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TEMPLES of Gujarat

 

Akshardham, Gandhinagar

      Akshardham captures the total spirit of India's glorious heritage and presents it most enchantingly. It revives the ancient tradition of devotion and dedication, of volunteerism. Akshardham is not a creation built out of a king's command or national treasury, but by the love and service of simple people committed to their belief. The story of Akshardham is one of sacrifice and commitment. Every stone is filled with sentiments, every corner is cemented with feelings. Young volunteers who handled the sandstone quarries in Bansipahadpur often gave their share of food to the bullocks which pulled the stones out. At times, when 8 ton slabs were being dragged, the animal would tire and massage its legs and feed it ghee to revitalise its energy. Akshardham is a miracle worked by thousands of volunteers of Shri Akshar Purushottam Sanstha ( Bochasan ) who gave their time and talent for months and years inspired by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The complex is one grand commemorates his Birth Bicentenary.

For visitors of any age - it is an experience in edutainment; for it simultaneouly educates and entertains. The complex spread in an area of 23 acres, celebrates our spiritual and cultural values through traditional architecture and modern ( hi-tech) exhibitions. Since its opening on 2nd November 1992, within a short span of only 5 years, more than 13 million people from 45 countries have visited Akshardham, confirming its status as India's eternal monument and as one of the marvels of the 20th century. It is a rare confluence of art, education and creativity with a Stone Monument of pink sandstone, Interactive Exhibitions on Indian Culture, Contemplative Gardens and a futuristic Research Centre for social harmony. 

 

The Monument is 108 ft tall marvel of 6000 tons of pink sandstone, carved and built according to Sthaapatya Shaastras- the ancient scriptures of architecture. No steel has been used, nor any support of modern structures. Yet it stands as the most authentic and awesome architecture of 97 sculpted pillars, 220 single-piece stone beams, 57 windows glorious porch filled with delicate forms and filigree. As a special architectural feat worth noting, are the 22 ft. long support beams used to create space inside the building. The sanctum sanctorum houses the peaceful 1.2 tons gold leafed idol of Lord Swaminaraya.
The Exhibitions take you through the landscapes of India and the wisdom of the Vedas and the Mahabharat. Surround and interactive experiences help visitors trek through the Himalayas... walk across the rope bridge.... admire the dancing musical fountains....... wonder at the fiber optic night sky...face robotic animals in the forests accompany Lord Rama in search of Sita behold the Pandavas lose in the palace of Histinapur..  hundreds of figures, settings, dioramas, audio-video shows and sculptures unfold a stream of interactive experiences - visually mesmeric, scientifically stunning and spiritually moving. The Hall of Harmony places world religions side by side and the world's first 14 screen multimedia show traces man's efforts in search of peace and freedom. It won the Bronze medal at the international competition for audio-video show in Munich 1993..

Ambaji

   

         This temple is dedicated to goddess Ambaji. It is situated on the Arasur Hill and can be approached by road from Abu Road in Rajasthan, as well as from all other important places in Gujarat. A folk drama called 'Bhavai' is performed in the courtyards of the temple. The Kumbhariya Jain temples are located just 3 km from here.
 

Chorwad

Chorwad popularly known, as Palace Beach Resort is a unique complex where cool sea breeze refreshes the visitors. In surrounding area Somnath, Sasangir, Porbandar are easily accessible. The folk dance popularly known as Tippani Nritya, which is a peculiarity of this region, is also worth watching

   

Becharaji
 Another important seat of Mother Goddess in Mehasana district. Hindu devotees especially childless women visit the temple.
  

Dakor


The temple town dedicated to Lork Krishna is 90 kms. from Ahmedabad. The temple of Ranchodrai ha the ido of Lork Krishan which is beloeved to be brought from Dwarka by a devotee.

Dwarka Temple

 

        Dwarka on the western coast of Gujarat, is one of the 'Char Dhams' of Hindu pilgrimage. Lord Krishna settled and established his kingdom over here after leaving Mathura. Archaeological excavations reveal that the present day Dwarka is the 6th city on this site, the earlier 5 having submerged in the sea. Places of Interest are Dwarkadish, which is a 2500 year old shrine, Rukmani Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna's wife, Nageshwar Mahadev which enshrines one of the twelve jyotirlingas etc.

Dwarkadish

(Jagat Mandir), bilieved to be more than 2500 years old. The shrine consist of Nij Mandir , a hall of audience; Sabha Grih, and a conical spire - Shikhar . The main temple is five storeys high with the Shikhar rising to the height of 157 mtrs.


 Bet Dwarka

 the sacred pilgrim sight is 32 kms from Dwarka. It is bilieved that Lord Krishna resided here with his family.
Nageshwar Mahadev, 17 kms from Dwarka, it enshrines one of the twelve jyotirlingas. Gopi Talav Tirth is 23 kms from Dwarka.
 

Somnath Temple
        Somnath, the eternal shrine, is as old as creation. The temple which has risen seven times from ashes till now depicts a saga of devotion and heroism. The legendary temple is believed to have been built by the Moon God - Soma and enshrines one of the 12 jyotirlingas. Relics of old Somnath temple have been preserved in a museum.

Palitana



          It is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centres and lies at the foot of the Shatrunjaya Hill. The sacred hill rises in a crescendo of 863 magnificient temples, most of them carved out of white marble. The temples were built over an impressive span of 900 years. The Shetrunji river flowing to its south adds to the beauty of the scenic landscape. The 600 metre climb to the hill is ususally made on foot. However Dolis or lift chairs are also available for the ascent.

Modhera 

         The Sun temple of Modhera, which was built in 1026-1027 A.D. by King Solanki Bhimdev I is one of the finest examples of Indian temple architecture. The temple stands high on a plinth and every inch of the exteriors as well as the interiors is carved exquisitely.

Ahmedpur Mandvi

Ahmedpur Mandvi is a beautiful sea-resort, commands a panoramic view across the creek of Diu island. The 6-km. Big beach provides utmost relaxation to visitors and ideal place for water sports and enjoying traditional food in huts decorated with local style of architecture. The mud-plastered low-roof cottages are unique and provide space to visitors with swings in the verandah and an open air sitting in space of the courtyard. Fairs and festivals of cultural importance offer a lot of colour and sounds for the promotion of cultural tourism are also being promoted as annual features in Gujarat. These fairs are of big draw to foreign tourists. Tarnetar fair of Surendranagar, kite festival of Ahmedabad, Saputara summer festival, rann utsav of Katchchh and Navratri are some of the important fairs and festivals organised by the Gujarat Tourism Corporation.

Gujarat is a paradise for tourist shopping and for curie hunters. The State of Gujarat is famous for both quality and design of textiles, traditional and modern. The tie and dye of Bandhani work of Jamnagar is famous. Gujarat is also known for hand printing on cloth and traditional motifs and pictures of Gods and Goddesses. The Jari or gold thread work of Surat is legendary. The Surat Gajee or satin silk has a luscious shimmer to it. The coloured rugs, many handicrafts from Kachchh, the brass covered wooden chests of Bhavnagar and woolen shawls from Saurashtra are attractive items for tourists. Gujarat tourism also conducts regular tours and provides transport of various types for tourists. Details can be had from its central office at Ashram Road, Ahmedabad and branches at Delhi, Bombay Vadodara, Surat and Junagadh.