Galtaji Temple is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site in the town of Khaniya-Balaji , Rajasthan. Diwan Rao Kriparam, an attendant to Sawai Jai Singh II, in the 18th Century, built the Galtaji Temple. The story behind this temple is that Saint Galav spent 100 years here in performing his ‘tapasya’. Happy with the Galav, the gods blesses him with abundant water. The site consists of several temples and sacred kunds (water tanks) in which pilgrims bathe. The Galtaji temple, one of the jewels of Jaipur, has a marvellous complex with natural fresh water springs and 7 holy ‘kunds’ or water tanks.’Galta Kund’, among all is the holiest one and is believed to never get dry. A spring of pure water flows from the ‘Gaumukh’, a rock shaped like a cow’s head, into the tanks. Galta temple is situated in the Aravallis, so it is surrounded by dense trees and bushes. Its awesome buildings are ornamented by painted walls, adorned by rounded roofs and pillars.Also known as the ‘Monkey Temple’, it was recently featured on National Geographic’s multi-award winning series ‘Monkey Thieves’
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset, on all week days
Location of Galtaji Temple
Galtaji temple is located at 10 km from Jaipur city. Jaipur is well connected with road, rail and air. Jaipur is just 268 kms from Delhi.
History
Diwan Rao Kriparam, an attendant to Sawai Jai Singh II, in the 18th Century, built the Galtaji Temple.
Legends
It is believed that, Saint Galav spent all his life here and performed his ‘tapasya’ for 100 years. Pleased with his penance, the Gods appeared before him and blessed his place of worship with abundant water. To honour this great ‘rishi’, a temple was built here and it was named after him. Taking a dip in the natural springs of Galtaji is considered very auspicious and is said to cleanse a person of his sins.
Layout Of The Temple
The Galtaji Temple is located in the Aravalli hills and is bounded by dense trees and bushes. This impressive building is ornamented by painted walls, adorned by rounded roofs and pillars. Apart from the kunds, there are temples of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Lord Hanuman situated within the temple complex.
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