Galtaji

Galta ji temple surrounded by hills on all sides.
The lower tank of the temple.

Galtaji is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage about 10 km away from Jaipur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The site consists of a series of temples built into a narrow crevice in the ring of hills that surrounds Jaipur. A natural spring emerges high on the hill and flows downward, filling a series of sacred kunds (water tanks) in which pilgrims bathe. Visitors and pilgrims can ascend the crevasse, continuing past the highest water pool to a hilltop temple from there are views of Jaipur and its fortifications spreads out across the valley floor. It is believed that a Saint named Galav lived here, practiced meditation, and did penance (tpasya).[1]

Temples

Overview of the temple.

Built within a mountain pass in the Aravalli Hills 10 km. east of Jaipur,[2] Galtaji has been a retreat for Hindu ascetics belonging to vaishnav Ramanuj sect, since the early 15th century.[1] It is said to have been in the occupation of yogis for a long time; Payohari krishnadas, A Ramanuj sadhu (Follower of Ramanuj Sampraday) came to Galta in early 15th century and drove away yogis from the place by his yogic powers.,[3] Galta was north India's first Vaishnav Ramanuj Peeth and became the one of the most important centers of Ramanuj sect. The present temple was built by Diwan Rao Kriparam, a courtier of Sawai Jai Singh II, in the 16th Century. The main temple is the temple of Galtaji, built in pink stone. The temple features a number of pavilions with rounded roofs, carved pillars, and painted walls. The complex is set around a natural spring and waterfalls that create 7 pools, the upper and lower pool are used for bathing by pilgrims.[4]


Monkeys

Ramgopalji Temple or Monkey Temple.
Buiobuione - India - Jaipur - Galtaji Temple - monkey

The temple complex of Sita Ram ji temple is colloquially known as Monkey temple (Galwar Bagh) in travel literature, due to the large tribe of monkeys, who live here in the temples, which have been largely abandoned and are only partially restored. These rhesus macaques were featured in National Geographic Channel's Rebel Monkeys series and "Thar Desert - Sacred sand" episode of Wildest India Series.

Water tanks

The temple is known for its natural springs, the water from which accumulates in tanks (kunds). There are seven tanks, the holiest being the Galta Kund, which never goes dry. It is considered auspicious to bathe in the waters of Galtaji, especially on Makar Sankranti, and thousands come to bathe every year.

A photograph taken during rainfall at galta temple, jaipur, rajasthan, India

References

  1. 1 2 Vibhuti Sachdev; Giles Henry Rupert Tillotson (2002). Building Jaipur: The Making of an Indian City. Reaktion Books. pp. 39–. ISBN 978-1-86189-137-2. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
  2. ↑ Dr. Daljeet; P. C. Jain (Prof.) (2002). Monuments Of India. Aravali Books International Pvt. Limited. p. 161. ISBN 978-81-86880-76-0.
  3. ↑ Gupta, Dr R.K; Bakshi, Dr S.R. Rajsthan through the ages - Vol 4. Jaipur rulers and administrators. Sarup & sons. p. 118. ISBN 978-81-7625-841-8.
  4. ↑ AnnGrodzins Gold (1990). Fruitful Journeys: The Ways of Rajasthani Pilgrims. University of California Press. pp. 278–. ISBN 978-0-520-06959-6. Retrieved 29 August 2013.

Coordinates: 26°52′34″N 76°07′27″E / 26.8761°N 76.1242°E / 26.8761; 76.1242

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