The famous Shri Kotri Charbhujanath Temple, popularly known as Kotri Shyam Ji, is situated in Kotri town, approximately 30 km from Bhilwara in Rajasthan. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his four-armed form, this temple is an important centre of Vaishnava devotion in the Mewar region. It is particularly famous for its beautiful idol, traditional worship and grand Jaljhulni Ekadashi celebrations, which attract thousands of devotees.
The temple is considered an old and sacred place of worship, with a devotional tradition continuing for several generations. However, its exact age and original construction date are not clearly documented. The temple has undergone renovations over the years while preserving its religious importance.
The presiding deity is Lord Shri Charbhujanath, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, affectionately worshipped as Kotri Shyam Ji. The name Charbhuja means the Lord with four arms, traditionally associated with the Shankha (conch), Chakra (discus), Gada (mace) and Padma (lotus). These represent divine protection, righteousness, strength and purity. The sacred idol is beautifully decorated with colourful garments, ornaments and flowers. Devotees worship Kotri Shyam Ji with deep faith, seeking blessings for family welfare, prosperity and protection from difficulties.
The temple reflects traditional Rajasthani temple architecture, with a decorated entrance, ornamental stonework and a sanctum housing the sacred idol of Lord Charbhujanath. The temple has undergone renovations to accommodate devotees while maintaining its traditional appearance. Its peaceful atmosphere and beautifully decorated deity make it an important place of worship for the surrounding communities.
Kotri has long been associated with the worship of Lord Charbhujanath, and the temple occupies an important place in the religious life of the surrounding villages. The deity is popularly called Kotri Shyam, reflecting the affectionate devotion traditionally associated with Lord Krishna. Over generations, the temple has developed into an important pilgrimage centre through traditional worship, community participation and annual religious celebrations. Rajasthan Tourism recognises it as one of the important temples of Bhilwara district.
According to the devotional traditions of Kotri, Lord Charbhujanath is revered as the divine protector of the people and their families. For generations, devotees have approached the Lord with prayers for prosperity, good harvests, happiness and relief from difficulties. The deity is affectionately called Kotri Shyam Ji, and devotees regard him not merely as a temple deity but as a beloved member of their community.
One of the most beautiful traditions associated with the temple is the belief that Lord Charbhujanath personally visits his devotees during Jaljhulni Ekadashi. On this sacred occasion, the idol is ceremonially brought out in a grand procession through the streets of Kotri, allowing people who cannot regularly visit the temple to receive his blessings.
An especially interesting local tradition describes Kotri Shyam Ji appearing in the attire of a farmer. On this special day, the idol is ceremonially bathed with milk and sacred water accompanied by Vedic chants. The Lord is then beautifully decorated with golden ornaments and dressed in traditional agricultural clothing, symbolising his close relationship with the farming community.
Devotees believe that Lord Charbhujanath watches over their fields, crops, cattle and families. By appearing as a farmer, the Lord is regarded as sharing the everyday life and hardships of his devotees, reminding them that divine grace is present even in their ordinary activities.
Another distinctive tradition is the ceremonial meeting of Kotri Shyam Ji with the deity worshipped as his elder brother at the Chowki Temple. During the procession, the two deities are brought together in a symbolic reunion, traditionally compared with the emotional meeting of Lord Rama and Bharata. This sacred meeting represents brotherly affection, unity and divine love.
The celebrations continue with the traditional Jaljhulni ceremony, during which the deity is taken towards water for sacred rituals. The idol is carried through the town in a beautifully decorated procession, accompanied by devotional music, prayers and thousands of lamps. Devotees welcome the Lord with flowers and offerings, believing that his visit brings blessings to every household.
The principal festival is Jaljhulni Ekadashi, celebrated during the month of Bhadrapada. The deity is dressed as a farmer and taken in a grand procession, including the ceremonial meeting at the Chowki Temple and sacred water rituals. Thousands of devotees participate in the celebrations. Daily prayers and traditional Vaishnava worship are performed throughout the year.
The Shri Kotri Charbhujanath Temple remains a cherished centre of devotion, where the worship of Lord Vishnu is closely connected with the agricultural traditions, religious beliefs and everyday lives of the people of Rajasthan.
