Must Visit Temples During Navratri in Gujarat
Kem Cho? Guju Peoples! So, as we all know that the most favorite and energetic festival of Gujarati people has already started and you people are enjoying it too with full energy and happiness. On this auspicious occasion of Navratri, some of the people also love to travel to temples seeking the blessing of Goddess Durga
But the question arises: which temple to visit during Navratri in Gujarat? So, in this blog, I have covered the must-visit temples during Navratri in Gujarat. Also, I will let you know how to visit these temples and the specialties of these temples.
So, with the blessing of Maa Durga, let’s start this, guys!
The first temple to visit is Ambaji Temple, located in Banaskantha Taluka in the Aravalli range at an altitude of 480 meters, surrounded by a range of mountains. This temple is believed to be one among the 51 Shakti Peeths of the Goddess. The atmosphere during the Navratri festival is worth seeing with devotional songs, temple decoration, fairs, and ritual dances (Garba).
How to Reach: You can take buses for Abu Road, or reach the nearest railway station, Abu Road, and take buses or cabs to reach there.
Must Do: Visit the evening aarti at Ambaji and explore the place.
The golden city of Lord Krishna is believed to have drowned due to heavy rainfall and floods. Dwarka is located on the Okhamandal peninsula on the bank of the Gomti River. During Navratri, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights, and vendors serve Khichdi, Kachori, and sweet items at their shops. During Navratri, the city echoes with Bhajans and Vedic chants.
How to Reach: Can be reached by buses and trains to Dwarka
Must Do: Midnight Aartis fill the city with devotion and joy.
The first sacred temple among the 12 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva (also known as 12 Jyotirlingas), located in Prabhas Patan, Veraval in Gujarat, is the first ever temple of Lord Shiva which was invaded many times and reconstructed again after demolition by a Muslim invader like Mahmud Ghazni, who started all this.
During Navratri, the Somnath temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and devotees here pray for Lord Shiva’s blessings. The view of the temple is mesmerizing as there is the Arabian Sea on the back of the temple, which adds extra beauty to the temple view. During Navratri, you can witness the cultural programs and evening Aartis.
How to Reach: Take a train for Somnath Terminus Railway Station and after that, local transportation to reach the temple, which is 1.4 km from the station.
Must Do: Evening Aarti and explore the seaside of the temple..
Moving to the fourth temple is the temple of Goddess Bahuchar Mata, located in the taluka capital of Mehsana, Gujarat. This temple is crowded during Navratri as many of the locals and devotees all around Gujarat come here to seek blessings from Goddess Bahuchar Mata. You can see the temple decoration and devotional songs and Garba also at this temple.
How to Reach:Railway is well connected to this place and also ST buses operate to the temple.
Must Do: Garba in the temple, Bhajans by devotees, and evening Aarti.
5. Nageshwar Temple
Now, coming from Bahuchar Mata temple, we are again at the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and also among 12 sacred temples (also known as 12 Jyotirlingas) known as Nageshwar Mandir, located in Dwarka district of Gujarat.
How to Reach: To reach Nageshwar Temple, you can take a train to Dwarka station, and from there, you can take public transport to reach the temple.
Must Do: Rudrabhishek rituals, evening Aartis, and lively Garba events are held near the temple.
6. Akshardham Temple
Now, coming from Dwarka, we will witness the beautiful temple located in Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat, which is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. It has beautiful architecture with intricate carving, a green garden, and cultural programs.
You can explore the temple and the biography of Lord Swaminarayan in the temple’s building. Also, you can see the museum and many things to explore in Akshardham.
How to Reach: You can reach by state transport or private vehicles.
Must Do:Light & Sound Show.
7. Pavagadh
Now, coming to the most beautiful and one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, located on the mountains of Champaner in Panchmahal district of Gujarat. This temple has the most beautiful atmosphere as it is located on the mountain peak.
The temple located at Pavagadh is dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, which is also a pilgrim site for Jain temples.
How to Reach: You can reach Champaner by train, and from there, Pavagadh temple is a few kilometers away.
Must Do: Ancient rituals, witness cultural fairs, and take part in traditional Garba and Dandiya Raas. Many pilgrims also carry the “Akhand Jyot” (eternal flame) from the temple to their homes for nine days of worship. Special offering: Sukhdi Prasad.
8. Chotila, Rajkot
Another temple located in the mountain range near Rajkot city is called Chotila Mata Temple. This temple is dedicated to Mata Chamunda, and most of the devotees who worship Chamunda Mata come here during Navratri. A large number of people come to this temple during Navratri, and you can see fairs, food stalls, and Garba during Navratri.
How to Reach: To reach this temple, you can take a train to Than Junction and then use public transport to reach this temple.
By road, you can take private vehicles from Rajkot to Than, which is nearly 1 km from Chotila.
To reach by flight, you need to reach Rajkot Airport first, then you can book buses or private taxis and cabs.
Must Do:Visiting during Navratri gives different vibes as you can see a large number of stalls, fairs, and Garba by locals.
9. Ashapura Mata Nu Madh
The Goddess of Fulfillment, which means Ashapura in the Gujarati language, is the Kuldevi of Jadejas, which is located in the Kutch region of Gujarat. The temple was built by two Karad Vanias, Ajo and Anagor, at Mata no Madh. And from that day, Ashapura Mata is the Kuldevi of Jadejas from Gujarat and many more people in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and even Mumbai worship this Goddess.
Every year during Navratri, a large number of devotees gather here to take the blessings of the Goddess and wish for the fulfillment of the devotees’ wishes. The other temple is located 80 kms from Bhuj. Here, you can see fairs, chant Vedic mantras, devotional songs, and also play Garba.
How to Reach: To reach this temple, you need to first reach Bhuj Railway station, and from there, you can hire a bus or taxis to the temple.
During festivals, such as Navratri, special buses are arranged from the Bhuj State Transport Bus Depot that run frequently to the temple.
So, now we have almost covered the major temples to visit during the Navratri festival in Gujarat. So now you know how to reach the temple, and the specialty of the temple, right? So, why wait? Just go and take the blessing from the temples which are near to you and enjoy your Navratri.
And if you want to explore more about Gujarat, then you can also plan your trip not just for here but for any place you want to explore by just booking with Trekomania Adventures, which is the best and affordable travel agency in Ahmedabad, specialized in taking trips to Manali, Shimla, Kedarnath, Jaisalmer, and many more places.
Till then, decide which temples to visit during Navratri and which are near to you. And stay tuned with the Trekomania Blog for more such interesting blogs
