Galtaji Temple
Galtaji Temple in Jaipur is a prehistoric pilgrimage location where the grand saint Galav is believed to have spent his life and completed his meditation. The famous temples of the place include the triple-storied temple of Balaji, which appeals to the aesthetic sense of the visitors and is built in pink stone.
An ancient pilgrimage spot where the great saint Galav is believed to have spent his life and did his meditation. Galta is situated 10 km from Jaipur on Jaipur-Agra highway near Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh. It is known maily for its temples, pavilions, natural springs and holy ‘kunds’. The famous temples of the place include the triple-storied temple of Balaji, which appeals to the aesthetic sense of the visitors and is built in pink stone. Its magnificent structure looks more like a palatial mansion or Haveli. Situated amidst the low hills, is the Temple of Galtaji, which is also in pink stone and has a huge complex. Frequented by a large number of devotees, this beautiful temple boasts of 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 and people believe that taking a holy dip in this tanks cleanse one of his sins.
A large number of people take a holy bath in these tanks especially on Makar Sankranti, a religious festival celebrated in the coldest season in mid-January! There are seven tanks in all, the holiest being the Galta Kund, which is believed never to become dry. Gaumukh feeds these tanks, which is a spring originating from a rock shaped like a cow’s head, hence, the name. Yet another notable temple that is worth visiting at Galta is the 18th century Surya Temple dedicated to the Sun God, which is situated on top of the highest peak here. It was built b by Diwan Rao Kriparam, a courtier of Sawai Jai Singh II. The temple is so situated that it provides breathtaking views of the surrounding plains and the city of Jaipur. The heavy rains in 1991 heavily damaged the beautiful frescoes of the temple. Besides these temples, the remnants of the old-age havelis in the nearby region are worth seeing for their delicately carved balconies and painted ceilings.
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