Temples in Gujarat
Well-known for its vibrancy and exuberant spirit, Gujarat is the abode of many religious places and temples. This holy land serves as a brilliant pilgrim puller all through out the year. The temples in Gujarat bear the true state of the bygone era and are surely a retreat to those who are in love with architectural splendors. Abode of variety of Gods and Goddesses, the Gujarat temples are known for their grandeur and majesty. Be it the holy temples of Dwarka or Somnath or the wayside shrines, you will find it all in Gujarat.
A visit to these splendid and sacred temples and religious places in Gujarat, one would get acquainted with the cultural and religious life of the people of Gujarat. The Gujarat Temples, besides serving as religious indicators are also popular travel destinations. Some of these architectural marvels of Gujarat are Akshardham Temple, Somnath Temple, Bhrigu Rishi Temples Parsi Fire Temples, Gangeshwar Temple, all located in the state of Gujarat, Ambaji temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Digamber Jain Temple and many more.
Akshardham Temple
Located in Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat, Akshardham Temple is a very popular and sought after temple not only in Gujarat but also India. This wonderful temple is devoted to Lord Swaminarayan. Inaugurated in 1992, Akshardham temple serves as a sought after pilgrim and tourist destination in Gujarat. This pink sandstone sprawls over an area of 23 acres. The temple is 108 feet high. The chief shrine has a statue of Lord Swaminarayan plated with 1.2 ton of gold. One of the chief attractions of the temple is the light and sound show that takes place here. The temple is surrounded with a temple called Sahajanand Van, waterfall, lake, rides, children’s park and many more. Further, the beautiful Akshardham Temple has three halls, namely the Sahajanand, exhibiting the story of Lord Swaminarayan in the form of shows, Sat-Chit-Anand that oraganizes films on the history of India and Nityanand where messages from Mahabharata, Ramayana and the Upanishads are delivered to people in the form of figures and paintings.
Ambaji temple
Located in the town of Ambaji in Gujarat, the Ambaji Temple is the holy and divine seat of “Ambe Mata” who is the manifestation of Goddess Parvati, i.e. Lord Shiva’s consort. Ambe Mata is actually regarded as the Goddess of female power. The temple is considered among the several Shakti Peethas present in India. Ambaji Temple is among the prime venues where Navratri celebrations take place. Interesting is the fact that instead of an idol, the shrine consists of just a ‘yantra’ of marble. The ideal time when most people prefer visiting the temple is during the months of Chaitra, Kartik and Bhadrapad
Dwarkadhish Temple
An architectural gem, the Dwarkadhish Temple made of sand and limestone is also called the Jagad Mandir. The steeple of the temple has a height of about 170 feet. There is flag atop the shrine, which is changed thrice a day and is considered as the symbol of dignity of the Deity. Replete with 60 pillar and 5 storeys, the temple has been constructed uniquely. There are two doors of the temple, the main entrance being known as the Swarga Dwara and the exit door as the Moksha Dwara. This beautifully and richly carved temple with an architectural splendor is open for both the rich and the poor. The temple also allows one to enjoy the splendid sight of the Gomti River. Along with Lord Krishna, several other deities are also present at the temple. Numerous pilgrims throng to this temple every year, in quest of eternal peace.
Digamber Jain Temple
One of the important Gujarat temples is the Digamber Jain Temple situated in Palitana. The temple is replete with nine shrines and statues of all the Tirthankaras. The chief shrine contains the statue of 1008 Bhagwan Shantinath, the principal deity of the temple. The temple houses some beautiful deities of Yudhishthir, Arjun and Bheem. The temple can be reached by climbing about 3745 steps, which takes about 2 hours. The current temple has been re-constructed several times. The original Digamber Jain Temple was built out of wood, which was later converted into marble. The temple also consists of a Muslim Shrine called the Angar Pir.
Sun temple of Gujarat
The Sun temple in Gujarat is located at Modhera. Similar to that of the Konark Sun Temple, this temple is also devoted to Lord Surya, the Sun God. Although the ancient glory of the temple is no more, yet this temple in Gujarat is considered as an architectural master piece. Every year in the month of January, a Dance Festival takes place in this temple. Constructed by Solanki King Bhimdev I of Patan in 1026 AD, the Sun Temple in Gujarat depicts a unique architectural style. The most fascinating feature about the temple is the fact that during the time of the equinoxes, the sun rays falls first on the Deity. The temple comprises several buildings like the Sabha Mandap, Surya Kund and Guda Mandap. The temple has a huge tank called the Surya Kund which is filled with clean and pure water. The pilgrims take a bath in this water prior to entering the temple. 108 shrines surround the tank. Sabha Mandap is the hall at the temple where various religious activities take place. Intricately carved 52 pillars depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, adds to the beauty of the temple. Resting on a lotus type platform, the temple’s main chamber is known as the Sanctum Sanctorum, which consists of the Lord Surya’s idol. There is a gorgeous hall between the Sanctum Sanctorum and the Sabha Mandap. Varied features of Lord Surya are shown at the temple in different months.
Somnath Temple
Located in Junagarh, Somnath Temple is a famous Shiva temple, which was started constructing in the year 1950. This temple is among the 12 jyotirlingas found in India. Most interesting is to know the fact that the Somnath temple has been set up and damaged 6 times. The current structure of the temple is the 7th time that it has been built. With a wonderful sprawling complex, the temple serves as a popular pilgrim place for the Hindus. Created in Chalukya style, the temple has been set up in such a way that no land is left between the South Pole and temple shore. The pinnacle of the temple is 155 feet high, with a ‘Kalash’ of 10 tons on its top. The peak also has a 37 feet long flag mast, which is changed thrice a day. India’s 1st President, Dr, Rajendra Prasad did the jyotirlingam pratishthapan ceremony.
As you visit them, you will get to know that the Gujarat Temples are truly the Abode of Architectural Splendor! A trip to these religious places in Gujarat fills the soul with love and devotion.
