Place :- Dwarka
Hotel Booked:- Hotel Gomti, Dwarka (22nd April 23 12.00 to 24th April 23 11.00)
How to Reach: Dwarka
is 450 km from Ahmedabad. Nearby airports are at Rajkot (225 km away) and
Jamnagar (121 km away). Both are served by Spicejet and Goair. The railway
station is located almost 2 km from the main Temple and has direct trains to
Mumbai and other cities in India.
A sleeper bus from Ahmedabad costs ₹450 per head and leaves from the highway on the outskirts of the city. It can be boarded at Patel Tours and Travels, but they may shuttle passengers (ie: an unmarked van) to the other boarding point without providing all of the details about departure times. It departs at 10:30PM and arrives in Dwarka early in the morning
Place to Visit:
22nd April 23
Around 4pm
Nageshwara Jyotirlinga Temple
Be in absolute awe of this one of the 12 famous ‘self-existent’ temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the origin of the Nageshwara Jyotirlinga temple is still a mystery to this date. The temple enshrines a giant and artistic statue of Shiva, which draws visitors and pilgrims from far and wide. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of the temple’s architecture will leave you mesmerized.
Gopi Talav
This is the place where Lord Krishna used to
play with his Gopikas. There is a small pond where it is said that Lord Krishna
used to play with the Gopika Strees (Gopika Women). When the pond dries up
in the summer, the soil is collected and turned into clay stones which are
purchased by pilgrims as Gopi Chandan. These are considered
auspicious for religious use and also sold as face packs.
Gomti Ghat
Visit the Gomati Ghat (52 steps leading down to a river) located behind the main temple where the second gateway called “Swarga Dwara” (Gate to Heaven) stands. It is a holy place for pilgrims to take a dip in the river to get rid of sins. This is the place where River Gomati meets the Arabian Sea.
Visit Gomti Ma Temple.
Hire a boat to cross Gomti River (₹10 per seat). If
you are lucky, and its low-tide you can walk and cross river with knee deep
water. Nowadays people are using newly constructed Sudama pool to cross the
Gomti River.(Sudama Bridge has been now stopped for use)
On the other side of river, you can see the floating
stone, the five wells built by Pandavas and the Lakshmi Narayan
temple on this tour.
You can have a 360 degree panoramic view of the
Dwarkadhish temple, its five storeys and the furling flag on the top.
On the Gomti Sangam Ghat you can see the water
level rising, and going down and changing colours as the Sun rises and sets.
You can see many fishes slouching on the steps of the ghats.
You can also see Gomti River is submerging into
Arabian Sea.
23th April 23
Morning 7.00 am
Dwarkadhish Temple
The name Dwarka is literally translated as ‘the
gateway to heaven’. Dwarakadhish (or Dwarkadheesh) Temple, a Vaishnava temple
dedicated to the Krishna avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here by the
name Dwarkadhish (‘King of Dwarka’). Lord Krishna is an incarnation of Lord
Vishnu. There are plenty of legends connected with this
temple. In addition to its temples and legends, Dwarka is also sanctified as
the seat of Adi Shankaracharya (788-820 AD), one of the most revered Hindu
theologians and philosophers, who established four maths (religious
centres or seats) in four different directions in the country. The Dwarakadhish
Temple became part of the Char Dham pilgrimage considered sacred by Hindus
after Adi Shankaracharya visited the shrine. Situated on the right bank of the
Gomati creek, Dwarka has a history that dates back centuries. ‘Dwar’ means
door and ‘Ka’ means Brahma, the Creator. In ancient times, its flourishing
port was considered to be the gateway to the main land and, hence, gateway
to Moksha (Salvation). According to ancient Hindu texts, Lord
Krishna settled here and made this place the capital of his kingdom after leaving
Mathura, who migrated from Mathura after killing Kansa, his uncle. The kingdom
of Dwarka is also mentioned in the ancient Hindu epic, Mahabharata. Moreover,
scientific marine archaeological investigations have inferred that “there was
really a city which got submerged in Dwarka in 1500 BC”.The main entrance to
the Dwarakadhish temple, the north entrance, is called Moksha Dwara (Door
to Salvation). It is located in a crowded market area with narrow lanes lined
by shops. I soon get my first glimpse of the famed temple. The exquisitely
carved tall, conical steeple of the main temple towers over the adjacent temple
domes. Electronic items are not allowed inside temple. Join people if you
find them chanting "Dwarkadhish ki Jai" "Nand gher anand bhayo,
Jai kanhayya lal ki". You may get help from the official guides (wearing
ID cards) who will explain the significance of structure and temples. You need
not pay them anything.
The one-metre tall, four-armed
idol of Lord Dwarkadhish is made of shiny black stone. It’s a captivating idol
with elaborate ornamentation.
Note the dress colour of the main deity. It will be
white on Friday, blue on Saturday (7 colours for 7 days of a week) Look
for the colour of the flag. Not surprising to see someone changing the flag. It
is changed 5 times a day.
The temple complex contains many
shrines, of Hindu gods as well as Krishna’s main queens besides Rukmini, who is
considered an incarnation of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and beauty.
Don't miss the
Aarti.
· Temple timings: 6:30 AM –
9:30 PM (closed between 1 pm to 5 pm)
· Flag hoisting timings: 7 AM
–8:30 AM, 8:39 AM – 10:30 AM, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:30PM.
· Temple
prashad: Sugar coated pancakes are given in prashad with Bundi Laado
for Rs. 25/- per head.
24th April 23
2.00 pm
Taking an bus/taxi to visit the local sightseeing.Bargain for price to visit local tour including the below mentioned place. Record and keep for future reference
Rukmini Mandir.
This temple is 8 km from Dwarka. This is in the outskirts of the city and this is a lonely temple and there is an interesting story of Rukmini being cursed by sage Durvasa because of which the temple is situated outside the city and its because of this curse only that the water in Dwarka city is salty.Durwasha Muni has been called for dinner by Lord Krishna after getting married to Ma Rukmani
Durwasha Muni has kept a condition that he will go if and only if the rath will be pulled by them. They have agreed. On the way, Ma Rukmani has felt thirsty. Lord Krishna has created water reserviour which Ma has drunk . Durwasha muni has got angry and curse for
1.No water will be there in this region
2.Rukmani has to live away from Krishna for 12 years
So only her temple is away from Dwarkadish
On the way, you can check a place called Mithapur where Tata Salt used to made ..
Okha Port
Tthe land’s end on Saurashtra (or Kathiawar)
peninsula. Primarily engaged into fishing, it is mostly visited by pilgrims
proceeding to Beyt Dwarka (or Bet Dwarka or Bet Island), the island residence
of Lord Krishna and his family. The jetty is crowded with pilgrims from all
over the country. It’s very entertaining to see seagulls(bird) which catch the
food thrown towards them. When the boat starts, they follow us for some time
and then drop off. After a 25-minute ride, we reach the island. Here too, we
are greeted by seagulls.
Beyt Island
About 30 Km from the main town, you will land at Beyt Dwarka- a small island on the mouth of Gulf of Kutchh. This island was believed to be the main port for this region. The island is dotted with ancient temples, white sand beach, and coral reefs, which lend to its charm. This is supposed to be the place where Krishna lived, met his friend Sudama and blessed him, and there is a Peetha (Seat) where Krishna is said to have met Sudama.
The temple also has the main Dwarkadish deity which was believed to have been made by Krishna's chief Queen Rukmini and in which Meera bai is said to have merged and disappeared from the material world.
There are temples for Lord Krishna, Satyabhama , Radha, Jammanti and Rukmani temple.
Among temples, holy site houses the Hanuman Dandi Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman and his son, Makaradhwaja.
Famous:-
Place to Stay: -
Best Time to Visit:- Throughout the year but try not to visit during
summer season ( because of too much hot)
Eat:-
Purchase:-
Do:- Beware with pandas, they will tell different
stories and wil do the different thing and give donation.
Next:- Book Taxi for Somnath via Porbandar
Place :- Porbandar, Somnath, Diu
Hotel Booked:- Somnath (25th April 2023 to 27th April 2023)
25th April 2023
Porbandar, 08.00 am
Take taxi at 08.00 am and go towards Somnath via Porbandar to reach Somnth atleast by 4 pm
At a distance of 40 km from Porbandar and 65 km from Dwarka, Harsiddhi Mata Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located atop Koylo Dungar hill at Gandhvi village near Porbandar, Gujarat.The temple is dedicated to Goddess Harsiddhi, the Happy Mother. The goddess is considered one of the aspects of Amba and Kalika, the Hindu Devi. She is also known by the names like Harshal, Harshad, Harshat Shikotar, Sikotar Momai, and Vahanvati Mata. The original temple atop the hill is said to have been built by Krishna himself. Krishna wanted to defeat the demon Jarasandha, so he prayed to Amba Mata for more powers. With the blessings of the goddess, Krishna was able to defeat the Asuras. After his success in war Lord Krishna built this temple and celebrated the victory with his Yadav community, since then Yadav community worship Harsiddhi Mata as their Kuldevi. Also, she is worshiped as Kuldevi by many Kshatriya, Brahmin, Rajput, and Vaishya communities.
You will cross Porbandar to reach Somnath. Porbandar, is known due to its being birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Kirti Mandir, a memorial house is Mahatma Gandhi’s birth site. The house now is converted to a museum, library & exhibits old photographs of Gandhi, also explains his thoughts & philosophy. This house is located in a crowded locality with narrow lanes. You have park your car some km away and have to take auto to reach the place.
Sudama Temple: Visit Sudama Temple, dedicated to Sudama, who was Lord Krishna's childhood friend. The temple has a significant religious importance and attracts devotees from all over the country.
Somnath, 4 pm
Somnath Temple
It is a Hindu temple situated in Prabhas
Patan on the coast of Arabian Sea in Gujarat. It is one of the most important
places of pilgrimages in India for Hindus
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Somnath Temple is believed to be first among the
twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. Somnath means 'Lord of the Soma', an
epithet of Shiva. According to history scholars, the site of Somnath has been a
pilgrimage site from ancient times as it was said to be the confluence point of
three rivers, Kapila, Hiran and the mythical Saraswati. The confluence was
called as Triveni Sangam and is believed to be the place where Soma, the Moon
god bathed and regained his luster.
According to Puranas, the original temple of Somnath was built in gold by the
moon god Soma, in silver by the sun god Ravi, in wood by Krishna and in stone
by the Solanki Rajputs in the 11th century. According to history, The temple
had been destroyed as many as seventeen times by Muslim rulers- Junamad in 722
CE, Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024 CE, Allaudin Khilji in 1299 CE, Mohammed Begeda in
1451, Portuguese in 1546 and finally by Aurangzeb in 1702, which was the worst
of all attacks when a great wealth was stolen and a large number of people were
killed. The temple was rebuilt every time with the reconstructive spirit of the
people. The modern temple was reconstructed with the resolve of Sardar Patel
who visited the ruins of Somnath Temple in 1947 and then President of India,
Dr. Rajendra Prasad, installed the Jyotirlinga in the present temple in 1951.
The present temple, Kailash Mahameru Prasad, was reconstructed in Chalukya
style of temple architecture. The sikhara or main spire of the temple is 15 m
in height and it has an 8 m tall flag pole at the top. The temple architecture
reflects the skills of the Sompura Salats, one of Gujarat's master masons.
Commanding a breathtaking view from the tip of the Saurashtra peninsula, kissed
by the waves of the Arabian coast, the temple's imposing architecture includes
intricate carvings, silver doors, an impressive Nandi idol and the central
shivalinga. One can also see a Baṇastambha on the sea protection wall of the
temple which mentions that the temple stands at a point that there is no land
in a straight line between Somnath seashore until Antarctica. One can also
visit Shri Kapardi Vinayak, Shri Hanuman Temple and Vallabhghat.
It is said that temple is located
so that no straight line increases in between Somnath seashore till Antarctica
continent. According to a Sanskrit inscription on the arrow pillar named Baan
Stambha, the temple is standing at a point on the piece of the Indian land.
It is the first point on the
land from the north to the South Pole on that particular longitude. In a
Sanskrit inscription found on the Arrow-Pillar called Baan-Stambh.
The temple is illuminated in every evening. The
Sound & Light Show 'Jay Somnath' is also displayed every night, which
allows the pilgrims an ethereal experience in the backdrop of grand Somnath
temple and the holy wave sounds of the Ocean.
Somnath Mahadev Fair is the major festival celebrated in this temple held on
the Kartika Purnima of November/December. Besides, Shivratri, Golokdham Utsav
and Somnath Sthapana Divas are the other significant festivals celebrated in
Somnath Temple.
Timings: 6 AM to 9 PM
Aarti Timings: 7 AM, 12 PM & 7 PM
Sound & Light Show: 8 PM to 9
The temple is large and fantastic made with red
stone. But the most ultimate scene is view of the great Somnath Jyotirlinga.
It’s large and my eyes couldn’t move to any other thing as long as we were
there. The best thing which happened was we were at the time of Pooja and Aarti
at 7.00 pm. First the local Pandit decorated the lingam and then after 15 mins
Aarti Started. The Aarti music was so great and loud that it created vibrations
around the hall. When I remember that sound it still creates vibrations in me.
Try to reach inside temple around 6 pm and be there till Aarti complete, after that come out and see Sound and Light
Taking an taxi to visit the local sight seeing and Diu. Bargain for price to visit local tour including the below mentioned place. Record and keep for future reference.
26th April 2023
Somnath & Diu 08.00 am
Ahilyabai Temple
Go inside the temple and do Jal Abhisek inside the temple where it is believed that Original Shivlinga is present.
Ahilyabai Temple is a Hindu temple located in Somnath. Situated opposite to the famous Somnath Temple, it is one of the old and beautiful temples in Somnath. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ahilyabai Temple was built by Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar in 17th century. The history of Ahilyabai Temple and Somnath Temple is closely interlinked. It is said that this temple was constructed as a substitute for the main Somnath Temple when it was raided and ravaged by the Muslim rulers. It is also said that the location of the swayambhulinga came in Ahilyabai's dreams post which she started the construction immediately. Many Hindus believe that Ahilyabai Temple contains the original Jyotirling which was hidden here assuming that the original Somnath Temple is going to be raided. This small, pink painted temple has a Shivling which is below the ground level. Unlike the new Somnath Temple, everybody is allowed to enter the garbagriha and perform pooja with the help of the priest. The aarti offered here is accompanied by multiple musical instruments including damroos and makes for a tantalizing experience. It is believed that the original swayambhulinga Shivling is present here.
Golok Dham Tirth / Dehotsarg Tirth(Must Visit)
Dehotsarg is believed to be the place where Bhagvan Shri Krishna took his divine journey to Neejdham. According to legend, after being wounded by a hunter's arrow, Lord Krishna walked few kilometers towards Dehotsarg from Bhalka Tirth. He bathed in the Triveni Sangam and then left his body at Dehotsarg. This place is called as Shri Krishna Neej Dham Prasthan Tirth or Dehotsarg Tirth. The footprint of Bhagvan Shree Krishna is carved here to mark the divine memory of Shree Krishna Neejdham Prasthan Leela.
Shri Krishan Charan Paduka(Must Visit)
Bhalka Teerth(Must Visit)
Bhalka Tirth or Bhalka Teerth is a significant temple in Somnath. It is considered as one of the must visit places of pilgrimage in Gujarat and among the popular places to visit in Somnath. Bhalka Teerth Temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna. It is believed that this was the place where Jara, the hunter, mistakenly shot an arrow at the feet of Lord Krishna, due to which the Lord left his earthly existence for his heavenly abode. According to mythology, Lord Krishna was meditated under a Peepal tree here. Only then, Jara, the poacher mistook the foot of the Lord for that of a deer and shot straight through it. The arrows came in the feet of God and started bleeding. The hunter then realized his mistake and asked for a confession with God. This incident symbolizes Krishna's departure from the earth and was the sign of the end of Dwapara Yuga. The meaning of arrow is known as Bhal, so this pilgrimage has been known as Bhalka Tirth. This divine leela of Bhagvan Shri Krishna is immortalized by a beautiful temple and an ancient peepal tree. The temple has ornate sculptures, both inside and outside. Inside the temple, there is a pleasing statue of Krishna playing his flute. A statue of hunter, Jara is also present in front of Lord Krishna in this temple. After being wounded by a hunter's arrow, Lord Krishna walked few kilometers towards Dehotsarg from Bhalka Tirth. He bathed in the Triveni Sangam and then left his body at DehotsargHunter who hit the arrow to lord Krishna was the Monkey King Bali in previous birth.Lord Rama had killed King Bali in previous birth with an arrow. So in this birth Bali reincarnated as hunter hits Lord Krishna with arrow. This shows that lord is not partial, does fair justice and even he gets fruits of his karma whether in the same birth or the next one.
Ban Ganga (Must Visit)
It is a enchanting sea shore.
There are 3 shivling here on the shore which are installed in open. They get
submerged in sea during high tide, and are visible fully during low tide.
It is called Ban ganga because it is the place
from where hunter Jara darted arrow on Krishna's left feet who was sitting
under tree at present day Bhalka thirth.
Triveni Sangam Temple(Must Visit)
The confluence of the three rivers Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati this is the point where the rivers meet the mighty Arabian Sea. Triveni Sangam is believed to be a very sacred Moksha Tirtha for Hindus.People believe that a dip in the river at this holy ghat cleanses the body and spirit of all sins committed in his life. The Laxminarayan and Gita Temple are located on the shores of the ghats.
Panch Pandav Gufa / Hinglaj Mataji Gufa
Panch Pandav Gufa is a pilgrimage place located in Somnath. Situated near Triveni Sangam Ghat, it is one of holy and interesting places to visit in Somnath. Also known as Hinglaj Mata Mandir, Panch Pandava Gufa in Somnath was discovered by the late Baba Narayandas in the year 1949. According to Mythological tales, it is believed that Pandavas worshipped Maa Hingalaj here, during their exile. The cave has a temple dedicated to Pandava brothers. There are also shrines in honour of Shiva, Sita Ma, Ram-Laxman, Lord Hanuman and Goddess Dura.The entrance to the cave is very narrow and low. Children will find it easy to climb down the steps. However, adults need to bend down and literally crawl down the steps. It is somewhat difficult to aged ones and heavy body people to enter due to steep & suffocated entrance. Along with this, one can also visit Surya Mandir and Kamnath Mahadev Mandir nearby.
Shri Ram Mandir
Shri Ram Temple is a Hindu temple built near Triveni Sangam Ghat in the temple town of Somnath. It is one of the splendid temples to visit in Somnath.Shri Ram Mandir is dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple was built by Shree Somnath Trust in 2017. The temple is the newest addition to the array of religious places in and around Somnath. The temple is graceful and the sanctum has artistic idols of Lord Rama, Sita Devi and Lord Lakshmana. There are also two mini shrines dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesh beside the sanctum. All the idols are made of marble.
Take lunch and start to Diu around 1 pm
Diu :
Diu Fort (Must Visit)
The Fort of Diu, formally Fortaleza de São Tomé, is an expansive and imposing structure situated in the extreme southeast point of the island. It was built by D. Nuno da Cunha in the year 1535 subsequent to a defense alliance forged by Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat and the Portuguese when Humayun, the Mughal Emperor attempted to annex this territory. Later, the fort was rebuilt by D. Joao de Castro in 1546. The Portuguese ruled over this territory for 424 years from 1537 to 1961 even after India's independence from British and were ousted from Diu only when the government of India launched a military action called the 'Operation Vijay'. Spread over an area of 5.6 hectares, the Diu Fort is protected by the sea on three sides. The outer wall of the fort was built along the coastline and the inner wall had bastions on which guns were mounted. All these bastions have been given the names of famous Christian Saints. The oldest of them all is believed to be of St. George. A double moat between the outer and inner walls provided security to the fort. The moat that separates the fortifications from the castle has been cut through sandstone rocks. A jetty built then on the northwestern side is still in use. There are three gateways to enter into this historic citadel. In the main entry gate, there are five large windows with stone galleries on the main front wall. A permanent bridge leads to the main entryway that is engraved with inscriptions in Portuguese. The fort was highly guarded by cannons on all sides which are still placed inside the fort. Several cannonballs and iron shells used during the Portuguese period litter the parapet of the fort. This enormous monument had residences for the noble, a warehouse, and barracks for the soldiers, house of arms and ammunition, prison, church, and a chapel unfortunately in ruins. There are many underground escape channels inside the fort. A large lighthouse is also located at one end of the fortress. The Fort commands a magnificent view of the sea and its surrounding areas. From the fortress, one can get a spectacular view of Panikota Fort located in the sea, off the coast opposite to Diu Fort, which was once used as a jail for the Diu Island
INS Khukri (F149)
Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple(Must Visit)
Situated amidst serenity and scenic beauty, the
Gangeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the transformer of Hindu trinity.
Here the presiding deity is called Gangeshwar, who is considered to be the Lord
of River Ganga since it descended to the earth from the tresses of Lord Shiva.
The Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple is more than 5000 years old. It is basically a
cave temple located in the midst of rocks on the seashore. The shrine has five
Shivalingas of different sizes which are believed to have been installed by the
Pandava brothers during their exile period. These Shivlingas are constantly
washed by the lapping waves of the Arabian Sea and one has to touch the Lord
when the waves are returning. The mystical scene of the waves of the ocean
offering obeisance to Lord Shiva inspires deep feelings of spiritual reverence
and devotion among the visitors. Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi
can be found at the entrance of the Gangeshwar temple. There was no priest and
whatever you offer to God is washed away by the sea within seconds.
Nagoa Beach(Must Visit)
Nagoa Beach is a horseshoe-shaped beach known for
its exotic ambiance and scenic beauty. Extends over an area of 2 km, the beach
is characterized by an enclosing cove with white sands. It is considered to be
the most beautiful as well as the most famous beach in Diu. A walk along the
shore is a great way to relax one's body and soul. Also, Nagoa Beach is one
among the most unique beaches in India as it is lined with rare Hoka trees
which are not found anywhere else in the country. These trees were planted by
the Portuguese which they brought from Africa. The trees were sacred to the
Ancient Egyptians, evident from the discovery of Hoka seeds in several rulers'
tombs.
Entry: Free, Rs. 200 for Speed Boat, Rs. 500 for Jet Ski, Rs. 300 for Banana Boat, Rs. 1000 for Hot Air Balloon, Rs. 2500 for Dolphin Trip, & Rs. 1200 for Parasailing
St. Paul's Church (Must Visit, if time permits)
The St. Paul's Church is most renowned, surviving
and functioning church, among the three churches built by the Portuguese in
Diu. It is considered one of the best examples of baroque architecture
(artistic style) in India. The St. Paul's Church is a popular site to visit for
tourists to Diu.
Naida Caves (Must Visit, if time
permits)
The Naida Caves are a group of interlinked caves below the ground level which keeps a person in awe. It is believed that these caves got their shape when the Portuguese broke down sections of a huge rock formation for construction of the Diu Fort. This is how the caves got shape eventually. However, it is also studied that the caves were formed due to geological irregularities and processes over a significant amount of time. These caves acted as a shelter for the Indian Army during Operation Vijay which was launched against the Portuguese.
Diu Museum
St. Thomas Church was converted into Diu museum. Diu Museum houses wooden carvings, statues, idols, shadow clocks and other important artifacts collected from various sites.
Famous:-
Place to Stay: - Somnath Temple Trust Guest House @ Somnath
Best Time to Visit:- Throughout the year but try not to visit during
summer season ( because of too much hot)
Eat:- Maheswari Dinning (Somnath), Leelavati Dinning, Somnath, Sagar Darshan Dinning, Somnath
Purchase:-
Do:- Beware with pandas, they will tell different
stories and will do the different thing and give donation.
Next: - Start back for home on 27th April and reach on 28th April morning
