"Long before tourists arrived to admire Amber Fort, the kingdom awoke not to the sound of cameras, but to the ringing of temple bells."
Most visitors leave Amber with the feeling of having seen its greatest treasure — the Amber Fort. Yet behind these magnificent forts & palace lies a different world: the world of quiet shrines, centuries-old temples, forgotten rituals, and local devotion that has continued uninterrupted for generations.
By walking through the old streets of Amber, you'll come across places that rarely appear in guidebooks but remain deeply woven into the lives of the community.
Ambikeshwar Temple
Hidden beneath the shadow of Amber Fort, Ambikeshwar Temple remains one of the kingdom's oldest living places of worship. While thousands pass nearby on their way to the palace, few pause to notice the quiet devotion that continues here every single day. The temple gets flooded with water in monsoon season, making it inaccessible even for locals. Ambikeshwar temple dates back to the 10th century, supposedly built by King Kakil Dev, one of the earliest rulers of the Kachhawaha Dynasty.
Bihari Ji Temple
A stone's throw away from Ambikeshwar Temple lies this forgotten temple — one of the kingdom's hidden architectural treasures. Allegedly home to Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Lakshmi, it now stands abandoned yet captivating, with its mysterious open-domed roof and the silent echoes of Amber's forgotten past.
Badri Narayan Temple (Silawaton Ka Mandir)
Perched gracefully on the hillside overlooking Amber, the Laxmi Narayan Temple is one of those landmarks that almost every visitor notices, yet surprisingly few take the time to explore. Known locally as Silawaton Ka Mandir — the Temple of the Stone Carvers — it quietly stands as a testament to the devotion and craftsmanship of the community that shaped much of Amber's architectural heritage.
Jagat Shiromani Temple
Beyond Amber's bustling palace lies a sanctuary where history, art, and devotion come together in perfect harmony. The Jagat Shiromani Temple — fondly called the Meera Temple — is not merely a place of worship; it is a monument to a mother's love, built by Queen Kanakwati in honour of Prince Jagat Singh. Its beautifully sculpted gateways, delicate marble work, and centuries-old legends surrounding Meera Bai's idol make it one of Amber's greatest architectural treasures.
Narsingh Ji Temple
Hidden within the original 13th century palace of Amber stands the temple of Narsingh Ji — a revered black stone idol of Lord Narsingh, the man-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. For centuries, the deity has been regarded as the divine guardian of the Kachhawaha rulers. A well-known local saying reflects this belief: "Jab tak Narsingh gaddi mein, tab tak raaj hatheli main."
"Amber's greatest stories are often found far away from its most celebrated monuments."
You can visit the Jagat Shiromani Temple and the old temples of Amber town on The Ridge & Ramparts, or explore all experiences.
— The Raah Journal, Jaipur
