The first Temple of Jaipur: Garh Ganesh Temple

In the North of Jaipur, Situated on top of the Nahargarh hills, near Brahmapuri, is the abode of the Lord of wisdom, prosperity, and intellect, Lord Ganesha, The Garh Ganesha temple.

Though there are a lot of Ganesha temples in India, and of course Rajasthan, this temple is unique in its own ways. The temple is situated near the Amer fort and Jal mahal.

It is on the top so that Lord Ganesha can bless the city’s residents. Lord Ganesha is established in the child from inside the sanctorium – Viagra Purushakriti, without the trunk. The peaceful energy inside the temple makes you feel at peace. 

There is a small trail hike that adventurous people can do, check out this Vlog and subscribe to my YouTube channel.

The Bards of Jaipur have written poems about Lord Garh Ganesh. One of them is this one;

“Ganh Ganesh se naam yako,

Nit ki mauj udave se,

Garh Par baitho Ganesh Ji,

yo toh nit hi ladoo khave se”

His name is Garh Ganesha, and he likes to enjoy every moment. The Ganesha living in the fort as Garh Ganesha likes to eat Ladoos. You can offer a prasad of ladoos here. 

Legend of the Temple of Lord Ganesh – Garh Ganesh

For those who read Hindu mythology, there is a popular legend that Goddess Parvati, the wife of the Almighty Lord Shiva, created Lord Ganesha from the dirt. When Parvati was going for a bath, she asked Ganesha to guard the place so that no one entered the sacred site. The Father and Son duo had never met.

The former entered Kailash and began to search for Parvati. Ganesha denied the entry even after Shiva told him that he was the father of Ganesha. But the cute kid Ganesha was not ready to listen to his own father as he did not know that Lord Shiva was his father. The wrath of Lord Shiva and the promise bound Lord Ganesha got into a fight.

The War began in which Shiva cut the Human head of Lord Ganesha. When Goddess Parvati came out of her bath and came to know what had conspired when she was not present, she asked Lord Shiva to forgive their son and make him alive again.

Lord Shiva replaced Lord Ganesha’s cut head with an Elephant head and brought him back to life. Garh Ganesh is the only temple where the human form of Lord Ganesha is worshipped.

Once Lord Kartikeya, the first son of Shiva and Parvati, Lord Ganesha started fighting over who was more powerful. Lord Shiva and Parvati intertwined, and it was decided that he who completed three complete circles of the world would be superior.

Kartikeya embarked on his quest to encircle the world thrice and win the competition. Lord Ganesha stood there and, after a while, completed three circles around his parents. When Lord Shiva and Parvati asked him what he was doing, Lord Ganesha replied that his whole world resided in his parents.

Thus, he has completed the challenge. God and Goddess were happy with his answer. When Kartikeya returned tired and feeling triumphant, he was told how Ganesha had won the competition. After that, Ganesha got the title of Prathampujya, or One who is worshipped first. 

Today, Lord Ganesha is worshipped all over the World in the same form as he became after the replacement of his head. The Garh Ganesha temple is the only temple where Ganesha is present in the Child (human) form without a trunk or the Purushakriti as it is famous. The uniqueness of the temple draws devotees from near and far. Devotees visit the temple from abroad as well to seek Almighty’s blessings.

History of the Blissful Garh Ganesh atop Aravali Hills

The founder of Jaipur, the great Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, was a polymath. People said that he knew Tantra, Mantra, and Yantra too. He laid the cornerstone of Jaipur and built Jantar Mantar, the oldest working solar dial in India.

He was the first person to perform an Ashwamedha Yajna in Kaliyuga. After completing the Yajna, he found this temple in the 18th century. The idol is so placed inside the temple that the king could see the idol from the balcony of Chandra Mahal of City Palace, Jaipur, with the help of binoculars. The temple is said to be more than 450 years old.

The king bought a Gujrati mahant for the worship of God. Since then, their family has been taking care of the temple. The 13th generation heir of the family, Mahant Pradeep Audichya, can be found in the temple. Only after the consecration of Lord Ganesha Idol, the city’s foundation was laid.

Temple of the almighty Lord Ganesha – Garh Ganesh

The temple is called ‘Garh Ganesha’ because Lord Ganesha is present inside a Garh, which literally means a fort. It looks like a crown on the top of a hill, as seen from far away. The temple was the first temple of Jaipur.

It was built as the stone laying of Jaipur after the Ashvamedha Yagya by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. As mentioned earlier, this temple is situated near Jalmahal on the one side of the Nahargarh fort. There are Gaitore Chhatris on one side.

There is a parking space on the base of hills where vehicles can be parked. The temple is at the top of the mountain. One of the two routes is taken to reach the top. There are 365 stairs to the top of the main route.

Each symbolizes a day ultimately leading to the Darshana of Lord Ganesha. There is another trail route leading to the top, but a staircase has also been built here.

The staircase makes it easy for you to reach atop and enjoy the spiritual bliss and the view of the pink city. After this little Climbup, at the end of the stairs, there are two mooshaks, considered to be the vehicle of Lord Ganesha on each side.

It is said that If one whispers their wishes in their ears, they convey it to the Lord Ganesha, who fulfills all the desires of those with a pure heart. 

Inside the temple resides the Lord Ganesha himself in the Child form or Purushakriti. The form has been made with the ashes of the Ashwamedha Yajna performed by the Maharaja.

The Idol is south facing so that Lord Ganesha, the Vighnaharta, can see the city and remove all the obstacles in people’s lives. The Idol is so placed that Maharaja could see it from the Chandra mahal.

The Palace was the King’s residence in the City palace with the help of a pair of binoculars. It is said that Maharajas started their day only after praying to Lord Garh Ganesha and Govind Dev Ji. The temple is situated at such an altitude that one can enjoy a magnificent view of Jaipur from here.

Timings and events at the Garh Ganesh Temple

The Garh Ganesh temple is open for devotees from 7 am to 12 pm and then from 4 pm to 8 pm. On the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi in Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha, the fair of five days is organized every year.

If you are visiting around this time, you must not miss this extravagant event. Also, on the first Wednesday after Diwali, anna-koot is celebrated in the temple. The last Wednesday of ‘Paush month’ is celebrated by organizing ‘Paush bade.’ On such occasions, Lakhs of visitors come to the temple to get blessed and celebrate the joyous event.

Visit Jaipur at the time of festivities to be a part of the celebrations and enjoy Rajasthani culture at its best. 

How to reach?

The beautifully built temple is situated near Gatore ki Chhatriyan, Brahampuri.

You can come to Jaipur by bus or train or by Air and then rent a vehicle or hire a cab to reach this historically spiritual place. You can come on foot if your hotel is nearby.  

Other Notable Points

1. Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
2. As it is a long way uphill, visitors are recommended to be fit or opt for the left trail, which is relatively easier to climb. But it does not have any railings to hold. You must carry a water bottle and some snacks while embarking on the journey.

Must visit Nearby Attractions

1. Gaitore Royal Cenotaphs, one of the most famous tourist attractions, is situated in the heart of the pink city. The royal cremation ground of the Royal Kachhwaha Rajput kings and other royal family members is a top tourist spot today owing to its beautiful carvings and architecture. The place is also known as “Gaye ka Thor,” meaning the “Resting Place of the Departed Souls.” Respective cenotaphs of Kings reflect their tastes in art.
2. Jal Mahal, the famous Palace situated in the middle of the lake, is located here. You can enjoy the splendid view. Do not miss this notable attraction when visiting Jaipur. 
3. Hawa Mahal is the Palace of windows and doors. The magnificent palace is situated in the city’s heart and lies in a busy street. Always carry some snacks and a water bottle while touring the city. 

Albert Hall, the world-famous museum, is situated in the heart of Jaipur city. If you enjoy art, relics and are a history buff, you must visit this well-curated museum.