Religious Sites
Somnath Temple
The intricately carved honey-coloured Somnath temple on the western edge of the state is believed to be the place where the first of the twelve holy jyotirlingas emerged in India – a spot where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light. The temples lies at the meeting of Kapila, Hiran and Sarasvati rivers and the waves of the Arabian Sea ebb and flow touching the shore on which it is constructed. The ancient temple’s timeline can be traced from 649 BC but is believed to be older than that.
Dwarkadhish Temple
The Dwarkadhish Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, located in Dwaraka Town in Gujarat State of India. The temple is also known as the Jagat Mandir and occasionally spelled Dwarakadheesh Temple.
Rukmini Devi Temple
Located relatively on the outskirts, the Rukmini Mata Temple commemorates Lord Krishna’s queen. The temple is said to be more than 2500 years old but it may have been reconstructed over time. The present temple is said to belong to the 12th century. It is much more modest than Dwarkadhish in structure and sculptures but inspires the same devotional fervour. Carvings of gods and goddesses embellish the exteriors and the main idol of Rukmini is housed in the sanctum. Carved naratharas (human figures) and gajatharas (elephants) feature in the panels at the base of the platform.
Shamlaji Temple
The temple of Shamlaji stands on the banks of the river Meshwo, in veneration of Vishnu. The river Meshwo meanders over its rocky bed in the valley immediately below, and the waters of a splendid natural lake, of great beauty sparkle amid the well-wooded hills.
Sakshi Gopal or Gadadhar is a black representation of Vishnu worshipped at the Shamlaji Temple. This is one of the rare temples of Lord Krishna in which cow idols are also worshipped depicting his childhood as a cowherd. For the Vaishnavites Shamlaji is one of the hundred and fifty four most important places of pilgrimage in India.
Ranchhodrai Temple, Dakor
The main temple, enclosed by a fort wall, is situated near the bank of the holy lake Gomti in the midst of the main bazaar of Dakor. The temple is covered with 8 domes and 24 turrets, with the central dome reaching a height of 27 m. Crowned with a golden kalash and a white silken flag, this temple is the tallest in the district. Though not very rich in carving, the main cupola derives its influence from the Maharashtrian style of temple architecture. The main hall features paintings depicting events in Lord Krishna’s life.
Sudama Mandir
Constructed in the early 20th century, the Sudama temple stands in the middle of the bustling market area of Porbandar. The light pink temple stands amidst a copse of trees, which offer shade to the visitors. The temple has been built to commemorate the friendship between Lord Krishna and his trusted friend, Sudama. The temple is simple but adorned with marble pillars and an intricately sculpted shikhara. It also has a small stepwell in the complex.
Bhalka Teerth
Bhalka Teerth is one of the most magnificent temples of Somnath city. The temple at Bhalka Teerth is known as Mahaprabhuji’s Bethak, and a tulsi tree has been planted in Lord Krishna’s honour. Banyan trees dot the courtyard of the spectacular Krishna temple that is built in sandstone. Inside the shrine is an unusual idol of Shri Krishna in a semi-reclining position. The temple also contains a beautiful tribhangi idol of Lord Krishna playing his flute.
Chotila
Pavagadh
Pavagadh, a scenic mountain in Halol taluka of Panchmahal district, is considered as sacred Shakti Peetha, religious pilgrimage and natural beauty of the Gujarat State. On the highest peak of this scenic mountain, resides the shakti swarup Jagatajanani Maa Kalika, a huge number of devotees visits there and are feel blessed by seeing the Maa Mahakali.
