|
The Galta is pilgrimage centre
famous for its natural springs and near by lies
temple of the Sun god. Gal ta can be approached
through road through east via 2.5km climb from
Surajpol. The only sun temple in this part of
India lies on this route. When you reach on top of
the ridge the sun temple is situated on the right
side at a distance of few meters only. A deep
temple studded gorge stands behind the temple.
The place offers fine view of the sprawling city.
Climbing down the ridge one reaches “Galta” where a
holy pond, temples of lord Brahma, Vishnu, saint Galav Rishi, Shankaracharya, Parvati and Ganesha
are situated. The upper Kund or pond is meant for
bathing for men while the lower one is meant for
ladies.
Galta is a pretty little pilgrim spot located just beyond
Sisodia Rani-ka Bagh on Agra Road at a distance of
10 km. from Jaipur. This is the sacred spot where
one sage Galav is supposed to have lived and
meditated. As such the place is visited mainly for
its temples. Just before you enter Galta, you will
come across the aesthetic Balaji ka Mandir. It is
a triple-storied building of pink stone, looking
more like a palatial haveli (mansion). The Temple
of Galtaji, which lies in a picturesque gorge amid
low hills, has a huge complex. This one is also
built of pink stone, with a profusion of pavilions
having rounded roofs. The walls and pillars have
exquisite carvings and paintings. The whole
complex is so beautiful that it is
more of a visual treat than a place for worship.
The temple, however, has a large daily attendance.
There are also some springs and natural reservoirs
(kunds) around the Galta Temple, where the devout
take holy dips. They believe that by doing so,
they can cleanse themselves of their worldly sins!
Even in the cold of mid-January, devotees throng
to these kunds for their ritual dip on
Makar Sankranti, an important festival of
the Hindus (see Religion of India for more on
Makar Sankranti). The holiest one of these is the
Galta Kund, believed never to become dry. All the
seven tanks, including the Galta Kund, are fed by
a spring emanating from the Gaumukh, a rock carved
in the shape of a cow's head.
The 18th century Surya Temple stands on top of the
highest peak here. It was built by Rao Kriparam, a
courtier of Sawai Jai Singh II. There are fine
views from here of the surrounding plains and the
city of Jaipur
beyond. The temple had some beautiful frescoes,
but sadly heavy rains in 1991 washed many away.
The restored ones are hardly of any match to the
originals. If you're bored with temples, take a
walk among the old style havelis (mansions)
nearby. Though rather dilapidated, they have
delicately carved balconies and painted ceilings.
|
