Ganesh Giri Temple and Museum at Viratnagar

• About Viratnagar(Bairat)

  Think about Rajasthan and what comes to your mind at first, stark desert settings, exquisite palaces belonging to the erstwhile Maharajas, riot of colors in the ghagra cholis and gay with turbans wore by the local population. Hailed as the pink city, Jaipur in India is stepped in the rich history of the royalty of Rajasthan.

  

  Magnificent architecture, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal forms can be seen in the numerous monuments, palaces, temples, museums and structure. This modern city still clings to its early royal heritage, be it in its palaces, museums, temples, festivals, and cultural revelry. The pink sandstone that lends the Jaipur it name as pink city is still evident in most parts of the city. Virat nagar is situated on the Jaipur-Alwar state highway at a distance of near about seventy-five kms. It is important and recognized tourist destinations, which are of great historical importance.

  In the middle of Jaipur there rises a small hill Moti Dungri meaning 'Pearl hill', since it looks like a drop of pearl on the top of a hill. The Moti Dungri hill is occupied by a palace and a temple. However, this temple at the top of Moti Dungri hill is known as the Ganesh Giri temple. This Ganesh Giri temple is the most famous here. This Ganesh Giri Temple is situated quite close to the Moti Doongri fort, which was converted to a small palace by Ram Singh II and Gayatri Devi.

  The temple of Moti Dungri Hill is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. This ancient Ganesh temple served a tourist attraction for the scenic view. Moti Dungri hill temple is significant from the religious point of view too. Often, many people from far away distance as well as the local people come to this sacred temple to pay their homage to Lord Ganesh.

  By keeping in mind the secular nature of the country, the temple has three domes that represent different approaches to religion. It is beautiful Ganesh temple with a white marble, which seems to glow at night. The architectural style in which the temple is constructed is a pleasing amalgamation of Western, Hindu, and Muslim architectural traits.

  Close to the Ganesh Giri temple, there is a beautiful palace on the hill, which is known as Moti Dungri Palace. This Moti Dungri palace is an imitation of a Scottish Castle. An exotic palace is parched which is a replica of Scottish castle which was once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son. Still, the enchanting belongs to the royal family. However, today it makes a home for Rajmata Gayatri Devi and her son, Jagat Singh. The Moti Dungri palace is not open for the public visit.

  A small museum is located here with about one hundred seventy articles of great archaeological importance in what was supposed to be an RTDC motel. Only a part of this building, been sued for the museum at present. Although not very large as compared to the other museums, the Viratnagar museum has one of the richest collections of artifacts. Virat nagar museum includes excavated material like old coins, seals, potteries, metallic pieces, weapons and other statues.