Galtaji Temple

Introduction to the Galtaji Temple

The Galtaji Temple, or Monkey Temple, is in a narrow valley in the eastern hill range of Jaipur, Rajasthan. It is one of the most significant pilgrimage spots. Because of the presence of a herd of monkeys, it is also known as the Monkey Temple of Jaipur.

Legend of the Galtaji Temple

The legend of the Galtaji Temple dates back to the prehistoric ages of the Satya Yuga. Saint Galav lived here and meditated for thousands of years, seeking the truth. His meditation pleased the deities who appeared before him. They blessed the place with abundant water from Gau-Mukh (cow's mouth).

The sacred script of 'Galvashram Mahatmaya' states that during the 'Kartik' month, on Kartik Purnima, the holy trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, visit the Galtaji Temple. Hence, visitors seek abundant blessings by taking a dip in the Galta Kund on this day.

The famous Indian poet Tulsidas composed several sections of the 'Sundar Kand,' a chapter in his version of the Ramayana, the Ramcharitmanas, in this Galtaji Temple. He spent three years here to write the sacred book.

The Architecture of the Galtaji Temple

The Galtaji Temple is in the traditional Rajasthani architectural style, surrounded by scenic natural beauty. Diwan Rao Kriparam, a Sawai Jai Singh II courtier of the erstwhile ruler of Jaipur, built the temple in the 18th century. Subsequent rulers of the region further expanded and renovated it.

It has many intricate carvings and paintings. Curvilinear chhatris adorn the temple's roofs.

The temple is built with pink sandstone and has intricately carved pillars, painted walls, and ceilings. The paintings depict stories from Hinduism and Indian mythology. The temple complex has seven sacred ponds, natural springs, and many small shrines.

Shri Gyan Gopal Ji temple and Shri Sitaram Ji temple feature the Haveli style. The Shri Sitaram Ji temple is the biggest in the temple complex. Shri Sitaram Ji Temple has five sanctums and idols of Rama depicting various life stages. The idol of Shri Ram Gopal at the Sitaram Ji temple looks like Rama and Krishna.

The Hanuman temple's 'Akhand Jyoti' (the eternal lamp) is famous. Its flame has been burning for centuries since the consecration of the Hanuman idol.

The Shri Gyan Gopal Ji temple has a school for students and disciples. There is an idol of Krishna inside it. The Galtaji Temple complex has several small shrines that stretch from the Galtaji Temple Gate to the Shri Sitaram Ji Temple.

The Galtaji Temple is famous for its natural water springs, Galta Kund and Surya Kund. The water spouts automatically in the temple complex through the 'Gau-Mukh,' a rock shaped like a cow's head, and collects in the tanks. These natural springs will never become dry, which astounds visitors. Galta Kund is the most sacred Kund out of the seven tanks. It is believed that these springs are holy and possess healing properties.

Devotees consider it auspicious to dip in the holy Kund, especially during the Makar Sankranti in January. The Galtaji Temple also houses a beautiful step-well, a testament to its architectural brilliance.

The Mughal Emperor Akbar also visited the Galtaji Temple to seek blessings and donated 2592 bighas of land soon after his wishes were granted. This grant is still preserved as a historical document at Galta Peeth.

The Galtaji Temple was submerged in the 1981 Jaipur floods. However, all temples were restored to their glory.

Festivals in the Galtaji Temple

The Galtaji Temple attracts a huge crowd during Makar Sankranti and Hanuman Jayanti. During these festivals, the temple is colorfully decorated with lights. Devotees visit the Galtaji Temple to offer prayers and seek blessings from all the deities.