What is the sthala katha — the legend — of Keshav Rai Temple?

High medieval · Hindu · India

Keshav Rai Temple

Keshoraipatan (Bundi district), Rajasthan · 25.2890°, 75.9390°

Vishnu as Keshav Rai (Keshavaraiji)Undetermined—

Sacred since

1250 CE

first attestation / structure

Standing structure

begun 1250, completed 1641

Undetermined

History & significance

A Vishnu temple above the Chambal at Keshoraipatan in Bundi district, begun by Raja Ranti Deo in 1250 and finished four generations later by Rao Raja Chattar Sal in 1641. Its pyramidal shikhara, carved walls and Rajasthani canopies enclose a white stone image of Keshavaraiji seated in lotus posture with discus and conch; worship passed over time from the Ramanuja tradition to Pushtimarg.

Sthala katha — the legend

Vishnu is said to have manifested as two images to reward Raja Ranti Deo's devotion, and local belief holds that the Chambal turns back on itself after touching the feet of Keshav Rai.

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