Places to explore in Jaipur

Garh Ganesh Temple – A Divine Place Wrapped In The History Of Jaipur

June 21, 2017

We have often heard that before initiation of any work or to get success in anything new, it is considered sacred to take blessings of Lord Ganesha.

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh – I, followed this same rule by constructing Garh Ganesh Temple before the establishment of Jaipur. Garh Ganesh Mandir is an ancient temple devoted to Lord Ganesh in the Pink City. Located in the hills near Nahargarh Fort and Jaigarh Fort, this temple has a glorious history, structure, and importance elaborated by natives and many other sources revealing about the Jaipur.

What’s the history behind the Garh Ganesh Temple?

It is believed that the idol of Lord Ganesh present in the temple is in the form of small child – Virga Purushakriti (without the trunk). Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh I constructed the temple, before the foundation of Jaipur, when he performed “Ashvamedha Yagya”. Interestingly, he was the last Hindu king to accomplish this ritual of ‘Ashvamedha Yagna’.

According to sources, he made the shrine and placed the statue of Lord Ganesh, then headed to keep the foundation stone of Jaipur. Maharaja placed the statue in such a way that he could be able to see it with the help of field glasses (binoculars) from the Chandra Mahal of Jaipur’s city palace. Garh Ganesh also houses, ‘Dhwajadheesh’ Ganesha Mandir of Bari-Chaupar as its part.

Garh Ganesh Temple Architecture and present scenario

There are mainly two access points to Garh Ganesh Temple is the staircase originating in Brahampuri area near Gaitore. These steps are quite steep and uneven in height, which unveils more of a time when they were first built.

And, another one that originates from the left side can be located after climbing few steps. The new one is not that steep and has been built in recent time. Since the renovation process is a bit slow here, but the place still bestow a glance of spirituality that one can feel at its entrance.

In Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha, on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, the fair of five days is organised every year. Also, on the first Wednesday after Diwali festival, ‘Anna-Koot’ is celebrated in the temple and on last Wednesday ‘Paush Bade’ is organised to celebrate ‘Paush Month’.

Presently, Audichya family overlooks entire management and arrangements of the temple. And, the chief priest here is Shri Pradeep Audichya, who is the 13th priest of Garh Ganesh Temple.

Tourists and natives, anyone can visit this temple, from morning 7:00 A.M. until noon, then in the evening from 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

Throughout the time, many places in Pink City have been developed and gained popularity so far. But, Garh Ganesh is a place that carries the vibes of old Jaipur within it that are worth to take a look once.