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Galtaji is
an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site situated 20 km from Jaipur in the
Indian state of Rajasthan, on the Jaipur-Agra highway near Sisodia
Rani Ka Bagh. This place approximately 1 km from Jaipur to Delhi
highway(NH-8). It is located in Khaniya-Balaji town in Jaipur. The
site features temples, pavilions, natural springs and holy 'kunds'.
The Temple of Galtaji is famous for its natural water springs. Set
amidst the beautiful landscape, Galtaji Temple offers a picturesque
view of the city. Natural water springs draw special attention of the
visitors. The water of these springs is accumulated in the tanks or 'kunds'.
In all, there are seven tanks, holiest being the Galta Kund, which
never goes dry. It is considered auspicious to take bath in the holy
waters of Galtaji. Thousands of people come every year to take a dip
in the tanks to rinse out their sins. Galtaji is considered holy
place, Galtaji Temple is a prehistoric pilgrimage location, in a lush
green landscape of nature. The location of temple is such that it
provides awe-inspiring views of the surrounding plains. The Galtaji
Temple is a souvenir of the former age and a sacred pilgrimage of the
Hindus. The tranquility of the Temple, attracts people from far and
near, to visit it again and again.
It is believed that Saint Galav spent his life here and practiced
meditation. He did penance(Tpasya) here for a long time. That's Why
this place is a very important place of Hindu pilgrimage. However the
temple was built mach later by Diwan Rao Kriparam, a courtier of Sawai
Jai Singh II, in the 18th Century. The outstanding structure of the
Temple looks more like a mansion or Haveli.
The main temple is the Temple of Galtaji, built in pink stone; The
most famous temple built on the top of a hill. It comprises a huge
complex and is famous due to the large tribe of monkeys who live here.
These rhesus macaques were featured in National Geographic channel's
'Rebel Monkeys' series. The temple features a number of pavilions with
rounded roofs, exquisitely carved pillars, and painted walls. The
temple is surrounded by natural springs and reservoirs that are
considered holy. There are seven tanks here and the Galta Kund is
considered the holiest. A large number of people take a holy bath in
these tanks, especially on Makar Sankranti.
There is another temple in the complex, the temple of Balaji. Yet
another notable temple at Galta is Surya Temple; Surya is dedicated to
the Sun God and was built in the 18th century.
The place is known as Monkey temple (Galwar Bagh) in travel
literature. This temple is situated among Green Hravalies Hills.
Natural Beauty is important USP of this place. It has a beautiful
temple dedicated to God Sun, Hanuman, Shiv-family, Krishna, also many
temples are there. Nearer to Galtiji shree Ghat ke Balaji, Shree Ram-Laxamanji
Ashram, Shree Niwas ke Balaji are situated there. The famous
Engineering college Laxmi Niwas Mittal Institute of Information
Technology (LNMIIT) also situated nearer to Galtiji. |
