The 246‑year‑old Sitaram Temple in the Surajgarh Palace complex of Jhunjhunu resumed idol worship in 2010 with the installation of new idols.
The temple was built in 1780 by Thakur Surajmal, the ruler of the Panch Pana principality, and valuable eight‑metal idols were installed at that time.
Key turning point in history
During the princely era the temple was famed for its supernatural lamp festivals and valor worship; the royal family appointed a priestly family to conduct aartis round the clock according to Vedic rites.
In 1975 the descendants of the ruling family sold Surajgarh Palace, after which the eight‑metal idols vanished suddenly, but devotees treated the paper images as the actual deities and continued worship for 35 years.
In 2010 new idols of Lord Shri Ram and Mother Sita were commissioned from Jaipur, the state capital, and installed with Vedic chants and classical procedures, and idol worship has been regular ever since.
Current management and events
According to the present caretaker Mahesh Kumar (Dhanivale), the daily grand lamp festival is no longer held, but the religious dignity and devotee engagement remain as before.
Two major religious events are celebrated each year with fanfare, though the source does not specify their names.
What’s relevant for you
- Key date: New idols installed in 2010; see local administration notices for the next major event.
- For devotees: Contact the local priestly family for regular worship timings.
- Tourist info: Located in the Surajgarh Palace complex, Jhunjhunu district, Jhunjhunu tehsil.