Garh Ganesh Temple, Jaipur Overview

Garh Ganesh Temple is an ancient temple built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh before he laid the foundation stone of the city of Jaipur. The temple is located near Jaigarh and Nahargarh Forts on the Aravalli Hills. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesh who is revered in Vigra Purushakriti, which means his child-form is worshipped here. The temple is often a halting spot for trekkers who explore the Aravalli Hills for a fabulous view of the city.

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History of the Temple

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh built the Garh Ganesh Temple after performing an auspicious Yagna, the Ashwamedha Yagna, about three centuries ago. It was after the temple was built that he laid the first foundation stone of Jaipur City. He believed that Lord Ganesha’s blessings would protect the city. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh also placed the temple and the idol in such a way that he could see the idol through his binoculars from Chandra Mahal whenever he would be staying at the City Palace. The Audhchya Family has been managing the temple for generations. The current priest, Shree Pradeep Audhchya is the 13th priest of the Garh Ganesh Temple.

Important Events

Ganesh Chaturthi is an important festival of the temple. It is celebrated during Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha and is a five-day event. A fair is organized during these five days for the devotees and visitors. Other important events celebrated at Garh Ganesh Temple are the Anna Koot which is celebrated on the first Wednesday after Diwali and Paush Bade which is held on the last Wednesday of the Hindu month of Paush.

Architecture of the Temple

Garh Ganesh Temple is built inside a structure that resembles a fortress with sandstone walls and batteries. A large Swastika, painted on the wall makes the structure easy to spot from a distance. Inside, the main temple is made according to traditional Hindu Temple architecture. A long flight of stairs leads to the pristine coloured temple on the top of the Aravalli hills. The idol of Lord Ganesh is installed in the sanctum sanctorum which has a main hall in the front that can accommodate about 30 to 40 people at a time. The attraction also houses idols of Riddhi, Siddhi and their children Shubh and Labh along with Lord Ganesha’s vehicle and messenger, the rat.

How To Reach Garh Ganesh Temple

Garh Ganesh Temple is located on the Aravalli Hills in between Jaigarh and Nahargarh Forts. From Pink City, it is about 11 kilometres away and accessible via three routes, the Tonk Road – Brahmapuri Road route, the Moti Dungri Road – NH 248 route and the Station Road – Brahmapuri Road route.

Jaipur Railway Junction is located about 8.5 kilometres away from the attraction while the Bus Stand is about 3 kilometres away. Outstation tourists can easily take a state transport bus or a train to reach Jaipur. Flight connectivity is also decent to Jaipur. The airport is located 16 kilometres away from the attraction.