Galtaji
Galtaji is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site located approximately 10 km east of 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 surrounding Jaipur. A natural spring emerges high on the hill and flows downward, filling a series of sacred kunds in which pilgrims bathe. Visitors can ascend the crevasse, continuing past the highest water pool to a hilltop temple, where panoramic views of Jaipur and its fortifications can be seen. It is believed that a saint named Galav lived here, practiced meditation, and performed penance.
Geographical and historical context
Galtaji is situated in the Aravalli Hills, about 10 km east of Jaipur, Rajasthan. The site is an important pilgrimage destination, not only due to its spiritual significance but also because of its historical and cultural relevance. Over the centuries, the temple complex has become a hub for asceticism and spiritual practices, particularly for followers of the Vaishnava Ramananda sect.Shri Galta Peeth
The Galtaji temple is set within a mountain pass in the Aravalli Hills. Since the early 15th century, it has been a retreat for Hindu ascetics belonging to the Ramananda Sampradaya of Shri Ramanand. It is said that the site was occupied by yogis for a long period, and Payohari Krishnadas, a Ramanandi saint, arrived at Galtaji in the early 15th century and became head of the Galta gaddi, replacing earlier yogis.Galta was northern India's first Vaishnava Ramanandi Peeth and became an important center of the Ramanandi sect. The fame of Ramanandi saint Shri Krishnadas Payahari of Galta dham spread widely, and he initiated Shri Bhagwanji from Punjab into the order of Ramanandi Vaishnavism. Shri Bhagwanji later founded the Ramanandi center at Pandori Dham in Gurdaspur, Punjab.
The temple also houses the shrine of Goswami Nabha Das Ji, a respected Ramanandi saint who met the famous Tulsidas, author of the Ramcharitmanas, at Galta Dham.