Galtaji Temple, Jaipur - Timings, Photos, History

Galtaji Temple, Jaipur Overview

Located on the outskirts of the regal city of Jaipur, Galtaji Temple is a prehistoric Hindu pilgrimage site. Outlined by the striking Aravalli hills, it consists of several shrines, holy kunds, pavilions and natural springs. This majestic temple is situated at the heart of a hilly terrain that is bounded by a beautiful gorge that attracts tourists here every year. Galtaji Temple was built using pink colour sandstone and is a vast temple complex housing varied shrines. Located inside the City Palace, the walls of this temple are beautifully adorned with carvings and paintings that make this place worth visiting. The Galtaji temple is unique in its architecture and has been constructed like a palace.

It is situated in the Aravalli hills and is bound by thick plush trees and bushes. This remarkable building is decorated with painted walls, round roofs and pillars. Apart from the kunds, this pre-historic Hindu pilgrimage place also has temples of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Lord Hanuman within the temple. One of the main tourist destinations of Jaipur, the temple complex boasts of natural freshwater springs and seven holy 'kunds' or water tanks. Among these kunds, the 'Galta Kund', is the holiest one and is believed never to get dry. Pure and clear water flows from the 'Gaumukh', a rock shaped like a cow's head, into the tanks.
This spectacular temple is designed to look more like a grand palace or 'haveli' than a traditional temple. The Galtaji Temple has a scenic and gorgeous landscape featuring rich green vegetation and has a spectacular sight of the Jaipur city. This temple is known for the many tribes of monkeys that are found here and the religious hymns and chants, along with the natural setting, offer a peaceful ambience to tourists.

History and Legend of Galtaji Temple

The magnificent pink sandstone structure is said to have been built by Diwan Rao Kriparam who was a courtier of Sawai Jai Singh II. Since the early 16th century, Galtaji has been a haven for the puritans belonging to the Ramanadi sect and under the occupation of the Jogis. It is believed that Saint Galtav spent all this life at this sacred site, performing Tapasya for a hundred years. Pleased by his devotion, the Gods appeared before him and blessed his place of worship with copious water. To venerate this rishi, the Galtaji Temple was constructed here and named after him. Legend says that sections of the holy Ramcharitra Manas were written at this spot by Tulsidas. Galav is said to have meditated here for many decades and was blessed with springs. This is also the reason why the temple complex is named after the sage. Legend says that sections of the holy Ramcharitra Manas were written at this spot by Tulsidas. Galav is said to have meditated here for many decades and was blessed with springs. This is also the reason why the temple complex is named after the sage.

Water Tanks at Galtaji Temple

The Galtaji Temple is most revered for its natural water springs wherein the water spouts automatically in the temple complex and collects in the tanks. This natural spring never goes dry which astounds visitors and beckons them from all over. Galta Kund is the most sacred kund, out of the seven tanks at the temple complex. It is considered auspicious to take a dip in the holy kund, especially during the festival of Makar Sankranti in January.

Best Time To Visit Galtaji Temple

The months of February-March and the time of October-December is the best time to visit this place as the weather is pleasant during that time. It can get pretty hot and uncomfortable in summers and hence, these are best, avoided.

The Galtaji Temple is thronged with tourists and pilgrims in January during the Makar Sankranti festival to take a dip in the holy waters of the kund. It is best to visit the temple during the evening if you wish to witness the fascinating scene of the monkeys flocking towards temple tank for a bath.

Stay Near Galtaji Temple

There are some pretty good hotels around Galtaji Temple, which have good services and facilities and offer a comfortable stay. Hotel Maya International, Cambay Golf Resort, Jaipur Palace Hotel and Hotel Eurasia are some of the good hotels in the area.

Sightseeing Around Galtaji Temple

Galtaji Temple is a specimen of the erstwhile regal life of Rajasthan, with astounding architecture that sweeps you into its fascination. The places for sightseeing at the temple are Galwar Bagh Gate which is a marvellous structure in pink and is suitable for the vast complex inside while Galta Temple is the main temple in the complex. Hanuman Temple is also worth visiting for not only its architecture but also the many monkeys that can be found here. The Brahma Temple, Vishnu temple and the Galta Kund are eye-catching and should be visited.

Apart from the temple, Jaipur has countless monuments, havelis, forts and palaces to keep you busy and which must be visited while you are here. These include the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Amber Fort, Sisodia Rani Garden, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Birla Mandir and Albert Hall.

Shopping At Galtaji Temple

Jaipur is famous for its traditional handicrafts. Lac Work, Meenakari, Metal Work, Marble Work, Paintings, Leather Work, Gemstones, Carpets, Wood Work, Jewellery are popular here and you can shop for these items while you are here. M.I. Road, Johri Bazar, Bapu Bazar, Busy Bazar, etc. are a few of the shopping arcades where you will find typical Jaipuri things you can shop for.

Local Experiences At Galtaji Temple

The people of Jaipur are very friendly and warm. The colourful outfits and ethnic jewellery they adorn are the part of the culture showcase in a traditional way. Rajasthani folk songs are very popular. The main language of Jaipur is Rajasthani. Marwari, Hindi and English are also spoken here. This city celebrates several fairs and festivals at different times of the year. Some of the festivals are Gangaur festival, Jaipur Literature festival, Kite festival, Teej festival, Shitla Mata Fair, Chaksu Fair, Elephant Fair, Chhat ka Mela in Amber during Navratri.

Food At Galtaji Temple

The pink city Jaipur offers you delicious cuisines that are popular throughout India. Delicacies like Dal Bati Churma, Missi Roti, and sweets like Ghevar, Feeni, Gajak, Chauguni ke laddu, Moong Thal are famous here. Rajasthani cuisine is full of nutrition as it is cooked in ghee and butter so you must relish your taste buds with it. While in Jaipur, you are sure to experience one of the most mind-boggling culinary trips of your life.

Restaurants Near Galtaji Temple

Chokhi Dhani Restaurant, Grunge - The Fern Hotel, Shakuntalam Bar & Restaurant, Lakesh Nashta Bhandar, Kaka's - The Punjabi Kitchen, Oliya Restaurant, etc. are some of the popular restaurants in the area. Delicious Rajasthani as well as other cuisines are available here.

Tips For Visiting Galtaji Temple

1. No shoes are allowed inside the temple so it is best to come here in a comfortable pair of slip-on that can be removed and re-worn easily.
2. When visiting the Galta temple avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing.
3. The temple has many monkeys, and they try to snatch eatables from visitors. Make sure you hide all food products and do not scare the monkeys with camera flashes.
4. The temple premises is a little dirty which might be a turn-off for the hygiene conscious visitors.
5. The mobile network connection can be a little weak in this area.
6. Beware of the touts who tend to charge you an entry fee at the temple.

How to reach Galtaji Temple

Galtaji Temple is located in Khania-Balaji town which is around 10 km east to Jaipur.

Air: The nearest airport to Galtaji Temple isÃ«_Sanganer airport, JaipurÃ«_which isÃ«_10 KMÃ«_away from Galtaji Temple . You can hire a cab from here to reach the temple.
Rail: The nearest railway station to Galtaji Temple isÃ«_Bais Godam railway station JunctionÃ«_which isÃ«_1 KMÃ«_away from Galtaji Temple . You can take a taxi or auto from here to reach the temple.
Road: Buses both deluxe and state are available from various cities to Jaipur. From Jaipur, as the Galtaji Temple is situated 10 kilometers outside of the city of Jaipur, booking a private cab is the best option to get to the temple from Jaipur. You can also opt for a tuk- tuk.

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Galtaji Temple Reviews

Your rating

Smita Pandey

on Galtaji Temple 3 years ago

The gatekeeper having very bad behaviour. Asking money for mobile phones without any proper rules. No proper rules guided.The place is good and beautiful.