Galtaji Temple Jaipur

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. History
Diwan Rao Kriparam, an attendant to Sawai Jai Singh II, in the 18th Century, built the Galtaji Temple.

Legends
It is believed that, Saint Galav spent all his life here and performed his 'tapasya' for 100 years. Pleased with his penance, the Gods appeared before him and blessed his place of worship with abundant water. To honour this great 'rishi', a temple was built here and it was named after him. Taking a dip in the natural springs of Galtaji is considered very auspicious and is said to cleanse a person of his sins.

Layout Of The Temple
The Galtaji Temple is located in the Aravalli hills and is bounded by dense trees and bushes. This impressive building is ornamented by painted walls, adorned by rounded roofs and pillars. Apart from the kunds, there are temples of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Lord Hanuman situated within the temple complex.

Best Time To Visit
Every year in mid-January, on 'Makar Sankranti', a large crowd of visitors come here to take a dip in the holy kund. Sunset is the best time to visit this gracious temple because, at this time, you can witness a large family of monkeys flocking towards the temple tank, for a bath. The visiting hours for this temple are from sunrise to sunset.