Galtaji Temple is an ancient pilgrimage site located in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, adorned with the attractive surroundings of nature, situated amidst the hills, 350 feet above the ground level in the east of Jaipur city of Rajasthan and at a distance of about five kilometres from the main city, a beautiful place of pilgrimage which is called Galtaji.
The normal route to Galtaji from Jaipur City passes through Surajpol Gate. After leaving Surajpol or Galata Darwaza and walking about one and a half kilometres, large ranges of mountains are visible. Which are called the hills of Galtaji. There is another gate near these mountain ranges. There is a paved road from Jaipur city to this gate. From the end of the road, a valley begins between the mountains. Which is called the valley of Galtaji.
This attractive temple is situated in the heart of a hilly area, surrounded by a beautiful ghat, which attracts many tourists every year. Let us tell you that Galtaji temple was constructed using pink-coloured sandstone. It is a huge temple complex with many temples located inside it.
This holy place is also famous by the name of Galav Ashram because it is the residence of Galav Rishi. Whose name got corrupted with time and became wrong with Galav. Which is today famous by the name of Galtaji Tirtha. Before the 15th century, Sage Galav had made this picturesque, peaceful place suitable for penance and made it his penance.
Location of Galtaji Temple Jaipur
- The Galta Ji Temple is located in the town of Khaina-Balaji on the outskirts of Jaipur around 10 kilometres away from the city, towards the east of Jaipur. This temple is situated in Shri Galta Peetham, Galva Ashrama, Jaipur.
Entry Fee of Galtaji Temple
- There is no entry fee for Galtaji temple it is free.
Entry Timings of Galtaji Temple
- Timings to visit Galtaji Temple in Jaipur are from 5 am to 9 pm from Monday to Saturday.
History of Galtaji Temple
The magnificent pink sandstone structure of Galtaji Temple was built by ‘Dewan Rao Kriparam‘, the courtier of Sawai Raja Jai Singh II. Since the beginning of the 16th century, Galtaji has been a haven for Puri-based Jogis belonging to the Ramanandi sect.
It is also said about this place that Saint Galav spent his entire life at this holy place for a hundred years doing penance. Pleased with his devotion, the Lord appeared before him and blessed his holy place with holy water. Let us tell you that to worship this saint or sage, the Galtaji temple was built and this temple was named Galtaji after him. It is also said that Tulsidas wrote sections of the sacred Ramcharitra Manas at this place.
Architecture of Galtaji Temple
Galtaji Temple is situated in the Aravalli Hills and is surrounded by dense luxuriant trees and bushes. The temple is decorated with painted walls, round ceilings, and pillars. The temples of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and Lord Hanuman are also located inside this pre-historic Hindu temple. One of the most special tourist places in Jaipur, this temple complex has natural freshwater springs and seven sacred ‘Kunds’ or water tanks. Of all these ponds, Galta Kund is considered the most sacred and it never dries up. Here pure and clean water keeps flowing from Gaumukh.
Attractions Points of Galtaji Temple Jaipur
1. Temple of Sun God in Galtaji
At the main place of Galtaji, just in front of Jaipur city, there is a famous temple of Sun God in the east direction. The view of Jaipur city looks very beautiful from here. There is a golden statue of Sun God in the temple. Every year on the day of Shukla Saptami (Surya Saptami), the chariot of Sun God comes out from here. A huge fair is organized here on that day.
The golden statue of Sun God sitting in a huge silver chariot is taken out in a procession. A huge fair is held in the city from the Sun Temple of Galtaji to Tripolia Gate. The chariot turns around again and goes to its temple. The position of the Sun Temple is such that the residents of Jaipur wake up early in the morning to see the Sun. So it appears as if the Sun is emerging from the same Sun Temple.
2. A major temple of Mahadev Ji in Galtaji
Apart from the Sun Temple, there is also a major temple of Mahadev Ji among the other temples located in Galtaji Tirtha Jaipur. Big fairs are organized in Galata Tirtha on the days of Surya Saptami, Ramnavami, Nirjala Ekadashi, and Jal Julani Ekadashi. And devotees come in large numbers. There is a huge crowd here even on lunar eclipses, solar eclipses and bathing festivals. The colour of this place is unique on Chaturmas. Fairs are organized here regularly from Shravan Shukla Pratipada to Purnima. Hundreds of men and women come here every day. And do Bhandara etc. The Van Somwar fair in Shravan is worth seeing here.
3. Water pond in Galtaji temple
Let us tell you that Galatji temple is most religious and revered for its natural water springs. Water automatically circulates throughout the temple complex and collects in tanks. The most special thing about this natural spring is that its water never dries up, which surprises tourists. Along with this, Galata Kund is the most sacred among the seven ponds of the temple complex. Every year on the special occasion of Makar Sankranti festival, taking a dip in this holy lake is considered very auspicious.
4. Hanumanji’s temple
The temple of Hanuman ji in Galtaji is also worth visiting which is known for its architecture and the monkeys found here. A large number of monkeys are found in this temple; hence this temple is also called ‘Monkey Temple’ or ‘Galwar Bagh’. Rhesus macaque and langur monkey species are found in Galataji. The monkeys here are notorious for robbing visitors and stealing their belongings and food. If you are coming to visit this place then you must also visit Hanuman Temple.
Best Time to Visit Galtaji Temple
The best time to visit Galtaji Temple in Jaipur is in the months of February-March and October-December as the weather is very pleasant during this period. It can be extremely uncomfortable to visit this place during summer, so it is better to avoid visiting this place during this season. Every year during the Makar Sankranti festival in January, the Galtaji temple attracts a huge crowd of tourists and pilgrims to take a dip in the holy waters of the pond.
