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Ranchhodraiji Temple Dakor Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Ranchhodraiji Temple Dakor is in Gujarat. Earlier famous for Worship of shiva, it developed into a center for Vaishnavites when Ranchhodraiji, another avatar of Krishna surfaced. It is one of the most ethnically significant temples of Gujarat. State Government recently included Dakor in the pilgrimages under “Yatradham Vikas Board”.

a divine tour of Ranchhodraiji Temple Dakor

Ranchhodraiji Temple Dakor Facts –

Deity Lord Vishnu
LocationDakor, Gujarat
SignificancePancha Dwarka of Lord Krishna
Best Time to Visit November to February
Darshan timings 06:45 AM to 12:00 PM || 4:00 PM to 07:30 PM
Bhog and PrasadLaddu and Rasmalai
Entry Fees Free
Dress Code Traditional
Festivals Sharad Purnima, Janmasthami, Holi and Rathyatra, etc
ParkingFree

What are the timings of Ranchhodraiji Temple Dakor?

Here are the Temple timings of Ranchhodraiji Temple:

TimingsFromTo
Mangla Darshan 06:45 AM 8:30 AM
Afternoon Closing 12:00 PM 4:00 PM
Evening Darshan04:00 PM07:30 PM
Temple Closing07:30 PM06:00 AM

Puja and Rituals at Ranchhodraiji Temple Dakor

Darshan TimingsFromTo
Mangalabhog, Balbhog, Srinagarbhog, Gwalbhog Darshan 09:00 AM10:30 AM
Rajbhog Darshan11:30 AM12:00 PM
Uthapan Bhog And Darshan
04:10 PM		04:55 PM
Shyan bhog Darshan 05:25 PM06:00 PM
Shakhdibhog Darshan07:00 PM07:30 PM

Significance of Rituals and Darshan’s of Ranchhodraiji Temple Dakor

The significance of Ranchhodraiji Temple Dakor among its devotees is very high. The temple authorities help the devotees keeping in mind to their facilities –

  • Darshana timings on Full -Moon days are different and are declared by the temple authorities beforehand.
  • For the convenience of the Vaishnavas desirous to offer additional bhogs to the deity except for the scheduled ones, there is a provision in the Dakor Temple Scheme and accordingly, Mahabhog, Rajbhog, and additional bhogs are offered to the deity.
  • For all such extra Bhogs, the devotees can receive prasad except Rajbhog, through Dakor Sansthan Trust which is the oldest Bhog of the time when the Deity Shree Ranchhodraiji was installed in this temple.

The significance of each Bhog and ritual with Darshans is very important for the temple. Each of it implies a different tradition in the temple-

  • Mangla Darshan – Mangala Darshan is the first darshan of the day at dawn. The emotion of waking Lord Ranchhodraiji with the same affection and love of his mother Yashoda, when at Gokula is represented in this Darshan. The name Mangala underlines the auspiciousness of beginning the day with a glimpse of the Lord.
  • Kesar Snan, Bal Bhog, Shringar Darshan – Shringar Darshan is usually 45 minutes after the Mangala Darshan. His attire depends on the day and the month according to the Lunar Calendar. Ranchhodraiji is adorned with a garland of flowers around his neck. He is offered dry fruits and sweets after which the flute is placed over his shoulder.
  • Gwal Bhog Darshan – After the Shringar Darshan, is a Gwal Darshan during which the Lord takes his mid-morning snack, Curds and light food is offered to him during this darshan. Gwal darshan depicts the time when Lord Ranchhodraiji takes his cows to the pasture and plays with his friends.
  • Rajbhog Darshan – The main meal of the day is offered to Ranchodraiji during this darshan. He is adorned with lotuses, a flower garland, and his flute. Perfume of the season is sprinkled. After this, he retires for three hours representing the siesta he enjoyed in the meadows.
  • Utthapan Darshan – In the Utthapan darshan which is at mid-afternoon, Lord Ranchodraiji is lovingly awakened from his afternoon nap.
  • Shayan Darshan – The Shayan Darshan is the last Darshan of the day when Lord Ranchodraiji finishes a light meal. A fan-made of peacock feathers is waved to avoid the effects of any evil eye cast while he is in full view of the people.

The symbolism of the deity in Ranchhodraiji Temple Dakor –

Deity at Ranchhodraiji Temple Dakor
The divine deity in Ranchhodraiji Temple Dakor in the form of Lord Vishnu.
  • Lord Ranchhodrai’s form is of Lord Vishnu with four arms.
  • Lord Vishnu bears the conch, the lotus, the discus and the mace in his hands.
  • The lower right arm is the posture of Abhaya mudra which gives protection to all those who come to him.
  • There is an imprint of a lotus on the hand.
  • His right-hand hold the flute.
  • During festivals, the hands of the Lord are in gloves of gold full of gems.

Legends of Ranchhodraiji Temple Dakor –

The legends of the Ranchhodraiji Temple relates to a story. Bodana was a worshipper of Lord Krishna in his previous life. The story related to the legend believed by devotees follows as-

  • Bodana lived in Gokulam as a cowherd Vijayanand. One day when all cowherds worshipped Lord Krishna, Vijayanand did not and the Lord came to him asking to perform the puja.
  • Bodana and the Lord engaged in a holy battle of colours. But the Lord fell into a river and Vijayanand went after him.
  • The Lord revealed himself and Vijayanand asked forgiveness. Lord Krishna then granted him a boon that after 4200 years he will appear at Gujarat with his present wife Sudha.
  • Vijayanand would go to Dwarka to worship Lord Krishna once every six months and also took a basil plant (Tulsi) with him until he was 72 years old.
  • Lord Krishna pleased, asked him to bring a bullock-cart with him so that he would accompany him to Dakor.
  • The priest of Dwarka asked why he had brought a bullock-cart. Bodana replied that he had come to take away Lord Krishna. Hence, they closed the Dwarka temple.
  • That night Lord Krishna broke the wall of the Garbha Griha and asked Bodana to take him away.
  • Seeing the missing image of Lord Krishna the priests came to Dakor. Bodana was anxious, so Lord Krishna told him to hide the idol of the deity in the Gomati tank.
  • The Priests got angry and threw spears at him and he died falling down. While hurting Bodana with a spear it also hurt the image of the deity hidden in the Gomti tank and the water turned red with Lord Krishna’s (Ranchhodraiji’s) blood.
  • However, the Lord mercifully directed the Ghulis that they would find, after six months an exact replica of the idol in Sevaradhan Vav at Dwarka.
  • But the Guglis looked for it earlier and found a smaller idol of the Lord.
Legends and History of Ranchhodraiji Temple Dakor
The unique and interesting stories and myths related to Ranchhodraiji Temple Dakor.

History of Ranchhodraiji Temple Dakor-

  • In times of Mahabharata, the surrounding area of Dakor constituted the ‘Hidamba‘ van (jungle). It was a very dense jungle. It was pleasant and rich with streams and lakes. It had become an attraction for the sages to establish their hermitage for penance.
  • Likewise, Dank Rishi had his hermitage (ashram) in this area. During penance Lord Shiva was pleased with him and asked him to demand something. Thereupon, Dank Rishi requested Lord Shiva to remain permanently in his hermitage.
  • Lord Shiva agreed to his request. He disappeared and left behind him His replica in the form of Ban (Ling), which is known as Danknath Mahadev. Thus in ancient times, Dakor was known as ‘Dankor‘ after the name of Dankanth Mahadev.
  • It was also known as Khakhariya because of many khakhra (Palash) trees in the vicinity.

The architecture of Ranchodraiji Temple Dakor –

  • The present temple was constructed by Shri Gopalrao Jagannath Tambwekar in 1772 A.D. at the cost of rupees one lakh. It was built with brick walls and stone pillars. 
  • It is raised on a high plinth of 168 feet by 151 feet with twelve stone steps on each side and surrounded by a spacious courtyard.
  • It has eight domes and twenty-four turrets, the highest of them being 90 feet making it the tallest temple in the district.
  • The main gate of the temple overlooks the (now crowded) banks of the lake Gomati.
  • Silver gates are protected by the Vedic Gods – Lord Ganesha, Sun, Moon, etc beautifully carved in high relief. The gate leads into the main courtyard. 
  • On entering the courtyard, one sees two tall structures, used to house the thousands of lamps that are lit during the festive season, on either side.
  • Back at the front gate, marble stairs lead to the main audience chamber of the temple – the Jagmohan – literally the place where the world is charmed by the beauty of the Lord.
  • Multi-storied and multi-tiered, this type of structure is very typical of medieval Gujarati temple architecture. Till recently, the dome was painted with Shri Krishna’s rasa-Lila in the classical Bundi style. It has been replaced by an intricate inlay of mirror work, depicting flowers and trellis in a classical Rajput garden.

Which festivals are celebrated at Ranchodraiji Temple Dakor?

Festivals at Ranchhodraiji Temple Dakor
Different festivals celebrated at Ranchhodraiji Temple Dakor.

Approximately 35 festivals are celebrated at Dakor temple. The main ones being the

  1. Kartik
  2. Falgun,
  3. Chaitra and
  4. Ashwin Purnima.

Over 1 lakh devotees visit the shrine. Annakoot is on the first day of the year. At this festival, there are largest amounts of sweets and food preparation offerings to Shri Ranchhodraiji.

Vaishnava festivals celebrated are the

  1. Holi,
  2. Amalaki Ekadashi,
  3. Janmashtami,
  4. Nand Mahotsav,
  5. Rathyatra and
  6. Dashera.

During these festivals, devotees take the idol of Krishna in procession on an elephant. Ardent devotees also play music along with the rhythm. The festivals of Hindola and Palna are also celebrated.

How to reach Ranchodraiji Temple Dakor?

Here’s how to reach Ranchodraiji Temple Dakor:

  • Air: several domestic airplanes connecting Ahmedabad to Delhi, Bombay, Daman, Pune are available.
  • Rail: It is on the Anand Godhra broad-gauge railway line and so is connected to Nadiad and Godhra by a state highway.
  • Road: State Transport Bus services connect Dakor with Nadiad, Ahmedabad, Kapadwanj, Baroda, Bombay, and others.

Where to stay near Ranchodraiji Temple Dakor?

Here’s where one can stay near Ranchodraiji Temple:

  • Hotel Arizona Inn on AnandS road, Opp-S.R.Park, is famous for its luxurious rooms and good accommodation. It is a pure vegetarian hotel.
  • Hotel Relax on the 3rd floor, Haribo Vyapar Bhuvan, GPO road is another place that you may find nice to check-in.

What are some places to visit near Ranchodraiji Temple Dakor?

You could also visit:

  1. DWARKADHISH TEMPLE – Situated at Dwarka is one of the four major pilgrimages for Hindus in India. The Bhidbhanjan temple is a popular place to visit. It is a divine place to pay your visit to Lord Shiva and also other Gods and Goddesses. It shows architecture made up of Western influences.
  2. MAHALAKSHMI TEMPLE – The temple of Mahalakshmi is situated a kilometer far away from the temple in the northern direction of the temple. One has to walk to reach this temple.
  3. HOUSE OF BODANA – Opposite to the temple of Mahalakshmi is the house of Bodana and Ganga Bai. Lord Ranchhodraiji was worshiped in this house before the Deity was moved to the current temple. Inside the house is a place where the Deity was hidden and was worshiped by Bodana’s wife.
  4. GOMTI KUNDA – This sacred pond is situated right opposite to the entrance of Sri Ranchhodraiji temple. The Deity was hidden in this pond by Bodana. It is a very beautiful pond surrounded by twelve ghats. The place where the Deity of Ranchora Rai was hidden is in the middle called Padmachinha.
  5. DANKANATH MAHADEV TEMPLE – This temple which was made by Dankamuni is very old and is near the Eshwar Ovara. The shiva-linga is installed below the Earth.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ranchodraiji Temple Dakor –

Does the temple provide prasad?

Yes, the temple provides the bhog prasad where you can have delicious Laddo and Rasmalai.

Can devotees make any offerings in bhog to the temple?

Knowing the Bhog schedule and taking permission from the temple authority, you can request to offer Bhog of your desire to Ranchhodraiji. Later, you will be given prasad by Dakor Sansthan Trust.

What is the specialty of the Ranchodraiji Temple Dakor temple?

The temple has a unique culture, where only women are allowed to offer food (Prasad) and flowers to the Lord. It is a part of Pancha Dwarka Temples. You can also explore the Dwarka Somnath Tour Package if you are running short of time.

Why is Lord Krishna called Ranchodraiji?

Ranchor is the name given to Lord Krishna when he fled from the battlefield in Mathura while fighting against Jarasandha.

Where can devotees park their Vehicles in Ranchodraiji Temple Dakor temple?

Vehicles are not allowed in the temple vicinity. Devotees have to park the vehicle a kilometer away from Dakor and enter the city by walk or the local autos.

How can you reach Ranchodraiji Temple Dakor temple?

Dakor can be reached from Ahmedabad by road easily. There are regular government buses from the city bus stand. One can also book a taxi or cab or an auto to reach the temple.

Which is the significant day to visit Ranchodraiji Temple Dakor temple?

Every year lakhs of people from all over India and Gujarat visit Dakor and especially on every full-moon day (Purnima).

What does Ranchodraiji Temple Dakor temple signify among the devotees?

The virtues or Punya gained by Visiting Ranchhodraiji temple at Dakor and having a glimpse of Lord Ranchhodrai is considered to be as equal as visiting Char Dhams.

If you have any questions related to Ranchodraiji Temple Dakor temple, please leave a comment below and we will reply within an hour.

Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar is one of the most prominent places of worship in Gujarat and dedicated to Swaminarayan. It is a specimen of traditional stone work, ancient wisdom and the best of contemporary technology that speaks volumes about the cultural heritage of India. It is a magnificent shrine that is located in the heart of Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

This beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and inspired by HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The Akshardham shrine is actually a miracle created by the sacrifice of thousands of artists and volunteers. In fact, there are more than 2 million visitors who visit this shrine every year. In fact, most of the people who travel to Gujarat make it a point to pay a visit to this famous place of worship. And when you visit this temple, you are not just a tourist or a traveler but you will be an artist who will discover the art of sculpting oneself from within.

Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar History

  • The internationally famous Swaminarayan Akshardham temple was established on 2nd November 1992. The credit for laying the foundation of this place of worship goes to the Bochasanwasi Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).
  • Akshardham temple describes the concept of Man-making. The devotee’s belief that only an individual can shape his own life and become sensible in the true sense. To project this belief, architecture along with literature, music and hi-tech equipment have been used with extreme care and passion to make it distinct. The success of the shrine lies in the fact that it turns an individual into a Man.
  • The monument symbolizes tremendous human effort that has gone into its formation. Another aspect being that the leader has inspired many devotees through his teachings. Pramukh Swami Maharaj has created a rare mixture that comprises of the monument and the selflessness of the Guru and the disciples which draw people from every corner of the world.
  • The creation of this incredible Akshardham temple is a remarkable event in the history of India.

Significance of the Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar

  • The inauguration ritual of the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple coincided with the centenary celebrations of Yogiji Maharaj and was conducted by Pramukh Swami Maharaj only.
  • Akshardham Temple at Gandhinagar is minutely carved coupled with a striking monument of 6000 tons of pink sandstone soaked with religious stillness.
  • This whole structure was built without using steel in order to increase the maximum longevity of the architecture.
  • There is a 7 feet gold leafed idol of Lord Swaminarayan and his holy ruins. In addition, there are three exhibitions on Indian culture with light and sound shows.
  • Akshardham temple is built at a height of 108 feet and is 240 feet in length, 131 feet in breadth. In addition, the porch around the monument measures 1751 feet (534 meters) in length alone.
  • It is only after investing 13 laborious years that the architecture of this beautiful temple was completed. In addition, it is the skilled artisans of Bansipahadpur who had done the minute carvings of the auspicious shrine.
  • One of the significant factors about this shrine is that it has its own research centre known as, Akshardham Center for Applied Research in Social Harmony (AARSH). This center aims at using knowledge of the past, concentrating on the present pattern and masterminding conceivable answers for the future.
  • The research facility is equipped with an extensive library, study stations, and archives. However, it is only open to enlisted scholars who receive the benefits.
  • The first floor of the temple comprises of a museum, which has a collection and a gallery of over 500 ‘parahansas’. Some other items which are displayed here are the letter to the guru of Swaminarayan Ramanand, an art object from an old tree from Chapaya, the shawl used by Swaminarayan and an image of the Lord seated on a horse.
  • The galleries present on the external side serve as the venue for the artistic exhibition and also paves a way for Chez Intervasion shows, audio-visuals, multi-media and the works of Lord Swaminarayan from the Hindu epics.
  • The temple has three permanent exhibition halls inside the complex, which was started with the aim of educating masses on issues regarding religion and BAPS movement.
  • The garden surrounding the sanctum sanctorum is known as Sahajanand Van or the first hall and represents a unique intermingling of reflective garden and children’s park.
  • The second hall or the Sat-Chit-Anand of this place of worship holds the exhibition in a 14-screen multimedia representation. Besides it also contains the ‘Tunnel of Mirrors’ that stands for a glass mosaic and a dancing musical fountain.
  • The third hall of this holy place has many fiberglass models that represent various memos from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Upanishads. An audio-animatronics show portraying various messages from Mahabharata and an exhibition of ‘Harmony of world religions’ are some of the major attractions of this exhibition.
  • Photography and making videos are strictly prohibited in this temple.
  • It was on September 24, 2002, that two armed terrorists attacked this temple killing 33 people and around 70 individuals were injured. The Indian National Security Guard killed both the terrorists and the temple opened after 14 days of the attack.

Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar Timings

  • Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar remains open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 A.M. to 7:30 P.M.
  • Mondays remain closed.
  • The night lighting shows take place on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Exhibitions start at 10 A.M. and end at 6:00 P.M.

Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar Food Timings

  • Visitors are not allowed to carry any food inside the temple premises.
  • Premvati Refreshments at Sahajanand Van provides fresh vegetarian food and snacks to tourists. A tourist can relish the unique taste of the traditional Gujarati dishes here and one can also book meals in advance.
  • The restaurant is open from 10 A.M. to 8 P.M.

Festivals celebrated at Akshardham Temple

  • Annakut Utsav is celebrated with great pomp in this temple. It is observed soon after Diwali and Annakut which refers to a huge amount of food comprising fruits, salads, pulses and juices are offered to the Lord. Around 2550 food items are offered to the deity. This food is later distributed among the pilgrims.
  • Diwali or the festival of lights is another festival that fetches pilgrims from across the nation. The temple is illuminated with lights which pave the way for a spectacular sight.

Poojas and Rituals at Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar

  • The Aarti takes place twice daily especially during the morning and the evening.
  • The deity is bathed with holy water and is offered food thereafter.
  • There are special poojas that are organized during special occasions like the birthday of Lord Swaminarayan, Annakut Utsav etc.

How to Reach: Road, Rail, and Air

  • By Air– For people looking to travel to flight, the nearest airport to reach this temple is situated in Ahmedabad. This is well connected to every major city in India and in order to reach the temple, you need to hire a taxi from the Ahmedabad airport.
  • By Train– A devotee can reach this temple by train as well. This auspicious place of worship is located at a distance of 2 km from Gandhinagar railway station and 31 km from Ahmedabad railway station.
  • By Road– Akshardham is located at the heart of one of the greenest cities in the world –Gandhinagar that is situated on National Highway 8c. Hence, Akshardham is easily accessible from every location like 25 km from Ahmedabad, 150 km from Vadodara, 230 km from Udaipur, 190 km from Mt Abu and 604 km from Jaipur. There are many special buses and cars that are provided by the tourism department, government authorities and private services.

Hotels in Gujarat: Where to stay

Gujarat welcomes people of all religions and cultures with equal warmth and hospitality. No matter what your budget is, you can be rest assured to find a suitable room in Gujarat with equal ease and comfort. While individuals traveling alone can opt for dormitories, pilgrims visiting this auspicious shrine can look for hotels.

And if you are ready to splurge on luxury, then choose to spend your nights with five-star accommodations. These high-end hotels also offer complimentary breakfast as well. And some of the hotels also have their own private restaurants for their dwellers. These hotels are equipped with all the modern facilities to meet the needs of a contemporary traveler. Also, one can enjoy good discounts coupled with an attractive price if you book a room in advance.

Where to eat

Gujarati food is loved and cherished by people from all parts of India. A typical Gujarati Thali comprises of rice, chapatti, dal, vegetables, pickle, curd and papad. The food in this style is prepared by following a proper hygiene and fewer spices. Some of the special snacks that are exclusive to Gujarat include dhokla, khandvi; and sweets like basundi which are famous for its taste.

A traveler can either opt to try the local cuisine from various food joints that are spread around the city or can look for fine dining options. The food is moderately priced and is mostly vegetarian in nature. However, there are few nonvegetarian eateries as well that offers international flavors too.

Nearby Temples

  • The Adalaj Trimandir – This temple has been built with an area of 40, 175 sq ft with the temple podium being 20,895 sq ft. There is a beautiful fountain at the center of the lush green field. The Satsang Hall is of 31,861 sq ft and the shrine is equipped with an informative museum and mini-theatre on Gnani Purush Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan, around whom the Trimandir is built. Idols from Jainism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism are present within this temple. The center of the temple houses idol of Lord Shree Simandhar Swami, which measures 155 inches, and is made entirely of marble.
  • The Mahudi Jain Temple – Mahudi Tirth is a famous Jain temple and the place was earlier called as Madhumanti or Madhupuri. The main idol of Bhagwan Pradaprabhu was established in 1974 by Acharya Dev Sri Buddisagarsurisvar. He had also installed the idol of Sri Ghantakarna Mahavir on 1980 Vikram era. The Prasad is also known as ‘Sukhadi’ and consists of jaggery, wheat flour, and pure ghee. The pilgrims need to eat the Prasad within the temple premises and are prohibited from carrying it outside. It is open from 5.A.M. to 9 P.M.
  • The Vaishno Devi Temple – Being modeled on the Vaishno Devi temple located at Srinagar, this holy place is situated on the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar highway in Gujarat. Thousands of devotees visit this place during Navaratri and offer fruits, rice, coconut, and clothes to the deity.
  • The Vardayni Mata Temple – This is another popular temple that is located in Rupal village of Gandhinagar district in Gujarat. The temple is located in the middle of the village. The Ghee Festival of Palli is very famous and stands at 28 spots in the village. Every stand has tons of Pure Ghee or Clarified Butter kept ready to pour on the “Palli” (Ratha). This ghee is donated by pilgrims who visit this holy place throughout the year.
  • Sri Kotyark Khadayata Temple – Khadayata refers to the business community among the Hindus and this temple sees countless pilgrims visiting the shrine all around the year. It is another destination that tourists can visit with joy and delight.

Somnath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Somnath Temple is the first among the 12 holy Jyotirlingas. This sacred temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The word Somnath translates to ‘The Lord of the Moon‘ which is a form of Lord Shiva. The temple is located at Prabhas Patan, near Veraval port in Saurashtra, Gujarat. It is also called “The Shrine Eternal” because the temple was looted and destroyed six times in the past. However, it was gloriously rebuilt every single time after that.

Planning to visit the Somnath Temple? Have a look at our Dwarka Somnath Tour Package.

Somnath Temple – Facts

DeityLord Somnath (Lord Shiva)
LocationSomnath, Gujarat
SignificanceJyotirlinga
ToursDwarka – Somnath Tour
Darshan Timings6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry FeeFree
PoojasRudrabhisek, Laghurudra Abhishek
Best Time to VisitMarch and October
FestivalsShravan, Shivratri, Karthik Purnima
Jyotirlingas in GujaratSomnath Jyotirlinga, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
The Somnath Temple, Gujarat.

The Somnath Temple is one of the Top 50 Famous Temples in India.

What are the timings of Somnath Temple?

The temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening aarti.

The timings are as follows:

Darshan 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Morning Aarti 7:00 AM
Afternoon Aarti 12:00 PM
Evening Aarti 7:00 PM

What are the poojas performed at Somnath Temple?

Pooja at Somnath Temple
There are several poojas which take place at the Somnath Temple.

The following poojas take place at Somnath Temple:

  1. Homatmak Atirudra: This yajna is the most powerful and the most sacred yajna out of all the Mahayagnas. Conducting this yagna washes away your sins and brings peace and prosperity. The Atirudra consists of eleven recitations of Maha Rudra.
  2. Homatmak Maharudra: This pooja involves 56 highly learned Vedic Pandits reciting the Rudras in one place. The priest also recites Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and Atharva Veda in front of the deities of the temple.
  3. Homatmak Lagurudra: This abhishek is done to resolve issues related to health and wealth. It also removes the evil effects of planets in the horoscope.
  4. Savalaksha Samput Mahamrityunjaya Jaap: The Mahamrityunjaya Abhishek increases longevity and immortality of the person.
  5. Other Poojas and Abhishekams include Savalaksha Bilva Pooja, Kalsarpa Yog Nivaran Vidhi, Shivpuran Path, Mahadugdh Abhishek, Gangajal Abhishek, and Navagraha Jaap.

The prices of the poojas are as follows:

Somnath Temple - Pooja Prices
Somnath Temple – Pooja Prices

What is the significance of Somnath Temple?

The Somnath Temple is the first Jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlingas in Hindu mythology. Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light from this Linga which makes it Swayambhu. Millions of people worldwide come every year to visit this temple.

It is said that the Syamantak Mani (Philosopher’s Stone) associated with Lord Krishna is hidden inside Shiva Linga in the temple. According to beliefs, this magical stone has the ability to produce gold. It is also responsible for creating a magnetic field around itself which keeps the Linga floating above the ground.

The Linga consists of iron, and the roof of the sanctum is made of loadstone. The builder of the shrine assured that the magnetic force exerted by the loadstone kept the Linga floating in the air. It is also a popular belief that one can wash away their sins by taking a dip in the holy water of the Someshwar Kund.

What is Prabhas Patan?

Prabhas Patan is the holy site of Sangam or the junction of three great mythological rivers – Saraswati, Hiranya and Kapila. It is also the site where Lord Krishna was struck by an arrow while resting under a tree.

Another extremely famous and sacred Jyotirlinga is Kashi Vishwanath Temple which located in Kashi, Uttar Pradesh.

What is the history of Somnath Temple?

History of the Somnath Temple
The Somnath Temple was destroyed six times in the past. This picture is estimated to be 200 years old.

According to legend, the time period and how the temple was first constructed is unknown. But it is said that the second temple was built by the Seuna Kings of Vallabhi (Yadavas of Devagiri) in around 649 CE.

The first attack on the temple was by Al-Junayd, the Governor of Sindh in around 725 CE, during invasions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The King Nagabhata ll reconstructed the third temple in 815 CE.

In 1024, Turkic Sultan, Mohammad Ghazni bombarded the Somnath temple. He demolished the Jyotirlinga and killed all the devotees who attempted to save it from the loot. Later, King Bhoja of Malwa and King Bhimdev I of Patan restored this as a tribute to Lord Someshvara.

The next attack on Somnath was by Alauddin Khilji’s forces. The idol of the god was stolen, and many devotees were captured in the process. King Mahipala I, the Chudasama king of Saurashtra, rebuilt it in 1308. Later, Muzaffar Shah I and Mahmud Begada of the Gujarat Sultanate, respectively, made repeated assaults in 1375 and 1451.

The temple also faced the rage of Aurangzeb in 1665. Finally, in 1783 the Peshwas, Bhonsles, Queen Ahilyabai of Indore and Shrimant Patilbuwa Shinde of Gwalior together reconstructed it. The present temple is fashioned in the Chalukya style.

According to the legends, Garbhashay initially contained many gems. Over a period of time, many invaders took them. Three silver gates, originally belonging to the Somnath temple, were brought back to India from Lahore. This was after the Maratha king Mahadaji Shinde defeated Muhammad Shah.

After unsuccessful attempts to re-install them in the Somnath temple, they were then gifted to two temples in Ujjain – the Mahakaleshwar Temple and Gopal Mandir where they are still present.

What is the legend of the Someshwar Kund?

Prajapati Daksha had the 27 Nakshatras born in the form of his daughters. All of his 27 daughters were married to Lord Chandra (The Moon). However, Chandra loved only Rohini and neglected his other 26 wives. This angered their father Daksha. He cursed Chandra to decrease in size every day. To counter this curse, Chandra offered penance to Lord Shiva who granted him a boon.

The boon was that Lord Shiva would place Chandra on His head. This way, Chandra would lose one Kala (shade) every day and decrease in size for 15 days only to grow back in the next 15 days. When the moon fades away fully, it is called no moon day (Amavasya). When he grows to full size, it is called the full moon day (Purnima). Thus, these are called as Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha (each Paksha of 15 days). As a result, Shiva was also called Someshvara (Lord of the Moon). The Kund honours Shiva for removing the curse.

Shrine of the Somnath Temple
This Jyotirlinga represents Lord Shiva as the ‘The Lord of the Moon’. Seen here is a crescent moon over His head.

What is the structure of the Somnath Temple?

The temple is divided into three main areas – the Garbhagraha, the Sabhamandapam, and the Nrityamandapam. The Shikhar of the temple is 150 feet high. The Kalasam or the Kalash weighs 10 tonnes. The flag pole at the top is 8.2 meters long. The temple reflects the skills of the Sompura Salats, Gujarat’s famed stonemasons.

An inscription in Sanskrit is found in the Banastambha also known as the “Arrow Pillar”. The Abadhit Samudra Marg and Tirstambh indicate that there is no land in a straight line between the seashore until Antarctica.

What are the festivals celebrated at Somnath?

Mahashivratri at Somnath Temple
The Somnath Temple shrine as decorated during the festival of Mahashivratri.

Some of the festivals celebrated at Somnath Temple are:

  1. Shravan Month: Shravan Maas falls on the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, starting late July and ending by the third week of August.
  2. Mahashivratri: It is the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It usually occurs in late February to early March.
  3. Golokdham Utsav: It signifies the birth of Lord Krishna, more popularly known as Janmashtami.
  4. Kartik Purnima Fair: The fair lasts for five days.
  5. Somnath Sthapana Divas: The foundation day which is celebrated on the 11th of May.

How to reach Somnath Temple?

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Diu which is 85 km away from the temple.
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Somnath (0.5 km). Regular train service is available from all major cities in Gujarat.
  • By Road: Somnath connects well to major cities in Gujarat like Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Dwarka, and Chorwad by state roadways.

You can also travel to Somnath from Vadodara. Have a look at our Dwarka Somnath Vadodara Tour Package.

Somnath Temple route from Ahmedabad

Somnath temple lies at a distance of 411 km from the heart of Ahmedabad.

  • Air: Flights are available that connect Ahmedabad airport to Diu Airport which is 85 km away from the temple.
  • Train: Many trains such as the Superfast express as well as the Mail express run between Somnath railway station and Ahmedabad railway station.
  • Road: The fastest route to travel using roadways is via NH27 and NH47. It takes about 7 hours of drive between Ahmedabad and Somnath temple using the road.

Where to stay nearby?

  1. Rooms operated by Somnath Temple Management are available at nominal rates. People can book those rooms by visiting the official website at www.somnath.org.
  2. Accommodations can be booked in the Sagar Darshan Atithi Grah, Lilavati Atithi Bhavan, and Maheshwari Atithi Bhavan.
  3. Private hotels are also abundant near the Somnath Temple complex.

Some of the hotels where one can stay near Somnath Temple are:

  1. The Fern Residency Somnath: The hotel has 56 rooms including suites such as Winter Green and Hazel Suite. The hotel also offers express check-in and check-out, high-speed Internet, gym facility, in-room safe as well as a business centre.
  2. The Divine Resort: The hotel has a large party hall that can accommodate up to 5000 guests. Conference rooms, massage centre, swimming pool, and gymnasium are also available. Other basic services provided are car rentals, babysitting, and doctor on call.
  3. Lords Inn Somnath: The hotel has facilities like Wi-Fi, airport & railway pickup, power backup, currency exchange, spa, swimming pool, and fitness centre. The hotel also has a meeting room and a banquet hall for private and corporate events

Where to eat nearby?

All the Guesthouses managed by the Somnath Temple Trust hosts a restaurant, which serves various cuisines like Gujarati, Punjabi, and Chinese. Apart from those, many small eateries are also present around the temple complex.

What are the famous temples near Somnath?

Exploring Somnath
There are several temples to visit near the beautiful city of Somnath.

Some temples near Somnath temple are:

  • Bhalka Tirth: It is 5 km from the Prabhas – Veraval highway. At this location, the arrow fired by the poacher Jara hit Sri Krishna, who was resting under a Peepal tree. The Lord Sri Krishna then walked and reached the banks of River Hiran from where he started his last journey.
  • Shree Golokdham Teerth or Shree Neejdham Prastham Teerth: It is on the banks of River Hiran, 1.5 km away from the Somnath Temple. The footprint of Lord Krishna is carved here to mark the site of the temple. Balaram, the elder brother of Lord Krishna also started his last journey from here in his original serpent form.
  • Junagadh Gate: This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Gujarat. A long time ago Mohmmad of Ghazni entered through this gate and looted the famous Somnath temple and turned it to ruins. Though it has worn out over time, this monument still continues to attract history lovers.

Some other famous temples in Gujarat are:

  • Dwarkadhish Temple: It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimages, is situated in the city of Dwarka in Gujarat. Dwarka lies on the banks of river Gomti, in Saurashtra. It is historically considered as the capital of Lord Krishna. The city eventually submerged under the sea except for Temples.

Frequently Asked Questions about Somnath Temple

Is the Somnath Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Somnath Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Somnath Temple is free of cost.

Can anyone enter the temple?

Non-Hindus need to take prior permission from the General Manager’s Office. Hindus can enter the temple without any permits.

Is there any Online Darshan facility available?

Yes, please visit the website www.somnath.org for Online Darshan.

Who should be contacted for performing a Havan/Yajna?

For booking Yajna Shala, please contact the Management of Shree Somnath Trust.
Dy. General Manager: +91-9428214909

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets into the temple?

No. All electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited (viz. mobile, camera, laptop). They can be stored in lockers available in the Cloak Room. The cloakroom facility is free of cost.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizens?

Wheelchair facilities for disabled and senior citizens are available at the gate of the temple. Lift facilities are also present inside the temple.

Is there any facility available for site seeing or nearby temple visit?

Tirth Darshan Bus facility is available at a nominal charge which takes pilgrims to the nearby temples for darshan. Bus leaves from the main gate of the temple and its timings are 08:30 AM and 03:30 PM.

What is the weather like during summer?

The summers at Somnath start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 42 º C.

What are winters like in Gujarat?

In Somnath, winters start in November and continue until February. The temperatures during this time range from around 10 º C to 24 º C. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Somnath Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Dwarkadhish Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

, 24 Comments Filed Under: Dwarka Somnath Temple, Gujarat Temples Tagged With:

Dwarkadhish Temple, one of the Char Dham pilgrimages, is situated in the city of Dwarka in Gujarat. Dwarka lies on the banks of river Gomti, in Saurashtra. It is historically considered as the capital of Lord Krishna. The city eventually submerged under the sea except for Temples.

Planning to visit The Dwarkadhish Temple? Have a look at our Dwarka – Somnath Tour Package and our Pancha Dwarka Tour.

Dwarkadhish Temple – Facts

DeityLord Dwarkadhish (Lord Krishna)
LocationDwarka, Gujarat
SignificanceChar Dham
ToursDwarka – Somnath Tour, Pancha Dwaraka Tour
Entry FeeFree
Darshan Timings6:30 AM to 9:30 PM
PoojasAbhishek Snan, SHringar Bhog
Best Time to VisitMarch and October
FestivalsJanmashtami, Rath Yatra, Tulsi Vivah
Jyotirlingas in GujaratSomnath Jyotirlinga, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Dwarkadhish Temple Video

The Somnath Temple and the Nageshwar Temple are the famous Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva in Gujarat.

What are the timings of the Dwarkadhish Temple?

The Dwarkadhish Temple opens at 6:30 AM and closes at 9:30 PM. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening poojas. The temple remains closed from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The timings of the Dwarkadhish Temple are:

RitualFromTo
Darshan6:30 AM9:30 PM
Mangal Aarti6:30 PM –
Mangal Darshan7:00 AM8:00 AM
Shringar Aarti10:30 AM –
Sandhya Aarti7:30 PM7:45 PM

What are the sevas and poojas performed at Dwarkadhish Temple?

The temple performs the following daily poojas and sevas:

Rituals
Abhishek Snan
Uthapan (at 5 PM)
Offering of bhogs: Mangal Bhog, Makhan Bhog, Snan Bhog, and Shringar Bhog.
Offering sevas: Palna, Shayan Bhog, Paan Seva, Milk Seva, Vegetable Seva, Flower Seva, Fruit Seva and Misri Seva

What is the significance of Dwarkadhish Temple?

Dwarkadhish Temple Krishna

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.

The Pandavas played and spent their childhood there. This temple is also a part of the famous Pancha Dwaraka Tour.

Archaeologists have unearthed copper coins, boulders, pillars and pottery samples from the underwater excavations in Dwarka. Hence, they have concluded that a well-established city existed there in the 2nd Millennium.

Also, explorations between 1983 and 1990 show that the city consisted of six sectors. They were extended about a mile from the shore. Offshore investigations have found evidence of stone slabs, ports and other construction materials dating back to 15th Century. Hence, it supports the existence of an ancient city at the time of Lord Krishna. Further, the layout of the city mentioned in ancient manuscripts matches that of the city unearthed by The Marine Archaeology Unit of India.

The Dhwajaji – The Mast Flag atop the main Temple is unique and sacred. It is Aadhi Bhoutik in nature. The Dhwaja or the Flag is made of 52 yards of cloth. 52 small flags are woven individually in each yard of cloth. Each Yard symbolizes the entrances to the ancient city of Dwarka.

According to scriptures, 56 administrators ran the administration of Dwarka. Four of them were Lord Krishna, Balram, Pradyuma, and Anirudhji. These 4 are still worshipped in temples that are untouched by the sea. However, for the rest of the 52 people, the flag acts as a remembrance. The colours of the Dhwajaji are changed every day.

Kusheshwar Mahadev Temple

In the premises of the Dwarkadhish Temple, a small temple called Kusheshwar Mahadev Temple is present. According to a legend, Kush was a demon who lived in Kushasthali. People prayed to Lord Krishna to save them. So, Lord Krishna fought and crushed the demon. Krishna buried him completely into the ground. Hence, he set up a temple of Lord Mahadev there. The Shiva Linga lies almost 20 feet below the ground.

Dwarka Mutt

The Dwarka Mutt is one of the four mutts established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The others are Sringeri, Jagannath Puri, and Jyotirmath. Another name for Dwarka Mutt is Shanti Peeth. It is sacred to take a dip at the Gomati Ghat opposite to the Dwarkadhish Temple. Genuine worship at this temple washes away one’s sins.

Where is Dwarkadhish Temple

What is the history of Dwarkadhish Temple?

The history of Dwarkadhish temple is that according to Brahmi script, the temple’s first renovation was done around 100 BC. Later, Shri Adi Shankaracharya visited the temple in 800 BC and renovated it. He established the shrine of Adyashakti on the fourth floor of the temple.

Muhammad Shah attacked and destroyed the temple in 1241 AD.  Five Brahmins fought with them and died. So, the shrines near the Dwarkadhish Temple are for them. Local merchants and rulers enlarged the temple in the 15th – 16th century. And in 1965, the Pakistan Navy tried to attack the temple but failed to do so.

Another interesting legend associated with Dwarka is that of Gopi Lake. According to mythology, after leaving Mathura, Lord Krishna never went back. The Gopis of Mathura came to Dwarka to meet Krishna. After several Ras Leelas with Lord Krishna, they offered their lives to the land. Hence the name of the lake is “Gopi Talav”.

What is the story of the origin of Dwarka?

Lord Krishna’s uncle Kansa was the ruler of Mathura. His father-in-law, Jarasandha influenced him greatly. Also, Kansa terrorized and tortured the people of Mathura. Due to cruelty towards people, Krishna eventually killed him. When Kansa died, Jarasandha was furious. So, he invaded Mathura several times.

However, he was unsuccessful in annexing it. But the Yadava clan suffered huge losses and Lord Krishna decided to move them elsewhere.

Further, the story of how Krishna formed the city of Dwarka has two versions. One states that Lord Krishna flew on the Garuda and reached the Saurashtra peninsula. However, in the other version, Lord Krishna invoked Vishwakarma (Lord of Construction). He asked him to build a new city.

Vishwakarma said that it is possible to build the city if the Samudra Deva (God of Sea) gives them land. Lord Krishna worshipped the Sea God who eventually gave him 12 Yojanas of land. Consequently, Vishwakarma built the city of Dwarka for Lord Krishna.

What is the legend of Jagannath Temple?

According to the legend of Jagannath Temple, during the cremation of Lord Krishna at Dwarka, Balram and Subhadra were overcome with grief. So, they took the half-burnt body of Krishna and ran into the ocean. At the same time, King Indradyumna in Puri had a dream.

It encouraged him to visit the ocean in search of the remains of Lord Krishna.

Later, he built a gigantic temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is famous as the Jagannath Temple. There, he established the three wooden idols of Krishna, Balaram, and Subhadra. Also, he placed the ashes of Lord Krishna inside the wooden deity.

According to the Archeological Survey of India, the main shrine of the building is 2000 to 2200 years old. There is an umbrella-like monument in the memory of Lord Krishna to the East of Harimandir.

What is the architecture of Dwarkadhish Temple?

Dwarkadhish Temple Architecture

It has five storeys and stands on 72 limestone pillars. Also, it consists of three parts – the Prakashgarh (Nijmandir), Sabahgrah and the Shikhar. The total height of the Shikhar is 157 feet.

Furthermore, there are two Shikhars present in the Temple – the Nij Shikhar and the Ladwa Shikhar. The Nij Shikhar is five-storeyed. It houses the main deity, Lord Krishna. There are two main gates to the Dwarkadhish Temple – The Moksha Dwaar (entrance for pilgrims) and the Swarg Dwaar  (Gate to Heaven).

What are the festivals celebrated at Dwarkadhish Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Dwarkadhish temple are:

  • Janmashtami: The birth of Krishna is celebrated in a very grand and spiritual way. The celebration includes a series of Poojas and rituals.  It starts right from Mangal Aarti in the morning to the Parna Rom the next day. They also perform Abhishekams throughout the day with Tulsi and Chandan.
  • Annakut Utsav: This festival is celebrated on the first day of the Kartik month. It includes preparing and offering a variety of sweets to God.
  • Tulsi Vivah: This day signifies the marriage of Lord Vishnu with Tulsi Devi. The festival starts on the 11th day of the Kartik month. It continues for 4 days.
  • Holi: The festival of colours is the favourite festival of Lord Krishna.
  • Akshaya Tritiya: The third day of the Vaisakh month is popular as the Akshaya Tritiya. The day marks the beginning of the summer season. The Idol of Lord Krishna is dressed in flowers and Chandan instead of the usual dress. Finally, the festivities end on the 11th day of the month. This day is Bhima Ekadashi.
  • Rath Yatra: On the 2nd of the Ashadh month, a representation of Lord Krishna is kept in a chariot. This chariot is then taken around the city. On this day Krishna and Balram departed to Mathura on a chariot sent by Kamsa. Also, on the same day, Krishna decided to become the Sarathi (Driver) of Arjuna’s chariot in Mahabharatha.

What is the dress code of Dwarkadhish Temple?

One should prefer formal and decent dresses while visiting the Dwarkadhish Temple. Avoid shorts, bermudas, and mini skirts.

How to reach the Dwarkadhish Temple?

Here’s how to reach Dwarkadhish temple:

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Jamnagar which is 137 km away from the temple.
  • By Rail: Regular trains are available from major cities such as Jamnagar, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore, and Kochi.
  • By Road: Direct State Buses are available from Jamnagar, Gandhinagar, Porbandar, Rajkot, and Ahmedabad.

Where to stay near Dwarkadhish Temple?

The government runs many guest houses in the city. Some of them are Circuit House, Gayathri Athithi Grah and Birla Dharmshala where one can stay. The temple trust runs several Dharamshalas. These include Kokila Niraj Dham, Patelwadi Dharamshala, and Jay Ranchhod Dharmashala. Several private hotels are available to stay in Dwarka.

Where to eat near Dwarkadhish Temple?

Several hotels and restaurants are available near the Temple and in other parts. Mainly vegetarian cuisine is available.

What are some temples near Dwarkadhish Temple?

Explore Dwarka

Some of the temples near Dwarkadhish temple are:

  • Shri Nageshwar Temple: The Nageshwar Temple (Nagnath Temple) is 12 km away from the Dwarkadhish Temple. It is an important Shaivite pilgrimage site. This is because it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the temples of Lord Shiva spread all across India. The temple is unique as the Shiva Lingam faces south and the Nandi faces east. 5 of the 12 divine Jyotirlingas are in Maharashtra.
  • Rukmini Mandir: It is 2 km away from The Dwarkadhish Temple. The Temple is for Devi Rukmini, wife of Lord Krishna. The idol of Devi Rukmini has “Chaturbhuj” or four hands. Further, each hand holds a Shanka, Chakra, Gada, and the Padma. This is so because Devi Rukmini was a reincarnation of Goddess Mahalakshmi.
  • Beyt Dwarka: The island is 30 km away from Dwarka. Also, it houses a 500-year-old temple built by Sri Vallabhacharya. The white pristine beaches at the Island are very popular for water sports and picnics.
  • Gomati Sangam Ghat: One can reach the Sangam Ghat by descending 56 steps opposite to Swarga Dwar. Also, this place signifies the junction of River Gomati with the ocean. Also, one can visit several smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna and his friend Sudama.
  • Gita Mandir: The Birla family built the temple in 1970 and dedicated it to the teachings of The Bhagavad Gita. The walls of the temple contain hymns from the Bhagwad Gita.

Frequently Asked Questions about Somnath Temple

Is the Dwarkadhish Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Dwarkadhish Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Dwarkadhish Temple is free of cost.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizens?

Wheelchair facilities for disabled and senior citizens are available at the gate of the temple. Lift facilities are also present inside the temple.

What is the weather like during summer?

The summers at Dwarka start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 42 º C.

What are winters like in Gujarat?

In Dwarka, winters start in November and continue until February. The temperatures during this time range from around 12 º C to 24 º C. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Dwarkadhish Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Sarangpur Hanuman Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

, 21 Comments Filed Under: Gujarat Temples Tagged With:

Sarangpur Hanuman Temple is considered to be one of the most sacred and holy temples in Swaminarayan Sampraday, created by Guru Swaminarayan. Situated in Sarangpur village of Ahmedabad district in Gujarat, here the presiding deity is the mighty Lord Hanuman who is revered in the form of Kastbhanjan i.e. remover of sorrows.

Sarangpur Temple Facts
Temple Timings (Darshan)6:00 am to 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Prasadam Timings (Annadanam)1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Pooja Timings8:00 am to 9:00 am
Time Taken for Darshan1-2 hours
Entry FeeFree
Best Time to VisitAugust to March
Dress CodeMen: Dhoti, No shirt. Women: Saree
PoojasAnnadanam, Vastra Samarpana
Nearest CityBotad

Sarangpur Hanuman Temple Timings

Sarangpur Hanuman Temple is open from 6 am to 12 pm. There is an afternoon break in darshan from 12 pm to 3 pm. The temple reopens again at 3 pm and closes at 9 pm. Mangla Aarti is performed at the temple in the morning at 5:30 am.

  • Tuesday and Saturday are devoted to Hanumanji, it is designated day for a special ritualistic for those affected by mental illness, stress and other disorder.
  • Temple is open from 3 pm to 9 pm everyday.
  • Rajbhog is performed from 10.30 am to 11 am and the darshan is closed for it.
  • A special Shangar Aarti is performed on every Tuesdays and Saturdays at 7.00 am.
  • The evening aarti at Sarangpur Hanuman Temple is performed depending upon the sunsets.

Sarangpur Hanuman Temple Food Timings

Food is served free to all visitors at the temple’s dining room. This dining room is run by the temple’s trust as well as the Swaminarayana temple located in the same complex. Around 5,000 people take prasad in the form of lunch daily. On donations to the temple, one is given prasad in the form of sukhdis which is a Gujarati sweet.

  • The Bal Bhog is served from 6:30 to 7:30 in the morning.
  • The Raj Bhog is served from 10:30 to 11:00 in the morning.

Sarangpur Hanuman Temple – Aarti Details

Devotees chant the Swaminarayan Mahamantra while going around the Sarangpur Hanuman Temple.

Mangla Aarti: “Jai Kapi Balvanta” is the Aarti of Sarangpur Hanuman Temple. The Mangala Aarti or Aarti which takes place at 5:30 am is done by waving a piece of lighted camphor in circles around an idol of God. The Deities offer the first darshan of the day, signifying the auspicious beginning of the day for devotees.

Shangar Aarti: Shangar aarti done at 7:00 am is performed every Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Shangar means adornments. During this aarti, the Deities are dressed and adorned.

Rajbhog Aarti: During the Rajbhog aarti takes place from 10:30 am to 11:00 am. Royal offerings of the mid-day meal are offered to the devtas.

Sandhya Aarti: This aarti is performed during the evening depending upon the timings of the sunset. Devotees gather to seek the darshan of the deity and offer their prayers during the Sandhya Aarti.

Shayan Aarti: After the Shayan Aarti, the darshan is closed for the devotees. It signifies that the Deities are about to retire for the night.

Significance of Sarangpur Hanuman Temple

  • During darshan, one will come out via the famous well whose water is considered very holy. It is a belief that the statue of Lord Hanuman was found in this well before about 350 years and the temple was constructed at the same place.
  • It is famous around the world for expelling spirits and ghosts from people plagued with such problems. The priests perform a puja vidhi near the well of the temple. It takes around a couple of hours to do this procedure.
  • It is required to reach in the early morning if you are interested in such vidhi. A large number of people in India make it a point to begin their work only after visiting Shri Hanumanji. They visit every Saturdays to offer Puja and Prasad without fail.
  • The affected or inflicted person in the grip of the evil spirit is ordained to circumambulate the shrine a number of times for getting rid of the megative impact permanently. They take the special oath and recite the Swaminarayan Mahamantra.

Sarangpur Hanuman Temple History

The people who are affected by evil spirits seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman to drive away the negative spirits by a single mere look.

Due to the blessing of Gopalanand Swami to Vagha Khachar, who invoked Hanumanji with his wand, to be ever present in the idol to drive out such evils. He decided to install the idol of Hanuman and dedicate his income to the temple. Till today, hundreds of devotees come to Lord Hanuman seeking his blessings so that their problems are eradicated and peace is instilled.

As the idol of the Lord Hanuman in the Sarangpur Hanuman Temple was installed by Gopalanand Swami, there are records of a writer named Raymond Williams which says that while installing the idol, Swami touched it with a rod that enthused life into it and made it move. Now this rod has been covered in silver color. This tale has turned into a belief amongst devotees who vouch for the healing ritual performed at this temple.

In 1899, Kothari Gordhandas of Vadtal appointed Shastri Yagnapurushdas to manage the affairs of the Sarangpur Hanuman Temple. Shastri Yagnapurushdas renovated the site, build adjacent bungalow and also acquired more land for the complex to bring it to its current state.

Sarangpur Hanuman Temple
Sarangpur Temple at present

Festivals celebrated here

Hanuman Jayanti Mahotsav: Hanumath Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Hanuman, the Vanara god, widely venerated throughout India. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and spirit among the devotees of Lord Hanuman. Devotees from all over the country visit the temple to offer the prayers and to perform the rituals. The devotees visit temples and apply tilaka of sindoor to their foreheads from Hanuman’s idol. The event is celebrated on the 15th day of the Shukla Paksha, during the month of Chaitra

Hanuman Jayanti

Sundar Kand: Sundar Kand is celebrated in the month of October or November. It is a book that depicts the adventures of Hanuman. Sundara Kanda is the only chapter of the Ramayana in which the hero is not Rama, but rather Hanumana. This lesson is recited by religious Hindus, preferably on Tuesdays or Saturdays.

Holi: Holi is a two-day festival which starts on the Purnima. The first day is known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi while the second day is known as Rangwali Holi, Dhuleti, Dhulandi or Dhulivandan. It is identified as a festival that celebrated agriculture, commemorated good spring harvests, and the fertile land. Devotees arrive at the Sarangpur Hanuman Temple to celebrate this festival of colors.

Sarangpur Temple Live Aarti Darshan

If you wish to witness the sheer glory of the Kashtbhanjandev Aarti Darshan LIVE then see below. It is an extravagant affair where hundreds of Hanuman bhaktas pour in this shrine and seek the Lord’s blessings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=j565LXaPREE

How to reach Sarangpur Temple?

By Air: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad is the nearest airport. The distance between Ahmedabad to Hanuman Temple, Sarangpur is 159 km 903 meters. The distance and travel time would change accordingly and also as per the traffic and road conditions and it takes approximately 2 hrs 40 mins to cover the distance.

By Train: The distance between Botad Railway Station to Sarangpur Hanuman Temple which is 73 km and 168 meter. It takes approximately 1 hour 45 mins to cover the distance.

By Road: The Dhandhuka taluka (50 km) is well linked with all foremost towns and cities by road. There is also many bus stops situated at Sarangpur.

Hotels nearby: Where to stay?

There are many hotels available to stay near the Sarangpur temple. There is also a Dharamshala nearby. Some of the places to check in include:

  • Hotel Hilton:  GJ SH 36, Gujarat 382450
  • The Parkland Hotel: Behind Swaminarayan Temple, Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
  • Hotel Manila: Opposite Railway Station, Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
  • Hotel Samir: Ahead Cadila Railway Cross, GIDC Industrial Estate, Vatva Road, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
  • Lakshmi Hotel: N H No.8, Opposite Mony Hotel, Isanpur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
  • Shere Punjab Hotel: Sindhi Market, Under Railway Fly Over, Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
  • Tulsi Dining Hall: Near Patel Bhavan, Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
  • Prithvi Hotels Gujarat Private Limited: L G Corner, Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
  • Moscow Hotel:  Near Maninagar Post Office, Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
  • Hotel Marvellous Private Limited: Near Apsara Cinema, Kankaria, Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Places to visit near Sarangpur

Shiv Shakti Temple: This temple is situated at Abhapur where the principal deity of worship is Lord Shiva. There are images of Surya Dev and his consort Suryani in the temple and hence, this temple is also known as the Sun Temple. The temple situated on a low height hillock is an excellent example of Nagar shaily. This Sun Temple is unique with it a statue of Lord Shiva, which showing different moods on the face as per your elevation of viewing, this is “Chaturangi” type temple.

Shree Jagannath Temple: The Jagannath Temple dedicated to the Hindu God Jagannath hosts the annual chariot festival, Rath Yatra. The rath yatra entourage passes through different parts of the city of Ahmedabad covering a distance of about 14-km.

Bhadrakali Maa Temple: Bhadrakali Maa Temple is known as one of the oldest and ancient temple in Located inside Bhadra Fort, Near Lal Darwaja, in the Ahmedabad city, Gujarat. Bhadrakali Temple was built during the ruler of Mega city Ahmedabad namely Aazam Khan. The Bhadra fort once encompassed Approximately 12 gates, 189 bastions, and 6000 battlements.

Ayodhyapuram Jain Temple: The temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Rishabh Dev, the first Jain Tirthankara. Shri Ayodhyapuram Teerth located at Gujarat is a Jain pilgrimage centre.  The teerth kshetra was built under the inspiration of Panyas Pravar Spiritual Head Sri Abhaysagarji Maharaj Saheb.  A large stone weighing about 300 tonnes was brought from a mine about 70 kms away from Jaipur to this place. The idol of the Lord was carved here. The walls and pillars of the temple are adorned with specimens of ancient art. The idol has been beautifully carved from a single stone.

ISKCON Temple: The ISKCON Temple in Ahmedabad is located close to the Gujarat Samachar Press. This temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. The ISKCON Temple in Ahmedabad offers the perfect spot for mediation. The temple with its calm and peaceful atmosphere offers the perfect spot to spend some quiet time with oneself. The temple hosts festivals such as Janmastami which is the birthday of Lord Krishna and is attended by a large number of people from across the state.

Shri Bhimnath Temple: The Bhimnath Mahadev temple is located in Akot. According to the well-known archaeologist V H Sonawane, the period of the city’s founding can be traced from the pavement stones used at this temple which bear the mason marks dating back to the 2nd century BC. It was the spot where the first human settlement came up along the Vishwamitri River, which is almost 2,200 years ago.

FAQs on Sarangpur Temple

What are the general temple timings of Sarangpur Hanuman Temple?

9:00 am to 8:00 pm are the standard timings of Shri Hanuman Mandir.

Am I allowed to take pictures inside Sarangpur Temple?

No, you are not allowed photography. It is strictly prohibited.

What does Kashtbhanjan mean?

The word Kashtbhanjandev means ‘crusher of sorrows’.

What is Sarangpur famous for?

Sarangpur is famous for its Shri Hanuman Mandir where devotees seek the blessings of the almighty Hanumana to eliminate negative spirits from their mind.

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