History and Legend of Galtaji Temple
The magnificent pink sandstone structure is said to have been built by Diwan Rao Kriparam who was a courtier of Sawai Jai Singh II. Since the early 16th century, Galtaji has been a haven for the puritans belonging to the Ramanadi sect and under the occupation of the Jogis. It is believed that Saint Galtav spent all this life at this sacred site, performing Tapasya for a hundred years. Pleased by his devotion, the Gods appeared before him and blessed his place of worship with copious water. To venerate this rishi, the Galtaji Temple was constructed here and named after him.
Water Tanks at Galtaji Temple
The Galtaji Temple is most revered for its natural water springs wherein the water spouts automatically in the temple complex and collects in the tanks. This natural spring never goes dry which astounds visitors and beckons them from all over. Galta Kund is the most sacred kund, out of the seven tanks at the temple complex. It is considered auspicious to take a dip in the holy kund, especially during the festival of Makar Sankranti in January.
Best time to visit Galtaji Temple
The months of February-March and the time of October-December is the best time to visit this place as the weather is pleasant during that time. It can get pretty hot and uncomfortable in summers and hence, these are best, avoided.
The Galtaji Temple is thronged with tourists and pilgrims in January during the Makar Sankranti festival to take a dip in the holy waters of the kund. It is best to visit the temple during the evening if you wish to witness the fascinating scene of the monkeys flocking towards temple tank for a bath.
How to Reach Galtaji Temple
Galtaji Temple is located in Khania-Balaji town which is around 10 km east to Jaipur.
Air:The nearest airport to Galtaji Temple is Sanganer airport, Jaipur which is 10 km away from Galtaji Temple. You can hire a cab from here to reach the gracious temple.
Rail:The nearest railway station to Galtaji Temple is Bais Godam railway station Junction which is 1 km away You can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from here to reach the temple.
Road:Buses, both deluxe and state, are available from various cities to Jaipur. From Jaipur, booking a private cab is the best option as the ride is short and comfortable. You can also opt for a tuk- tuk.
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Getting Around Galtaji Temple
Taxis and tuk-tuks are available in most areas of Jaipur to get around the place.
Where to Stay
There are some pretty good hotels around Galtaji which have good services and facilities and offer a comfortable stay. Hotel Maya International, Cambay Golf Resort, Jaipur Palace Hotel and Hotel Eurasia are some of the good hotels in the area.
Sightseeing in Galtaji Temple
Galtaji Temple is a specimen of the erstwhile regal life of Rajasthan, with astounding architecture that sweeps you into its fascination. The places for sightseeing at the temple are Galwar Bagh Gate which is a marvellous structure in pink and is suitable for the vast complex inside while Galta Temple is the main temple in the complex. Hanuman Temple is also worth visiting for not only its architecture but also the many monkeys that can be found here. The Brahma Temple, Vishnu temple and the Galta Kund are eye-catching and should be visited.
Apart from the temple, Jaipur has countless monuments, havelis, forts and palaces to keep you busy and which must be visited while you are here. These include the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Amber Fort, Sisodia Rani Garden, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Birla Mandir and Albert Hall.
Shopping in Galtaji Temple
Jaipur is famous for its traditional handicrafts. Lac Work, Meenakari, Metal Work, Marble Work, Paintings, Leather Work, Gemstones, Carpets, Wood Work, Jewellery are popular here and you can shop for these items while you are here. M.I. Road, Johri Bazar, Bapu Bazar, Busy Bazar, etc. are a few of the shopping arcades where you will find typical Jaipuri things you can shop for.
The Galtaji Temple Experience
The people of Jaipur are very friendly and warm. The colourful outfits and ethnic jewellery they adorn are the part of the culture showcase in a traditional way. Rajasthani folk songs are very popular. The main language of Jaipur is Rajasthani. Marwari, Hindi and English are also spoken here. This city celebrates several fairs and festivals at different times of the year. Some of the festivals are Gangaur festival, Jaipur Literature festival, Kite festival, Teej festival, Shitla Mata Fair, Chaksu Fair, Elephant Fair, Chhat ka Mela in Amber during Navratri.
Galtaji Temple's Nightlife
Galtaji temple has no nightlife. Jaipur, however, has a very colourful and vibrant nightlife with several clubs and pubs one can enjoy at.
Galtaji Temple's Cuisine
The pink city Jaipur offers you delicious cuisines that are popular throughout India. Delicacies like Dal Bati Churma, Missi Roti, and sweets like Ghevar, Feeni, Gajak, Chauguni ke laddu, Moong Thal are famous here. Rajasthani cuisine is full of nutrition as it is cooked in ghee and butter so you must relish your taste buds with it. While in Jaipur, you are sure to experience one of the most mind-boggling culinary trips of your life.
Best Restaurants Nearby
Chokhi Dhani Restaurant, Grunge - The Fern Hotel, Shakuntalam Bar & Restaurant, Lakesh Nashta Bhandar, Kaka's - The Punjabi Kitchen, Oliya Restaurant, etc. are some of the popular restaurants in the area. Delicious Rajasthani as well as other cuisines are available here.
Itinerary
The Galtaji Temple is best seen on a trip to Jaipur. Reach Jaipur and take a taxi to the grand temple. Visit the temple and see the main Galta Mandir, the Hanuman Temple and the Vishnu Temple and the Galta Kund. After a visit to the temple, have your lunch at a good Rajasthani restaurant. You can check into a hotel to relax for the rest of the day. The next day, you can set out to see the other beautiful tourist attractions of Jaipur.
Did you know?
Legend says that sections of the holy Ramcharitra Manas were written at this spot by Tulsidas. Galav is said to have meditated here for many decades and was blessed with springs. This is also the reason why the temple complex is named after the sage.
Tips
1. No shoes are allowed inside the temple so it is best to come here in a comfortable pair of slip-on that can be removed and re-worn easily.2. When visiting the Galta temple avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing.3. The temple has many monkeys, and they try to snatch eatables from visitors. Make sure you hide all food products and do not scare the monkeys with camera flashes.4. The temple premises is a little dirty which might be a turn-off for the hygiene conscious visitors.5. The mobile network connection can be a little weak in this area.6. Beware of the touts who tend to charge you an entry fee at the temple.
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