Tuesday 22 October 2013

Somnath temple






The Somnath Temple  located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of GujaratIndia, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of the god Shiva. Somnath means "The Protector of (the) Moon god". The Somnath Temple is known as "the Shrine Eternal", having been destroyed many times by Islamic kings and rulers...

An important pilgrimage destination, Somnath is one of the 12 jyotirlinga(shrines of Lord Shiva, where he's worshiped as a linga of light) in India. Mahashivratri is celebrated in a big way there. A colorful religious fair is also held every year on Kartik Purnima (full moon night, usually in November), complete with small children dressed  as Lord Shiva and plenty of bhang.


Wednesday 16 October 2013

Teen Darwaja and Rani no Haziro

Apart from being an architectural delight the walled city is also famous for its various products and one of them is cloth market. So if you are interested in fabric from Gujarat then head to the markets in Dhalgarwad, Teen Darwaza area, Sindhi Market and Rani no Haziro area which are cloth heaven of the city. This apart, they sell other knick knacks as well which make a great souvenir for the tourists.

Rani no Haziro is the Gujarati translation of the Queen's tomb where women members of the royal family were buried. Today Rani no Haziro is a market for women's clothing and accessories.

Teen Darwaza, one of the longest and the oldest gateways of the city, is another architectural wonder, comprising of intricately carved arched gates. It is believed that Mughal emperor Jahangir used to come here along with his beloved wife Noorjahan, to take a look at the procession that started from this grand gateway and went non stop till Jama Masjid.

Today the area within this beautiful structure boasts of a market selling everything from fabric to traditional artefacts and handicrafts. The structure is truly an epitome of fine Islamic architecture with semi circular windows beautifully decorated using mesh.

Monday 14 October 2013

Mt Girnar, the Highest Point in the State of Gujarat

It is a known fact that Mt. Girnar is the place with highest altitude in the state of Gujarat. The Gujaratis are kind-hearted people and love Pilgrimage and hiking adventures. No wonder why Girnar has been the top choice for Jainism pilgrimage for many decades now. This hill station is located on the eastern side of Junagadh district and is a centre for all handicraft activities.

The fifteenth century renowned poet, Narsinh Mehta often used to visit Giranr in the wee hours of morning for the auspicious bath. Many literary experts believe that many of his composed Prabhatiya poems have been inspired at the Taleti (base) of Girnar parvat where he used to take the baths. Girnar Pilgrim site consist of the famous Jain Tirthankars and many other Hindu Temples. The journey itself to the top is as auspicious as the aim to reach there. There are many different holy sites en route to the top and at every 2000 steps there is a Jain Prayer Point.

At the top the adventure seekers can get beautiful photographs of the magnificent Panoramic view of the Junagadh Valley. Once you reach the top you have a deep feeling of auspiciousness and serenity within yourself and it is said to enlighten the mind.