Divine and filled with positive vibes, Jaipur have some of the major tourist destinations like Rajput Palaces, Forts, Cultural ethnicity, Princely Ambience, and temples that are worthwhile to visit.
Looking on close to the holy structures, an ancient Hindu pilgrimage appears into the minds of natives of Jaipur ‘Galta Ji Temple’. Surrounded by Aravalli Hills, Galta Ji is located at a distance of 11km away from the Pink City. The temple is one of the oldest holy places among the district of Jaipur. The pilgrimage from centuries gives dedication to Lord Hanuman Ji as well as to Surya Dev.
The Galtaji water tank is fed by pure water from a perennial spring. This temple is also known as Sun temple and this is the only temple of sun, this makes Galta ji as one of the important religious places.
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History of Galta Temple
Since the 16th century, Galta Ji Temple has been a retreat for the Hindu ascetics belonging to Vaishnavite Ramanandi sect. Diwan Rao Kriparam, a companion of Sawai Jai Singh II, built Galta Ji in the 18th Century. Galta Ji is named after the Saint Galav who spent his whole life in search of truth and performed his Tapasya for 100 years over here. Pleased with his penance, gods appeared before him and blessed his place of worship with abundant water. That’s why to honour great Saint Galav; the temple was named after him. And, taking a dip in the natural springs of Galta Ji is considered quite auspicious and is said to cleanse the sins of a person.
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Galta Ji Temple Architecture and Insights
Galta Ji temple has a brilliant layout and is counted as one of the jewels of Jaipur. The temple complex confines natural fresh water springs and seven holy ‘kunds’ or water pools. Out of which, pilgrims use upper and lower kunds for bathing. Among these water tanks, the ‘Galta Kund’, is the holiest one and is believed never to get dry.
A fount of pure water flows from a rock shaped like a cow’s head, which is known as ‘Gaumukh’ into the Jal kunds. A magnificent structure that is built in pink sandstone, amidst low hills, and is designed to look more like a palace or ‘haveli’ than a traditional temple. The Ramgopalji Temple informally known as Galta Monkey Temple has a backdrop of lush green vegetation with gorgeous landscapes and offers a fascinating view of the Jaipur city.
It is also famous for the various tribes of monkeys that dwell in this area. Galta Ji also has other temples in complex i.e. the temple of Balaji, Diwan Kriparam, and Sun Temple that is dedicated to Surya, the sun god. Religious chants combined with the natural lookout, provide a peaceful ambience for the visitors who come over here.
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Best time to visit Galta Mandir
Galta Ji Temple is famous amongst the photo fanatics and opens on all days of the week from 5:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. One can take approximately 1-2 hours to visit the entire place. Every year in mid-January, on Makar Sankranti, large crowds of visitors gather to take a bath in the holy kund, which is considered as favourable by the people of Jaipur. And, since it’s a religious place it is open to all.
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How to reach Galta Temple Jaipur?
The Galta Temple is located at a distance of 11 km away from Jaipur, Rajasthan. To reach Galta Temple, You can take the bus up yo Vidyadharji ka bagh and from here you can hire an auto rickshaws or cabs according to your suitability for going to this temple.
Opening timings for Galta ji Temple
The timings of Galta Temple are 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM All days of the week
