Famous Temples🛕

Swaminarayan Mandir

Rajkot, Rajkot

Located on the Kalawad Road in Rajkot, the temple is a magnificent structure built in pink stone and marble during1998-99. It follows the Swaminarayan Sampradaya founded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and belongs to the Vaishnav tradition which is a form of Hindu religion. 

Rukmani Mata Mandir, Dwarka

Dwarka, Jamnagar

Lord Krishna is the avatar of Lord Vishnu and naturally, Rukmini is one of the avatars of Laxmi Devi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. 

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.  

Dedicated to Rukmini, the chief consort of Lord Krishna, the temple bears rich carvings of gods and goddesses. The Garbha Griha or sanctum houses the main Vigraham of Rukmini.

Once Lord Krishna wished to invite the sage Durvasa for dinner, and accordingly, He set out with Rukmini to the ashram of Durvasa, who agreed on the condition that they pull the chariot in which he would travel.

They agreed but, on the way, Rukmini became thirsty and asked Lord Krishna for water. He struck the earth with His foot and Ganga gushed forth. Rukmini quenched her thirst. 

Durvasa was watching and flew into a rage because he was not offered water first. In his rage, he cursed Rukmini that the couple would always live apart. No one knows why he did not curse Lord Krishna, but as a result of the curse, they had to live apart. Was the curse revoked? No one knows.

This is the reason why the Rukmini Devi temple is not adjacent to the Dwarkadheesh temple, but it is at a distance. It is also noteworthy that the temple stands on barren land amid rocks bereft of water.

Rukmini had fallen in love with Lord Krishna and He too was smitten with her and decided to abduct her. She would always go to an Avantika temple and pray to Amba Mata to grant her wish that she become the wife of Lord Krishna. 

Rukmini was the daughter of Bhishmaka, King of Vidarbha and her brother was against the match and did not approve but wanted to marry her off to the evil Shishupal. 

She sent a message to Lord Krishna to save her and therefore, both decided to elope. One day, she went for worship to the temple (which is currently in Bulandshahr, UP) and that day, Lord Krishna carried her away and married her in Madhavpur Ghed in Gujarat and both lived in bliss until the Durvasa incident. 

Madhavpur too has a temple of Rukmini and Krishna to commemorate this event. 

Some believe that Radha and Rukmini are one and the same, the incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi because there are similarities in age and the devotion they have towards the Lord. When Lord Krishna is with Rukmini, Radha does not appear and when He is with Radha, Rukmini is absent.

Rukmini is Lakshmi incarnate, a symbol of love and devotion to Krishna, a symbol of purity and humility as well.

The exterior of the Rukmini Temple is richly carved. It has a panel of sculpted naratharas (human figures) and a panel of sculpted gajatharas (elephants) at the base. The traditional spire of the main shrine contrasts strongly with the hemispherical dome of the pavilion. 

The garbhagriha (inner sanctum) has a recessed seat on which the present image of Rukmini, wife of Lord Krishna, was consecrated. The usual sculptures of gods and goddesses, along with male and female figures, are seen on the exterior of the shrine.

Temple address: Rukmimi Mata Mandir, Dwaraka, Gujarat 361335.

Jay Ambe Maa Temple

Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad

This is altogether a different Ambica Temple where only a Yantra is placed on a Lion Vahan which is fixed in marble plate decorated with jewels as Ambica.  This is called Vishayantra, with an Ambica appearance.

This is also called Sri Yantra.  As Sri represents wealth, it is believed that worshipping this Yantra would bless the devotee with prosperity.  This is made of gold and placed on a tortoise vahan.  There are 51 letters on the Yantra.  Devotees are not allowed to go close to the yantra for darshan as the devotee cannot bear its power.  Hence, a bandage cloth is tied around the eyes of those wishing to go close.

The shrine is small in size.  The mandap and the prakara are made of marbles aesthetically.  Peepal tree-Arasamaram is the sacred tree of the temple.  They call the Mother Ambe Ma and Chachar Chowkvali.  The Kalas on the 103 feet tall tower weighs 3 tonnes – 3000 kilo and is covered by gold.

The antiquity of the temple dates back to more than 3000 years.  It is said that Lord Krishna’s tonsuring ceremony was celebrated in this temple when He was three years old and playing in Gokhulam.  Nandagopa and Yasodha took him to this temple then for the purpose.  Hence, only male children alone are tonsured in the temple and not female children and the aged.

Vinayaka worship is very popular in north.  Lord Vinayaka graces in the shrine with His consorts Siddhi and Buddhi and sons Shub and Laab and with their sons Kushal and Sam (Vinayaka’s grandsons).  The red Sendhura mixed with oil is applied on Vinayaka according to northern tradition.

Demon Mahishasura had the boon from Agnideva that he could not be destroyed by any weapon.  Proud of his boon, he rounded up Indraloka and his greed drove him to capture Vaikunda and Kailash.  Because of his strong boon, even Shiva and Narayana could not kill him.  They sought the help of Mother Bhagavathi who would destroy any one misusing the boon power.  Mother Bhagavathi destroyed the demon, stayed in this place and is blessing the devotees.

According to another story, Sri Rama and Lakshmana met Sage Srungi and sought his guidance to reach Lanka to rescue Mother Sita.  He advised the princes to worship Ambaji Ambe Ma for guidance.  Ambica blessed them with a weapon (astra in Sanskrit) called Ajai to conquer Ravana and rescue Sita.

Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Kalupur

Kalupur, Ahmedabad

Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan was born in the Koshal region of India, in a village called Chhapaiya (near Ayodhya, UP). Having served His parents until their demise, the Almighty took to a pilgrimage of India, adopting the life of a nomadic hermit. 

On completion of the 7 years’ sojourn of India, the Lord met up with Ramanand Swami, and established the purest and unadulterated form of religion, based on ultimate devotion to God only, with total observance of non-violent dharma. Shreeji Maharaj re-introduced the non-violent yagnas, on a grand scale. He instructed numerous acts of social welfare; alms-houses, digging of village wells / lakes, explained in detail why it is important to worship Satvic deities. Shreeji Maharaj discredited the act of enforced Sati & female infanticide. 

After the passing of Shree Ramanand Swami, Shreeji Maharaj held a large gathering of the followers at the town of Faneni. It was during this sabha, whilst explaining that God is one, He is Narayan, He is our Swami, Shreeji Maharaj introduced ‘the father of all Mantras’, Swaminarayan. It should be noted that there was no Swami who He had appointed His successor or as an ideal devotee, at that time. The name refers wholly & solely to Bhagwan Purushottam Narayan (Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan). The poet Dalpatram Kavi dedicates a whole chapter in his granth, ‘Shree Harileelamrut Sagar', written on behalf of the Late Acharya Maharajshri Shri Vihaarilalji Maharaj (3rd Acharya on Vadtal Gadi), to the greatness of the name Swaminarayan 

He established temples at; Ahmedabad, Bhuj, Muli, Vadtal, Junagadh, Dholera, Dholka, Gadhpur & Jetalpur – installing images of various manifestations of God, such as Nar Narayan Dev, Laxmi Narayan Dev, Radha Krishna, Radha Raman, Revti Baldevji, etc. Shreeji Maharaj made Gadhpur His home, in recognition of the exceptional devoted love from Dada Khachar. 

This was the first temple of the Swaminarayan Sampraday constructed as per scriptural norms with intricate carving in pure Burma-teak and constructed with sculptural art by depicting deities' episodes, auspicious symbols and religious icons representing axiomatic religion and Indian culture. The temple is believed to be a valuable cultural heritage in the socio-religious history of Gujarat and India. 

The installation ceremony of the murti forms in the temple was celebrated in the presence of thousands of pilgrims representing many parts of India. 

Kondheshwar Mahadev Temple

Kondh, Surendranagar

*શ્રી કોંઢ ના મહારાણા શ્રી વરસંઘદેવજી (વરસાજી) ના પુત્ર રાણા શ્રી ભીમદેવજી તથા તેમના રાણી કાશ્મીરાદેવીએ વિક્રમ સવંત ૧૬૬૩ ના વર્ષમાં વૈશાખ સુદ ૧૫ ને શુક્રવારના દિવસે પુવૅજોના પ્રીત્યાથૅ કોંઢેશ્ર્વર મહાહાદેવનો પ્રાસાદ (મંદિર) બંધાવ્યું એમના પુત્ર મહારાણા શ્રી કલ્યાણ સંગજી ના રાજયકાળે તે પરિપૂર્ણ થયું આજે પણ પુવૅજોની ચાલી આવતી પરંપરા મુજબ કોંઢ ગામમા વૈસાખ સુદ ૧૫ ની પાંખી રાખવામાં આવે છે,તેમ જ મહાશિવરાત્રી ના દીવસે પરંપરાગત રીતે પાલખી યાત્રા કાઢવામાં આવે છે,આ વિસ્તારમાં મહાદેવજી નો અનેરો મહિમા છે આ બાબતનો આરસ નો શીલાલેખ કોંઢેશ્ર્વર મહાદેવ મંદિર ના ગભૅગૃહમા આજે પણ મોજુદ છે,આ મંદીર ૪૧૬ વર્ષ પુરાનુ છે*

📚 *માહિતી સ્ત્રોત :- શ્રી રાજધામ ધ્રાંગધ્રા ઈતીહાસ સંશોધન શાખાના ઉપરી મારા પરદાદા બાપુ પોલીસ કમિશ્નર દાદુભા એસ.ઝાલા ધ્રાંગધ્રા સ્ટેટની હસ્તલિખિત ડાયરીમાંથી.*

📖 *કોંઢેશ્ર્વર મહાદેવ મંદિરના શીલાલેખની વાંચના :- રાણા શ્રી લકકીરાજસિંહ ઝાલા (ભાલાળા) ઉપર પ્રમુખ શ્રી ઈષ્ટદેશ ઝાલાવાડ ઈતીહાસ શંસોધન મંડલ*

✒️ *લેખન અને ફોટો :- રાણા શ્રી મયુરધ્વજસિંહજી એન.ઝાલા (સંપાદક શ્રી કોંઢ ભાયાતો ની અસ્મિતા) કોંઢ.*

Trinetreshwar Mahadev Temple

Vadodara, Vadodara

Not many would be aware of the history of this beautiful festival which is attended by more than 50000 people every year. The legend is related to Draupadi’s swayamavar, an episode from the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Arjun, one of the main characters, and a Pandava had participated in the swayamvar. In order to marry Draupadi, he pierced the eye of a rotating fish by just looking at the fish’s reflection in the water. Also, Arjun was a brilliant and undefeatable archer!

It is said that this traditional fair, celebrating Draupadi’s swayamvar, began some 200 to 250 years ago. The festival and fair is organised at the Trinetreshwar Mahadev temple (the three-eye-god), which was constructed back in the 19th century. This temple is the focal point of the fair, and this is where all the festivities are held. It dates back to the Solanki era, and celebrate the three-day festival with much enthusiasm.

Inside the temple, there is a Brahma Kund, a Shiva Kund, and a Vishnu Kund and it is believed that taking a plunge in these three water reservoirs is equivalent to taking a dip in the waters of the holy Ganges!

Shree Swaminarayan Temple

Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar

Akshardham' literally means the divine abode of God. It is an eternal place for one to offer devotion and experience everlasting peace. Swaminarayan Akshardham at Gandhinagar is a mandir – a Hindu house of worship, a dwelling place for God, and a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, education and unification. Timeless devotional messages and vibrant Hindu traditions are echoed in its art and architecture. The mandir is a humble tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781- 1830) and the avatars, devas and sages of Hinduism. This traditionally-styled complex was inaugurated on October 30th, 1992 with the blessings of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and through the devoted efforts of skilled artisans and volunteers.

Modhera Sun Temple

Modhera, Mehsana

The shrine proper of the Sun Temple was built during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. Earlier, during 1024-25, Mahmud of Ghazni had invaded Bhima's kingdom, and a force of around 20,000 soldiers had unsuccessfully tried to check his advance at Modhera. Historian A. K. Majumdar theorizes that the Sun Temple might have been built to commemorate this defence. On a block in western wall of cella, there is an inscription "Vikram Samvat 1083" upside down carelessly incised in Devnagari script which correspond to 1026-1027 CE. No other date is found. As the inscription is upside down, it evidences the destruction and reconstruction of the cella. Due to the position of the inscription, it is not firmly considered as the date of construction. On the stylistic ground, it is known that the Kunda with its corner shrines was built earlier at the beginning of the 11th century. The inscription is rather considered as the date of destruction by Ghazni instead of the construction. Soon after Bhima had returned to power. So the temple proper, the miniature and the niche shrines in the tank were built shortly after 1026 CE. The dancing hall was added much later in the third quarter of the 12th century along with the gateways, the porch of the temple proper and the doorframes of the temple and the cella during the reign of the Karna.

The temple is built on 23.6° latitude (approximately near the Tropic of Cancer). The place was later known as Sita ni Chauri and Ramkund locally. No worship is offered here now. The temple is the Monument of National Importance and is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India.

Shree Dwarkadhish Temple

Dwarka, Devbhoomi Dwarka

Dwarkadhish Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna was originally built around 2,500 years ago, but was destroyed by Mahmud Begada rulers and subsequently rebuilt in the 16th century. 

The city's name literally means the "gateway to heaven" in Sanskrit, as Dwar means "gate" and ka references "Brahma". Dwaraka has also been referred to throughout its history as "Mokshapuri", "Dwarkamati", and "Dwarkavati".

 According to legend, Lord Krishna settled here after He defeated and killed His uncle Kamsa at Mathura. This mythological account of Lord Krishna's migration to Dwarka from Mathura is closely associated with the culture of Gujarat.

Lord  Krishna is also said to have reclaimed 12 yojanas or 96 square kilometres (37 square miles) of land from the sea to create Dwarka.

The story how Shri Krishna became famous as Dwarkadhish is very interesting. Though He was the king, He ruled democratically. Jarasandha, father-in-law of Kansa, attacked Matura on seventeen different occasions, and on each occasion, under the leadership of Lord Krishna, the people of Mathura bravely repulsed the attack. 

 Lord Krishna realized that the real strength of Jarasandha was his reliance on Hans and Dhimak who were on Jarasandha's side. So with a great deal of foresight, Lord Krishna cleverly got Hansa and Dhimak killed.

Lord Krishna had to fight the large majority of people who were materialistic and evil- minded. Jarasandha was frightened after the death of Hansa and Dhimak, and his army lost confidence. Jarasandha, with great efforts, once again built up his army and invaded Mathura for the 18th time. 

On this occasion, Vikadru, a member of the Yadav assembly spoke the bitter truth, He said,' Krishna, we have limitless love for you. We cannot compensate you for your obligations on us. Yet, these invasions are because of you. The civic life of Mathura is completely disrupted. Commerce and trade have been ruined. The people are not able to attend to agricultural duties, and as a result, our progress is hindered. And above all, the danger of one more invasion by Jarasandha is hanging over Mathura. Hence, in these circumstances, for the good of the people, I request you to leave us. It is bitter but it is the truth. Please consider, Lord  Krishna, your followers are not sentimental. They cannot remain sentimental because of your teachings. Therefore, I as your devotee tell you the truth without fear.’

 The entire assembly was stunned and silent. Lord Krishna's father Vasudev supported Vikadru in the assembly. 

Lord Krishna realized that the republic had to face many dangers because of Him. He decided to leave Mathura. Thus, He proved that He not only advised but also lived accordingly.

He advised Yadavas,' I have taught you true culture. Live according to the ideals and impart these teachings to others. I will leave Matura and go to Dwaraka, in Saurashtra.’

Lord Krishna crossed the Gomantak (Girnar Mountain) and went to Saurashtra, where He built Dwaraka City (City of Gold) at a distance of 20 miles from Prabhas Patan (currently, Veraval, Somanath). 

Lord Krishna appeared to have settled in Dwaraka, although His mind was engaged in re-establishing a kingdom based on the principle of true religion. This was His life's goal. And He built Dwaraka , the empire based on the principal of true religion, called Dharma Rajya in the true sense, where He becomes known as the ruler of Dwaraka,' Shri Dwarkadhish.‘

The holy town of Dwaraka (Lat. 22'15'N Long. 69'E) in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat is believed to be the legendary city of Dwaraka built by Lord Krishna between 3500 and 5000 years ago!

According to the epic Mahabharata, the city in due course was submerged by the sea. The Harivansh, an appendix to the Mahabharata, says that Dwaraka was situated on the bank of the river Gomati where it joins the western sea. 

The seven-storeyed temple of Dwarkadhish or Ranchodji at Dwaraka rises to a height of 43 m at the confluence of the river Gomati with the Arabian Sea. The inner temple is assignable to the 13th century AD and the subsequent enlargement in the form of an assembly hall known as Ladwa mandap and the awe-inspiring sikhara are datable to the 15th century. 

Within the enclosure of the Dwarkadhish temple complex, shrines dedicated to Pradyumnaji, Devakiji, Purushottamji, Kuseshvar Mahadev and also the Sharda Peeth established by Adi Shankra Charya in the 9th century can be seen. 

The temple address : Shree Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwaraka - 361 335, Dist.: Dev Bhoomi Dwaraka, Gujarat. 

Vadvala Mota Ambaji Mandir

Darbargadh, Bhavnagar

(શ્રી વડવાળા મોટા અંબાજી મંદિરનો ઇતિહાસ અને મહાત્મય)

"જેની ગોદમાં
સંસારના સઘળા સંઘર્ષો અને ઝંઝાવાતો
શમી જાય એ મા."

આપણા સૌનો અનુભવ છે કે કોઈ નિશ્ચિત કાર્ય માટે યોગ્ય સમય અને નિયત સ્થળ જરૂરી હોય છે. જેમ કે જ્ઞાન પ્રાપ્તિ માટે ચોક્કસ સમયે શાળાએ પહોચવું પડે.બીમારીના સમયે દવાખાને જવું પડે. અન્ય સ્થળે જવા માટે યોગ્ય સમયે બસ સ્ટેશન કે રેલ્વે સ્ટેશન જવું પડે.બસ એમ જ રોજિંદા જીવનના સંઘર્ષો ,પડકારો અને સમસ્યાઓ સામે ઝઝૂમવાની શક્તિ પ્રાપ્ત કરવા નિયત સમયે નિશ્ચિત ધર્મસ્થાને પ્રાર્થના કરવી જરૂરી છે.આપણાં ધર્મસ્થાનો આપણી આધ્યાત્મિક શક્તિને પ્રબળ અને સબળ બનાવે છે,આપણા જીવનની બેટરીને રિચાર્જ કરે છે.સંસારના ત્રિવિધ તાપોનું શમન કરતાં શક્તિઘરો એટલે આપણી સંસ્કૃતિના રક્ષક એવા આપણાં મંદિરો !

આપણા ભાવનગરમાં અનેરાં એવા ઘણાં શક્તિઘરો આવેલાં છે. એમાંનું એક એટલે શહેરની મધ્યમાં, રેલ્વે સ્ટેશન પાસે આવેલ ભક્તિ અને શક્તિનું સ્થાન એવું “મા નું ધામ“ શ્રી વડવાળા મોટા અંબાજી મંદિર.

ભાવનગર શહેરની સ્થાપના પહેલા રાજ્યકાળ સમયે વડવા અને રૂવા બે ગામો હતાં.વડવા ગામે વડના વિશાળ વૃક્ષ નીચે માં અંબાના પરમ ભક્ત એવા શ્રી વિષ્ણુસ્વામી (દંડીસ્વામી) નાની એવી ઝુંપડીમાં રહી માં અંબાના ગુણગાન ગાતા.એક રાત્રિએ માએ સ્વામીજીને સપનામાં દર્શન દીધાં.”મારે બહાર આવવું છે.”એમ કોઈ કહેતું હોય એવો સ્વામીજીને ભાસ થયો.સફાળા જાગીને જોયું તો વડના થડ પાસે લાલ મુખારવિંદવાળી માની મૂર્તિ.સ્વામીજી ભાવવિભોર થઇ ગયા.તેઓ અંતરની શ્રદ્ધા અને ભાવથી માની મૂર્તિની પ્રતિષ્ઠા કરી તેનું પૂજન-અર્ચન કરવા લાગ્યા.સમય પસાર થવા લાગ્યો.

મા અંબાના ભક્ત એવા એક વણિક વેપારી મુંબઈના મંદિરમાં સ્થાપનાર્થે બનાવડાવેલી માની આરસની સુંદર પ્રતિમા ગાડામાં લઇ બંદર તરફ જઈ રહ્યા હતાં.વડ પાસેથી પસાર થતાં ગાડામાં રહેલી માની મૂર્તિ અચાનક નીચે સરી પડી! મૂર્તિનું વજન એટલું બધું વધી ગયું કે અથાક પ્રયાસ પછી પણ તેને ફરી ગાડામાં ચડાવી શક્યા નહિ! સ્વામીજીએ સુચન કર્યું કે માની ઈચ્છા અહીં સ્થાપિત થવાની લાગે છે.વેપારીએ આજ સ્થાને મૂર્તિ સ્થાપનનો સંકલ્પ કરતાં મૂર્તિનું વજન સહજ બન્યું.શાસ્ત્રોક્ત રીતે મંદિરમાં બે મૂર્તિનો નિષેધ હોઈ માતાજીની ત્રીજી મૂર્તિની પ્રતિષ્ઠા કરવામાં આવી.હાલમાં માના આ ધામમાં ત્રિવિધ સ્વરૂપે મા અંબા બિરાજમાન છે. આ પુરાણા મંદિરમાં જટાધારી શિવ સ્વરૂપ એવા વિશાળ વડની છાંયામાં શક્તિ સ્વરૂપા મા અંબા મહાકાળી , મહાલક્ષ્મી, મહાસરસ્વતી એમ ત્રિવિધ સ્વરૂપે બિરાજમાન રહી સદૈવ ભક્તોના ત્રિવિધ તાપોનું શમન કરી રહ્યા છે.
હાલમાં મા ના આશિર્વાદથી અને માના કૃપાપાત્ર ભક્તોના સહયોગથી મંદિરના નવનિર્માણનું કાર્ય સંપન્ન થયેલ છે.
મા અંબાની કૃપાથી રોજ સવારે 8:15 કલાકે સ્વયંસિદ્ધ આનંદના ગરબો-વિશ્વંભરી સ્તુતિનું ગાન છેલ્લા ઘણાં વર્ષોથી અવિરત થઇ રહ્યું છે. અવારનવાર માના ભક્તોના સહયોગથી બટુક તથા કુમારિકા ભોજનનું આયોજન કરવામાં આવે છે.મા ના સાનિધ્યમાં, મંદિરના પ્રાંગણમાં ઈશ્વર-સ્વરૂપ એવાં ભૂલકાંઓનેે આનંદપૂર્વક ભોજન લેતાં નિરખવા એ અદ્ભૂત લહાવો છે.
પોષી પૂનમ એટલે મા અંબા પ્રાગટયદિન.આ સપરમાં દિનને અતિ હર્ષોલ્લાસ અને ભાવથી ઉજવવામાં આવે છે તેમજ યજ્ઞનું આયોજન કરવામાં આવે છે. યજ્ઞવિધિમાં ઉપસ્થિત ભક્તો અલૌકિક એવી આધ્યાત્મિક અનુભૂતિ કરે છે.
આસો નવરાત્ર એટલે મા ની કરુણામય કૃપા વર્ષામાં તરબોળ થવાનો અવસર.આ પવિત્ર અને શક્તિ ઉપાસનાના દિવસોમાં મંદિરમાં વિવિધ ભક્તિસભર કાર્યોનું આયોજન કરવામાં આવે છે.આસો સુદ નોમના રોજ મા અંબાની સમક્ષ મહાયજ્ઞ સંપૂર્ણપણે શાસ્ત્રોક્ત વિધીથી કરવામાં આવે છે.

- નીરવ ત્રિવેદી

Sarangpur Hanuman Mandir Road

Sarangpur, Bakod

This temple is among the more prominent ones in the original Swaminarayan Sampraday. The idol of Hanuman was installed by Gopalanand Swami. According to author Raymond Williams, it is reported that when Sadguru Gopal Anand Swami installed the idol of Hanuman, he touched it with a rod and the idol came alive and moved. This story has become a charter for the healing ritual performed at this temple. The idol of Hanuman here is a stout figure with a handlebar moustache, crushing a female demon under his foot and baring his teeth, standing among sculpted foliage full of fruit bearing monkey attendants. In 1899, Kothari Gordhandas of Vadtal appointed Shastri Yagnapurushdas to manage the affairs of the mandir; during his tenure, Shastri Yagnapurushdas renovated the site, built the adjacent bungalow, and acquired more land for the complex to bring it to its current state. Yagnapurushdas then broke away in 1907 and created BAPS. Govardhandas then apointed a new mahant of the temple of Sarangpur. Since, then the Vadtal Gadi has constructed additional improvements and buildings to the temple.

Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhavnagar

Bhavnagar, Bhavnagar

Aksharwadi Temple, dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, serves as a place for enlightenment as well as education and entertainment for many years. From the main temple to gardens, each and every element related to the shrines echoes spirituality. The temple bears a close resemblance to the Swaminarayan Temple in London. Other than Bhavnagar, one can find Swaminarayan temples in New Delhi and Gandhinagar that stand as a testament to the 10,000-year-old culture of the Indian subcontinent.

Kalika Mata Temple, Pavagadh Hills

Panchmahal

Dating from the 10th-11th centuries, Kalika Mata is the oldest temple in the area. According to R. K. Trivedi in Fairs and Festivals of Gujarat (1961), the goddess Kalika Mata was initially worshipped by the local [Lewa Patidar and king / sardar is Sadashiv Patel, until she was later invoked and installed by Vishvamitra on Pavagadh Hill summit, where she is worshipped as a form of Durga or Chandi.There is a legend associated with this temple, Once during the festival of Navratri, the temple had organised a traditional dance called Garba, where hundreds of devotees got together and danced out of devotion towards the Goddess. Seeing such unconditional devotion, Goddess Mahakali herself came amidst the devotees disguised as a local woman and danced with them. Meanwhile, the king of that kingdom Patai Jaisinh who was also dancing with the devotees happened to see the woman and was enchanted with her beauty. Filled with lust, the King held her hand and made an inappropriate proposal. The Goddess warned him thrice to leave her hand and apologize, but the king was too overwhelmed with lust to understand anything. Thus the Goddess cursed that his empire would fall. Soon a Muslim invader Mahmud Begada invaded the kingdom. Patai Jaisinh lost the battle and was killed by Mahmud Begada. Pavagadh's Kalika Mata is also worshipped by the Adivasi.The temple was described in Gangadas Pratap Vilasa Natakam, a 15th-century drama. Named in honor of the Goddess Kali, the temple is believed to be the Kali Mata's residence, and is one of the Shakti Peethas, as the symbolic toe of the goddess Sati is said to have fallen here. 

Keshavraiji Temple

Beyt Dwarka, Devbhoomi Dwarka

Lord Shri Keshavraiji is Ishtdev of Samasth Pushkarna Gyati. This ancient temple is located in Bet-Dwarka, near Mahaprabhuji Bethak, which is 30 km away from Dwarka, on the seashore. Pushkarna Brahmin along with Bhatia devotees, mostly from Sindh, Rajasthan, Kutch, Gujarat and Punjab, visit Bet Dwarka to worship Lord Keshavraiji most often. Registers witness the forename and family name of all pushkarna devotees, hand-written as long ago as 250 years.

Shree Gopinathji Mandir

Gadhada, Bakod

This temple is one of six temples that was made under the supervision of Lord Swaminarayan. The land for constructing this temple in Gadhada was donated by the court of Dada Khachar in Gadhada. Dada Khachar and his family were devotees of Lord Swaminarayan. The temple was made in the courtyard of his own residence. The temple work was planned and executed directly under the consultation and guidance of Lord Swaminarayan. Lord Swaminarayan supervised the construction and also helped with the manual service in the construction of the temple, by lifting stones and mortar. This shrine has two stories and three domes. It is adorned with carvings. The temple is placed on a high plinth is a spacious square and has an assembly hall with large Dharamshala and kitchens for ascetics and pilgrims.

Lord Swaminarayan had installed the idols in this temple on 9 October 1828.

Santram Mandir

Shanti Nagar, Kheda

The original Santram Maharaj was a Saint of the Avadhoot category. He came to Nadiad from Girnar, so he was also called Girnari Bava, Videhi Bava, or Sukha-Sagarji. He came here in Samvat 1872, lived for the spiritual good of People for the 15 years, and took Jivat-Samadhi on the full-moon-day of the month Magha of Samvat 1887.

The present Mahant of the Nadiad temple, Shree Ramdasji is the ninth Mahant on the Gadi of the temple. The details are as follows:

1. Shree Santram Maharaj: His Samadhi-date was the full-moon-day of Magha of Samvat 1887.
2. Shree Laxmandasji Maharaj: His Samadhi-date was the 14th day of the dark-half of Vaishakh of Samvat 1925.
3. Shree Chaturdas Maharaj: His Samadhi-date was the 9th of the bright-half of Asho (Ashvin-month) of Samvat 1941.
4. Shree Jayaramdas Maharaj: (1941 to 1947): His Samadhi-date was the 11th day of the bright half of Jyestha of Samvat 1947.
5. Shree Mugutram Maharaj: (1947 to 1961), His Samadhi-date was the 8th day of the bright-half of Sharavan of Samvat 1961.
6. Shree Manekdas Maharaj: (1961 to 1973), His Samadhi-date was 11th day of the bright half of Vaishakh of Samvat 1973.
7. Shree Jankidas Maharaj: (1973 to 2026), His Samadhi-date was the 8th day of the bright half of Vaishakh of Samvat 2026.
8. Shree Narayandas Maharaj: (2023 to 2060)Sat on Gadi of the temple on 7 June 1967 (Samvat 2023).
9. Shree Ramdas Maharaj: 2060 till today.

Shree Jankidas Maharaj occupied the Gadi for 53 years and he was very practical. He could see through a man as soon as he came near him. The temple's expansion became very big during his period. It became known throughout India. He did many things for the good for the temple:

1. In Samvat 2007, he obtained a primary school building for Boys constructed at the cost of Rs. 1,16,101 and hand it over to the
   Nadiad Municipality.
2. In Samvat 2017, he built the Santram Kanyashala (Girls' School), constructed at the cost of Rs. 70,087.
3. Before that in Samvat 2000, he purchased the Atithi-Nivas at the price of Rs. 84,709 and put it at the Service of the people.
4. In Samvat 2000, he got constructed the building Arogya-Bhavan at the cost of Rs. 50,668 and put it at the service of the people.
5. In Samvat 2010, he got constructed the shed of Yoga-Khand at the cost of Rs. 82,683.
6. In Samvat 2024, he got constructed the Hostel for Boys at the cost of Rs. 80,000. At present 150 pupils are reside in it.
7. In Samvat 2025, he got constructed the building of the Eye-Hospital and handed it over to the Sad-Vichar-Samitee.
8. In Samvat 2028, Shree Narayandas Maharaj constructed the building of Satsang-Bhavan, two meditation-halls, and 6 flats for the
   Saints, who come to deliver religious discourses, at the cost of one lakh rupees. Religious discourses are given, all the year round,
   by learned Saints. Hundreds of people come to hear them every evening and to take benefit of their holy company everyday.
   In the morning and evening, hundreds of poor people are fed in the temple. Shree Narayandas, followed in the foot steps of
   Shree Jankidasji Maharaj, by constantly did work to alleviate hunger. The motto of the Maharaj is "Service of People is worship of God".

Shree Camp Hanumanji Mandir

Ahmedabad Cantonment, Ahmedabad

This temple was owned by Smt. Lalitaben Dave and Smt. Shivagangaben Trivedi. Shri Gajanand was employed by them to do Sewa Puja in this temple in or around 1920.In 1952 the original owners handed over the temple for forming a charitable trust named Shri Hanumanji Mandir Camp Trust Ahmedabad. Since then the temple is owned and managed by the Trust, registered under A1427 ahmedabad. Pandit Dwarka Prasad was one of the Pujari. His uncle Bhagawatpeasad was acting as the managing trustee for this temple. After his death on 14.04.1994 his son Vishnuprasad became managing Trustee. After his death his son Atulbhai is appointed as a trustee on 26.07.2018. Two more trustees are descendants of the original owners of this temple, namely Shri Hemantbhai Vyas and Smt. Shobhanaben Trivedi. The temple is owned and managed by the Hanuman Mandir Camp Trust, Ahmedabad where there are 7 trustees at present. Over the above-mentioned three, there are: Parthivkumar Adhyaru is Pramukh trustee. Arunbhai Shah is Uppramukh trustee. Noted lawyer shri Sudhir Nanavati is trustee cum legal adviser and noted social worker Shri Lalajibhi Kharawal's son Shri Lochen Kharawal is a trustee.

Endowed with godly powers, Shree Hanuman was a military leader of the monkey army from Kiskinda, who aided Lord Rama in his quest to retrieve his kidnapped wife Sita from the demon king Ravanna in the Hindu epic tale Ramayana, written by the Hindu sage Valmiki.

The noble monkey warrior is much loved for his humility and wisdom, along with his unlimited strength and power. He is seen as the epitome of selfless devotion as he never took a wife for no other could replace his love for Rama and Sita. When asked to accompany the divine couple to the next world he refused to go as he wished to live in this one for as long as Rama-Sita's names were praised here by man.

Tapovan Mandir, Vadodara

Vadodara, Vadodara

This temple complex, built by a corporate house, has a number of temples inside the complex.  The temple  complex has lush green garden all around and is maintained very well.

The main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva with shrines around Lord Shiva for  Ram,  Hanuman,  Dwarakadeesh and Kali.

Outside the main temple, shrines are constructed for Balaji,  Ayyappa, Subrahmanyan, Satyanarayanan, Lakshminaryanan, Navagrahas, and Durga.

A huge meditation hall houses statues of Sri. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Ma Sharada Devi and Sri. Vivekananda.

SMVS SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR ZALOD

Jhalod, Dahod

Swaminarayan Mandir Vasna Sanstha (SMVS) is a Hindu denomination within the Swaminarayan Sampradaya which propagates the preaching and teaching of Swaminarayan explained by Jivanpran Abajibapashri, the third spiritual propagator. Devnandandasji Swami, usually addressed as HDH Bapji by his devotees and followers, is the founder and mentor of the organization. Multifaceted activities in areas like social, cultural, educational, religious fields are carried out by SMVS under the directions and guidance of Bapji and his second-in-command and current Guru Satyasankalpdasji Swami, who is usually addressed as HDH Swamishri. From a modest beginning in 1987, SMVS has developed into a multifaceted institution. SMVS has 100 main centers throughout Gujarat and abroad, wherein 100 saints, 100 lady saints, and about 10,000 volunteers are entrusted with religious duties. Many of their saints and devotees have visited India, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Dubai, and other parts of the world to propagate preaching and teaching of Sahajanand Swami and also to monitor construction and expansion of SMVS Swaminarayan temples as well as other related religious and cultural activities such as the functioning of medical centers, old age homes, schools, hospitals, and other charities. SMVS operates in the educational field, medical-health services, tribal upliftment, natural calamities, etc. through SMVS Charities, a separate non-profit aid organization that has spearheaded a number of projects.

ISKCON RAJKOT

Rajkot, Rajkot

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), otherwise known as the Hare Krishna movement, includes five hundred major centers, temples and rural communities, nearly one hundred affilated vegetarian restaurants, thousands of namahattas or local meeting groups, a wide variety of community projects, and millions of congregational members worldwide. Although less than fifty years on the global stage, ISKCON has expanded widely since its founding by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda in New York City in 1966.

ISKCON belongs to the Gaudiya-Vaishnava sampradāya, a monotheistic tradition within the Vedic or Hindu culture. Philosophically it is based on the Sanskrit texts Bhagavad-gītā and the Bhagavat Purana, or Srimad Bhagavatam. These are the historic texts of the devotional bhakti yoga tradition, which teaches that the ultimate goal for all living beings is to reawaken their love for God, or Lord Krishna, the “all-attractive one”.

ISKCON Rajkot Sri Sri Radha Neelmadhav Dham is a Hare Krishna temple, community, and ashram dedicated to the practice of bhakti-yoga or loving service to Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

The New Project of Sri Sri Radha Neelmadhav Dham, namely – Glory Of Saurashtra – was finally inaugurated on the 14th April 2019 Sunday on the holy day of Sri Ramnavmi by the hands of  Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat – Sri Vijaybhai Rupani, and Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka.

Dwarkadhish Temple, Gujrat

Dwarka, Devbhoomi Dwarka

The Dwarkadhish temple, also known as the Jagat Mandir and occasionally spelled Dwarakadheesh, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Krishna, who is worshiped here by the name Dwarkadhish, or 'King of Dwarka'. The temple is located at Dwarka, Gujarat, India, one of the destinations of Char Dham, a Hindu pilgrimage circuit. The main shrine of the five-storied building, supported by 72 pillars, is known as Jagat Mandir or Nija Mandir. Archaeological findings suggest it to be 2,000 - 2,200 years old. The temple was enlarged in the 15th- 16th century. The Dwarkadhish Temple is a Pushtimarg temple, hence it follows the guidelines and rituals created by Vallabhacharya and Vitheleshnath.

As per Hindu legend, Dwarka was built on a piece of land by Krishna that was reclaimed from the sea. Sage Durvasa once visited Krishna and his wife Rukmini. The sage wished that the pair took him to their palace. The pair readily agreed and started walking with the sage to their palace. After some distance, Rukmini got tired and she requested some water from Krishna. Krishna dug a mythical hole that brought in river Ganga to the place. Sage Durvasa was furious and cursed Rukmini to remain in the place. The temple where Rukmini's shrine is found, is believed to the place where she stood.

Somnath Temple Veraval

Zampodad, Junagadh

Lord Somnath is first among the twelve Aadi Jyotirlings of India. 

Ancient Indian traditions maintain a close relationship of Somnath with release of Chandra (Moon God)from the curse of his father-in-law, Daksha. Moon was married to Twenty-Seven daughters of Daksha. However, he favored Rohini and neglected other queens. 

The aggrieved Daksha cursed Moon and the Moon lost power of light. With the advice of Lord Brahma, Moon arrived at the Prabhas Teerth and worshipped Lord Shiva. 

Pleased with the great penance and devotion of Moon, Lord Shiva blessed him and relieved him from the curse of darkness. 

Hindu traditions maintain that Moon had built a golden temple, followed by a silver temple by Ravana, and Lord Krishna is believed to have built Somnath temple with Sandalwood.

The research based on ancient Indian classical texts show that first Somnath Jyotirling Pran-Pratistha was done on the auspicious third day of brighter half of Shravan month during the tenth Treta yug of Vaivswat Manvantar.

The later sources of history account for several desecrations by Muslim invaders during eleventh to eighteen century A.D. The temple was rebuilt every time with the reconstructive spirit of the people. 

The modern temple was reconstructed with the resolve of Sardar  Vallabhbhai Patel who visited the ruins of Somnath temple on November 13, 1947. Then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, did the Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple on 11 May 1951.

The present temple is built in the Chalukya style of temple architecture or "Kailash Mahameru Prasad" style and reflects the skill of the Sompura Salats, one of Gujarat's master masons. The temple's main spire, is 15 meters in height, and it has an 8.2-metre tall flag pole at the top.

The temple is situated at such a place that there is no land in a straight line between Somnath seashore until Antarctica, such an inscription in Sanskrit is found on the Baṇastambha (arrow pillar) erected on the sea-protection wall. 

The Baṇastambha mentions that it stands at a point on the Indian landmass that is the first point on land in the north to the South Pole at that particular longitude.

 A statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel stands in front of the temple as a mark of honor for his contribution towards building the temple.

Ahalyabai temple is  adjacent to the main temple, which was built by the queen mother   Ahalyabai Holker during 1782. This temple maintained the Pooja Parampara of Lord Shiva during the hostile political conditions.

Chotila Temple

Chotila, Surendranagar

Chotila was known as Chotgadh in ancient times. It was originally a holding of the Sodha Parmars, but was seized from Jagsio Parmar by the Khachar Kathis who made it one of their principal seats. Most of the Khachar Kathis trace their origin to the Chotila house. Chotila was acquired by the Kathis in 1566 AD. It is the headquarters of an Agency thana during British period.Famous literary, Jhaverchand Meghani was born in Chotila and the Government College has been named in his honor as Raashtreeya Shaayar Zaverchand Meghani College.

Beyt Dwarka Krishna Temple

Dwarka, Jamnagar

Bet Dwarka is believed to have been the actual residential place of Lord Krishna during His ruling years at Dwarka. It is said the lord resided with His family at Bet Dwarka.

The place derived its name from the ‘bet’ or ‘gift’ that Lord Krishna received at this place from His friend Sudama. 

In our ancient epic the ‘Mahabharata’, we often come across the reference of Bet Dwarka known by the name of ‘Antardvipa’ to which people of the Yadava clan needed to travel by boat. 

The island is also differently referred to Shankhodhar. The reason is that it is dotted with a huge number and variety of conch shells. 

The temple is believed to have been set up by Vallabhacharya and dates back to nearly 500 years. The temple is said to stand over the exact residence of Lord Krishna at Bet Dwarka and the original Vigraham at the temple is said to have been established by lord Krishna’s wife, Devi Rukmani.

 The vigraham has a striking resemblance with that at the Dwarkadhish temple. The only difference is that in this temple the vigraham holds the shankha or conch in an oblique position.

The key offering made at this temple is that of ‘puffed rice’ and this is of course a reminiscence of the legendary tale that tells how Sudama, a friend of Lord Krishna, had brought Him ‘puffed rice’ as a gift.

Bet Dwaraka island can be reached by boat from Okha jetty, which is 35 Km from Dwaraka. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes.

Sun Temple - Jinavari

Zinavari, Jamnagar

The ancient temple of Gop is considered the earliest surviving stone temple of Saurashtra, Gujarat. Burgess in 1876 estimated it not later than the 6th century. Sankalia states that the temple belongs to the 5th century but not earlier than Uparkot caves of Junagadh based on the Kahu-Jo-Darro stupa of Mirpurkhas. The temple is generally dated to the late 6th century (575-600 CE).

K. V. Soundara Rajan assigned the first half of the 7th century. The most probable date considered now is the last quarter of the 6th century (Maitraka period) to the first half of the 7th century. The temple is a protected monument by the Archeological Survey of India and is designated as Monument of National Importance (N-GJ-133).

JUNA BHAVNATH TEMPLE

Bhiloda, Aravalli

Recognized as the old Bhavnath temple, there is a pool of water in front of this temple, in which Brahamas water resides. It is also said that the water of the tank is as holy as the river Ganges. It is called Bhrigu Kund. Local people say that by bathing with the soil of this pool, all types of skin diseases disappear. There is also a temple of Mahadev and Avanarishi, son of Bhrigurushi. The place is delightful as it is situated amidst the mountains near the Hathmati River. A fair is held here on the last Monday of the month of Shravan and Shivaratri, which is attended by a large number of people.

Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bhuj

Bhuj, Kutch

Under the series of births of God almighty on the land of India, one great saint had taken birth on Monday 2nd April 1781, on the ninth moon day of Samvat 1837, near Ayodhya city in the village of Chhapaiya, at the house of Dharmdev and Bhaktimata who were part of the Brahmin community. This child was known as "Ghanshyam" during His childhood days and is also famously known as "Neelkanth Varni", "Hari Krishna", "Sahajanand Swami", "Narayan Muni" etc. His father Dharmdev and mother Bhaktimata had left this world before Ghanshyam was eleven years old. He then left His house and travelled through India. During this period of His life He was known by the name of Neelkanth Varni. After 7 years 1 month and 11 days of travelling, He arrived at the state of Gujarat and started the great mission for the publicity of the Vedic Dharma, Gnan, Vairagya and Bhakti. Along with thousands of saints and religious persons, He went everywhere within Gujarat and explained the philosophy and importance of "Bhakti" and "Religion" in its real sense. He had established a good system for the Temples, religious books, Acharyas and Saints so that there was proper guidance in the future for the subsequent generations.

Koth Ganesh Mandir, Ganpatipura

Ganapatipura, Ahmedabad

In the year of Vikram Samvat 933 (876 AD), while digging the land  in Hathel village, Lord Ganesha's idol was found with Golden Anklets, Kundal in ears, Crown on Head and Kandora on Waist.  

There was an argument among the leaders of the villages Koth, Rojka and Vankutaas as to who will take the idol of Lord Ganesh.

They decided to put the idol in a cart without ox and let it go where the lord wished. The cart without ox stopped at Ganpatipur. So, from then onwards the land was known as Ganapatipura (Koth).

A temple was constructed at this place, and the Lord here is known as Koth Ganesh or Ganapatipur Ganesh.

A majestic red-colored Ganesh idol is the main deity and the temple has a sannidhi for Lord Shiva.

Just as Lord Siddhi Vinayak of Mumbai, this Koth Siddhi Vinayak too is a popular and powerful deity.

Krishna Temple, Bhalka ( Veravel )

Somnath, Gir Somnath

Bhalka Tirtha located in the Prabhas  Kshetra  near Veraval in Saurashtra is the place where Lord Krishna was hit by an arrow shot by a hunter named Jara, after which He is said to have left the earth for the heavenly abode, an act referred to in the puranas as Shri Krishna Neejdham Prasthan Leela.

According to Mahabharata, on the night before Duryodhana's death, Lord Krishna visited Gandhari to offer His condolences. Gandhari felt that Krishna knowingly did not put an end to the war, and in a fit of rage and sorrow, Gandhari cursed that Krishna, along with everyone else from the Yadu dynasty, would perish after 36 years. 

Krishna Himself  knew and wanted this to happen as He felt that the Yadavas had become very haughty and arrogant, so He ended Gandhari's speech by saying "tathastu" (so be it).

After 36 years passed, a fight broke out between the Yadavas, at a festival, who killed each other. His elder brother, Balarama, then gave up His body using Yoga.  Krishna retired into the forest and started meditating under a tree. The Mahabharata also narrates the story of a hunter who becomes an instrument for Krishna's departure from the world.

The hunter Jara, mistook Krishna's partly visible left foot for that of a deer, and shot an arrow, wounding Him mortally. 

While still bleeding, Lord Krishna told Jara, "O Jara, you were Vali in your previous birth, killed by myself as Rama in Tretayuga. Here you had a chance to even it and since all acts in this world are done as desired by Me, you need not worry for this". 

Then Lord Krishna, with His physical body ascended back to His eternal abode, Goloka vrindavan and this event marks departure of Lord Krishna from the earth.

The news was conveyed to Hastinapur and Dwaraka by eyewitnesses to this event. The place of this incident is believed to be Bhalka, near Somnath temple.

According to Puranic sources,  Lord Krishna's disappearance marks the end of Dvapara Yuga and the start of Kali Yuga, which is dated to February 17/18, 3102 BCE.

There is a temple built near  the tree that is said to be the same tree under which Lord Krishna was sitting. On the altar there is an idol of Lord Krishna in a sitting posture. One can see the bottom of Lord Krishna’s foot, pink colored with different auspicious symbols. Nearby is the idol of hunter, Jara, with folded hands and one knee on the floor.