Last Update: February 12, 2023, 07:30 IST
Mahashivratri 2023: Somnath Jyotirlinga is considered the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country. (Image: shutterstock)
Mahashivratri 2023: Several ancient temples in Gujarat attract visitors from India as well as abroad due to their architectural marvels and cultural as well as spiritual supremacy
Mahashivratri 2023: Gujarat is popular among tourists for its historical sites, ancestral places and many holy temples. The vibrant Indian state is famous for its stunning natural beauty. It is also home to some of the most spectacular temples. Many ancient temples in Gujarat attract tourists from India as well as abroad because of their architectural marvels and cultural as well as spiritual supremacy.
Read also: Five must-see Shiva temples in India; how to reach where to stay
The temples of Gujarat are an exquisite blend of exquisite stone carvings, delightfully decorated interiors, and exquisitely inlaid sculptures. Each of these Shiva shrines is a pinnacle of sacred art and fascinating legends, created with elaborate detailing on the walls and ceilings.
Read also: Lord Shiva Temples In Delhi For A Divine Experience
Gujarat is home to many ancient temples of Lord Shiva, including the world famous Somnath Jyotirlinga temple. Many of these temples in Gujarat not only allow the visitors to immerse themselves in serene subtlety but also offer spectacular natural beauty.
Read also: Famous Lord Shiva Temples To Visit In South India | check photos
Here are some famous Shiva temples in Gujarat that you can plan to visit on the occasion of Mahashivaratri:
Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple
The Somnath Temple in Gujarat, one of the most beautiful and spiritually significant abodes of Lord Shiva, is believed to have been built of gold by Somraj, silver by Ravana, wood by Krishna and stone by Bhimdev, according to legends. This temple is situated in Prabhas Patan of Veraval in Saurashtra region.
Somnath Jyotirlinga is considered to be the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country. The temple suffered extensive damage and was mercilessly looted several times by the invaders. The light and sound show in the evening is one of the biggest attractions of the temple.
Bhakeshwar Mahadev Temple
Bhakeshwar Mahadev Temple is a historical Shiva temple situated at a distance of about two kilometers from Dwarkadhish Temple. One of the most attractive temples in the region, it is the abode of Chandra-Maulishwara Shiva. The temple is situated on top of a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea. The temple is situated at the confluence of the Ganges and Gomti rivers as well as the Arabian Sea.
Bhavnath Mahadev Temple
The exact origin of the holy Shiva temple known as Bhavanath Mahadev Temple, which is located at the foot of Mount Girnar, is unknown. This small temple is surrounded by lush green vegetation and breathtaking natural scenery. The temple fulfills the wishes of the visitors and is associated with many mythological stories.
A grand fair called Bhavnath Mela is celebrated here during Mahashivratri with much fanfare. On the night of Mahashivaratri, people worship Lord Shiva at midnight, when a large contingent of sadhus come in procession riding elephants and take a dip in the Murgi Kund, a pond inside the temple grounds.
Utkanteshwar Mahadev Temple
The pilgrimage site of Utkanteshwar Mahadev is situated on the eastern bank of Vatrak river. The temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, houses a 2000-year-old Shiva Lingam. The temple was believed to be the hermitage of sage Jabali, an ardent follower of Lord Shiva.
The Shivling of Utkanteshwar is in the shape of a small ball which emerges from the wall of a pit. According to legends, milk and water offered to Lord Shiva enters the hole and eventually joins the waters of the Vatrak river. Devotees visit the Utkaneshwar temple for the ritual of head shaving.
read all Latest Lifestyle News Here