Art & Craft

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.

The present form was reconstructed in 1951. Colourful dioramas of the Shiva story line the north side of the temple garden, though it’s hard to see them through the hazy glass. A one-hour sound-and-light show in Amitabh Bachchan’s baritone highlights the temple nightly at 7.45pm.

Brief History: It’s said that Somraj (the moon god) first built a temple in Somnath, made of gold; this was rebuilt by Ravana in silver, by Krishna in wood and by Bhimdev in stone. The current serene, symmetrical structure was built to traditional designs on the original coastal site: it’s painted a creamy colour and boasts a little fine sculpture. The large, black Shiva lingam at its heart is one of the 12 most sacred Shiva shrines, known as jyotirlinga.

A description of the temple by Al-Biruni, an Arab traveller, was so glowing that it prompted a visit in 1024 by a most unwelcome tourist – the legendary looter Mahmud of Ghazni from Afghanistan. At that time, the temple was so wealthy that it had 300 musicians, 500 dancing girls and even 300 barbers. Mahmud of Ghazni took the town and temple after a two-day battle in which it’s said 70,000 defenders died. Having stripped the temple of its fabulous wealth, Mahmud destroyed it. So began a pattern of destruction and rebuilding that continued forcenturies. The temple was again razed in 1297, 1394 and finally in 1706 by Aurangzeb, the Mughal ruler. After that, the temple wasn’t rebuilt until 1950.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Somnath Temple is in the cooler months of October to February, though the site is open all through the year. Shivratri (usually in February or March) and Kartik Purnima (close to Diwali) are celebrated with great enthusiasm here.For additional details, kindly visit the provided source. 

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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.

The temple is situated on the banks of the river Gomti, where it meets the Arabian Sea. The impressive 43 m high spire is topped with a flag made from 52 yards of cloth that flutters in the soft breeze from the Arabian Sea behind the temple. The walls have intricately carved mythical characters and legends.

Significance

The significance of Dwarkadhish temple is that Dwarka is one of the Sapta Puris in India. According to popular belief, the Dwarkadhish Temple stands over the original place of Hari – Graha, the home of Krishna. Mahabharata states that the castle of Lord Krishna was built in Gold.

Features

  • The temple is a 5-storey building supported by 72 pillars.
  • It has been told by the archaeological that this temple is 2,200-2000 years old.
  • The temple has two doors (swarg and moksh) for the entry and exit of the temple.
  • The grandeur of the temple is enhanced by the flight of 56 steps leading to the rear side of the edifice on the side of the river Gomti.

Timings

The Dwarkadhish Temple is open from 6:30 Am in the morning to 1 PM in the afternoon and again from 5 PM in the evening to 9:30 PM in the evening.

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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.

The Rukmini Devi Temple is a Hindu temple located in Dwarka, Gujarat, India. It is dedicated to Goddess Rukmini, the chief queen and beloved consort of Lord Krishna, who is considered an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.

History and Architecture

The present temple is believed to belong to the 12th century, although it has undergone renovations and expansions over the centuries. The temple is known for its rich carvings on the exterior walls, featuring gods and goddesses. The main idol of Rukmini is housed in the sanctum sanctorum, which is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures.

Legend and Significance

According to Hindu mythology, Rukmini was the daughter of King Bhishmaka of Vidarbha and was married to Lord Krishna. The temple is said to be the place where Rukmini spent her time in meditation, seeking the blessings of Lord Krishna, after being separated from him due to a curse by the sage Durvasa.

Timings and Pooja Details

The temple timings are from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The temple is open for darshan and pooja throughout the day.

Darshan and Prasadam

Visitors can take darshan of the main idol of Rukmini and offer prayers. The temple also offers prasadam, which includes sacred food and drinks.

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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.

It is believed that this shrine has existed for at least 500 years. Built of white sandstone and bricks, it has two storeys supported on rows of pillars. It is profusely carved and episodes from sacred epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata are engraved on the outer walls. Its beautiful domed ceilings and a traditional north Indian spire over the main shrine add to the magnificence of its open courtyard accompanied by the carving of a life-size elephant.

Background

 

There are three very interesting legends behind the creation of this temple. According to one, Brahma once embarked on a journey to find out the best tirtha (sacred site) on the earth. After seeing a number of places, he came to Shamlaji, which he liked the most and performed penance there for one thousand years. Lord Shiva, who was pleased with him, asked him to perform a yajna (ritual). At the beginning of the yajna, Lord Vishnu manifested himself in the form of Shamlaji, and was enshrined at this place.

Another legend has it that Vishwakarma, the architect of the Gods, constructed this temple in one night, but as it was morning by the time he completed it, he could not take it with him and had to return leaving it here.

According to the third story, an Adivasi found the idol of Shamlaji while ploughing his land. He worshipped it by lighting a lamp everyday and was blessed for his faith by having an abundant yield in his farm. Learning of this, a Vaishnava merchant built the temple and installed the idol therein, which was later beautified by the Idar rulers. More recently, a prominent business family further renovated this temple.

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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.

The Ranchhodrai Temple, located in Dakor, Gujarat, is a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Krishna. Here are some key details about the temple:

History: The temple was built in 1772 AD, and the main Ranchhodrai idol is made of black touchstone, standing 1 meter tall and 45 cm wide, adorned with gold, jewels, and expensive clothes. The throne, an ornate masterpiece of woodcarving plated in silver and gold, was presented by the Gaekwad of Baroda.

Architecture: The temple is situated on the banks of the River Gomati and is known for its beautiful architecture. The temple’s idol is surrounded by intricate carvings and ornate decorations.

Rituals and Darshan: The temple is open for pooja from 6 AM to 12 noon, and devotees can take five Darshan (visits) during this time. The rituals include Mangla bhog, Rajbhog, Shringar bhog, Gwal bhog, and Rajbhog.

Accommodation: Dakor has various accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas (pilgrim rest houses).

Getting There: Dakor is well-connected by road and public transport. One can take state transport buses or private buses, taxis, and jeeps from cities like Anand, Nadiad, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad.

Reviews: The temple has received positive reviews from devotees, with many praising its historical significance, beautiful architecture, and peaceful atmosphere.

Interesting Facts:

  • According to tradition, Lord Krishna visits the temple every Ekadashi and Friday in the form of Bala-Krishna.
  • The temple’s idol is said to have been moved by a descendant of Bodana named Dipasing.
  • The temple has been mentioned in the Dakor-mahatomy, a sacred text that describes the temple’s history and significance.

Overall, the Ranchhodrai Temple, Dakor, Gujarat, is a significant pilgrimage site that attracts devotees from all over the world. Its rich history, beautiful architecture, and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for those seeking spiritual enlightenment.

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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.

Brief History: The Sudama temple was built between 1902 to 1907. It also has another monument in the green complex, which has been constructed in the memory of Shri Ram Devji Jethwa, the ruler of Jethwa Dynasty. The Jethwa dynasty ruled this region between the 8th and 20th century.

At a distance of 1 km from Porbandar Railway Station, Sudama Mandir is a Hindu temple situated in the center of Porbandar city. Located near Kirti Mandir, it is one of the revered sites in Gujarat, and among the most visited Porbandar tourist places.

Sudama Temple is dedicated to Sudama who was the childhood friend of Lord Krishna and is the only temple in India dedicated to him. The temple was built by Shri Ram Devji Jethwa of the Jethwa dynasty between 1902 and 1907 CE. It is said that during the construction of this shrine, the funds were exhausted and the people of Porbandar had to host various drama shows to raise the required funds. The temple holds a lot of historic and religious importance that lures a large number of devotees, especially the newly married Rajasthani Kshatriya couples who visit the temple to take the blessing as part of Porbandar sightseeing packages.

Situated amidst a garden, the architecture of the temple is simple with carved marble pillars open from all sides. The temple looks beautiful with a sikhara decorated with splendid architecture and carvings. These carvings are also visible above the pillars and the arches. There is a beautiful mural depicting Lord Krishna washing Sudama’s feet when his friend came to meet him and a statue of Krishna and Sudama embracing each other. There is a maze in the temple premises and it is a common belief that crossing the maze helps in removing all the sins.

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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.

Brief History: The temple commemorates the episode when a poacher, Jara, mistakenly hit the Lord with his arrow, thinking it’s a deer. The Lord left for his heavenly abode after this episode, but not before walking 4km from here to Shri Goloknathdham Tirth. In the 9th century AD Shri Vallabhacharya gave discourses on Shrimad Bhagavat Gita here for 9 full days.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit is between November to February, and during Janmashtami. 

The arrow of the poacher named Jara at this spot hit Bhagvan Shree Krishna. Bhagvan Shree Krishna was resting in meditation pose under a pippal tree when the poacher misread the foot of Bhagvan Shree Krishna as a deer and hit from a distance.
 
Bhagvan generously pardoned the poacher and blessed him.
 
This divined leela of Bhagvan Shree Krishna is immortalised by a beautiful temple and an ancient pippal tree. Bhagvan Shree Krishna then walked a small distance and arrived at the holy banks of river Hiran from where he took his last journey to his Neejdham.
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Chotila

Chotila Temple, also known as Chamunda Mataji Temple, is a revered Hindu temple located in the town of Chotila, Gujarat, India. The temple is situated at the top of the Chotila Mountain, which is approximately 1,173 feet high.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, a form of Durga and the goddess of force. According to legend, the temple was built on a hill in Chotila, Gujarat, at an altitude of 1,173 feet above sea level.

The story goes that the demons Chand and Munda came to conquer Goddess Mahakali, and in the fight that followed, the goddess cut off their heads and presented them to Mother Ambika, who in turn asked Mahakali to give them Chamunda Devi, who would be worshiped as the idol of Chotila temple.

Temple Structure and Architecture

The temple is built on a hilltop and is reached by climbing 920 steps. The temple is open for devotees from 5 am to 8:00 pm. The temple has a unique architecture, with many havan kunds (fire pits) and jyoti lamps (oil lamps) that keep burning.

How to Reach

To reach Chotila, you can take a bus from major cities in Gujarat, such as Ahmedabad and Rajkot. The temple is approximately 50 miles from Rajkot and 40 miles from Ahmedabad. You can also take a taxi or hire a private vehicle to reach the temple.

Timings and Darshan

The temple is open for devotees from 5 am to 8:00 pm. The darshan (viewing) of the goddess is available throughout the day, but the peak hours are between 11 am and 1 pm.

Other Attractions

In addition to the temple, Chotila is also home to the Jalaram Temple, which is located approximately one kilometer from the Chamunda Mataji Temple. The Jalaram Temple is a popular pilgrimage site and is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Conclusion

Chotila Temple, Gujarat, is a sacred destination for devotees of Goddess Chamunda. The temple is known for its unique architecture, beautiful surroundings, and peaceful atmosphere. If you are planning to visit Gujarat, Chotila Temple is definitely worth a visit.

 
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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.

At the summit of Pavagadh hill, 800 m above sea level, is the temple to Mother Kali, which is the oldest in the area, dating from the 10th-11th centuries.

Hindu pilgrims were coming to visit this temple from long before the development of Champaner as a major city, and they continued for hundreds of years after its decline, right up to the present day. To reach the temple at the summit is about a 5 km walk along a jungle footpath to the top of the hill; otherwise, there is a cable car that will haul you to the summit from about the midway point, which is the last place accessible by road. The temple has large fortifications and an open chowk in front, with two altars for sacrifices, and an array of lights for special occasions.

The idol of Kalika Mata in the inner sanctum is only the head, the mukhwato, painted in red. Also present are full idols of Mahakali and the yantras of Bahuchara. The temple is open from very early to quite late, to accommodate pilgrims arriving at all hours. The Machi Haveli is a rest house available for pilgrims.

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Stretches out into the Arabian Sea, with a hint of the desert and with a coastline of 1600 kms long is Gujarat – the home state of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Nation. It is renowned for its beaches, temple towns and historic capitals. Wildlife sanctuaries, hill resorts and natural grandeur are gifts of Gujarat. Sculpture, handicrafts, arts, festivals also make the state rich. 

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