The Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple is the spiritual anchor of the Pink City. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the harbinger of good beginnings, this temple is where Jaipurites flock to seek blessings for everything from new cars to weddings. Perched at the base of the Moti Doongri hill, the temple is as much a cultural landmark as it is a site of deep religious devotion.
🕒 Moti Doongri Temple Timings & Entry Fee
Planning a visit? The temple is open daily with a short afternoon break.
Category Details Morning Timings 5:30 AM – 1:30 PM Evening Timings 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM Entry Fee FREE Best Day to Visit Wednesday (Dedicated to Lord Ganesha) Contact: +91 63777 19718
Address: Moti Doongri Rd, Tilak Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004.
📜 The Legend & History
Built in 1761, the temple’s origin is tied to a fascinating legend. It is said that the King of Mewar was traveling with a massive Ganesha idol on a bullock cart. He vowed to build a temple wherever the cart first stopped. The cart halted at the foot of the “Pearl Hill” (Moti Doongri), and thus, the temple was born.
While the temple is public, it sits adjacent to the Moti Doongri Palace, a private residence designed to look like a Scottish castle, which remains closed to visitors.
🏛️ Architectural Brilliance
The temple is a stunning blend of Nagara and modern styles, constructed from local stone and fine marble.
The Three Domes: Symbolizing the secular nature of the region, the temple features three distinct domes.
Intricate Latticework: The marble carvings and mythological murals on the walls are a testament to Jaipur’s artistic heritage.
The “Sitting” Tradition: Devotees traditionally sit on the ledges near the entrance for a few minutes after prayers—it’s believed this is the only way to truly “connect” with the deity before leaving.
✨ The Sacred Idol: What Makes it Unique?
The idol of Lord Ganesha here is unique for several reasons:
Left-Facing Trunk: Most Ganesha idols have trunks pointing right; a left-facing trunk (Vamavarti) is considered exceptionally auspicious.
Vibrant Hue: The idol is coated in brilliant orange vermillion (Sindoor) and features striking black hair.
Royal Adornment: The deity wears a silver crown and is seated on a throne of gold and silver, guarded by silver pillars.
📅 Special Occasions & Festivals
Wednesday Fair: Every Wednesday, a small street fair springs up outside the temple. You’ll find stalls selling everything from traditional Laddoos to handmade toys.
Ganesh Chaturthi: The biggest celebration of the year, where the temple is decorated with thousands of flowers and lights.
Weekly Aartis: There are seven Darshans held daily, accompanied by soulful bhajans and kirtans.
📍 Nearby Attractions (Walking Distance)
You can easily combine your visit with these other iconic sites:
Birla Mandir: A magnificent white marble temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Hanuman & Durga Temple: Located just to the right of Moti Doongri.
Lord Shiva Temple: A peaceful shrine popular on Mondays.
🚗 How to Reach & Traveler Tips
Public Transport: E-rickshaws, autos, and cabs are readily available from all parts of Jaipur.
Wednesday Traffic: If visiting on a Wednesday, avoid bringing a private car as parking is extremely limited due to the fair.
Monkey Alert: Be cautious of the monkeys living in the surrounding trees. Avoid carrying open food or plastic bags.
This “Sunset & Spirituality” plan is one of the most serene ways to experience Jaipur. Because the Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple and Birla Mandir are practically next-door neighbors, you can transition from the vibrant energy of a traditional hilltop shrine to the quiet, glowing elegance of a marble temple in just a few minutes.
🌅 Evening “Temple & Sunset” Itinerary
05:00 PM – 06:15 PM | The Hilltop Heart (Moti Doongri)
Start your evening at Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple.
The Climb: Walk up the gentle slope to the temple entrance. At this hour, the afternoon sun is soft, and the temple’s orange and red colors look radiant.
The Ritual: Offer your prayers to the sitting Ganesha. On your way out, follow the local custom: find a spot on the stone ledges of the temple and sit quietly for 5–10 minutes.
The View: Look out over the railings to see the “Scottish Castle” style Moti Doongri Palace and the sprawling greenery of the surrounding area.
06:15 PM – 06:45 PM | The Transition (Short Walk)
Exit Moti Doongri and walk about 200 meters down the road to the entrance of Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple).
Stop at the small shops lining the path if you want to pick up some prasad (sweets) or small souvenirs.
06:45 PM – 07:45 PM | The White Marble Glow (Birla Mandir)
The Sunset: Reach the Birla Mandir platforms as the sun begins to set. The pure white marble acts like a canvas, reflecting the pinks and golds of the Jaipur sky.
The Evening Aarti (07:00 PM): Join the devotees for the main evening prayer. The sound of the bells and the rhythmic chanting inside the marble hall is incredibly peaceful.
Architecture Walk: After the Aarti, walk around the exterior walls to see the carvings of not just Hindu deities, but also philosophers and thinkers like Socrates and Buddha, showcasing the Birla family’s secular outlook.
07:45 PM – 08:30 PM | City Lights at Night
As you leave, the entire temple is floodlit, making it look like a glowing pearl against the dark hill. This is the best time for photography from the base of the steps.
🕒 Quick Reference: Evening Schedule
| Activity | Recommended Time | Cost |
| Moti Doongri Visit | 05:00 PM – 06:15 PM | Free |
| Walk to Birla Mandir | 06:15 PM – 06:30 PM | Free |
| Evening Aarti (Birla) | 07:00 PM sharp | Free |
| Photography/Relaxing | 07:15 PM – 08:00 PM | Free |
💡 Traveler’s Tips for the Evening
Footwear: You will have to remove your shoes at the entrance of both temples. At Birla Mandir, there is a very organized, free shoe-counter.
Photography: Photography is allowed in the gardens and outer courtyards of Birla Mandir, but strictly prohibited inside the main sanctum where the idols are placed.
Dress Code: While there is no formal “uniform,” modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees) is expected and appreciated in both religious spaces.
The “Wednesday” Factor: If your visit falls on a Wednesday, reverse the order if needed, or arrive 30 minutes earlier to Moti Doongri to navigate the heavy crowds and the local street fair.
