Galta Gate: A lone expedition [Part-II]

A few minutes later, I took a bus from Transport Nagar to Galta Gate. I disembarked in the outskirt of Jaipur. But I had no directions to go forward, so at this, I was dependent on the locals. I saw a family who seemed to me be going to the temple. I asked them for directions but the good Samritans instead invited me to come with them. The woman in the family told me that the pilgrimage for the temple starts from the other side of the road. I looked across to see and found a structure bearing a red-flag staffed on its rooftop, stand firm atop of hill. The sight of the hill, barely a two-three hundred meters in height, disappointed me and I was thinking how petite this adventure is going to be. Despite this, I continued.

Going upwards, what greeted me is an overwhelming sight of hundreds of macaques sitting in groups – grooming, pilfering and running after one another. By the time I reached on top, I realised that what I saw at the bottom of the hill was just a shack made for monks and sadhus to rest and that the actual temple was twice the distance, we have walked. This made me a little concerned because up until now we have been walking on a pukka road, but after the hill, a dramatic change in terrain has made the route weary. In some places, the slopes were sharp enough to give you an unnerving cry. By the time I reached the temple, I was shaking because of an acquired muscle tension during climbing.

Galta Gate is built in a string-like sequence from end to end with two separate openings. The string can be parted into five sections, where the first section accommodates a small temple room and an open bath area in which the monkeys dive out from distant heights. The second section features two giant baths, one each for men and women. In the third section, there is a huge courtyard that gives an open space to pilgrims to see the gigantic presence of the Aravali’s that can be seen from inside the temple. The courtyard also acts a bridge and connects the first and second section with fourth and fifth section, wherein, the main temples and an open garden are positioned.

Women bath in Galta Gate. Photo Courtsey: Google Images

The temple surroundings were calm and inviting. I walked for some time in the courtyard to feel the majestic presence of the mighty range, which encircles the temple for years as if like protecting it. The temple staff told me to pay Rs. 500 if I want to click pictures inside the temple premises and draw the sign board before me.   I did not pay and so we agreed upon not to click any picture inside the temple area. For filmmakers, the shrine board charges Rs. 1000 each. Interestingly, the temple also features a 400-year old Diya – an oil lamp, which is continue to be light up since then.