Moti Doongri Fort — Attraction in Jaipur Municipal Corporation

MOTI DUNGRI: - THE HILL OF PEARLS

A small hill located in the heart of Jaipur. Moti means Pearl and Dungri means small hill and therefore the name Moti Dungri symbolizes a pearl hill which is truly depicted by its look of a Drop of Pearl. Moti Dungri hilltop is a true representation of Scottish Castle. The palace in past was residential premises of Sawai Man Singh II (last ruler of Jaipur). Later it became the residence of Rajmata Gaytri Devi and her son Jagat Singh (youngest son of ruler). This palace is now private property of this royal family and restricts public entrance except the Lord Ganesha temple which is highlight of this area. Both palace and temple are true architectural masterpieces.

According to legends, King of Mawali (Mewar) while returning from a long journey to his palace wished to establish a temple at the first halting point of his bullock cart that was carrying the huge idol of Lord Ganesha. His cart became resistive and stopped at the foot of the Moti Dungri hills which lead to setting up of Ganesha temple at this place.

The responsibility of commissioning the entire construction and designing task was handed over to Seth Jai Ram Paliwal. It was under the supervision of Seth Paliwal and Chief Priest Mahant Shiv Narain Ji that the creation of this glorious structure was carried out with utmost level of meticulousness. Completed in approximately 4 months, this temple homes Ganesha idol where only Lord Shiva followers (Shaiva) were allowed to pay their visit. Shaivism constitutes to be one of the oldest of four sects of Hinduism and comprises of followers of Lord Shiva. But today it is known be popular religious cum tourist destination. Thousands of disciples searching for eternal delight assemble at this temple to worship God of auspiciousness i.e....

Moti Doongri Fort, perched on the eponymous “Pearl Hill” in Jaipur, is a captivating blend of spirituality and architectural elegance. Though the private palace—believed to resemble a Scottish castle and once home to Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II—is off‑limits to visitors, its exterior silhouette creates a striking backdrop against the sky .

Base of the hill stands the revered Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple, built in 1761 under Seth Jai Ram Paliwal. Its Nagara‑style structure topped with three domes carved of limestone and marble weaves motifs spanning Indian, Islamic and Western traditions . The sanctum houses a centuries‑old red‑vermilion Ganesh idol, said to be more than 500 years old and brought from Udaipur .

Visiting the temple is a rich cultural experience. Daily rituals—like Mangala Aarti at dawn and evening bhajans—perfume the air with incense and devotion . Wednesdays and festival days (Ganesh Chaturthi, Janmashtami, Annakut) draw lively crowds, street stalls sell laddoos and souvenirs, and the atmosphere vibrates with fervor .

Though you can’t explore inside the fort itself, the hilltop stairways and winding approach offer panoramic views over Jaipur—especially scenic in soft morning or evening light . Early or late visits also dodge the midday heat and tourist traffic.

In short, Moti Doongri delivers a serene yet culturally rich outing. It marries spiritual ritual, historical architecture, and vibrant local life—all with minimal entry barriers and zero fee. Ideal for lovers of heritage, photography, or quiet introspection, this “hidden gem” is one of Jaipur’s most atmospheric...

The Moti Dungri temple is situated at top of the Moti Dungri hill and is surrounded by the fort of Moti Dungri in Jaipur, Rajasthan.1The icon of the god Ganesha established in the temple is said to be more than five-hundred years old,3] and was brought here in 1761 by Seth Jai Ram Pallival who was accompanying Maharaja Madho Singh I, from Udaipur.[4 It was brought to Udaipur from Gujarat. The temple was built under Pallival's supervision.6

The trunk of the sindoor-coloured Ganesha icon is rightwards.8 Devotees offer laddosweets, at least, 1.25 lakh devotees pay respect to Ganesha every year.1012] A fair is organized every Wednesday in the temple complex.[13

There is a lingam (icon of the god Shiva) in the temple complex, which open to visitors once a year on Mahashivratri, the festival of Shiva.15[17] The Birla Mandir shrine dedicated to the deities Lakshmi Narayan is situated south of...