Galtaji

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. It is believed that a Saint named Galav lived here, practiced meditation, and did penance (tapasya).[1]

Lower Galta Kund (water tank
Shri Gyan Gopal Ji Temple in the Galtaji

Shri Galta Peeth
Galtaji Gate

Built within a mountain pass in the Aravalli Hills 10 km. east of Jaipur,[2] Since the early 15th century Galtaji has been a retreat for Hindu ascetics belonging to the Vaishnava Sampradaya of Shri Ramanand.[1] It is said to have been in the occupation of yogis for a long time; Payohari Krishnadas,[3] a Ramanandi saint, i.e. a follower of the Ramanandi Sampradaya came to Galta in the early 15th century and became head of Galta gaddi replacing earlier yogis in the place.[4]

Galta was northern India's first Vaishnava Ramananda Peeth and became an important centre of the Ramananda sect. Such was the fame of Ramanandi saint Shri Krishnadas Payahari of Galta dham that he had initiated Shri Bhagwanji (a Dogra Khajuria Brahmin from Gurdaspur, Punjab) into order of Ramanandi Vaishnavism. His disciple Shri Bhagwanji then founded Ramanandi centre Thakurdwara Bhagwan Narainji at Pandori dham in Gurdaspur, Punjab.[5]

Galta ji Peeth is also the place where the acclaimed Ramanandi saint Goswami Nabha das ji's Mandir is situated. He is said to have met Goswami Tulasidas ji, the author of Ramcharitmanas at Galta dham, whom he praised in Bhaktamala.[6] Galta peeth is a pilgrimage for Ramanandis (both direct followers of Nabha Das and followers of Bhagwanji of Pandori dham) in Jammu, Punjab and Lower Himachal.

The temple features a number of pavilions with rounded roofs, carved pillars and painted walls. The complex is set around a natural spring and waterfalls that create 7 Holy Ponds.[7]

Monkeys
Monkey at the temple

The temple complex of Sita Ram ji temple is colloquially known as (Galwar Bagh) in travel literature, due to the large number of monkeys who live in here. These rhesus macaques were featured in National Geographic Channel's Rebel Monkeys series and "Thar Desert - Sacred sand" episode of the Wildest India television series.[8]

The Sun Temple

There is a small temple on the top of the hill dedicated to the Sun God. It is known as Surya Mandir.[9]

Water tanks
Lower kund of Galtaji

The temple is known for its natural springs, the water from which accumulates in tanks (kunds). There are seven tanks, the holiest being the Galta Kund, which never goes dry. It is considered auspicious to bathe in the waters of Galtaji, especially on Makar Sankranti, and thousands come to bathe every year.[10]

References
  1. Vibhuti Sachdev; Giles Henry Rupert Tillotson (2002). Building Jaipur: The Making of an Indian City. Reaktion Books. pp. 39–. ISBN 978-1-86189-137-2. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
  2. Dr. Daljeet; P. C. Jain (Prof.) (2002). Monuments Of India. Aravali Books International Pvt. Limited. p. 161. ISBN 978-81-86880-76-0.
  3. Śrivastava, Vijai Shankar (1981). Cultural Contours of India: Dr. Satya Prakash Felicitation Volume. Abhinav Publications. ISBN 978-0-391-02358-1. Payohari Krishan Das, a great Ramanandi saint, who was held in the highest esteem by Raja Prithvi Raj of Amber (1503-27) is considered to be head of Galta gaddi
  4. Gupta, Dr R.K; Bakshi, Dr S.R (2008). Rajsthan through the ages - Vol 4. Jaipur rulers and administrators. Sarup & sons. p. 118. ISBN 978-81-7625-841-8.
  5. Burchett, Patton E. (28 May 2019). A Genealogy of Devotion: Bhakti, Tantra, Yoga, and Sufism in North India. Columbia University Press. ISBN 978-0-231-54883-0. According to the tradition of Pindori Dhām, a major Rāmānandī center in the Gurdaspur district of Panjab, the young Bhagvān-jī met Kṛṣṇadās Payahārī at Galta while on a pilgrimage. Payahārī is said to have converted him to Vaiṣṇavism
  6. Excelsior, Daily (15 April 2017). "Guru Nabha Dass Ji". Jammu Kashmir Latest News | Tourism | Breaking News J&K. Retrieved 11 May 2023. He continuously attended "Gosthi" atleast for three years with the author of Ramayan Tulsi Dass in Galta Dham in Jaipur. The Guru of Nabha Dass Ji, Agar Dass, Keel Dass Baba Krishan Pahariu Dass were great saints. The temple of Nabha Dass Ji is situated at Galta Dham in Jaipur Rajasthan.
  7. Ann Grodzins Gold (1990). Fruitful Journeys: The Ways of Rajasthani Pilgrims. University of California Press. pp. 278–. ISBN 978-0-520-06959-6. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
  8. Dobson, Jim. "48 Hours In Jaipur, India: How To Experience The Spectacular Pink City In Style". Forbes. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  9. "Jaipur Tourism: Places to Visit, Sightseeing, Trip to Jaipur- Rajasthan Tourism". www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  10. Dobson, Jim. "48 Hours In Jaipur, India: How To Experience The Spectacular Pink City In Style". Forbes. Retrieved 18 December 2019.


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