About Gopal Mandir
Gopal Mandir is a 19th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna located in Patni Bazaar in central Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Built in Maratha architectural style by Bayaji Bai Shinde, wife of Maratha ruler Daulat Rao Scindia, it is known for its marble spire, silver-plated doors and intricately carved pillars. Situated near Mahakaleshwar Temple, it is a prominent religious and heritage attraction in Ujjain's old city area.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a historic marble temple in the busy Patni Bazaar area of old Ujjain. The temple features a tall marble shikhara, ornate pillars, silver-plated doors and a sanctum housing a two-foot black stone idol of Lord Krishna (Gopal). The complex includes a courtyard and pillared hall for darshan and prayer. The surroundings are crowded market lanes with shops selling religious items. Visitors can observe daily rituals, aarti and Maratha-era architecture.
Key highlights
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19th-century Maratha architecture with marble shikhara and intricately carved pillars
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Two-foot black stone idol of Lord Krishna in the sanctum
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Silver-plated doors said to have been taken from Somnath and later installed here
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Located in Patni Bazaar near Mahakaleshwar Temple in central Ujjain
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Active daily worship and aarti with traditional rituals
History of Gopal Mandir
Gopal Mandir was built in the 19th century (around 1833) by Bayaji Bai Shinde, wife of Maratha ruler Daulat Rao Scindia of Gwalior. It is an example of Maratha temple architecture with a marble spire, carved pillars and silver-plated doors. The doors are traditionally believed to have been originally from the Somnath Temple, taken to Ghazni and later recovered and installed here by the Scindias.
Culture & Context
The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna as Gopal and is an important Vaishnavite shrine in Ujjain, a city predominantly known for the Shaivite Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. It is a significant center for Krishna worship, especially during Janmashtami and other Krishna-related festivals, and reflects the Maratha cultural influence in Malwa.
Route
| By air |
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