Sacred Religious Sites in Gujarat

Gujarat is a popular religious destination among Hindus, Jains, and Muslims. Several sacred religious sites in the state are frequented by the faithful from all over the country. Many of the sacred religious sites in Gujarat are famous worldwide. For a Hindu devotee, the state is a blessed land. Among the sacred sites in Gujarat are several Rama, Krishna, and Shiva temples. Ambaji, Somnath, Dwarka, Palitana, Girnar, and Dakor are a few sacred places in the state.

Somnath Temple, Somnath

One of the most ancient and sacred religious sites in Gujarat is the Somnath temple. Notably, it is one of the first twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The original construction of the temple is associated with the Gods. It is believed that the first construction of the temple happened more than 2000 years ago, albeit without any concrete evidence. Nevertheless, it has been recorded that from the seventh century, the temple has undergone reconstruction and repair works. Several times, the temple became the target of invading rulers. Each time it was reconstructed.

The present structure of the temple, built in the Maru-Gurjara style of architecture, was completed after the independence of India. A huge Shiva linga is the central point of attraction in the temple. Other attractions include idols of Nataraja, Shiva-Parvati, and Nandi, besides the statues of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Intricate carvings and reliefs adorn the temple walls and ceiling. Other key features of the temple are the curvilinear Shikhara, the temple pond, a high flag mast, and balconies looking out on multiple sides of the temple. Kartik Purnima Fair and Somnath Mahotsav are the main festivals here.

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar

A temple that brims with architectural wonders is Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, situated in a sprawling 23-acre complex. The temple is built in honour of Swaminarayan inspired by the fourth successor of Swaminarayan. Swaminarayan was an ascetic and saint who was born in 1781. He became a saintly figure thanks to his ascetic lifestyle and Vedic-based talks and teachings. The large temple complex houses the statue of Swaminarayan weighting over a ton in the sitting posture. Apart from that there are 200 other statues of his followers. There are also idols of gods and goddesses like Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, Goddess Lakshmi, Sita, Radha, and Hanuman.

It is interesting to note that steel is not used for the construction of the temple. The temple is built with tons of pink sandstone and stands on seven pillars. The temple has two sections. One of them is for displaying different characteristics of Swaminarayan, and the other is for displaying relics from his life. Other attractions within the temple complex include various shows in the exhibition halls, a water show, light and sound show. Diwali is a lively festival at the temple.

Suraj Mandir, Somnath

The Suraj Mandir or Sun temple is dedicated to Lord Surya. The temple is considered to be one of the prime centres of prehistoric significance. The exact year of its construction is not documented. With the available evidence, it is assumed that the temple was constructed nearly 5000 years ago. Therefore, the temple is an important site not only from the point of view of religion but also for historians. Although most of the carvings and relief works are eroded, what remains reflects the Gujarat Pratihara style of architecture. Surya Dev and Chaya Devi are the main idols at the temple. Apart from the idols of gods and goddesses, sculptures of lions, elephants, and birds embellish the temple. The main festivals here include Shivaratri, Shravan, Navratri, Golokdham Utsav, and Kartik Purnima Fair.

Zinavari Sun/Gop Temple, Zinavari

Assumed to have been constructed during the time of the Maitraka Dynasty in 600 AD, Jinavari Temple is one of the oldest surviving temples in Gujarat. The significance of the temple is much greater than what is witnessed at present. Being one of the oldest and sacred religious sites, it is considered a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. Centuries of existence and ancient construction have caused it to lose much of its external prominence. Yet, the main structure at a height of 23 feet still stands. Much like its dilapidated condition and worn-out structure, even identifying the main statues in the temple is difficult. Locals believe that the two key idols are of Rama and Lakshmana. Festivals like Chhath Puja, Ratha Saptami, and Makar Sankranti attract a good number of devotees to the temple.

Palitana Temple, Bhavnagar

The Jain community considers Palitana temple as one of their sacred religious sites in Gujarat. The Shatrunjaya hill region houses hundreds of temples and small shrines that form the Palitana group of temples. climbing over 3700 steps, at a height of over 7000 feet, you could reach these temples. Some of these temples are assumed to be over 900 years old. Kumarpal Solanki, a great Jain patron, built the first of the temples on this site. Adinath Temple deserves special attention.

It is one of the largest temples on the site and is situated on the highest point. The temple showcases Jain architecture at its best. Marble carvings and intricate works on idols are marveled at by the visitors. Despite its precarious location, a good number of pilgrims and visitors arrive at the spot annually. The number swells into the thousands during the Kartik Purnima, which is the main festival here.

Even as you marvel at the historical significance ofthe Palitana cluster of Jain temples, it is worthwhile to take a note of other important Jain temples in the state. Shree Girnar Tirth, Songadh Tirtha, Shantinath Jain Temple, and Mahudi Jain Temple are a few of them.

The Jami Mosque, Khambhat

Built in the year 1325, the Jami Mosque is the oldest in Gujarat. Built during the reign of Alauddin Khalji, a part of the mosque reflects the ruins of other religious sites that existed previously. Unlike most of the famous mosques, Jami Mosque doesn’t have any minarets. And the mini domes that crown the prayer halls resemble the typical Gujarati style of architecture. It is estimated that there are 160 such domes. The Indo-Islamic architecture style of construction distinctly displays the splendour of the mosque. 25 arcs, 100 columns, and low domes constitute the interior. The mosque also has several tombs from the 14^th and 15^th centuries. All the Islamic festivals are celebrated at the mosque.

Your journey exploring the sacred religious sites in Gujarat is incomplete without a visit to temples like Ancient Nagnath Mandir, Kashivishwanath Mandir, Bhidbhanjan Mahadev Mandir, and Khijda Mandir. And there are other key religious sites like Parsi Agiyari, Gurudwara near Lal Bunglow and Jain Derasar.