Rukmini Devi Temple

It is a richly carved temple decorated with sculptures of gods and goddesses on the exterior with the sanctum housing the main image of Maa Rukmini. Carved naratharas (human figures) and carved gajatharas (elephants) are depicted in panels at the base of the tower.

The Rukmini Devi Temple is dedicated to the beloved wife of Lord Krishna, Devi Rukmini, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. The temple is said to be more than 2500 years old, but its domed mandapa and stepped sanctuary belongs to 12th century.

The sanctum of the temple has a beautiful marble idol of Devi Rukmani, with four hands holding Shanka, Chakra, Gada and Padma.

This shrine is an architectural masterpiece in itself. The rich paintings on the walls depicting Rukmini and Krishna leave the visitors spell bound

An interesting legend is narrated to justify separate dwelling temples, far away from each other, for Maa Rukmini and her husband Sri Krishna. It is said that at the request of sage Durvasa (who was renowned for his short temper and bestowing curses)Sri Krishna and Maa Rukmini pulled a chariot taking sage Durvasa to their house for dinner. On the way, when Maa Rukmini asked for water to quench her thirst,Sri Krishna drew Ganges water, by prodding the ground with his toe, for her to drink.Maa Rukmini quenched her thirst with the Ganges water. But Durvasa felt insulted as Maa Rukmini did not offer him water to drink first. He, therefore, cursed her that she would live separately from her husband.[1]