Garh Ganesh Temple

Garh Ganesh Temple: a crown on Aravalli hills

Tourism

Garh Ganesh Mandir is a historic temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh. This shrine is located in the heart of the pink city. Settled in the Aravalli hills near Nahargarh Fort and Jaigarh Fort, it is called the Garh temple because of its fort-like appearance. Garh means Fort thus, Garh Ganesh means Ganesha of the Fort. Garh Ganesh is one of the most popular tourist destinations and a major place of worship for Hindus in Jaipur. This spiritual site is visited by hundreds of devotees and tourists throughout the year.

On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, the fair of five days is organized every year. A religious procession starts from Moti Dungri Ganesh Mandir is held which commences at the foothill of the Garh Ganesh Temple. Also, on the first Wednesday after the Diwali festival, ‘Anna-Koot’ is celebrated in the temple and the last Wednesday of Hindu month ‘Paush’, is celebrated by organizing a ‘Paush bade’.

Apart from being a spiritual destination, the surroundings of the temple offer a beautiful landscape of Jaipur. The pink city appears more enticing from atop the Aravalli hill. If you want to get the best view of the Jaipur Garh Ganesh temple is the place you must head to. The beautiful view from the top gives you a much-needed break from all the hustle of the city. This temple has a glorious history, architecture, and religious significance.

History of Garh Ganesh temple

Despite the establishment of many temples throughout the time and gained popularity, Garh Ganesh still carries the vibes of old Jaipur within it. This 300 year old temple has its own historical importance. As it is considered auspicious to take blessings of Lord Ganesha before the beginning of any new work to achieve success. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh I did the same by constructing the Garh Ganesh Temple before the establishment of Jaipur. He believed that Lord Ganesha’s blessings would protect the city.

The Garh Ganesh temple was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, when he performed “Ashvamedha Yagya”. He built the shrine and the temple of Lord Ganesh after completing the Yagna successfully. During that time, this temple was established by the Tantric method. Ashwamedh Yagna was organized at the foothills of this hill, on which the temple was located. He made the shrine and placed the statue of Lord Ganesh before he headed to keep the foundation stone of Jaipur. Maharaja placed the statue in such a way that he could be able to see it with the help of binoculars from the Chandra Mahal of Jaipur’s city palace.

The entire management and arrangements of the temple are looked after by an Audichya family and their generations. Presently, the thirteenth priest, Shri Pradeep Audhchya is the Chief priest of the temple.

Religious Significance of the Garh Ganesh temple

The local people believe that Lord Ganesha in this temple is present in his child avatar known as Vigra Purusha Kriti. The idol of Lord Ganesha here doesn’t have a trunk as it’s supposed to be his child form. The trunk is the identification of Lord “Ganesh.” He is a god with the head of an elephant and the body of a human. But this is the only temple where Lord Ganesha is adored in his child’s form.

The main deity idol is beautifully decorated with gold and silver ornaments. The statues of his wives Ridhi – Sidhi, two sons Subh-Labh and his vehicle Mooshak (Lord Ganesha’s vehicle) can also be seen in the temple. There are two statues of Mouses in the temple as they are considered ride of Ganesh. People of Jaipur believe that Bhagwan Ganesha blesses everyone with a pure heart. They recite their prayers in the ears of these mooshaks. Devotees believe that whispering into the ears of mooshaks will convey their prayers to Lord Ganesha.

The architecture of Garh Ganesh temple

The yellow-colored temple is built in the form of a small fortress with sandstone walls. A large Swastika, painted on the wall makes the structure easy to spot from a distance. Here is a close up picture of lion head made in brass on the entrance gate of the Garh Ganesh temple. Inside, the main temple is made according to traditional Hindu Temple architecture, though there are no carvings or Shikhar on this temple.

This beautiful temple is surrounded by the serene hills and greenery. Once you reach on top you can see the impressive sight of Jaipur City, Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Nahargarh Valley, and Gaitore cenotaphs.

The only way to reach the Mandir is by trekking for 500 meters. The 500 meters uphill distance to the temple compensates with the picturesque views and peaceful environment.

There are two main pathways to reach the Garh Ganesh Temple. When you are hiking up the path splits, make sure you go left for the best view. The hike this way is a lot easier than the right path.

The right one is the staircase originating in the Brahmpuri area near Gaitore. These steps are quite steep and uneven in height, segregated by a metal railing. The pathway has 365 steps that are to be climbed to reach the temple. And, another one that originates from the left side can be located after climbing a few steps. This not that steep and has been built in recent times. Most of the way is like a ramp.

Stay up at the top for a while. The place bestows a glance of spirituality and the scenic beauty this site offers is blissful for those who like spending time among the hills and greenery.

Location of Garh Ganesh Temple

Garh Ganesh Temple is located on the hills near Gaitore cenotaphs in Brahmpuri. The Gaitore is 500m from the site.

Timings of the Garh Ganesh temple

The temple remains open every day from 7 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm.

The time needed to visit the Garh Ganesh temple

It will take 30 Mins or more to reach and explore the temple and the landscape surrounding it.

Entrance and photography charges of Garh Ganesh Temple

There is no entry fee to visit the Garh Ganesh Temple in Jaipur. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple.

Best time to visit the Garh Ganesh Temple

Although people visit Garh Ganesh throughout the year, Ganesh Chaturthi is the best time to visit this temple. During this festival, a fair of five days is organized every year. The rainy season is also a good time to pay a visit here. During the rainy season, the place delivers the best of nature with greenery all around.

How to reach the Garh Ganesh Temple?

If you are traveling by train, then the Jaipur Railway station is 5 km away from the temple. If you are traveling by air, Jaipur International Airport is 15 Kms km away. For bus travelers, the temple is around 6 Kms from Sindhi Camp Bus Stand.

From there you can board a cab, auto-rickshaw or any public transport available there to reach the temple. There are some low floor buses and private buses available from areas like Rambagh Circle, Trimurti Circle, Moti Dungri Circle.

You can also reach up to Gaitore Royal Cenotaphs in Brahmapuri by your personal vehicle or rented bike. You will get ample of parking space at the foothill of the temple. The rest of the journey to the temple is covered by foot.