Madhav Rai Temple
Also known as Madho Rai Temple, Madhav Rao Temple
Madhav Rai Temple in Mandi enshrines a silver Radha-Krishna idol crowned titular king of Mandi state, long the town's spiritual and political heart.
Photos of Madhav Rai Temple
- Presiding Deity
- Krishna
- Established
- c. 1653 CE, under Raja Suraj Sen; silver idol consecrated 1705
- Architecture
- Modest shrine rather than a grand temple structure, with faded arch paintings and an ornate silver door
- Address
- Seri Bazar, Bhagwan Muhalla, Samkhetar, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175001
- Timings
- 05:00–20:00 daily
History of Madhav Rai Temple
Raja Suraj Sen, after the deaths of his seventeen or eighteen children, converted to Vaishnavism on his priest's counsel and installed Madho Rai as sovereign of Mandi. In 1705 a silver Radha-Krishna murti was consecrated and named Madho Rai. Tradition holds that Mandi's ruler sought the deity's sanction before merging the princely state into India in 1947.
Festivals Celebrated at Madhav Rai Temple
- Mandi International Shivratri Fair
How to Reach Madhav Rai Temple
Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) Airport, ~55-60 km. Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge station, ~55 km. In Seri Bazar, Bhagwan Muhalla, central Mandi town.
Frequently Asked Questions about Madhav Rai Temple
Where is Madhav Rai Temple located?
- Madhav Rai Temple is located at Seri Bazar, Bhagwan Muhalla, Samkhetar, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175001, in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Madhav Rai Temple?
- The presiding deity at Madhav Rai Temple is Krishna (also known as Gopala, Govinda), worshipped in the Vaishnava tradition.
What are the timings of Madhav Rai Temple?
- Madhav Rai Temple is generally open 05:00–20:00 daily. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Madhav Rai Temple built?
- Madhav Rai Temple was established c. 1653 CE, under Raja Suraj Sen; silver idol consecrated 1705. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Madhav Rai Temple?
- Madhav Rai Temple is built in the Modest shrine rather than a grand temple structure, with faded arch paintings and an ornate silver door style, characteristic of Krishna shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Madhav Rai Temple?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Madhav Rai Temple include Mandi International Shivratri Fair. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Madhav Rai Temple?
- Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) Airport, ~55-60 km. Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge station, ~55 km. In Seri Bazar, Bhagwan Muhalla, central Mandi town.
Why is Madhav Rai Temple significant?
- Madhav Rai Temple in Mandi enshrines a silver Radha-Krishna idol crowned titular king of Mandi state, long the town's spiritual and political heart.
Is there an entry fee at Madhav Rai Temple?
- Entry to the main shrine of Madhav Rai Temple is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.
What is the dress code at Madhav Rai Temple?
- Madhav Rai Temple follows the traditional dress code observed at Himachal Pradesh temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.