The Galta is a temple complex located in the Indian state of Rajasthan. More specifically, this temple complex is situated in the town of Khania-Balaji, about 10km east of the city of Jaipur. These temples were constructed in a narrow crevice in the ring of hills that surrounds Jaipur. Globally, Galta temple complex can be pinpointed at coordinates 26.8761 degrees North and 76.1242 degrees East. This complex is also known by a common name called `the Monkey Temple`. It is a home to over 200 hundred monkeys. These are the macaque monkeys and the langur monkeys. They live in groups of four females to every male. This temple is frequented by Hindus. In the Western part of India, this temple is considered to be the only one of its kinds.
History of Galta Temple Complex
Saint Galav is known to have engaged himself in Tapasaya or penance for many years in Galtaji. This place is considered to be a holy pilgrimage site.
Temples of Galta Complex
The Galta temple is the main temple of the complex built with pink sandstone. In the picturesque setting of trees and bushes, this temple is located at the bottom of the hills. The Galta Ji temple is dedicated to Ganesha, the elephant god. This temple has a number of pavilions with rounded roofs, carved pillars and painted walls. The walls of this temple are adorned by images of Brahma, Vishnu, Parvati and Ganesha. Rasleela of Lord Krishna and Gopis, festival celebrations, polo match of maharajas and state occasions are depicted on pictures in the temple. Some part of Goswami Tulsidas"s Ram Charit Manas is also written in this temple. Since the early 16th century, this place is frequented by Hindu ascetics belonging to Vaishnavite Ramanandi sect. There is also a temple called temple of Balaji, inside the complex. The Sun Temple is located on the highest peak of Galta. This temple was built in the 18th century by Diwan Rao Kriparam, who was a courtier of Sawai Jai Singh II. This temple is dedicated to the Sun God, lord Surya.
Kunds of Galta Temple Complex
The Galta Temple complex has seven sacred kunds. These kunds translates into water tanks in English. They are fed by a natural spring which flows downward from a hill. The water of these kunds is believed to have curative properties. It is for this reason that thousands of pilgrims visiting this temple complex bathe in these kunds. After taking bath in the holy water, a person is cleansed of his sins, thereby becoming pavitra. The Galta Kund is the holiest of them all. It is known that this kund has never dried up.
Festival of Galta Temple Complex
Presently, the Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti, in the middle of January is celebrated in the temple complex with full enthusiasm. Devotees from far off places visit the temple complex during this time to take bath in the holy kunds.
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Temples Of Rajasthan
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