The Heritage Temples of Gujarat Research & Text:Radhika Shah

The ancient temples of Gujarat are intense expressions of love and devotion.
Exquisite stone carvings, charming colourful interiors, gilded dome and sanctums, resplendent bejeweled deities, and mesmerizing ritualistic ceremonies all go into transporting the pilgrim into an intimate spiritual realm. Magnificent shrines, both large and small, dedicated to Shiva and his consort, Krishna and Rama can be found throughout the state, even in remote locations. Each temple is a culmination of religious art and fantastic legends and continues to provide a mystical experience to the devotee. The Heritage Temples of Gujarat covers some of the most prominent ancient Hindu temples and holy sites, including significant Jain and Buddhist locations. It is a rich compilation of the religious and cultural heritage of Gujarat that showcases through information and photographs architectural marvels,cultural practices and timeless legends in a contemporary context.As in other parts of India, in Gujarat too, Hindu practices and culture has continued to evolve with the passage of time. Gujarat embraced the ideologies and belief systems of its settlers and rulers, creating a seamless tradition that has been handed down to successive generations. Over time, worship of Shiva, Shakti, Krishna and Rama have become pre-eminent among the other deities of the Hindu pantheon. The two most revered pilgrimage sites in the state are the Shiva temple at Somnath and the Dwarkadeesh Jagat Mandir dedicated to Krishna in Dwarka. The Somnath temple is considered to be the foremost of the 12 jyotirlinga shrines in India, while Dwarka is regarded as one among the Seven Sacred Cities and the four Dhamas or Divine Abodes in India. There are other sacred sites in the state as well, including Shakti Peetha temples, the places visited by Rama during his years in exile, and several ancient temples dedicated to Shiva and Krishna. For the Jains, the sprawling temple complex at Palitana is believed to be very holy and attracts devotees world over. Gujarat also has a few Buddhist caves and monasteries from the time of Emperor Ashoka.