Prem Mandir, Jaipur
A Resolve… A Sign… and a Sacred Journey Brought to Life by Divine Love:
“Some places we choose… and some places choose us.”
The story of Prem Mandir, Jaipur is much the same.
Today, as I gaze upon the temple’s majestic spires, its magnificent marble carvings, and the enchanting forms of the Lord, my mind effortlessly travels back to a time when this was merely a thought. The vision was simple: Jaipur needed a sanctuary where anyone could step away from worldly anxieties, even if just for a few moments, and feel the profound presence of the Divine.
I, Shri Shiv Kumar Agarwal, a retired officer of the Indian Administrative Service, have been merely a witness to this journey of devotion.
The true beginning, however, predates my own resolve.
For years, my wife, Smt. Maya Devi, harbored a deep desire to build a temple in Jaipur—a place rooted in devotion, service, and profound peace, where every seeker could pour their heart out at the Lord’s feet without hesitation. Following my retirement, we shared this heartfelt wish with our revered Guruji, Pandit Shekhar Ji. He saw beyond a mere desire and illuminated the path to making it a reality.
What followed was a journey where we ourselves did not know
the next step.
We explored several locations across Jaipur, considering four or five different sites for the temple. Each had its own charm, but our hearts could not settle. Then, we arrived at this piece of land in Pratap Nagar. At the time, we had no friends or relatives in Pratap Nagar; our home had been in Lalkothi for years. Logically, there was no specific reason to choose this spot. Yet, one night, my wife experienced a profound spiritual realization regarding this very land. She received a divine sign that this was a sacred tapobhumi—ground purified by the penance of ancient sages over many years—and that the temple was destined to be built right here.
We embraced this as the will of the Lord. The decision was made. The temple would be built here.
At that moment, we could never have imagined how many people’s faith, prayers, and trust this land would eventually anchor.
The construction began, but a question lingered: what should the temple look like? The architectural vision was not immediately clear. Gradually, guidance found its way to us. We traveled to various cities across the country, observing numerous temples and immersing ourselves in Indian temple architecture, Vedic traditions, and ancient craftsmanship.
Through these experiences and continuous divine inspiration, the structure began to take shape. Ultimately, we embraced a grand, artistic style inspired by the magnificent Prem Mandir of Vrindavan, bringing it to life in strict accordance with Vedic rituals.
Today, when devotees walk through the gates, their eyes are instantly drawn to the extraordinary marble artistry. The cutting, engraving, and intricate carving are so delicately executed that the very stones seem to breathe with life. While the sanctum sanctorum, the spires, and the detailed artifacts elevate its grandeur, we believe this physical beauty holds true meaning only when it serves as a bridge to pure devotion.
This temple was not built by stones alone. It was built by the labor of countless hands, the devotion of numerous hearts, and the generous support of many.
My younger brother, Shri Girish Agarwal, along with many devotees, provided invaluable emotional and financial support. My elder daughter, Smt. Shalini Agarwal (serving in the IAS in Gujarat), my younger daughter Dr. Nilima, and my son Suchir all poured their hearts and absolute dedication into the construction and its related activities.
My heart remains forever filled with gratitude for each of them. This temple does not belong to any single individual. It is the temple of every devoted heart that contributed a fragment of their soul to its creation.
Today, morning and evening Aartis breathe life into Prem Mandir. Amidst the ringing of bells, the sweetness of bhajans, the vibrant energy of kirtans, and the joyous dancing of devotees, the atmosphere effortlessly dissolves into pure devotion. You will see someone holding a plate of offerings, another with the Lord’s name on their lips, eyes filled with silent prayers, and hearts carrying wishes nurtured for years.
Our continuous effort is to ensure that everyone who visits can connect with the Lord in their own personal way. Devotees are graciously offered Chandan, Roli, and Gangajal as prasad, and every evening, a traditional Dona-Prasadi is arranged for all visitors. The Lord is lovingly offered an array of sweets and delicacies, including Halwa, Kheer, and Imarti, prepared with utmost reverence.
Within the temple reside the incredibly lifelike and captivating deities of Shri Radha-Krishna, Shri Hanuman Ji, and the Lord Shiva Family.
Devotees bring their hopes and their deepest worries here. Some pray for a child, some for employment, others for business success, and many for relief from life’s hardships. Countless believers have shared their deeply personal experiences with us—prayers answered and wishes fulfilled. We do not view these as claims of miracles, but rather as testaments to the intimate, sacred trust between a devotee and the Divine—a bond that words can never fully capture.
Because sometimes, the Lord does not give us exactly what we ask for; He gives us the unwavering faith we need to keep moving forward.
Prem Mandir is not solely a place of worship; it is a vibrant center for spiritual and cultural life. Every Tuesday and Saturday evening, the temple resonates with the musical recitation of the Sunderkand. During religious festivals, the temple is adorned magnificently, the deities are specially dressed, and the air is filled with devotional music and celebratory events.
The temple complex also houses a rich library of religious, social, and historical books. A large, air-conditioned hall and an open courtyard are actively available for religious discourses (Kathas) and social gatherings. Our vision is for the temple to transcend being just a place for darshan, becoming a thriving hub of knowledge, culture, service, and harmony.
If someone were to ask me today, after all these years of the journey: “What was the true purpose of building Prem Mandir?”
My answer would be very simple.
We wanted to create a place where the weary find profound rest. Where the sorrowful discover new hope. Where the lonely feel the warm companionship of the Divine. Where the joyful can lay their happiness at the Lord’s feet. And where those who come with a flicker of faith leave with an abundance of devotion, love, and unwavering trust.
We firmly believe that the true grandeur of this temple lies not in its pristine marble, but in the pure emotions it awakens within.
If even one person’s heart feels lighter after coming here,
If even one soul finds hope,
If even one individual experiences the closeness of the Divine—
Then the creation of this temple is truly fulfilled.
ॐ Namah Shivaya
Right next to Prem Mandir, the construction of another temple is currently underway. This new sanctuary will feature equally exceptional marble cutting, detailed engravings, and unique, mesmerizing artifacts. It is our earnest prayer that in the times to come, this new temple will also offer boundless joy, peace, and spiritual awakening to all who visit.
Looking back today, it feels clear that we did not start this journey.
Perhaps the Lord Himself transformed a mere wish into a firm resolve, gave that resolve a direction, and ultimately manifested that direction into this sacred haven.
Welcome to Prem Mandir.
Come… step away from the world for a few moments, and sit in the comforting embrace of the Lord’s love.
Radhe Radhe.