mainly followers of Hinduism, temples are the prime religious monuments found at Jodhpur. The Raj Ranchhodji Temple was built by Queen Jadechi of Rajkanwar. She built the temple after the death of her husband Maharaja Jaswant Singh. The temple has mostly been constructed using red sandstone. It is adorned with carvings and beautiful filigree work on the stone. The black marble statue of Ranchhodji is placed inside the temple. The main door of the temple is beautifully constructed with red, yellow and blue stained glass windows.
The Achal Nath Shivalaya temple is also found among the monuments of Jodhpur. It was constructed by Nanak Devi, the Queen of Rao Ganga in 1531. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, consists of a large water reservoir called the Ganga Bawari in the temple complex. The temple consists of a number of different halls- Mandap Bhawan, Kirtan Bhawan and Garbh Griha. Carved Chhitar stone has been used in the construction of these halls.
The Rasik Bihari Temple in Jodhpur is also known as the Niniji Temple. It is dedicated to Rasik Bihari, Lord Krishna and Radha. Also found here are statues of Lord Vishnu, Krishna and Garuda on both sides of the hall doors. The temple has Sabha Mandaps or meeting halls built with red sandstone pillars. The Garbh Grihai is located inside the temple complex, surrounded by a gallery made of white stone.
The Siddhanth Shiv temple of Jodhpur lies between the Takhat Sagar Hills. The temple is said to have been built by a handicapped saint named Gaurishankar, later known as Nepali Baba. He only had four fingers in each of his hand and foot yet he built this entire temple himself by cutting stones.
The Kunj Bihari temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located on the banks of the Gulab Sagar Lake. The temple has been splendidly constructed, particularly the top and the entrance. Placed at the entrance to the temple is a statue of Mirabai, the greatest devotee of Lord Krishna. To the right of Meera is a statue of a saint, Namdeo. To the left is the statue of Lord Hanuman. Inside the temple is the Central Hall or the garbhagriha, where there is a statue of Lord Krishna placed in such a way that it faces Meera at the entrance.
The Udai Mandir of Jodhpur is yet another work of architectural beauty. The main temple stands on a huge platform supported by 102 pillars. The upper part of the temple is made of carved sandstone. Beautiful paintings with 84 Yogasanas are found inside the mandir. Also found within are pictures of Nath Yogis made up with gold. The garbhagriha or the central hall is covered with a cloth on the upper portion. There is a finely carved railing of sandalwood running around it. The door of the main temple is also made up of beautifully carved sandalwood.
The Baba Ramdeo temple is an old construction, of prime interest due to its antiquity. It stands on top of a sandstone hill on the route between the Jalori Gate and Nagori Gate. This temple is also known as the Adhar Shila temple. There are a number of legends and local beliefs that surround this temple. Outside the main entrance to the temple, on a tiny rock are inscribed the words `enter at your own risk`. This further adds to the mystic value of the temple.
The Mahamandir lies about one and a half miles to the north-east of the city. It was constructed in 1812 AD. It is a huge temple set in a separate enclave of 800 houses.
The religious monuments of Jodhpur are many in number and well worth a visit.
