Of springs and water tanks that never run dry
The Galta Ji Temple stands as a testament to the religious devotion and architectural prowess of Jaipur's rich past. It's believed that the temple was constructed in honour of Saint Galav and was commissioned by Diwan Rao Kriparam, a Sawai Jai Singh II courtier.
As per the locals and devotees, Saint Galav devoted his life to austere meditation at this sacred site, appeasing the Gods with his unwavering devotion. As a reward, the Gods blessed his place of worship with abundant water. This tale explains why the temple complex has numerous natural springs and water tanks that never run dry, a feature that astounds visitors today. According to another legend, it is believed that Tulsidas, the revered poet and saint, composed a few sections of the sacred Ramcharitra Manas at this very location.
The 'Gaumukh' and the seven holy 'kunds'
One of the most fascinating features of the Galta Ji Temple is its seven holy 'kunds' or water tanks, each filled with sparkling, crystal-clear water flowing from the 'Gaumukh', a rock shaped like a cow's head. Among these, the 'Galta Kund' is the most revered and is believed to be a perennial source of sacred water. While you can visit the Galta Ji Temple anytime, the ideal moment for a profound spiritual experience is January. This is when the temple attracts a significant crowd during the Makar Sankranti festival. Devotees from far and wide converge to partake in the sacred rituals and take a holy dip in the temple's revered 'kund'.