Todaraisingh Pipaji Temple, Rajasthan

Address

Todaraisingh Pipaji Temple, Ladpura, Todaraisingh, Tonk District,

Diety

Vishnu

Introduction

Pipaji Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Todaraisingh Town in Todaraisingh Taluk in Tonk District, in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The Temple is situated at the foothills inside the municipal area. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to be built in 15th century CE. Todaraisingh Town was founded by Rai Singh Solanki in 593 CE. The town was named after himself. Todaraisingh means settlement of Rai Singh. This temple is facing towards west and stands over a high raised platform. The temple is built over an underground step-well and in dilapidated state. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and sabha mandapa with an entrance porch. The sabha mandapa is enclosed by lower parapet walls with kakasanas in the interior. The sabha mandapa is square on plan and the pillars are intricately carved showing ghatapallava design, kirtimukha and bell motifs. The sabha mandapa and the entrance porch portico are roofless. The sanctum is pancharatha on plan. The doorway of the sanctum has three bands of decoration. Vaishnava dvarapalas can be seen at the base of the doorjamb. The lintel of the sanctum has an image of Ganesha. There is no idol in the sanctum. The shikara over the sanctum would have followed nagara style.