Galta Ji- Govind Dev Temple

Galtaji is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site about 10 km away from Jaipur. The site consists of a series of temples built into a narrow crevice in the ring of hills that surrounds Jaipur. A natural spring emerges high on the hill and flows downward, filling a series of sacred kunds (water tanks) in which pilgrims bathe. Visitors and pilgrims can ascend the crevasse, continuing past the highest water pool to a hilltop temple from there are views of Jaipur and its fortifications spreads out across the valley floor. It is believed that a Saint named Galav lived here, practiced meditation, and did penance-tapasya

 Since the early 15th century Galtaji has been a retreat for Hindu ascetics belonging to the Vaishnav Ramanuj sect. It is said to have been in the occupation of yogis for a long time; Payohari Krishnadas, a Ramanandi sadhu, came to Galta in the early 15th century and, by his yogic powers, drove away other yogis from the place. Galta was northern India's first Vaishnava Ramanuja Peeth and became the one of the most important centres of the Ramanuja sect. The temple features a number of pavilions with rounded roofs, carved pillars and painted walls. The complex is set around a natural spring and waterfalls that create 7 Holy Ponds.

About Galta Ji

This world-famous Pilgrims Paradise, popularly known as Shri Galtaji, is a Holy Ashram and a Governing Office of the Supreme of Shri Vaishnava Tradition which is also mentioned in many holy texts and scripts of the world.

Besides, the devotee masses of Jaipur and Rajasthan, the holiness of the place is being kept intact by the erstwhile rulers and the emperors as well as the representatives of the present Government, including presidents, vice-presidents, governors, chief-ministers and other ministers as well as religious supreme and heads of different sects, philanthropists, politicians and government administrative heads and officials who also came to pay their homage.

This holy pilgrimage centre is a traditionally established Acharya Peetham (Holy Throne of the Supreme of a Religious Sect) in India consisting of a group of historical temples which is being elevated keeping its holiness intact by virtue of the penance, sacrifice and contribution by the traditional Acharyas of Shri Galtaji.

Under the holy guidance and direction of the Seventeenth and the present Office Bearer Jagadguru Shri Swami Sampatkumar Avadheshacharya Ji Maharaj of Shri Galta Peetham, the process of development of place with advanced facilities and arrangements is carried forward following the line laid down by the former Acharyas of the Peetham.

Besides its religious fans and the carriers of the Indian ancient religious tradition and culture, Shri Galtaji is appreciated by tourists, lovers of art and beauty and also the filmmakers throughout the world.  

History About Galta Ji

This 'Galva Ashram' is named after the famous Holy Saint Galva, who performed penance for about 60,000 years in Satya Yug and, according to the ancient beliefs, brought the sacred Gangaji to Shri Galtaji, which comes out of the Gau-mukh (Cow's mouth).
According to 'Galvashram Mahatmaya' on every full moon day of the Hindi month 'Karthik', Brahmaa, Vishnu and Shiva, the Trinity of Gods of Sanatan Dharma visit this holy place as the reason of which taking bath in the holy ponds provide divine blessings of God into multiple of trillions. Also the holy pilgrimage to all the four Dhams and the Saptpuris is considered to be incomplete unless the pilgrim does not come to take the holy bath in the pond of Galava Ashram.
This famous Galva Ashram is made popular in the name of Galta Gaddi (Peetham) by the founder Acharya the Miraculous Holy Saint Payohari Swami Shri Krishnadas Ji Maharaj in 1503 A.D. (Samvat 1560), who was named Payohari as he lived on the Cow-milk throughout.
He is also well known to spread the principles and teachings of Shri Vaishnava (Vishishtadwait) Philosophy of Ramanujacharya in North India as he influenced the then rulers of different erstwhile states with his unique and impossible miracles of spiritual powers for the betterment of the mankind. Out of his 12 main disciples, 2 of them Shri Kilhaji and Shri Aggra Ji are well-known. As the Bhishma of Mahabharta, Shri Kilha Devachrya Ji defined span of his lifetime who was placed on the holy Gaddi of Shri Galtaji as the second Acharya. Also, the then world famous Mughal Emperor Akbar came to Shri Galtaji to get his blessings. Afterwards, when his wishes were fulfilled he offered 2592 Bighas of land to the Acharya by one patta which is a historical document.
The famous 'Shri Nabhadas Ji', disciple of Shri Aggradas Ji lived and wrote his popular book 'Bhaktmaal' at Shri Galtaji, which is a religious text of Hindus. After seeing his supreme devotion in God, the all-time world-famous Saint Goswami Shri Tulsidas Ji stayed in Shri Galtaji for about 3 years where during his stay he wrote 'Ayodhya Kaand' of his well-known holy text Shri Ramcharitmanas.