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Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir

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Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir: Confluence of Scenic Beauty and Devotion

Matheran is a famous hill station in the district of Raigad in the town of Karjat. It is the smallest hill station in India that attracts lakhs of tourists every year. Matheran is a beautiful tourist destination that attracts many tourists to visit it. The beautiful old british style architecture is preserved in Matheran. For those who want to savor the delights of this scenic beauty, the 38 peaks offer the best views of the hill station. There are indeed many view points in Matheran which will give the panoramic view of the plains below. It offers stunning views of the Sahyadri ranges  and an amazing view of the lights of Mumbai. The various tourist attractions in this place are worth paying for the one who loves the nature beauty. Till date Matheran has maintained and retained the 19th Century colonial ambience. One of the oldest temples located in the hill station of Matheran in the state of Maharashtra in Western India is the Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir. It is one of the few places where there is a presence of Swayambhu Linga which means that it is not build by anybody. The main deity of this temple is Pisharnath who is the village deity. Due to this, the temple is of great significance for the people. The Lingam appears to the devotees as the shape of “L” and it is largely covered with sindhoor. As a result of natural phenomena the stones or the ice forms itself into the shape of Shiva Linga. This temple is located at a height of about 2625 feet above the sea level and is the only hill station in Asia that is free of automobiles. It is located on the banks of a lake which is now known as ‘Charlotte’.

Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir

History and Legend of Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir

  • The shivling in the Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir dates back to such a long time that nobody knows how old it is. Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir  itself is in a dense forested area and the location of the temple is very old. The lingam of Shiva here is considered to the family deity of the folks in the village and they come here to offer prayers at times of all ceremonies and functions.
  • The three main powers which are worshipped by Hindus as their Trimurthis and the most important of these Trimurthis is lord Shiva or Mahadev that is considered to be biggest of all Devs. The most common form of Shiva that is found is most temples is the Linga and there are a few places where there is the presence of the Swayambu Linga. The Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir is one such Swayambu Linga and so this becomes a significant place.
  • During the British era, this hill station was a place for the colonial rulers to escape the hot and humid weather. It was a beautiful escape from the city life. The local railway station for which is built by Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy in 1907 is one of the main attractions of this hill station.

Significance of the Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir

  • Like many Hindu temples, Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir is not constructed with distinctively identifiable features like spires and towers. Besides, the temple is a small red building made out of wood and brick and has a tin roof above it that is built at two different levels. The four walls of the temple are set with windows extending from one end of the wall to the other, and the main entry is gated with a massive thick wooden door. It is believed that devotees can attain iha-para saukhyamsor joys of the mortal and immortal world by praying at this temple. It has great significance among the pilgrims and devotees.
  • The villagers here still follow a culture and they believe that this Shiv Ling is what protects them from all of the trouble and guards them through the day and the night. There is a strong belief about the bad forces that haunt these woods and so, the importance of the shrine becomes multifold as the people come here to pray for their safety from these forces.
  • The temple is set in a beautiful place and gives peace to the visitors in its silent beauty. The scenic surroundings of the temple only helps to amplify the spiritual purity of the place. It offers not only religious and spiritual enrichment but also an unparalleled scenic beauty and gives a great peace of mind.

Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir Timings

The timings of the temple are for 6.00 AM to 12.30 PM and 4.00PM to 9.30PM for the devotees.One of the best time to visit this temple is from September to November and February to March.

Festivals celebrated at the Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir

MahaShivaratri:

Mahashivratri is celebrated on a grand scale here. It is the hindu festival of India celebrated annually in reverence of the God Shiva. Number of devotees come to visit the temple. It is believed that Lord Shiva goes to meet Lord Rama in the Rama Temple and there is a procession through the market of the hill station.

Ram Navami:

It is celebrated with Lord Rama visiting Lord Shiv in the Temple, again with a procession and celebrations throughout the market. Both those days are of major importance with the localites and the procession of the Gods are done in Palkhis!

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air : Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, which is 187 km away from Raigad, is the nearest airport. All the major airlines have service from Mumbai to all major cities in India and many cities abroad including Singapore, Hong Kong, Colombo and gulf countries. Taxis are available from Mumbai to Raigad and costs about Rs 3,000.

By Train : Vir Dasgaon railway station is the nearest railhead to Raigad. This station is connected to Mumbai and Pune with regular trains. Taxi services are available from Vir Dasgaon to Raigad. A Journey by the railways is recommended as it gives the visitors an opportunity to see the beautiful scenery along the way. Moreover, toy trains plying between Neral and Matheran will drop you at the Matheran railway station itself that gives the visitors an experience of a beautiful journey followed by an arrival at a historical landmark.

By Road:  Taxis are another way to get around town. They can be hired from nearby cities and used for local transport as well. Taxis charge around Rs 1500 per day.  A/C taxis and SUV’s such as Toyota Qualis are also available. State transport offer bus regular and frequent services from Mumbai and Pune to Raigad. Raigad is well connected to all neighboring cities by the public transport buses, including Kolhapur (250 km), Pune (102 km), Mumbai (187 km) and Mahabaleshwar (75 km). Public bus charge is less than Rs 4 per km. If you choose to go by car, Matheran is a short hundred kilometre drive from Mumbai. You can leave your car at Dasturi point and take a pony or a hand pulled rickshaw till the main market place from here.

Local Transport: There is a toy train that takes you to the hill station, then there are hand rickshaws that will take passengers up the hill. The best thing to do would be to trek up Matheran and then visit the temple.

Hotels in Matheran: Where to stay

There are many good hotel in Matheran where one can stay. Starting with all prices.

Where to eat

There are various hotels around that offers a wide variety of food, for vegetarians as well as non vegetarians. There are also small market places besides the road. Chikki of matheran is very famous, which is a confection made of gram flour, jaggery and cashew nut. Nariman Chikki Mart located near the railway station in Matheran, is by far the most popular. For the snacks purpose there is Mumbai’s most famous Vada Pav and other foods like Misal, Usal and Jalebi. Food here is the mixture of Maharashtrian and Gujarati dishes. So there are many restaurants in Matheran that will offer the pure Vegetarian meal.

If you want to try the Gujarati thali than Hotel Gujarat Bhavan and Hotel Regal are the best places to go. Hotel Laxmi also offers the traditional Gujarati food but it is less spicy. Besides there are other restaurants Garden View restaurant, Dilawar Bakery that offers you an amazing bakery stuff, Tree Top Restaurant, Deepak Restaurant and many more.

Nearby Temples

Ambarnath Temple: This temple is located on Mumbai-Pune railway line at Akoli. The ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been constructed during 1060. The shrine of Ambarnath is believed to have been built by King Mahamandaleshwar. It is among the revered shrines of the region.

Ram Mandir: The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is visited by devotees from different places. The shrine is bounded by the famous market road where one can obtain various accessories and is popular visiting spot.

Shiv Mandir: This temple was built in 1893 by Shri Jagmohandas Samuldas, a Kapol vanik. Mahashivratri  vastly celebrated throughout Matheran, where the Lord Shiva goes to meet Lord Rama in the Rama Temple and there is a procession through the market of the hill station.

Shivaji’s Ladder: Shivaji’s Ladder and its steps look like a ladder and goes down from One Tree hill point to the Matheran valley. It is said that the Chathrapathi Shivaji Maharaj was using the place as a way for his pleasure trips and hunting options in the Matheran hills. It was rediscovered in 1850 by Hugh Mallet the then collector of Thane District under British rule.

Prabal Fort: The historical fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from Mughal. It is Located on top of Prabal Hills at 2325 feet above sea level, the fort is located 8 km from Panvel. The fort had two gateways and eleven towers in the fortifications and in the year 1818, the gateways were destroyed in the fights.

Other Tourist attractions include

Charlotte Lake: Also known as Sharlott Lake, Charlotte Lake is the prime source of drinking water to Matheran and was built in 1956. The picturesque lake is nested in lusting greenery and attracts many visitors during monsoon.

Alexander Point: It is Located near post office, other 2-3 points, Towers of Bhivpuri Power House, Karjat Palasdari Lake, Borgaon Village are visible.

Echo Point: Echo Point is the central point of the Matheran and most popular among other points. The point offers a panoramic view of the hill station. Echo point is known for echo of screams and yells can be heard from here.

Panthers Caves (Waghachi Gufa): Panthers caves is group of thirty rock caves. Some of these natural caves are dry and some little bit muddy. It is said that a tiger used to live in these caves. The natural formation of the caves attracts many tourists for exploring the unique entity.

Morbe Dam: The dam is built by Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaranon Dhavari River near Khalapur, Raigad district. Morbe Dam is located around 30 km Matheran and popular for weekend picnic from Mumbai and Pune.

Toy Train: Toy train is essentially the travel attraction of Matheran. Moving through the scenic beauty gives a very and calming experience to the visitors.

One Tree Hill Point: Located on Shivaji road within 3 km from post office. A tent Hill, Chowk Village, Mumbai-Pune Highway and Panvel City are visible from here.

The other tourist attraction includes the Louisa Point, Panorama Point, Monkey Point, Garbut Point, King George Point, Mount Berry, Khandala Point and many other.

Brahma Temple Pushkar – Timings, Poojas, and History

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The Jagatpita Brahma Mandir popularly known as the Brahma Temple Pushkar is a famous Hindu temple that is situated in the holy town of Pushkar in Rajasthan. The temple is the most prominent of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma and is legendary in many ways.

The sacred Pushkar Lake is situated close to the temple. This temple is about 2000 years old and is built of marble and stone stabs. The temple holds the images of the creator Lord Brahma along with his second major consort Goddess Gayatri.

Pushkar is also famous due to the popular Pushkar camel fair that is held every year in the city on the occasion of Kartik Poornima (full moon day). This is the time when camel trading is practiced and many people decorate their camel to make them participate in beauty contests held popularly here.

Many NRIs and local tourists visit Pushkar at this time to take part in the celebrations and to enjoy the festivities and the culture of the desert state of Rajasthan. The town also borders the Thar Desert of Rajasthan and this also makes it a major tourist attraction from which all the major towns of the state can be visited and the essence and beauty of the desert state of Rajasthan can be experienced.

Brahma Temple Pushkar History

Mythology suggests that when Lord Brahma saw the demon Vajranabha who was trying to kill his children and was harassing people, he slew the demon with his the lotus-flower weapon and when the lotus petals fell, they landed on three places that were turned to three lakes: the Jyeshta Pushkar, the Madhya Pushkar Lake, and Kanishta Pushkar Lake.

When Lord Brahma came to the earth, he named this place as Pushkar which is an amalgamation of the words Push (flower) and Kar (hands). Thus, since the place became the most significant place for the followers of Lord Brahma.

Lord Brahma wanted to perform a Yagya at the Pushkar Lake and to peacefully perform this yagya without any interruptions from the demons who wanted to stop the yagya, he created hills around Pushkar and positioned the Gods to protect this yagya from any evil forces. Since his wife Savitri could not be around during the yagya, Brahma married a Gurjar girl named Gayatri and then completed his yagya with Gayatri holding the Amrit pot on her head.

When Savitri arrived and found Gayatri sitting next to Lord Brahma she cursed Lord Brahma that he will never be worshiped and later reduced this curse then permitting his worship only in Pushkar. Thus, Brahma Temple Pushkar is the only temple that is dedicated to Brahma and holds a special place in Hinduism and among the holy men of the country.

Significance of Brahma Temple Pushkar

Although the Pushkar temple is not the only Brahma temple in the country still it is one of the very few existing temples that are dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. It is also the most prominent temple that is dedicated to Brahma.

Scriptures have identified the Pushkar Lake along with the Brahma temple as one of the prominent ten religious places in the world and it is also one of the five sacred pilgrimages for the Hindus, in India. Thus, Pushkar has become synonymous with pilgrimages and India and many holy sages have made it their prime abode.

Brahma Temple Pushkar Timings

  • Brahma Temple Pushkar is open from 5 AM to 9 PM.
  • Many major Poojas and Aartis are performed in the temple thrice a day and it is also witness to a major religious activity on every full moon and new moon in the month.

Brahma Temple Pushkar is also home to many other smaller temples which have their own priests and many religious activities also take place in these smaller temples. They do not allow the visitors to take the belongings inside and they need to be deposited in a safe locker outside the temple gates.

Festivals Celebrated at Brahma Temple Pushkar

The holy Brahma Temple Pushkar is dedicated to Lord Brahma and since Kartik Poornima is a major festival that is dedicated to Lord Brahma thus a major religious get together and a fair is held at Pushkar during this time. During this festival time, a large number of holy men and pilgrims visit this temple and set up camps to stay for the 5-day long fest.

They generally indulge in the ritual of bathing in the sacred Pushkar Lake after which they visit the Brahm temple and pray there. The temple is governed by Sanyasi sect of the priesthood.

The Pushkar fair is a major attraction for the devotees as well as the foreign tourists during this time and the whole city gears up for the fair and the festival months in advance. Many camps, hotels, and eating points throve upon this time and thus the fair also promotes tourism in Pushkar.

Also, there are many major markets and street markets set up during this time for the thousands of people who visit the fair. The city ensures that the visitors are accommodated properly during this time of the year.

Brahma Temple Pushkar Sevas and Poojas

Brahma Temple Pushkar is popular among the pilgrims and is also visited by the holy men and the sages who after taking a ceremonial sacred bath in the holy Pushkar Lake visit the Brahma temple where they worship his consort Gayatri and then visit the other temples.

As the temple opens for worship between morning 6:30 am and 8:30 pm during winter and from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm during summer, with an afternoon interval between 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm, three aratis are held: Sandhyaarati after sunset, Ratri Shayanarati about 5 hours after sunset and Mangalaarati which is held in the morning 2 hours before sunrise.

The holy priests at the Brahma temple follow strict religious practices and House-holders are never allowed to enter sanctum sanctorum to worship the deity. Only ascetics can perform puja to the deity. And the priests of this temple belong to the Parashargotra lineage. On Kartik Poornima every year, a religious festival is held in the honor of Lord Brahma. A fair is held when thousands of pilgrims bathe in the holy Pushkar Lake and various rites are held at this temple during the fair. The famous Pushkar Camel Fair is also held at this time.

How to reach Brahma Temple Pushkar

By Road– Can be reached from Ajmer in 30 minutes and Ajmer is well connected to all cities in the country.

By Rail – Ajmer is the nearby railway station from Pushkar at a distance of just 11kms and this railway station is connected to all major towns of the country through direct as well as indirect trains.

By Air – The nearest airport from Pushkar is Sanganer Airport at Jaipur at the distance of 146 km (91 mi). Jaipur is well connected with all the major cities in India. Ajmer can be easily reached from Jaipur through road as well as railways.

Thus, Ajmer and Pushkar can be easily reached from any major Indian city without making much change in means of transport.

Brahma Temple Pushkar Accommodation

Owing to Pushkar’s star status among backpackers, there are far more budget options than mid-range though many have a selection of mid range priced rooms. At the time of the camel fair, prices multiply up to three-fold or more and it’s essential to book several weeks ahead. People who visit Pushkar also stay in Ajmer which is a major town and extremely close to Pushkar and have many 3-star as well as 5-star hotels, motels, boarding houses as well as guest houses.

Where to eat

There are many restaurants, dhabas, and cafes in Pushkar and the food options are vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian. Some famous eating places are Honey & Spice , Cafe Nature’s Blessing , The Sixth Sense , The Laughing Buddha Cafe, Ombaba Restaurant, Cafe Lake View, Nirvana cafe and pizzeria, Tyagi’s Rooftop Restaurant , Hard Rock,  Narayan, Honey dew café, Budha Café, Tibetan Kitchen and many other restaurants that are also fit for the NRI visitors.

The city has a lot to offer in terms of the famous Rajasthani cuisine and many visitors relish the taste of this cuisine in the local vegetarian hotels and restaurants. But it has a lot to offer in terms of both Indian as well as international food which is important as many foreign tourists also backpack in the town.

Nearby Temples

  • Apart from Brahma Temple Pushkar, many other popular temples are also situated in Pushkar that is also of major significance among the Hindus. Here are some of these temples:
  • Chamunda Devi Temple located in the hills of Pushkar is one of the major Shakti Peeth and is a place of worship dedicated to Goddess Sati who is the female principal of Hinduism
  • Kanbay- Ksheer Sager Temple which is situated in the Pushkar forest on the bank of the river Nanda and is  significant as here Lord Brahma took birth from the navel lotus of Lord Vishnu.
  • Jamdagni Kund and Punch Kund Pushkar are situated 2.5 km away from Pushkar and the temple is dedicated    to five Pandavas and Lord Krishna.
  • Vaidhnath Temple Pushkar has one of the four important Shivaling and is considered as the re-creation of one of the 12 jyotirlingas (Know about them). There are five jyotirlingas in Maharashtra (What are they?)
  • The Atmateshwar Mahadev Temple is another major Shiva temple that is situated close to Pushkar.
  • Ajay Pal Temple is around 10 km from Pushkar and was built by Raja Ajay Pal who was the founder of Ajmer City.
  • Savitri Temple in Pushkar is surrounded on the three sides by hills and is a major Hindu worship site.
  • Rangnath Temple is a major Vishnu Temple which is one of the largest and one of the most imposing modern temples that is situated at the entrance of Pushkar.
  • Varah Temple, Pushkar is also a major Vishnu Temple and is the largest and one of the most ancient temples of Pushkar.

Pushkar is extremely close to another major pilgrimage of India- Ajmer. Ajmer city holds the Ajmer Sharif Dargah that holds special importance for both the Hindus and the Muslims of the country. The dargah is the resting place of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisty who was a major promoter of Sufism in India. There are many temples dedicated to Hinduism and Jainism in Ajmer. There are also major facilities in Ajmer for people visiting Pushkar in terms of transport and stay.

Pushkar has always been held as a town of great importance due to the Hindu scriptures and this has made it a popular tourist as well as the religious destination in the country. The town holds significance in terms of history as well as mythology. The priests and yogis who reside here have made this place extremely spiritual and this can be felt in the air of the town. Most Hindu tourists who visit Pushkar take back a lot in term of spiritualism and thus keep coming back to experience the utmost peace and bliss.

Vishnupad Mandir Gaya Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Vishnupad Mandir is one of the most attractive temples in Bihar. A large number of devotees come here every day to offer prayer and seek blessings. Vishnupad Mandir is located in Gaya which is 100 km away from Patna, the capital of Bihar.

Vishnupad Mandir is located on the banks of Falgu River and has a footprint of Vishnu incised into a block of basalt. People believe that Lord Vishnu killed Gayasur by placing his foot on Gayasur’s chest.

Gaya is equally important for Buddhists as this was the place where Lord Buddha preached the Fire Sermon i.e. Adittapariyaya Sutta to around 1000 agriculture workers who were fire-worshipers. The influence of Buddha’s discourse was so enormous that all of them converted to Buddhism.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73cKZu2eN78
Vishnupad Temple – Video

What are the timings of the Vishnupad Temple?

  • Vishnupad Mandir is open every day. The darshan timings are from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
  • Vishnupad Mandir does not remain closed even on public holidays and the timings remain the same.

What is the history of the Vishnupad Mandir?

  • Legends say that the date of construction of Vishnupad Mandir, Gaya is unknown. It is believed that Lord Rama along with Sita Mata visited this place.
  • The present building of the temple was built by the ruler of Indore, Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1787. The temple was built on the banks of the river Falgu.
  • On the southwest of the Vishnupad Temple, there is a Brahmajuni Hills which is built above 1000 stone steps. There are many other small temples near.
  • It is believed that once a demon named Gayasur committed a penance. It was said that whoever sees him would get salvation. And as it is known that salvation is attained if a person does something right in his life, everyone started attaining it easily.
  • To prevent bad people, Lord Vishnu asked Gayasur to go beneath the earth’s surface. Lord Vishnu himself sent Gayasur beneath the earth’s surface by keeping his right foot and pressing him under the earth surface.
  • While pushing Gayasur beneath the surface, Lord Vishnu’s footprint remained on the surface. This footprint is still visible and we can see it. This footprint has nine different signs symbols including Shankha, Chakram, and Gadham. These symbols are believed to be Lord Vishnu’s weapons.
  • After being pushed beneath the earth’s surface, Gayasur started pleading for food. That day Lord Vishnu said that every day there will be someone who will feed him food and whoever will feed him will be sent to heaven. It is believed that if Gayasur does not get food, he comes out.
  • It is also said that Lord Buddha meditated here for 6 years.

What is the significance of the Vishnupad Mandir?

Where is Vishnupad Temple
  • Vishnupad Mandir Gaya has the footprint of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that this footprint happened when Lord Vishnu kept his right foot on the chest of the demon.
  • The footprint which we can see inside is around 40 cm long surrounded by silver-plated basin.
  • The height of the temple is 30 meter and has 8 rows of beautifully carved pillars. These pillars support the pavilion.
  • Vishnupad Mandir Gaya is built with large grey granite blocks which are joined with iron clamps.
  • The octagonal shrine of Vishnupad Temple faces east. The pyramidal tower of the shrine is 100 meters tall. There is a slope in the temple with alternately indented and plain sections. All these plain sections are set at an angle to create a series of peaks at the top, joined.
  • There is an immortal banyan tree where the final rituals for the dead are done. This banyan tree is named Akshayabat.
  • There is a gold flag and a couple of Kalash at the top of the Temple which always glitter. it is said that two thieves once tried to steal them, but one thief became stone at the temple and the other became stone and fell on the ground. These stones are not in the shape of humans, but a flat stone. These stones are kept for public view.
What is the history of the Vishnupad Temple

How to reach the Vishnupad Temple?

How to reach Vishnupad Temple
  • By Rail: The Vishnupad Temple is located 3 km south of Railway Station.
  • By Air: It takes around 17 mins from cab or taxi to reach Vishnupad Temple. The nearest airport is 7 km away from Vishnupad Temple. Patna airport is around 135 km away from Vishnupad Temple.
  • By Road: This temple is well connected by road to many places like Gaya, Nalanda, Rajgir, Patna, Varanasi, Calcutta.

Where to stay in Gaya?

There are many places to stay in Gaya, Bihar. Gaya has a large number of a tourist attraction so there are plenty of places to stay while touring in Gaya. There are many hotels as well as the private organization which takes good care of the people. There are 5-star hotels as well as hotels with nominal charges according to the traveller’s budget. The charges of the hotels are very nominal as they keep the needs and demands of the customers in their mind. These hotels provide wifi, hygienic food and clean environment.

What are the places to eat in Gaya?

There are many restaurants in Gaya. Being a tourist attraction place, this city has a large number of restaurants as well as cafes. Every day there are a large number of tourist and devotees come here so there are a large number of places where one can eat. There are places like Multi-cuisine Restaurant, Hari Om Cafe, Khushi Family Restaurant, Siam Thai and many more.

What are some temples near Mahabodhi Temple?

  • Mahabodhi Temple: The Mahabodhi Temple is an ancient Buddhist Temple in Bodh Gaya. Bodh Gaya is about 96 km from Patna, Bihar, India. Mahabodhi literally means the Great Awakening and it is said that Buddha has attained enlightenment in this location. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Sankata Maaka Mandir: This temple is the greatest tourist attraction of Gaya. This place gives inner peace and relaxes one’s mind and body. This place helps in making many great memories. Gaya is a place to visit after a busy weekday.
  • Mangala Gauri Temple: This temple is dedicated to Maa Mangala Gauri. Maa Mangala Gauri is a benevolent incarnation of Shakti. The temple has been mentioned in the Puranas and Tantric texts. It is said after Lord Shiva’s tandav and Sati’s self-immolation, her breasts fell in this place after a temple was made named Maa Gauri Temple. It is located at the top f the Mangalagauri Hills.
  • Pretshila Hills: Pretshila is a sacred place for Hindus. Pindas has been offered here for the ancestors here by many devotees. According to Hindu mythology, God Yama resides on the summit of the hill. This hill also known as Rock of Ghosts was earlier used for spirit worship but was later transformed into ancestral worship.
  • Phalgu River Ghats: The name Phalgu is derived from two words, Phala meaning merit and Gau meaning wish-giving cow. This place is used for performing ancestral rites. Two streams called Lilajan and Mohana originates from Korambe Pahar which is a high hill about 75 km south of Gaya, meet about 5 km south of Gaya. Lilajan is also the old name of Niranjana, a river in which the Buddha bathed and finally released his begging bowl.
Gaya

What are the places to visit in Gaya?

  • Tibetan Refugee Market: It is a place where you can buy lots of junk jewellery, bags and clothes. This is a very good market and all the product has a reasonable price. There are also books which help in knowing the history and culture of the Buddhist community very well. One can even buy Lord Buddha’s statue made of sandalwood or metal with various poses and moods. One can every buy handicraft items. This market has an open-bazaar system.
  • Dhamma Bodhgaya International Vipassana Meditation Centre: One of the most popular Vipassana centres in Bodh Gaya is Dhamma Yoga which is a favourite centre all across India. Courses here are usually of 10 days long, with some special one lasting for up to 20 days. All the courses begin in the evening for the first day and end on the morning of the next. There is a strict code of discipline which one must follow, so make sure you understand these rules before applying. You’ll need to take a form from their website and check for availability and course schedules to be a part of their Vipassana camps.
  • International Meditation Centre: Head to the International Meditation Centre to learn and participate in Vipassana Meditation, one of the most sophisticated forms of Yoga. This centre is run by trained professionals. This centre is a very good place where one can meet other yoga enthusiasts. The camps help by this centre helps in throwing away stress. You can join and complete a course of any duration that you please, at any time of the year. Run mostly on donations since 1970, the prices here are pretty affordable.

What are some other temples to visit in Bihar?

  • Baidyanath Dham: Baba Baidyanath Dham or Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. This temple of Shiva is in Deoghar in Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand. According to beliefs, the light of Jyotirlingam is the light of cosmos which is realized by the power of the soul as a whole.
  • Patan Devi Temple: This temple is one of the oldest and the most sacred temples of Patna, the capital city of Bihar state in India. This ancient temple, which was originally called Maa Sarvanand Kari Patneshwari, is believed to be the abode of the goddess Durga. The temple is regarded as one among the 51 Siddha Shakti Peethas of the country.
  • Mahavir Mandir: Mahavir Mandir Patna is located near Patna Junction and is devoted to Lord Hanuman. Thousands of devotees come here each day to offer prayer and seek the blessing of Lord Hanuman. It is also called “Manokamana Temple” as it is said that each and every wish of devotees is granted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Vishnupad Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Vishnupad Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No, there is no online darshan facility available.

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets into the temple?

No. All electronic gadgets are prohibited in the temple premises (viz. mobile, camera, laptop). Free storage of the same is available at the entrance of the temple.

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

No. No such facilities are available. Although, a wheelchair can be made available upon request.

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

No. No such facilities are available.

What is the best time to visit Gaya?

The months of November to February is very ideal to visit the Vishnupad and the other temples located in Gaya.

What is the weather like during the summers?

The summers at Gaya start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 45 º C.

What are winters like in Gaya?

In Gaya, winters start in November and continue until February. The temperatures during this time are around 20 º C. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant.

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

Sarangpur Hanuman Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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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.

Dwarkadhish Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

, 30 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.