On the outskirt of Jaipur, Rajasthan, you can witness a beautiful ancient temple known as ‘Galtaji Temple’ marked as a prehistoric Hindu pilgrimage site. Built with a mountain pass in the Aravalli hills, this ancient pilgrimage consists of a series of shrines, several tanks, and pavilions. The shrine on the hilltop provides a perfect view of the city. Its enrichment spread out across the valley floor.
Origin of Galtaji Temple
In ancient times, rishi Galavya stayed here to practice meditation and perform penance (Tapasya) for hundred years. Hence, the place received its name from the saint. Delighted by the saint’s utmost devotion, the lord appeared before him and granted his site as a place of worship with abundant water.
To venerate him, this majestic temple was constructed into a narrow cleft in the rings of hills by Diwan Rao Kriparam, who was a courtier of Maharaja (the great king) Sawai Jai Singh II. The temple is beautifully embellished using pink-colored sandstone with carvings and paintings on the walls.
Historical Essence of Galtaji Temple
The vast temple complex of Lord Rama and Goddes Sita’s shrine is informally called a monkey temple by travelers due to the large clan of monkeys found at Galwar Bagh. Since this pavilion is the home to hundreds of monkeys, it has been largely abandoned and is scarcely brought into use.
From the hills, there’s a natural freshwater spring; it flows downwards into a series of seven Kunds (Sacred water tanks/lakes). Among all these Kunds, people believe the Gulta Kund to be the holiest one as it never dries up. One can see water flowing into the tanks from the Gaumukh (a rock opening shaped like a cow’s head).
Every year, this temple draws thousands of visitors and pilgrims. In fact, this temple witnesses the highest number of visitors on Makar Sankranti as it’s very auspicious to bathe in the sacred Kund on this day.
Visit Galtaji Temple and take a holy dip into the Gulta Kund to wash away your evil deeds and experience a sense of relief and refreshment.
Feature Image Credit: Pinterest.
