19 February 2015

Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Bhuj

Bhuj has many temples, every street and corner has a place of worship. I wondered, if the people had turned religious after the 2001 earthquake, but these temples are really old.
Swaminarayan temples are yet amongst those religious places in Bhuj, one of which was built by Shree Swaminarayan himself. Off their many temples, one which attracts most of the travellers is the new temple, which is off Hamirsar Lake. Just a few minutes walk from Kutch Museum reaches you to this Temple.
Swaminarayan Temple, Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, Gujarat Tourism
The original temple, was built in 1823, by Shree Swaminarayan, a spiritual leader. 2001 Gujarat earthquake destroyed the temple badly, which lead to the construction of the present temple.
Swaminarayan Temple, Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, Gujarat Tourism
The Pinnacle
Constructed using traditional Vedic architectural methods, the temple is built in  pure white marble from Makrana and Ambaji. The temple is east facing, with 7 pinnacles, one central dome, 25 minor domes and 258 pillars. There are many small shrines in the temple, off which the one in the middle, of Shree Nar-Narayan Dev is the main deity, which was relocated from the original temple. This main shrine was closed by the time we visited the temple.
Swaminarayan Temple, Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, Gujarat Tourism
Intricately carved white marble pillars
The pillars, the ceiling and the walls are filled with intricate carvings. On the outer walls, are the series of carvings depicting hindu mythological stories. Below is one from Ramayana, when Hanuman burns whole of Lanka by his burning tail.
Swaminarayan Temple, Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, Gujarat Tourism
Carving on outer wall of the temple with the scene from Ramayana

Swaminarayan Temple, Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, Gujarat Tourism
View of temple from Satsang hall
A red structure, runs around the temple from the main gate. The first floor of  this structure gives a beautiful view of the temple. There is a Satsang hall at that building, which is restricted only for men. Hubby visited the hall to click the temple, meanwhile one of the temple members eagerly shared with him the history of the temple and gave VIP passes for prasad (food).
Swaminarayan Temple, Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, Gujarat Tourism
The corridor, with the view of temple on left and Satsang hall to the right
There is a dinning hall in the ground floor, where you can have food and then donate at the donation box. You should definitely taste their prasad when you visit the temple, the simple yet so sumptuous Gujarati lunch. The temple complex also has accommodation facility. 
Swaminarayan Temple, Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, Gujarat Tourism
Main gate
Travel Info:
Shree Swaminarayan Temple is at the Swaminarayan temple road. You can visit their website here.
Timings: 7AM to 12noon, 4PM to 8PM
Entry free, open on all days

11 comments:

  1. Beautiful temple photo... I feel like a palace

    thanks meghana

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  2. True Krishna, the temple has very rich architectural beauty.. Thank you for dropping by..

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  3. Lovely pics of temple.. Great job dear :)

    http://zigzacmania.blogspot.in/

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  4. I visited Shree Swaminarayan Temple in London in 2007.... A Great temple and a Holy Place!

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  5. Beautiful pics! Thanks for this virtual tour. :) The place seems to radiate.

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  6. very good detail ...helpful for the follow traveler.

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  7. Amazing. I never visited it but The Delhi's Akshardham Mandir , I have visted. Both are really amazing and must visit places.

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  8. Nice post. Dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, one of the most revered of all Hindu deities, it's one of the most famous temples at Rajkot. Check out more about Swaminarayan temple.

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  9. Thank you all for your comments
    @Sreedhar Sir, good to know you have visited their temple at London. All their temples are very rich in architecture, am sure that temple would as well be.
    @Yogi Saraswat: I have seen Delhi's Akshardham from outside, haven't visited in.
    @Dimpy: Am yet to visit Rajkot, will surely visit the temple during my visit.

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  10. Lovely pics of temple.. Great job dear :)

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