DWARKA-SOMNATH TOUR AT GLANCE

22/03/2013 18:55 pm departure from Bhopal to vadodara by train Jabalpur-somnath exp.

23/03/2013
23/03/2013 05:15 am arrived at vadodara 23/03/2013 07:30 am departure from vadodara to pawagadh by bus 23/03/2013 10:30 am reached at pawagadh temple 23/03/2013 12:00 pm departure from pawagadh temple to vadodara by bus 23/03/2013 03:00 am reached at vadodara 23/03/2013 - 03:00 - 03:30 pm lunch at vadodara 23/03/2013 03:30 06:00 pm sightseeing of museum & LAXMI VILAS PALACE ****** 23/03/2013 06:00 07:00 pm rest at any nearer temple 23/03/2013 07:00 8:00 pm little dinner 23/03/2013 09:30 pm departure from vadodara to dwarka by sleeper bus

24/03/2013
24/03/2013 08:30 am reached at dwarka 24/03/2013 08:30 10:00 am bathing & breakfast 24/03/2013 whole day visit at dwarka (try to cover as much as places) (including jyotirling) Night stay at dwarka

25/03/2013
25/03/2013 morning to 12:00 pm (visiting at remaining places of dwarka) 25/03/2013 12:00 pm departure from dwarka to somnath by bus 25/03/2013 07:00 pm reached at somnath Night stay at somnath

26/03/2013
26/03/2013 full day sightseeing at somanth including jyotirling Night stay at somnath

27/03/2013
27/03/2013 9:40 am departure from somnath to Bhopal

28/03/2013
28/03/2013 8:30 am reached at Bhopal

PAWAGADH
Pavagadh is a historical and religious destination at the base town of Champaner. The hill of Pavagadh rises from Champaner in three stages and this plateau lies at an altitude of 1,471 feet. A pilgrimage spot, called the Shakti Peeth, the Pavagadh hill leads to the hill top temple of the Goddess Kali, who is the incarnation of the Goddesses Parvati, Durga, and Sati as Shakti or power. The mythological belief makes the Pavagadh hill popular is the symbolic toe of the Goddess Sati, who happened to have fallen on earth as the grief-stricken Lord Shiva, Satis husband, carried her dead body on his shoulders. The myths and religious fervor attracts around 2.5 million pilgrims and tourists to Pavagadh each year. Champaner-Pavagadh is promoted as World Heritage site with developments on move as modern tourism destination. GoG promotes tourism to ChampanerPavagadh site along with other tour packages such as travel spots at Nimetabag, the Azwa lake, Jambughoda Sanctuary and Dhaboi. Pavagadh along with Champaner and Machi is a UNESCO world heritage site. This site reflects grand historical confluence, displaying 1,200 years of history and culture. It is believed to bear testimony to the Indian Puranic ages, the Rajput saga, the glory of the reign of the Marathas, the Islamic influences and finally lays proof to the British occupation within its remains. The 15th Century Muslim influence as muslim period began with Muhammad Begada defeating the Patai Raval clan that was ruling the area, and strategically moving his capital from Ahmedabad to the Champaner site. Gateway to Panchmahal, 46 kms away from Vadodara (Baroda), it is a tribal area populated predominantly by the Bhils. The government has granted many concessions and offers subsidies to the new industries coming up in this area.

Pavagadh is also known as the birthplace of Gujarats famous musician, Baiju Bawra.

CHAMPANER
Champaner, situated about 47 kms. north east of Vadodara, stands on a 882 m high in the Girnar Hills. Champaner is a UNESCO World Heritage site, Gujarat's former capital. Champaner was established as the Chauhan Rajput capital in the 8th century. It is an ancient fort located at the foothills of Pavagadh. The walls at the base of the hill were once 6 kms. long and surround military, civic and religious buildings and complex water harvesting systems. The town derives its name from the Champa tree or from Champaraja, founder of the town, a contemporary of King Vanraj Chavda of Anhilwada. The entire landscape is scattered around with remains of fort walls, ruined tombs, gardens, arches,

pillars and wells. In the old city, the remains of many fine mosques and palaces show a blend of Islamic and Hindu decoration styles, a unique style encouraged by Champaner's relative isolation.

At Champaner, one can see three fortifications - the base (Champaner), the top (Pavagadh) and the area connecting both of them (Machi). The major mosques in Champaner are Shehar ki Masjid, Jami Masjid, Kewada Masjid and Nagina Masjid.

Jami Masjid The Jami Masjid is intact and is a large, richly ornamented mosque modelled on the Friday Mosque at Ahmedabad. This mosque is one of the finest examples of the Sultanate architecture of Gujarat. It is an imposing structure on a high plinth with two tall minarets of 30 meter height, 172 pillars and seven mihrabs. There are interesting Gujarati features such as oriel windows. This mosque belongs to 1513 and took 125 years to build and has a wonderful carved entrance and imposing courtyard. Inside, the ruler's prayer hall is divided from the main space by jalis. Behind the building is an octagonal kund (lake), Hauz-i-Vazu, used for washing before prayer.

Champaner Fort The lower fortification is the citadel or the Champaner fort. The Champaner Fort was the royal enclosure of Muhammad Begara. It is a perfect rectangle enclosed by the massive walls with huge bastions and entrance gates with carved balconies projecting from top. On the north-west of the citadel is the huge lake - Vada Talav and ruins of Sultan's Palace. Machi The ruins of Khapra Zaveri Palace are located on the way from the base to Machi. From its terrace, one can have a fabulous view of the origin of Vishwamitri river. Atak gate is one of the nine gates that leads to the hilltop. It has two catapult stands for hurling stones at the enemies. Other monuments from Machi to hilltop are Makai Kothar - a granary with the fort, Kalika Temple and a shrine of Muslim Saint Sadanshah are located. Kalika Temple The Kalika Mata Temple is situated on the highest peak of the Pavagadh hill. This is one of the most sacred centre of the Hindu pilgrimage for devotees of the Goddess Kali. every year about one million people visit the temple. There is a rope way to reach the temple.

Lakulish Temple The another important temple is the Lakulish Temple at Chhashia Talav. It has some beautiful sculptures depicting various forms of Shiva - Dakshinamurti, Ardhanarishvara and Kalyanasundaramurti.

DWARKA
Dwarka : Original Dwarka believed to be sunken in the sea. Divers till today are researching, after finding the atrifacts from the sea floor. Near by small island is known as Bet Dwarka- Hire a boat from dwarka to go there.Bet Dwarks is a part mud and part sand beach. However, it's the best palce for zoologists.

Get around
Local Municipal administration has "Dwarka Darshan" sight seeing non-AC bus facility -Twice a day -8 am and 2pm. INR 60/- per seat. Each trip takes about 5-6 hours. Booking office 1. Near Vegetable market 2. Bhadrakali

chowk. This trip covers Nageshwar,Gopi Talab, Bet Dwarka and Rukshmani Temple.only on spot booking is available not online. [edit][add listing]See Most importantly -Dwarkadhish mandir located at the heart of this small city. There are a lot of places around Dwarka which can be covered in a Single Day. There are local taxies which are available which would help you to visit them. The major ones covered are: 1. Nageshwar Temple - This is also one of the prominent Jyotirlingas and it is at around 8 Kms from Dwarka. 2. 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). 3. Bet Dwarka - This is the place where Krishna lived. This is the place where Krishna used to reside and this is the place where Lord Krishna met his friend Sudama and blessed him, there is a Peetha(Seat) where Lord Krishna met Sudama. The temple also has the main Dwarkadish diety which was believed to have been made by Krishna's chief Queen Rukmini and in which Meera bai merged and disappeared from the material world. There are boats available from Okha Jetty from where people are ferried to the Island which is approximately 30 Kms from Dwarka. 4. Hanuman Mandir - This is also in the Bet Dwarka where Hanuman fought with his son Makaradhwaja. To cover this place, it is adviced to start as early as 7:00 in the morning as this is lonely place and a rickshaw has to be hired to visit this place. 5. Rukmini Mandir - This temple is situated at 8 Kms 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. Brahma Kund
Brahma Kund which is located just few kilometres from the town is famous for bathing. Local residents believe that the nectar from this kund got mixed with the sacred water of river Ganges, which consequently turned the water sweet. Lord Krishna came to Dwarka after bringing the sinners to the path of virtuosity. During that time, Indra, Yama, Sun, Moon, Kuber and Varuna came to greet Lord Krishna on His accomplishment. Soon after this, Lord Krishna created a pilgrimage site at this place which came to be known as Brahma Theertha or the Brahma Kund. This Brahma Kund is believed to free human beings from all their sins.

Gomati Sangam Ghat

Gomati Sangam Ghat is the sacred place where Gomati River flows. This ghat can be reached by climbing down 56 steps from the Swarga Dwar of the Dwarkadish Temple. The Gomati River, which is also known as the descended Ganges, meets the sea at the Chakratirtha Ghat. The Chakratirtha Ghat is famous for a wheel with white porous type stones, called as Dwarkashila or Chakrankitha. There are over 12 ghats surrounding the Gomati River, which are venues of Samudra Narayana Temple, Gomatiji Temple, the Panchanada and Chakra Narayana. The point where the Gomati River meets the ocean is known as the Gomati Sangam. On the river banks of Gomati, there is a holy Gomati Kund, where Rishi Durvasa was served by Lord Krishna. At this Gomati Kund, the Gomati River merges with the Arabian Sea and it is considered sacred to take bath here.

Gomati Ghat features many temples including Shiva Temple and other smaller shrines of Lord Krishna and his friend Sudama. These temples can be reached by hiring a boat that gives a beautiful view of the entire town.

All these places are at an approximate radius of 80kms from Dwarka and the taxies normally charge Rs. 600 (per half day) for this. This cost does not cover the boat charges as well as other entry taxes applicable and the visit to Hanuman Temple at Bet Dwarka. There are few other temples like Gayatri mandir, Geeta mandir, Siddeshwar Mahadev, Bhadrakali temple, Bhadkeshwar temple. One can hire a auto for Rs. 20-30 per seat to see these places which are within 2-3 km radius. Bhadkeshwar temple is a "must see" as this place is almost surrounded by sea. Panchtirth is on the other side of Gomti river. There are 5 small (2 feet X 3 feet) wells within 500 meters range. Water of each well has different taste. Water is not salty though there is sea surrouding this area. [edit][add listing]Do Take a plunge into Gomti river, adjacent to Dwarkadhish Temple. Its really refreshing. Salty water? -Don't bother, you can have fresh water bath at nearby private bathing facilities or its good if your lodge is nearby this river. Visit the Dwarkadheesh Temple which is also called as the Jagad Mandir. Enter temple through river side which has 52 steps. Electronic items not allowed inside temple. Join people if you find them chanting "Dwarkadhish ki Jai" "Nand ke anand bhayo, Jai kanhayya lal ki". You may take help of official guides (having ID cards hanging) who will explain the significance of stucture and temples. You need not pay them anything.

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 some one changing the flag. It is changed 5 times a day. Join the young brahman students reciting "Shri Vishnu sahashsranama" in the morning. Don't miss the Aarti. hire a boat to cross Gomti River (Rs.10/- per seat). If you are lucky, and its low-tide you can walk and cross river with knee deep water. [edit][add listing]Buy Pay Rs.25 at the temple counter and buy prasadam which was offered to God. Decorative items made from marine shells. [edit][add listing]Eat There are not many places/ Restaurants. Arti Restaurant near Dwarikadheesh Temple serves good food. Sharanam near Bhadrakali chowk is good AC restaurant with reasonable price. Depend on 5-6 small restaurants or Roadside Dhabhas/ eatouts also available. [edit][add listing]Drink Alcohol is prohibited in Dwarka. Do not expect any place to serve Alcohol here. Drink Hot Milk at Night at Shyam-Sunder Milk Parlor near Dwarikadheesh Temple.

Sleep
Many small, medium, budget lodges at walking distance from temple. 2-3 Luxury hotels also. Many Dharmashalas available if you are travelling in group. May charge Rs. 25 - 50/- per person.

Hotel Dwarkesh is budget hotel - 5 minutes walk. Telephonic booking in 2-3 days advance. Hotel City Palace, Dwarka. 5 minutes walk from Dwarkadheesh temple.

SOMNATH
Somnath is a city on the west coast of India in the Junagadh district in the state of Gujarat. The Somnath Temple located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval is the most sacred of the twelve Jyotirlings (lingas of light) of the God Shiva. It is the first Jyotirling.

Get around
Somnath trust organises daily twice "Somnath tirth Darshan" local sight seeing. Bus starts near the gate of Somnath Temple -10am and 3pm. Rs.20/- per seat. It covers Golokdham tirth, Sharada Peeth, Triveni Sangam and Bhalka teerth in 2-3 hours. Visit the Bhalka Theeth. This is the place where Lord Krishna was hit by a hunter named Jara and then Lord Krishna walked a few steps and took his journey to Nijdham from the banks of the river Hiran.

See

Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Gitamandir and Laxminarayan mandir are located in Dehotsarg campus. The divine message of Bhagwan Shree Krishna in the form of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta is carved here on eighteen marble pillars. Laxminarayan Mandir houses divine shreevigraha of Bhagwan Laxminarayan. Shree Parshuram Temple. This is a sacred spot on the holy banks of Triveni where Bhagwan Parshuram conducted his long penance and he was relieved from the curse of Kshatriya killings by Bhagwan Somnath. Divine Leela Parshuram is perpetuated here by a beautiful Parshuram Temple and two ancient kunds. Treeveni Sangam Snanghat. The holy confluence of the three rivers Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati and their sangam with the ocean is a very sacred moksha tirtha for Hindus. The bathing facilities are being renovated by Shree Somnath Trust with the assistance of the State Government.

Shree Shashibhushan Mahadev and Bhidbhanjan Ganapatiji. The holy temple of Shashibhushan is located at a distance of 4 km from the Somnath-Veraval highway with a beautiful sea-shore. The Jara poacher is said to have taken aim from this spot while shooting an arrow towards Bhagwan Shree Krishna. The ancient Somnath Poojacharya Shri Bhav Brihaspati is said to have built this temple. Bhagwan Shashibhushan with Bhidbhanjan (Saviour form of) Ganesh is worshipped here with traditional spiritual traditions.

Shree Veneshwar Mahadev Temple. The devotional episode of the princess Veni is depicted in the novel by Shri K.M.Munshi. The temple was outside of the fort wall of Prabhaspatan at the time of holy war with Gazani.The soldiers of Gazani attempted an abduction of Veni who regularly visited the temple to offer her services to Shiva. The traditions maintain that the Shivling was spontaneously divided and the princess buried in it. The Shiv temple here is knows as Veneshwar temple after the fond memory of divine episode of Veni.

Timing for Darshan at Somnath Temple : 6.00am to 9.00pm Timing for Aarti : 7.00 am, 12.00 Noon and 7.00 pm

Jay Somnath Sound and Light Show : 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm

[edit][add listing]Do Visit the Somnath Temple Watch the Sound and Light Show at the temple, truly an amazing experience. They charge Rs. 20 per head for adults and kids are charged Rs. 10. [edit][add listing]Buy Nothing much to buy here except for some photos of Lord Somnath which is available in the temple. There are a few people near the Bus Stand who sell some Handmade items like dolls etc, which are good. [edit][add listing]Eat There aren't many places to eat except the Somnath Trust Run Prasadam Hotel and Bhabha Hotel near the temple. Lilavathi Bhojanalya and Bhojanalaya near temple (both run by Trust) are good and maintained well. You can find a couple of shops on the bylanes near the temple and a few in the Complex opposite to the temple which are very very basic. There is a Amul Counter near the Shopping Complex where you can get Dairy Products of Amul ranging from Chacch (Buttermilk) to Choclates to Ice-Creams. [edit][add listing]Drink Alcoholic Drinks are banned here. So do not expect places which offer alcohol in Somnath. [edit][add listing]Sleep Pilgrims can avail the guest house facilities of Shree Somnath Trust. The trust maintains a VIP Guesthouse, eighteen other guest houses and an economical dormitory. The total number of rooms in the trust guest houses are in excess of 200. Guest house prices start From 350 Rs to 1200. For people travelling in groups, Dharmashala & Sanskritik Bhavan are available at nominal prices. No booking by telephone. First come first serve. Contact for Booking : Shree Somnath Trust, Somnath Prabhas Patan - 362 268 District : Junagadh, Gujarat. Ph. No. : +91-2876-231212

1.

Somnath Temple

Somnath temple, located nearby Somnath temple, is a popular pilgrim spot at Prabhas Kshetra. The original Somnath temple was destroyed several times and was finally re-built to form a mosque during the reign of

Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Adjacent to this mosque, another Somnath temple was built by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, Peshwa of Pune, Raja Bhonsle of Nagpur, Chhatrapati Bhonsle of Kolhapur and Shrimant Patilbuwa Shinde of Gwalior in the year 1783. The main feature of Old Somnath Temple is, that its Shivling is built below the ground level.

2.

Gita Mandir

Gita Mandir, also known as Birla Mandir, is one of the popular attractions nearby Somnath. Built in 1970 by the Birlas at Dehotsarg campus situated in the outskirts of Mathura, Gita Mandir is famous for its depiction of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta, which is carved on 18 marble pillars. The mandir, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is decorated with paintings of Lord Krishna. The sanctum sanctorum also has the idols of Lord LakshmiNarayan and Lord Sita Ram on the two sides of Lord Krishna. As per legends, Gita mandir is situated at the spot where Lord Krishna took rest after his walk from Balkha Theerth to Triveni Theerth, before his journey to Neej Dham. This incident happened after he was hit by an arrow, towards the end of Dwapara Yuga.

3.

Junagarh Gate

Junagadh Gate is one of the historical attractions nearby Somnath temple of Prabhas Kshetra. Somnath can be reached only through the gateway called Junagadh Gate from the nearest city of Veraval. This gate was destroyed at the time of invasion by Mohammed Ghazni. This is an old structure with many intricate carvings on the walls.

4.

Lakshmi-Narayan Mandir

Lakshmi-Narayan Mandir, situated on the banks of Triveni Theerth, is one of the famous pilgrim spots nearby Somnath. The temple, built in modern Indian architectural style, is located nearby Gita Mandir. Lakshmi-Narayan Mandir, dedicated to Lord Lakshmi-Narayan (Vishnu), is said to be a replica of LakshmiNarayan temple of Badrinath.

5.

Bhalka Tirth

Bhalka Tirth is one of the major pilgrim attractions situated in the vicinity of Somnath, at a distance of 5 km on Prabhas-Veraval highway. There is a temple and a banyan tree at this Theerth, which are dedicated to Lord Krishna. As per legends, it was at Bhalka Teerth that Lord Krishna was hit by an arrow aimed by a hunter, Jara, towards the end of Dwapara Yuga.