Galtaji—an ancient temple in the Aravallis

About 10 km from Jaipur, there lies an ancient Hindu temple with sacred springs and reservoirs. Known as the Galtaji Temple, it is surrounded by what is known as the 7 Holy Ponds, and devotees come here to bathe in the waters. The massive temple complex was built in the 15th century, with pink stones, and is set in the lap of the Aravallis.
Among the 7 Holy Ponds, the Galta Kund is the most sacred of all, as this reservoir never runs dry. Dedicated to Hinduism, it has a number of temples, thus forming the temple complex that we see today. You have temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Ram, and Lord Hanuman, and is an important Hindu pilgrimage site today.


The Galtaji Temple is stunning from both outside and inside. While the location in itself is mesmerising, surrounded by hills and trees, it actually looks like a grand palace that is typical in Rajasthan’s royal architecture. Inside the temple complex, there are wonderful paintings and carvings giving you an idea regarding the details that went into its construction.
It is believed that the temple was built by Diwan Rao Kriparam back in the 15th century, and has been an important location for meditation yogis since the 16th century. It is named after Saint Galtav who spent his life meditating here. It is also believed that part of the Ramcharitmanas was written here by Tulsidas; thus giving it an aura of prevailing holiness, and spirituality that draws visitors every year.