The temple of Jagat Mandir, with the presiding deity of Shri Krishna known as Dwarkadhish, is an imposing edifice and a superb architectural monument. Having a plinth area of 1800 square feet, the temple consists of a shrine that is supported by 60 pillars of granite and sandstone.
The seven-storey edifice gradually rises to a height of 170 feet. The spire is unique for the view it presents and the experience it induces. Beautifully sculpted sandstone wall enthralls the visitors and the ambulating devotees.On the west side of the temple is the seat of Adi Shankaracharya, the great master of Hindu faith who visited the temple in the seventh century. For the scholars, a wall poster depicting the family tree tracing the lineage to Lord Krishna offers an interesting insight into the great Indian epic ofMahabharat.Somnath Temple (Gujarati:?????? ?????) located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat, India, is the most sacred 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 six times and rebuilt six times.[1][2] Most recently it was rebuilt in November 1947, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited the area for the integration of Junagadh and mooted a plan for restoration. After Patel's death, the rebuilding continued under K. M.
Munshi, another minister of the Government of India.[3][4] [pic]• Lothal is situated at a distance of 80 km from Ahmedabad. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in India. In the dialect of the local people language, Lothal means 'the mound of the dead'. The site was discovered in the year 1957, followed by excavations done by the Archaeological Survey of India.
It was concluded from the excavations that the ruins of the settlement belonged to the Harappan Era, dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. It is an exquisite example of Harrappan town planning.One of the most interesting sites here is the dockyard. It reveals the fact that Lothal was once one of the major ports in the region. Then, there is the citadel that is divided into two parts, an acropolis and the lower town. The acropolis contains paved baths, while lower town stands laced with residential quarters, coppersmith workshops, sheds and bead factories.
Apart from this, the most fascinating feature is the excellent sanitary drainage system of the town. Lothal was an important trade destination till 1900 BC.Huzoor Palace : It is located at the end of Marine Drive, in a huge campus. The sprawling palace, built in the European style with sloping roofs is a horizontal structure with several wings and big windows, overlooking the sea. The wings are interspersed with the back and front yards, bringing nature and the building together by gardens and fountains. The semi-circular porticos with neo-classical pillars, decorated entrance gate and commanding view makes it a must for the visitor.
Other such examples of Royal and Public heritage buildings from the colonial period are public library, old Raj Mahal (now a college), Victoria Jubilee Madresa, Collectorate, Bhavsinhji High School, Natwarsinhji Sports Club. Sabarmati AshramSabarmati Ashram lies on the tranquil stretch of the Sabarmati river and is referred to as the Satyagraha Ashram.Mahatma Gandhi began his famous ‘Dandi March’ to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. Mahatma Gandhi is credited for laying the foundation of this Ashram in the year 1915. It is a very peaceful place with simple rooms exhibiting the great man’s biography,photographs, quotes and paintings .
The Gandhi Ashram has a memorial centre, library and a Sound-and-Light (Son et Lumiere) spectacle to offer to its visitors. There’s also a bookshop selling books by and about Mahatma. The small house in the Ashram where Mahatma Gandhi lived ‘Hridaya Kunj’ is preserved as a national monument.The ashram remains open from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm.
Rani Sipri’s mosqueRani Sipri’s mosque is situated on Sardar Patel Road.This mosque is also known as the Masjid – e- Nagira, or jewel of a mosque. It has ornamented minarets and a tomb of Rani Sipri, who had the mosque built after her son was executed for a minor crimel. It is another beautiful specimen of Hindu art in a Muslim monument. [pic]Akshardham is situated in the capital city of Gandhinagar, which lies near Ahmedabad.
The magnificent temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. It was constructed on the directions of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Sanstha. The complex of this temple is the largest in Gujarat. Akshardham temple was inaugurated in the year 1992 and has become a major tourist attraction in India, during the last decade. It has a sprawling 23 acre area and is chiseled out in pink sandstone.
It stands tall with a height of 108 feet and 6000 tones of stone were used in its construction. The magnum opus monument in rock is built according to the Vaastu Shastra (architectural treatise) and not even an inch of steel has been used. The main shrine contains a 1.2 ton gold plated idol of Lord Swaminarayan.
The 7 foot high idol is built in a sitting posture, with his right hand raised in abhay mudra. He is accompanied by two other idols of his disciples on both sides. Swami Gunatitanand is on his right and Swami Gopalanand on his left.
