Temples and Religion

The Lakshmi Temple, next to a pond known as ‘Laxmi Tal’ is intimately linked to the life of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi. The Rani used to regularly pray at this shrine.
It was the chief temple of Maharajas of Jhansi as it housed their ‘Kul Devi’ or Patron Goddess. The temple was built by Maratha Subedar Shivrao Bhau (1794-1814 AD).

This temple is located in the Jhansi city. It is a grand palacelike building where Lord Krishna is worshiped. It is
estimated to have been built in 1780. This temple was built by Sakku Bai, mother-in-law of Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi.
Sakku Bai was the mother of Raja Gangadhar Rao of Jhansi. It is said that this temple was the main center of faith of the royal family. Rani Lakshmi Bai used to come with her mother-in-law to worship in this temple. Even today people come from far and wide to see this temple. This temple is also maintained by traditional Marathi family.

It is a group of temples located in the heart of Jhansi city in Jhokan bagh area. These temples are believed to be built by Gusain sant of this region who also ruled in the Jhansi district for few years. It is also believed that these temples
are built over samadhis of Gusain Sant dedicated to lord Shiva. The major temple is known as Mahakaleswar temple
which has a large Shiva linga of Kasauti -stone (basalt stone) in its sanctum sanctorum. The group of temple is protected monument of U.P. State Archaeological department.

Karguvanji Jain temple is a 700-year-old temple, resting amidst the vicinity of Jhansi city. It is an important pilgrimage for Digambar Jains, a sect that believes in renouncing all material things to attain salvation – including clothes. The full name of the temple is Shri Digamber Jain Atishaya Kshetra Sanvaliya Parasnath Karguvanji, Atishay Kshetra meaning a place of miracles.

St. Jude’s Church is located in the Civil Lines of Jhansi, which is a famous tourist destination for Catholic Christians. The devotion to St. Jude Thaddaeus, was practically unknown in India, and it was the late Bishop F. X. Fenech who started it in Jhansi, which was a Prefecture Apostolic in those days. It was not easy to do especially during the World War II, but Bishop Fenech was a man of great faith, he made a promise to St. Jude that if he helped him, he would build a Shrine in Jhansi in his honour. He made use of the media available, publishing his intention in the Catholic Herald of England, in the Indian Catholic Newspaper – The Examiner and so on.

The temple is located about 50 km from Jhansi city on the Jhansi-Khajuraho road, diverted from Bangra town. The temple was built by Chandela king and is dedicated to lord Shiva. It is a protected monument of ASI.
Aerial view of the revered Shiva Temple of Gairaha. The architecture is sublime, the view is mesmerising. Not frequented by the outside world, a visit to the temple in itself
is very captivating.

The Kedareswar temple is located about 67 km from Jhansi city near Mauranipur town. The temple is located on a high hilltop. The main temple was built of stone during
the Chandela period in 12th century. An unique Shiva ling based on the back of Nandi is installed in the sanctum.

The grand Ram-Janki temple located in Singar village, about 80 km from Jhansi on Jhansi-Bamor-Singar road, was built by a local Zamindar on a raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, large front mandap having a small courtyard at right side. The temple is also adorned with wall- painting.