5.Kalika Mata Temple, Panchmahal
Kalika Mata Temple worships the fierce form of the Holy Mother, Kali Maa. The temple contains idols of three Goddesses- Kalika Mata, Kali and Bahuchara Mata. The temple worships the revered Kali yantra as well. The temple can be dated back to the 10th or 11th century. The Temple can be reached by ropeway. Kalika Mata Temple is located amidst dense forests upon the zenith of Pavagadh Hill, Panchmahal district. Its archeological importance can be understood from the fact that the temple forms part of the area declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that of Champaner-Pavagadh Archeological Park.
6.Palitana Temples, Bhavnagar
The temple city of Palitana contains 863 temples grouped in nine clusters. The major temple is dedicated the first Jain Tirthankara Rishabhanatha. One needs to ascend over 3500 steps in order to enter the premises of this sacred shrine. It is believed that all but one of Jain Tirthankaras paid visit to these sacred hills and sanctified their divinely status. These temples are located upon Shatrunjaya hills. The name Shatrunjaya translates to ‘place where one’s inner enemies are conquered’. Shikharji of Jharkhand and Shatrunjaya of Gujarat form the chief Jain pilgrimages in India. It is also to be noted that Hinglaj Ambika Devi is considered as the guardian deity of the hill. Also, the Hilltop is blessed with the presence of a shrine dedicated to a Muslim saint who protected its temples against invasions of the early 14th century. Since the city is considered to be a chosen abode for so many Divinities, staying overnight in its premises is strictly prohibited even for the priests.
7.Bal Hanuman Temple, Jamnagar
Bal Hanuman Temple located upon the banks of Ranmal Lake attracts hundreds of devotees to its sacred premises. Did you know that the temple has even earned its position in the Guinness Book of World Records due to the continuous chant of Hanuman’s favourite mantra ‘Shri Ram, Jai ram, Jai Jai Ram’ from the year 1964? The temple is dedicated to the beloved God from Ramayana, Hanuman. Since the temple falls within 10 km radius of Jamnagar Airport, one can easily visit the scared shrine without much ado.
8.Rukmini Temple, near Dwaraka, Jamnagar
How can the sacred land once ruled over Sri Krishna not contain a shrine dedicated to his beloved consort Rukmini Devi? The beautiful Rukmini Temple is at a mere 1.5-2 km distance from Dwaraka. One would be enchanted with its richly intricate designs and sculptures adorning the temple walls. Devi Rukmini is considered to be the embodiment of Maa Lakshmi. Pay respects before the Holy Mother and fulfill your pilgrimage to Dwaraka.
9.Koteshwar Temple, Kutch
Koteshwar Temple stands tall at the edge of the Kutch desert, where the aridity of the land is embraced by the enormity of the calm Arabian Sea. The only human construction across one’s line of sight in the area amidst the blue oceanic horizon to the west and brown horizon to the east, Koteshwar Temple worships Lord Shiva. Since the temple is largely free of pilgrim rush due to its location, it can serve as the ideal backdrop to contemplate the fecund emptiness that resides ever so near human consciousness, and still escape our notice.
An interesting legend surrounds its conception. The temple’s spiritually potent Shivlinga was actually gifted to Ravana following his successful tapasya to please Lord Shiva. The Shivlinga was carelessly dropped by the demon king, and to his dismay, he could not recognize the original Shivlinga from the million that bloomed forth in the land where it fell. As Ravana departed with one such exact replica, the original Shivlinga was left at this site, around which the present temple was constructed in due time.
10.Bhalka Teerth, Dehotsarg
Just 4 Km away from the holy Jyotirlinga at Somnath, lies the revered site associated with Shri Krishna Neejdham Prasthan Leela, or the fated departure of Lord Krishna from earthly realms. It is believed that this was the place where a hunter inadvertently shot arrows at meditating Krishna which ultimately led to his demise. One cannot help but contemplate the inevitable rhythms of life and death which everyone is bound to once at Bhalka Teerth which saw the divine demise of Lord Krishna.