Rangji temple in Pushkar, Rajasthan, was built in 1823 AD.
The beautiful ornate shrine is dedicated
to Bhagavan Vishnu. Rangji temple has murtis of Goddess Lakshmi and other
manifestations of Vishnu Bhagavan. Prominent among them are Venugopal and
Narasimha. Rangji Mandir is located to the north of Pushkar Lake.
The shrine is part of a huge complex. The temple is a
perfect amalgam of South Indian and Rajasthani style of architecture. There are
a total of seven shrines inside the Rangji Temple and each has a Shikhara of
its own.
The main temple is known as Nij mandir and it has a south
Indian style gopuram. A golden Garuda Dwaja Stambha is located inside the
gopuram.
Rangji Nij Mandir Complex has three shrines dedicated to Sri
Krishna, Ranganatha of Srirangam, and Sri Ramanujacharya. On the two sides of
the main platforms are murtis of Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Godammaji. A
statue of Anantachariji Maharaj. the man who inspired to build the temple. is
also found in the sanctum sanctorum. All five shrines have Dravidian style
shikhara and the mandapa in front of the sanctum is decorated in nagara style.
Nij Mandir complex is fortified by wall which is decorated
by chhatris and jharokhas with fresco paintings. Paintings and carvings in the
temple are based on Sri Krishna Lila, Ramayan, Churning of Ocean and stories
from Puranas.
Rare Vimanas and Chattras (umbrellas) are displayed
during important festival and rituals. The vahanas or vehicles on which the
presiding deity comes include Hanuman, Garuda, Surya, Chandra, Elephant and
Horse.