Garh Ganesh Temple, nestled on the hills near Nahargarh Fort and Jaigarh Fort in the vibrant city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, is a captivating 18th-century temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This sacred site holds a unique charm, as devotees believe that Lord Ganesha is present in the temple in the form of a small child known as Purushakriti – child Ganesha with no trunk. It takes a climb of nearly 365 steps to reach at the top and seek blessings of this unique Ganapati.
What distinguishes Ghar Ganesh is its distinctive folklore.
According to legend, this temple was founded to invoke the blessings of Lord
Ganesh before embarking on any new venture or journey. The deity worshipped
here is thought to serve as the 'guardian' or 'protector' of homes, imparting
blessings for harmony, prosperity, and success.
The temple's location at the pinnacle of the Aravali hills not only provides a serene and picturesque setting but also offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. What sets Garh Ganesh Temple apart is the depiction of Lord Ganesha in the form of a child, represented by the Vigra Purushakriti, a statue without the typical trunk that is often associated with Lord Ganesha.
The history of the temple is intertwined with the legacy of
Maharaja Swai Jai Singh II, the visionary ruler who founded the city of Jaipur.
Legend has it that Maharaja Jai Singh II constructed the Garh Ganesh Temple as
part of the rituals associated with the "Ashwamegha Yagya" before the
establishment of Jaipur. The temple's significance is further underscored by
the fact that the Maharaja strategically placed the statue of Lord Ganesha in
such a way that he could observe it through binoculars from the Chandra Mahal
of the City Palace in Jaipur.
The temple also shares a connection with another revered
Ganesha shrine known as 'Dhwajadheesh,' located in Bari-Chaupar. This
interconnectedness adds to the cultural and spiritual richness of the Garh
Ganesh Temple complex.
The annual celebrations at the temple are marked by special
events. During Ganesh Chaturthi in Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha, a five-day fair is
organized, drawing devotees and visitors from far and wide. Additionally, on
the first Wednesday after Diwali, the temple hosts the celebration of
anna-koot, while the last Wednesday of the 'Paush month' is dedicated to the
festivities of 'Paush bade.'
The Garh Ganesh Temple stands not only as a religious site
but also as a testament to the cultural and historical tapestry of Jaipur.
Pilgrims and tourists alike are drawn to its serene ambiance, unique
representation of Lord Ganesha, and the vibrant celebrations that take place
throughout the year, making it a cherished destination for spiritual seekers
and admirers of Rajasthan's rich heritage.
Garh Ganesh Temple Timings
The shrine is open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM for morning
darshan
Evening Darshan time is from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
इस गढ गणेश जी
के मंदिर को 18 वी शताब्दी में
सवाई जयसिंह जी ने बनवाया
था। यह मंदिर कदम्ब
डूंगरी, नाहरगढ़ पहाड़ी की चोटी पर
स्थित है। मंदिर एक तरफ जयपुर
शहर और दूसरी तरफ
नाहरगढ़ किले को देखता
है। यह शहर की
उत्तर पूर्व (वास्तु शास्त्र के अनुसार ईशान
कोण) सीमा के रूप
में कार्य करता है। यह
जयपुर के सबसे महत्वपूर्ण
मंदिरों में से एक
है ।बिना सूंड वाली प्रतिमा
वाले मंदिर में दर्शन के
लिये 365 सीढ़ियां चढनी पडती है।
जयपुर में उत्तरी दिशा
में अरावली पर्वतमाला पर बसाया गया
300 वर्ष पुराना गढ़ गणेश मंदिर।
मंदिर में चूहों की
दो मूर्तियाँ हैं क्योंकि उन्हें
गणेश की सवारी माना
जाता है। जयपुर के
लोगों का मानना है
कि भगवान गणेश सच्चे दिल
से हर किसी को
आशीर्वाद देते हैं। वे
इन चूहों के कान में
अपनी प्रार्थनाएं सुनाते हैं। ऐसा माना जाता
है कि ये चूहे
अपनी प्रार्थनाएं भगवान तक पहुंचाते हैं।