Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Choura Rasta area of Jaipur's walled city. Dating back to around 1727 CE or earlier, it houses a self-manifested black stone Shivling and a rare left-trunked Ganesha idol. The temple is named after the palm trees that once surrounded the area and remains a significant spiritual center for devotees.

Visitors can expect a serene spiritual atmosphere in a historic temple complex situated in the bustling old city. The main attraction is the swayambhu (self-manifested) black stone Shivling. Devotees will also see a distinctive Ganesha idol with a left-turned trunk and a large bronze-colored Nandi bull at the entrance. The temple sees heavy crowds during Mahashivratri and Shravan Mondays.

The temple is believed to date back to the establishment of Jaipur city around 1727 CE or possibly earlier. It was later designed by Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya, the chief architect of Jaipur. According to legend, a self-manifested Shivling was discovered here after a divine voice emerged from the ground following a battle between a lion and a goat.

The temple is a major center for Shaivism in Jaipur and holds significant importance during Mahashivratri and the Mondays of the Shravan month. It is named after the palm trees (Tad/Tark) that once grew in the area. The Vyas family priests from Amer have been responsible for the temple's worship since its early days.