Akshardham

Akshardham is a homage to the Sarafan DAa/ma in stone. The monument which is set in a 23-acre plot at Gandhinagar (Gandhinagar district) is built in pink sandstone. It is 108 feet tall and 6000 tonnes of stone has gone into its making. A point worth noting is that this modern monument to Hinduism was built as per the injunctions of Vastu Shastra. Not a bit of steel has been used.

The monument stands on $7 sculpted pillars, 210 single-piece stone beams, 57 window grills, M domes, eight ornate zarokhas, etc. The sanctum sanctorum contains a 1.2 tonne gold-plated idol of Lord Swaminarayan, the founder of the sect that bears his name. The 7-foot idol is shown in a sitting posture with his right hand raised in abhay mudra. He is flanked by Swami Gunatitanand on his right and Swami Gopalanand Swami on his left. Both of them were his disciples. Swami Gunatitanand is called Swaminarayan's Akshardham the eternal abode. According to the Swaminarayan philosophy whenever Lord Swaminarayan incarnates on this planet he brings with him his Akshardham.

Gunatitanand Swami is also called Aksharbrahma and ranks second in the hierarchy of the Bochasanvasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha which built the Akshardham monument.

Inspiring episodes and incidents from the glorious history of Sanatan Dharma are presented in sound and light form for the benefit of the visitors. The show takes the visitors through various facets of Hinduism. So far millions of people have visited the monument since its inception on November 2,1992. They have been able to savour the story of Hinduism and to imbibe the message of universal peace and brotherhood. The wisdom of the Vedas, the Puranas is depicted on a crowded canvas by the exhibition. The visitor comes face to face with personages who have made this land what it is.

It is a perfect mix of modernity and ancient values. Apart from Lord Ram going in search of his kidnapped wife, the visitor can see Shravan, the dutiful son, the Pandavas losing the game of dice in the Hastinapur palace, etc. Besides the visitors can see Sabari's long wait for Ram and Draupadi's humiliation in the Kauravasabha.

The Hall of Harmony projects world religious side by side. The monument is ringed by aparikrama containing 365 stone pillars.

A rare combination of tradition and expertise, Akshardam in Gandhinagar explicates the richness of Indian culture. A famous temple of the Swaminarayan sect, this cultural complex is a marvel in architecture. What makes this amazing structure so wonderful is the fact that not even a single rod of steel is used in its construction. It is learnt that the service and devotion of thousands of believers make this bewitching structure a reality. Intricately carved pink sandstone gives an enchanting look to the entire complex.

Akshardham is just not a temple but it is a centre of excellence in the field of education and enlightenment. This holy shrine houses not only the 7 feet gold statue of Lord Swaminarayan, but it houses three exhibition halls highlighting the richness of Indian Culture. These halls conduct light and sound shows, a multimedia show and an animatronics show to propagate the centuries old ethnicity of Indian society.

How To Reach

Air
Nearest Airport is located at Ahmedabad.

Rail
Nearest Railway stations are at Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad.

Road
State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect various centres of Gujarat.
 

Ambaji

Ambaji (Banaskantha district) is the seat of Ambe Mata, the mother goddess. Hers is a household name in the state. People pay homage to her during Navratri in song and dance. She is an aspect of goddess Parvati Shiv's consort. Amba or Ambe Mata is shown riding a tiger during the Navratri celebrations. Navratri in Gujarat is comparable to the worship of Saraswati i

Hindus do not believe in gender bias where divinities are concerned. Krishna says in the Gita, "I am the father of this universe and even the source of the father. I am the mother of the universe and the creator of all." The logic is simple. If god is our father why can't he be our mother? Ambe Mata is the Adya Shakti- the primordial female power the mother goddess.

The Ambaji temple which is situated on the Arasur hill in the Aravali Range does not contain any idol. It has only a yantra engraved in a niche. The shrine is made of marble. Large number of devotees visit the shrine during the Purnima Airs held on the full moon day of Kartik, Chaitra, Bhadrapad and also Navratri is celebrated on a grand scale here.

Ambaji is one of the 64 Shakti Piths. The Shakti Piths have been established at those places where the pieces of Sati's body fell. It came about this way. Shiv's father-in-law Daksha Prajapati felt insulted when the son-in-law did not stand up to receive him. In order to slight him he organized ayagna and did not invite Shiv. Sati went to the yagna uninvited. She too felt slighted when people failed to take note of her presence. According to Puranas she fell into the sacrificial fire. Shiv picked up her body and rushed about in great grief. Vishnu had to intervene. He cut up the body with his discus, so that Shiv may regain his composure. According to tradition one of the pieces fell at Ambaji.

A short distance from Ambaji is the Gabbar Hill. It is said that the goddess revealed herself on the Hill and left her footprints.

How To Reach

Air

 Rail

The nearest Railhead to is Palanpur located 60 kms. by road from Ambaji. Palanpur is 144 kms. by Rail from Ahmedabad.

Road

Ambaji is 179 kms. by road from Ahmedabad.

Dakor

The priests at Dwarka temple were naturally upset at the turn of events. They somehow or other wanted to get back the stone-idol of Ranchhodrai (Krishna). Both at Dwarka and Dakor Krishna is known Ranchhodrai. It is said that he ran away from battle when Kalyavan attacked him as an ally of Jarasandh. So Krishna is called Ranchhodrai - one who ran away from the battle. The priest of Dwarka knew that Bholanath was a poor man. So they told him that he should either pay for the stone idol in gold or return it. The only golden ornament the poor devotee had was his wife's nose ring. When the idol and the nose ring were placed in the scales they were found to be equal in weight. That is how Krishna changed his residence from Dwarka to Dakor for the convenience of a devotee. The belief is the Krishna idol of Dakor was originally from Dwarka.

On every Sharad Purnima a big fair Is held at Dakor. Gujaratis venerate Krishna and Dakor provides an important link in this.

How To Reach

Air : Various domestic airlines connect Ahmedabad to Delhi, Bombay, Daman, Pune.

Rail : It is on Anand Godhra broad-gauge railway line and connected to Nadiad and Godhra by a state highway.

Road : The State Transport Bus services connect Dakor with Nadiad, Ahmedabad, Kapadwanj, Baroda, Anand, Sevalia, Godhra, Indore, Dwarika, Rajkot, Junagadh, Surenderanagar, Ujjain, Ambaji, Shamlaji, Bombay etc.

The State Transport Bus services connect Dakor with Nadiad, Ahmedabad, Kapadwanj, Baroda, Anand, Sevalia, Godhra, Indore, Dwarika, Rajkot, Junagadh, Surenderanagar, Ujjain, Ambaji, Shamlaji, Bombay etc.

Dwarka

Dwarka is located on the western coast of Gujarat on the shore of the Arabian Sea. Dwarka is famous for the Dwarkadheesh temple (Jagat Mandir) built on the north bank of the Gomti River . Dwarka was destructed by the sea and present dwarka is the 7 th city built.

Dwarka is once of the seven holy cities of India . Lord Krishna spent 100 yrs here. The main temple is of Lord Dwarkadhish. There is temple of Lord Baladevaji to the right of the main temple. The main temple is five-story high with the lavishly carved conical spire rising to a height of 157 feet. Dwarka is also the site of Dwarka Pitha, also known as Kalika Pitha.

Dvaraka extended up to Bet Dwaraka (Sankhodhara) in the north and Okhamadhi in the south. Eastward it extended up to Pindara.

Janmashtami (birthday of Lord Krishna), celebrated in the month of August/September, is a major festival of Dwarka.

Dwarka (Jamnagar district) in ancient Anarta (Saurashtra) was the capital of Lord Krishna's terrestrial kingdom. He shifted to Kusasthali which was the old name of the region to escape the harassing raids of Kamsa's father-in-law Jarasandha on Mathura after Krishna had killed Kamsa. Kusasthali was Krishna's ancestral place on his mother's side. It was founded by Raivata, his Yadava ancestor after he had lost his kingdom to Punyajanas and migrated to Mathura for safety; then he came back to found Kusasthali. So Krishna's migration to the Dwarka was in the reverse order.

Dwarka which was known as Suvarna Dwarka (the golden Dwarka) had been very prosperous and hence got the name. The Dwarkadhish temple honours Krishna Bhagwan and attracts thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the country. The Dwarka of Krishna's time lies submerged under the Arabian Sea. Tradition has itthat Krishna's residence was at Bet Dwarka, a few kms from the mainland Dwarka.

The Dwarkadhish temple (also known as Jagat temple) and its Sikhar rises to 170 feet. The pataka or flag of the temple is changed three times a day. Pilgrims and devotees vie with one another to pay for the flag. There are special tailors to stitch it. Before hoisting the flag it is taken round the temple by the donor. The five-storeyed temple stands on 60 pillars. The pilgrims enter the temple by Swarg Dwar (the gateway of heaven) and leave by Moksh Dwar (the gateway of salvation).

The temple has rich carvings. The ancient shrine has been supported by kings and commoners alike from its inception. It is one of the important moksh dhams. The Gomti River flows nearby.

The other temples in Dwarka are the Trikamji temple, Kalyanrai temple, the Patrani temple, Durvas temple, etc. Sharda Pith set up by Adi Shankaracharya imparts instruction in Sanskrit. Darukvan in the region is one of the Jyotirlingas.

How To Reach

Air

Nearest Airport is Jamnagar (146 Kms.)

Rail

Connects Dwarka and Jamnagar, 132 kms. away. Connecting Mumbai (945 kms.) via Rajkot (270 kms.) and Ahmedabad (453 kms.). Dwarka lies on the metre gauge link between Viramgam and Okha.

Road

State transport buses and luxury coaches are available from different parts of Gujarat.

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Girnar

Mt.Girnar (Junagadh district) is a sacred hill both to the Hindus and Jains. The Jains call it Mt. Neminath. According to traditional history, Siddhas have used it as a retreat to undertake tapasya since ancient times. The 3660 feet hill is connected with Lord Krishna.

When Kalayavan, apparently a warrior of foreign origin, was chasing him, the Lord got the better of the powerful adversary in a curious way. Raja Muchkund was sleeping in one of the caves of Raivatachal mountain (the ancient name for Girnar.) He was taking rest after fighting on behalf of the gods. After his exertions Muchkund had only one desire rest and repose. He got a boon that whoever disturbed his sleep would be reduced to ashes when he opened his eyes. This boon Krishna knew. What better way to get rid of Kalyavan. So he pretended as if he was running away from Kalyavan and led him to the cave where the king was sleeping. Krishna covered Muchkund with his upper cloth. Kalyavan after the long chase mistook the sleeping figure for Krishna and woke him up and was reduced to ashes.

Girnar was known by different names at different periods-Ujjayant, Manipur, Chandraketupur, Raivat Nagar, Puratanpur, Girivar and Girnar. Of the sever peaks five are important Amba Mata, Gorakhnath, Augadh, Guru Datatreya and Kalika.

The pilgrims have to climb 4000 steps to reach the top. There are five important Jain temples, besides several Hindu shrines.

The most prominent Jain shrine is the rectangular Neminath temple which was completed between 1128 CE and 1159 CE. Neminath (the 22th Tirthankar) is carved in black marble with jewelled eyes. The courtyard is filled with sculptures. Further up is the Amba temple. Newlyweds who seek Mataji's blessings for a happy married life frequent it.

The Mallinath temple dedicated to the 19th Tirthankar was built in 1231 CE by Vastupal and Tejpal. Neminath is shown in blue colour. The Rishabhadev temple in golden colour has 24 Tirthankars. The Parshwanath temple was built in the 15th century. It is known as Meravasi. The Dattatreya hill is half way down the temple cluster.

It is best to start the climb in the morning. Bhavnath Shiv temple is the first shrine on the upward path. Bhartruhari cave, Sorath Mahal, Bhim Kund and Suryakund are the other important places. Gomukkhi Kund has pellucid water fed by a mountain stream. Hanuman Dharaand Kamandal are the other/rumfe.

How To Reach

Air

Keshod is the nearest Airport, 35kms. from Junagadh

Rail

Girnar is connected to Mumbai by the Girnar Express.

Road

Gondal

Gondal is a town about 40 km south of the city of Rajkot in the Rajkot District of the State of Gujarat. It was one of the eight first class princely states of Kathiawar agency during Bombay Presidency. The current population of town is around 200,000.

The Gondal state was founded in 1634 AD, the Gondal town lies on the banks of Gondali river.

Location of Gondal

Gondal ‘Gokuliya Gondal’ serves as the history of great royal places in Saurashtra. It situated itself at 21.-57.-30. longitude and 70.-50. latitude, surrounded by various districts such as Junagadh ,Rajkot & Jamnagar, The name Gondal seem to be blood insuled and does not require any instruction for the people of Saurashtra.

The people of the Gondal, like in most of the other parts of Saurashtra, are considered relatively religious. Some of the famous temples include Bhuvneshwari Mandir.

The Name ‘Gondal’

It is found from various literature that people of ‘Gond’ tribe lived here before several years, so the name is affiliated as Gondal . It is also believed that the town’s name was ‘Godal’ but as the people had difficulty in pronouncing it, it become Gondal. Certain other prediction tell us that 'Gaumandal' that is Cows place represents Gondal. All the views prescribed in nature as no resembling fact is available.

There are very few temples of Shri Bhuvaneshwari in India. One of the temple is situated on the bank of river Tungbhadra in the south India and an another is in the western India in Saurashtra at Gondal. Bhuvaneshwari Temple with the Pithastan is only at Gondal. This Temple with the Pithasthan was founded in 1946 A.D. by Brahmaleen Jagadguru Acharyashri Charantirthji Maharaj. Therein the Pranpratistha ceremony of the idol of Mataji was performed by Rev. Lalitaba, wife of Acharyashree.

The marble idol of Ma Bhuvaneshwari in the temple is glowing with divine splendor. She is in the sitting posture. Her personality has been described in the holy book Devi Bhagvata. Her divine personality engulfs the area and there is a deep serene atmosphere which gives a heavenly bliss.

Located in the town of Junagarh in Gujarat, the owners of the palaces of Gondal are descendants of Lord Krishna and the moon God, who ruled Gondal for more than 300 years. But it was in the late-19th and early-20th century under Maharjah Bhagwat Sinhji that Gondal grew into one of the most progressive princely states of the region with an efficient system of a taxless economy.

Under Maharjah Bhagwat Sinhji, Gondal became a progressive state where women were concerned. The Rajput system of 'Purdah' was abolished, education was made compulsory for girls and 'Zananas' (restricted women's wing) were no longer built in palaces. The present owner of the palaces of Gondal is the great - grandson of Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji.

Naulakha Palace

The oldest extant palace in Gondal, the 17th Century Naulakha palace is a festival of stone carvings with exquisite Jarokha balconies, a fabulous pillared stud courtyard, delicately carved arches and a unique spiral staircase. The private palace museum has an impressive display of silver caskets which carried messages and gifts for Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji on hills silver jubilee as ruler of Gondal, one of the many golden caskets received by him on his 50th anniversary, the weighing scales on which he was measured against silver and gold on the respective anniversaries, and princely relics.

The Royal Garages, Carriages And Salons

The royal garages, have an extensive collection of Vintage and classic cars a 1935 Mercedes, 1955 Cadillac Limousine, sports cars from the 1950s and '60s like the Mercedes 300 SL, Jaguar XK 150 and Chevrolet Camaro, and a fleet of 4 wheel drive vehicles from the WW-2 and post war period, and some contemporary sports cars. Most of these cars are restored and some bear the original Gondal state number plates. Located in the town of Junagarh in Gujarat, the owners of the palaces of Gondal are descendants of Lord Krishna and the moon God, who ruled Gondal for more than 300 years. But it was in the late-19th and early-20th century under Maharjah Bhagwat Sinhji that Gondal grew into one of the most progressive princely states of the region with an efficient system of a taxless economy . Under Maharjah Bhagwat Sinhji, Gondal became a progressive state where women were concerned. The Rajput system of 'Purdah' was abolished, education was made compulsory for girls and 'Zananas' (restricted women's wing) were no longer built in palaces. The present owner of the palaces of Gondal is the great - grandson of Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji.

Modhera

Constructed in 1026-27 A.D. during the reign of King Bhimdev of Patan, the temple is dedicated to Surya or the Sun God. Although it bears a dilapidated look, it is still a magnificent specimen of superb artistry of Gujarat's architects of the bygone days. Modhera's sun temple is positioned in such a manner that at the equinoxes the rising sun strikes the images in the sanctuary.It also incorporates an amusement park, a museum, a cafeteria, picture gallery and library.

The canvas on the walls and pillars depict the incidents from the Ramayan and the Mahabharat, and forms of gods and goddesses and the way of life of the people of that time. An interesting iconograph is one with three heads, three arms and three legs.

The temple was ruined by Mahmud of Gazni.

Adjoining the Sun Temple is the huge 'Sun Kund' (Rama Kund) surrounded by step-terraces with numerous smaller temples numbering about 108.

How To Reach

Air

Nearest Airport is at Ahmedabad 102 kms. away.

Rail

The nearest Railway station is Mehsana.

Road

2½ hours journey from Ahmedabad (119kms.). State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect various major towns and cities of Gujarat.

Palitana

Palitana temple is the most famous pilgrimage place for Jain.

There are more than 1200 temples located on the shetrunjaya hills The main temple at the top of the hill is dedicated to the first tirthankar Lord Adinath. There are hundreds of other temples on the shetrunjaya hills. All temples are carved in marble.

The sculptures that adorn the marble temples present a feast to the eyes. You need not be a Jain to admire the spectacle. Generations of Jams all over the country have contributed their mite to make Shatrunjay Hill what it is today. It is said all the Jain Tirthankars, excepting Neminath, had attained nirvan on Shatrunjay Hill. This fact adds to the veneration the devout have for the place. The place is therefore called Siddhakshetra where one attains moksh.

The mountain is associated with Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar who is also known as Adinath. The main temple at the top contains his idol in padmasan. He belonged to the Ikshvaku Dynasty of Ayodhya. So Rama was his ancestor. Adinath visited the Shatrunjay Hill 93 times.

The temple chain starts with the shrine constructed by Babu Dhanpatsinh of Murshidabad at the foot of the hill. The pilgrims have to ascend 3745 steps to reach the 1800 feet hill. It takes between one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half hours to reach the summit. The steps were hewn out of the rock in the 13th century CE during the time of Jain minister Vastupal. The visitors cannot take any eatable on way to it. They can, however, drink water and water posts are provided all along the route. They have the footprints of Tirthankars. They can eat only after coming down the hill. Every shrine has idols of Tirthankars adorned with jeweled eyes. 

Pilgrims make their offerings at the main temple containing the Adinath idol. The temple has been renovated and rebuilt several times since its inception. A Jain merchant Javad Shah renovated the shrine in Vikram Samvat 1018 forthe 13th time.

Originally the temple was built of wood and Siddhraj Jaisimha's minister Udaymehta got it built in marble at the fabulous cost of Rs. 2.97 crores. Siddhraj's descendant Kumarpal extended the temple.

The present temple was constructed in 1618 CE. The Adinath temple is situated on DadaniTuk. There are nine tuks all along the route containing shrines. 

The most famous temples are those of Adinath, Kumarpal, Vimalshah, Samprati Raja and the Chomukh which is the highest. Besides there are temples dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses like Saraswati, Shivji, Hanumanji, etc. The Saraswati temple is near the footof the hill. Angar Pir's shrine is situated at the top of the hill. Barren women pray for children at the Muslim saint's shrine.

It is believed that every Jain should visit Palitana at least once in his lifetime to get "Bhavya" status. From the base to the peak of the Shatrunjaya Hill, where the Palitana temples are located, there are, in all, 863 temples. Sunrise behind the temples is a great sight. One can enjoy views from the summit of the hills and the river Shetrunjaya.

The mount Shatrunjaya lies hardly a kilometer away from the town, the way, which is now thronged on both the sides by sarais and minor temples, including Kala Bhandars (museums). The mountain is associated with Rishabhdev, the first tirthankar, also known as Adinath. It is believed that all the tirthankars, except Neminath, attained nirvan here.

Among the most important temple here is the Chaumukh temple.

The Adiswara temple is probably the most profusely decorated in Palitana, its ornate pillars and roofs decorated with intricately cut marble in the shape of dragons. Other temples worth architectural mention are the Sampriti Raja and Kumarpal.

How To Reach

Air

Nearest Airport is Bhavnagar (36 Kms.) 

Rail

Nearest Station is Palitana (5 Kms.)

Bhavnagar (36 Kms.), Ahmedabad (203 Kms.)

Pavagadh

Pavagadh is a small but tall mountain about 50 kilometers away from Vadodara. The history of the religious and historic mountain is linked with Patai Raval. It is said that the king Vanaraj Chavada established Champaner at the, foot of Pavagadh in fond memory of his wise minister Champa.

The Patai Raval family ruled it and took care of the boundary. The folk tales say that the Mahakali joined the Garba ' (The traditional Gujarati group dance) assuming the form of a woman during the Navaratra festival.

There is the Mahakali seat at the top of the hill. The last Patai Jaisinh saw the beautiful lady and threw nasty looks at her. The deity cursed him. As a result of that curse, the emperor of Gujarat, Muhammad Begda assaulted Pavagadh and won over the hill on the boundary.

Pavagadh - Shakti Peeth in Gujarat

The Pavagadh Shakti Peeth is located at at a distance of about 50 km from Vadodara in Gujarat; it is located near Champaner the ancient capital of Gujarat.

The three main Shakti Peethas of Gujarat are Ambaji at Arasur, Bala at Chunval and Kali at Pavagadh near Champaner. Other Shakti shrines in Gujarat are those at Asapura in Kutch, Arbudadevi on Mount Abu, Sundari at Halvad, Harsiddhi at Kolgiri or Koyla and Anasuya on the Narmada.

Following the destruction of Daksha's sacrifice and the Rudra Tandava of Shiva parts of Sati's body fell at several places throughout India, and these places are revered as Shakti peethas. The left breast of Sati is believed to have fallen here.

This hill temple attracts several visitors during the annual Navaratri fair.

Pavagadh gets its name from the fact that it is a solitary hill standing out alone, blessed with a blowing gentle breeze from all around. Legend has it that the valley surrounding Pavagadh was filled up by the power of the sage Viswamitra. Legend also has it here that the image of Kalika Mata was set up by Viswamitra; a river by name Viswamitri originates here.

Kali here is worshipped as Dakshina Kali, and is worshipped in the Dakshina marga with vedic and tantric rites. The festival season of Navaratri witnesses several celebrations here.

The fortress at Champaner, bears the scars of the many wars of possession that happened in this region throughout the second millennium CE. Originally a glorious city under the Rajputs, Champaner fell into the hands of the Sultans of the Gujarat region in late 15th century; it then came under the rule of Humayun, and was then recaptured by Sultan Bahadur Shah; it relapsed into the hands of Akbar, and then came under the control of the Marathas and finally came under the possession of the British.

A hilly passage leads to Pavagadh from Champaner. The Maha Kali temple enshrines an image of Kalika Mata. There are also images of Maha Kali and a yantra of Goddess Bahuchara. Two lakes - Chhasia Talao and Dudhiya Talao are seen enroute to the temple.

Somnath

The Someshwar Mahadev temple stands tall among the temples of India. The construction of the present temple in Junagadh district began in 1950. It is the seventh temple built to commemorate the glory of Lord Somnath who was known as BhAiraveshwar in the Satya Yug, Shravanikeshwar in Treta Yug and Shrigaleshwar in DwaparYug.

According to legend, Soma, the moon God built the temple in gold, Ravan in silver, Krishna in wood and king Bhimdev of Anhilwad in stone. Soma constructed the temple as a gesture after Lord Shiva cured him of his illness. This illness was caused by his father-in-law Daksha Prajapati's curse. Daksha cursed him to wane as he was infatuated with Rohini and was neglecting the other 26 wives, all 26 of whom were the daughters of Prajapati. It is said that Brahma advised him to build the temple in honour of Shiva.

In the first phase of construction the shikhar portion, the sanctum sanctorum and the sabha mandap (assembly hall) were built. The nritya mandap (the dancing hall) was built later. The temple has been constructed in the Solanki style.

The pinnacle rides to a height of 155 feet. The kalash atop the shikhar weighs 10 tonnes. The flag- mast is 37 feet long. These details give an idea of the size of the temple. In historical times the temple, the third to be precise, was raged to the ground by Sultan Mohmad of Ghazni. Then Sultans Allauddin and Mohmad Begda too desecrated it.

After the Maraths took over Gujarat Rani Ahalyabai of Indore constructed a temple near the old temple and worship is offered there ever since. The temple is so situated that there is no land from here to the South Pole. An arrow indicates the direction.

Dehotsarga also called Balkh Tirth where Krishna shuffled off his mortal coil is nearby which the pilgrims should visit. The tirtha stands at the confluence of Hiranya, Saraswati and Kapila rivers. Vallabhacharya's Baithak is also there at Prabhas Patan.

Somnath is also known by several other names like Deo Pattan, Prabhas Pattan, or Pattan Somnath. These names were acquired during its long and eventful history. Somnath is abound in natural beauty, pilgrim places of national importance, memorable historic sites and lots more.

How To Reach

Air

The nearest Airport is at Keshod, (47 kms.) which is connected with Mumbai.

Rail

Veraval, (5 kms.) is the closest Railway station.

Road

State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect various centres of Gujarat to Somnath.

Virpur

Virpur is well known for the temple of lord Jalaram and attracts thousands of pilgrims daily. Nearby at Khambalida are some Buddhist relics.Saint Jalaram was a devotee of Lord Ram. From very childhood, he served the Shadhu, saints and needy without any bias, opinion or discrimination of any kind.

He had done hard labor to earn money to serve the society. With the name of Lord Ram on their lips, mind and heart, his wife and him served men, women, child, old, young, rich, poor and animals alike.

His spirit continues to serve the people who believe in him and who need desperate help in every day trouble in life. His temples are found all over the world. Many devotees of Jalaram are residing in the USA. They formed Jalaram Seva Samaj of North America (JSS) to continue the tradition Jalaram began to serve the public.

In virpur, Trustees have stop taking cash money as well as any sort of foodgrains since 9th February, 2001 As they have enough money and they dont require any more money from anyone. It is the first and only temple in the world to discard taking money from people.

Jalaram was born in Virpur in the year 1799, on the seventh day of the Kartika month. His father was Pradhan Thakkar and mother was Rajbai. At his sixteenth year, Jalaram was married. His wife's name was Virbai.

At the tender age of 16, Jalaram married Virbai, daughter of Thakkar Pragji Somajia. Jalaram was however not inclined to live household life and to continue to do business with his father. He is mostly engaged in serving sadhus and saints. He separated himself from his father's business and stayed with his uncle, Valjibhai, who was very fond of Jalaram. It was obvious that Jalaram was inclined to completely withdraw from marital life. Fortunately his wife, Virbaima decided to follow the path of Jalaram. So, when Jalaram decided to go for a pilgrimage for holy places, Virbaima followed him.

At the age of 18, Jalaram Bapa accepted Shree Bhojalram from Fatehpur as guru and was given a "Guru Malaa and Mantra" in the name of Shree Ram. With blessings of his guru, he started "Sadavrat" a feeding centre, a place where all sadhus and saints as well as the needy could have food any time during 24 hours. Nobody returned from that place without having food. All this he did single handed with Virbaima assisting him.

Soon his fame spread as an incarnation of the divine. Whoever come to Virpur, whether Hindu or Muslim was fed by Bapa. Once three Arabs in the service of Thakore of Rajkot demanded an increase in wages by four rupees in a month. Being refused, the Arabs resigned and set out to Junagadh. On their way, they hunted few birds and kept them in their shoulder bag. When they reached Virpur, Bapa asked them to have their meals and then go. When they protested that they were Muslims, Bapa said that in the court of God there was no distinction in caste and creed and they were welcome.

The three Arabs had their meals in the temple but they were embarrassed that they were carrying dead birds in their bag. The Bapa touched the bag and said that the birds were feeling suffocated. The Arabs opened the bag and found that the birds were alive. They flew away to a nearby tree. The Arabs were amazed and understood that they were in the presence of divine person. They fell at his feet and asked whether they would get a job in Junagadh.

Bapa said "What was the need to have a job in Junagadh? The Arabs serve only one master." Just at that time, a camel man sent by Thakore of Rajkot arrived there. He took back the Arabs with him saying that Thakore has sanctioned an increment of seven rupees in their wages.

There are many stories about the greatness of the saint of Virpur. Remembering the stories, we can fill the heart with devotion and gratitude.

In 1934, Jalaram Bapa worked very hard for whose who were struck by the terrible famine. In 1935 Virbama died and in 1937 Jalaram Bapa left his body in his prayers. This is the story of the great saint of Virpur.