Galtaji temple is an enormously sacred Hindu pilgrimage, it lies 10 kilometers to the east of Jaipur city. The temple complex includes a cluster of numerous temples, Galtaji being the main temple constructed right into a slender crevice of a mountain in Aravali hills. The temple is focused around an herbal spring that emerges excessively at the hills and has been channeled to fill the seven sacred ponds, in the local language which is called “Kund”.
Pilgrims use these kunds to bathe, as it is believed that it helps in washing away a person’s sins. Among the seven kunds, the Galta Kund is assumed to be the holiest and is believed to have by no means dried. It is believed that a saint named Galtav spent all his life on this sacred site, practicing meditation and performing penance (Tapasya) for a hundred years, for which god blessed his place with copious water. The temple was built on the place where he meditated and was named after him, Saint Galtav to pay tribute to his devotion.
Galtaji Temple Jaipur – History
In the 18th century, the Galtaji temple was constructed by Diwan Rao Kriparam, who was a courtier of Sawai Jai Singh II. The saint Galtav spent a hundred years on this site to perform penance for which the gods came to this place and blessed the place. It is assumed that earlier than the sixteenth century, many yogis and saints lived at this place and practiced meditation and executed penance (Tapasya). They were later pushed away through the psychic and supernatural powers of Ramanandi Sadhu called Krishnadas Payo Hari.it is also believed Tulsidas ji wrote Ayodhya Kaand of Shree Ramcharitmanas at some stage in his stay in Shree Galta ji.
The Kunds (sacred water pond):
The temple complex is centered around a natural spring that emerges high on the hills and has been channeled to fill the seven sacred ponds, in the local language which is called “Kund”. The kunds are believed to have holy water which can wash away all the sins if you bathe in it. Galta Kund holds high importance because it by no means dries and is likewise called the holiest of all seven Kunds.
It is believed that Brahma, Vishnu & Mahesh (Trinity Gods) visit the holy vicinity during the full moon night of the Hindu Karthik month. Thus, it’s auspicious to wash inside the Kund during the festival of Makar Sankranti and Kartik Poornima, because of which the highest number of pilgrims at Galtaji Temple are seen. There are two different Kunds for men and women.
Also Read: Prem Mandir, Vrindavan
Monkeys:
Galtaji Temple Jaipur is also known as “The Monkey Temple” or “Galwar Bagh”, as there is a large population of monkeys in that area. The species of monkeys that are found at Galta ji, Jaipur are Rhesus macaque and Langur monkey. These monkeys are famous for being rebellious. Monkeys here also rob the visitors of things and food, so it is said to always be alert.
The Architecture of Galtaji Temple Jaipur:
Galtaji temple, Jaipur looks like a palace also called “haveli”. The architecture of the Galtaji temple is a mix of Rajasthani and Gujarati elements. The temple complex is built with pink sandstones, with beautiful Indian mythology paintings on the walls. The temple windows are designed like historic Rajasthani palace. The entire compound is constructed around a herbal stream.
Timings and Entry Fees of Galtaji Temple Jaipur:
The temple is open all days of the year between 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Entry is free for everyone, but you have to pay a charge of 100 rupees for taking mobile phones and cameras.
Location of Galtaji Temple Jaipur:
The Galtaji Temple is positioned inside the metropolis of Khaina-Balaji on the outskirts of Jaipur around 10 kilometers from the city, in the direction of the east of Jaipur.
How to arrive at Galtaji Temple Jaipur:
Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Galtaji Temple is Bais Godam Railway Station, located one kilometer away from the temple.
Nearest Airport:
Jaipur International Airport is the nearest airport to Galtaji Temple Jaipur. You can book a cab from the airport to reach the temple.
Places to visit near Galtaji Temple Jaipur:
Sun Temple
the Sun Temple also known as “Surya Mandir” stands tall on the city’s eastern hill range, the Galta Hills. It is one of Jaipur’s most famous heritage temples. It is only one kilometer away from Monkey Temple or Galtaji Temple.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is a palace in Jaipur, which is built from red and pink sandstone with 953 small windows called “Jharokhas”. It is located only 8.7 kilometers away from Galtaji Temple Jaipur.
Birla Mandir
Birla Mandir was built by the B.M. Birla Foundation in 1988, on the land given to the Birla family by the Maharaja, for just a token sum of one rupee. It is located only 9.4 kilometers away from Galtaji Temple Jaipur.
Albert Hall
Albert Hall Museum is a historical and cultural museum in Jaipur, which was built in 1876. It was designed by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. It is located only 8.4 kilometers away from Galtaji Temple Jaipur.
author: Tanishka Chandel
