Galtaji Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Jaipur International Airport (JAI) is the nearest airport.

• By train

  Jaipur Junction (JP) is the nearest railway station.

Why devotees come here

Galtaji is an ancient pilgrimage centre in the Aravalli Hills, about 10 km east of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Ramanandi ascetics have retreated to this mountain pass since the early 15th century. Its natural springs feed seven sacred kunds, and the Galta Kund never runs dry.

Legend says a saint named Galav lived here, meditated and did penance. As a reward, the gods blessed his place of worship with abundant water. Pilgrims bathe in the holy waters of the kunds, which are fed by natural springs.

Galta was northern India's first Vaishnava Ramanandi Peeth, and Ramanandi ascetics have retreated to this mountain pass since the early 15th century. The shrine of Goswami Nabha Das Ji, a respected Ramanandi saint, stands here. He met Tulsidas, author of the Ramcharitmanas, at Galta Dham. It is believed the temple was commissioned by Diwan Rao Kriparam, a courtier of Sawai Jai Singh II.

The complex blends Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Its pavilions have rounded roofs, carved stone pillars and colorful frescoes, and it is built from pink sandstone. It has been described as looking more like a palace than a temple. On the hill above stands the Surya Mandir, dedicated to Surya, the sun.

Festivals

• JanuaryMakar Sankranti

  Thousands visit to bathe in the holy waters and cleanse themselves spiritually.

Tips for your visit

• Rhesus monkeys live here in large numbers and cause no harm, but expect them around the temples.
• The complex is colloquially known as Galwar Bagh, because of the large population of rhesus macaques.
• Visitors can ascend the crevasse, past the highest water pool, to a hilltop temple with views of Jaipur.

Questions people ask