Write the religious places of Gujrat and their Importance
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Answer:
Somnath Temple, Somnath
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the legendary Somnath temple is known to be one of the most beautiful temples in Gujarat that exist from ancient times. It is said that the temple was originally built by the Moon God in gold, rebuilt by Ravana in silver and then by Lord Krishna in wood and then King Bhimdev in stone. The temple was badly damaged and looted of its riches by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024 AD. The temple was raided at several occasions in 1706, 1927 and 1934.
The present structure was erected by the support of Sardar Vallabhabhai Patel in the year 1950. Today, it is managed by Shree Somnath Trust. The seven-story structure of the temple is in Chalukya style of architecture and boasts of wonderful surroundings as it is right on its original site, by the sea. It is also known as Deo Pattan, Prabhas Pattan, and Somnath Pattan.
Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka
Also known as Jagat Mandir or Trilok Sundar Mandir, Dwarkadhish temple is a part of the revered Chardham yatra in Hinduism. Dedicated to Lord Dwarkadhish (a form of Lord Krishna), the temple is over 2500 years old and attracts devotees from all across the globe. Placed on the confluence of Gomati River and Arabian Sea, the magnificent sandstone temple has 5 floors, supported by 60 columns and has beautiful wonderful carvings.
Dwarkadhish temple is one of the Sapt Puris as per Hindu religion and is often combined with a visit to Beyt Dwarka. The temple is also the 108th Divya Desam of Lord Vishnu. On the top of the temple is a flag that has a sun and a moon on it, which is changed three times in a day. The present structure of the temple was founded around 15th and 16th century.
The main door that is north entrance is known as ‘Moksha Dwara’ (Door to Salvation), on the other hand the entrance on the south is known as ‘Swarga Dwara’ (Gate to Heaven). On the back side of the door, there are 56 steps, leading down towards River Gomati.
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar
One of the largest temples in Gujarat, the Akshardham temple in Gandinagar is managed by the prosperous Hindu Swaminarayan Group. Spread in 23 acres of manicured lawns, this huge temple was constructed by around 1000 artisans. The complex was made from 6000 metric tons of pink sandstone and is known to be the abode of Lord Swaminarayan. One of the prime highlights of the temple is a 45-minute water show, which is organized after sunset. Spend a day in exploring this wonder.
Founded in the year 1992, this temple is a fine work of craftsmanship and is a one-stop masterpiece of education, religion, art, research, exhibitions and architecture. The gold-plated idol of Lord Swaminarayan is huge, seven feet in height. Located on a pedestal of three-foot pedestal, this idol lies amid idols of his ideal devotees, Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami and Aksharmukta Goplanand Swami. Do not miss visiting the Sahajanand Van, including a park for kids, a waterfall, a lake and a herbal garden.
Sun Temple, Modhera
Founded way back in the 11th century by King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty, Sun temple is placed on a hillock in Modhera, around 106 km north-westwards of Ahmedabad. One of the most beautiful Hindu temples in Gujarat, it is built in such a way that the sun shines on the image of Surya chakra, from sunrise to sunset. The main hall and the shrine are supported by beautifully-carved pillars with sculptures of gods and demons.
Located on the banks of Pushpavati River, the temple is dedicated to Sun Goa. Its interior hall has 12 niches that represent the monthly manifestations of the God. One of the few Sun temples in India, this temple complex is divided into three parts- Surya Kund, Sabha Mandap and Guda Mandap. Do not miss visiting this step-wells in the Sun temple of Modhera. The complex also has temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva and Sitala Mata.