Famous Temples in Gujarat One Can Visit by GSRTC Buses
Gujarat, a culturally rich state in western India, is home to an array of famous temples that hold immense religious and historical significance. These sacred sites attract pilgrims and tourists from all over the world, who come to experience the spiritual and architectural marvels of Gujarat.
To make these magnificent temples easily accessible, the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) offers a well-connected network of buses that efficiently cater to the transportation needs of visitors. With the convenience of GSRTC buses, exploring the diverse and awe-inspiring temples of Gujarat becomes a hassle-free and memorable experience for travelers seeking spiritual enlightenment and a glimpse into the state’s rich heritage.
The season is ideal for a visit to a few famous temples in the city. With the GSRTC buses back on the road, it is now easier to make a GSRTC bus booking to any famous temple in Gujarat. Here are few such temples that you can visit.
1. Ambaji temple
Ambaji is a small town near Rajasthan. The temple is famous for its unique deity who is being worshipped. The interesting fact here is that there is no idol or image of God to worship. What it has is the Sri Visa Yantra of the goddess, which is invisible to the naked eye!
The shrine is situated at the top of Gabbar Hill. The best time to visit the temple is during the Purnima or full moon days. On Diwali, the temple and the entire village will be lit up, making it a spectacular affair.
2. Akshardham Gandhinagar
The Akshardham temple in Ahmedabad was built in honor of Swaminarayan. The temple is famous for its architectural marvel, humongous garden in the front, and the grandeur exhibition hall all around.
Each and every part of the temple construction shouts out the skill and expertise of the artisans, and the walls display several idols sculptures in them. People can now make their GSRTC bus booking from the comfort of their home when they plan their next trip to Akshardham temple in Ahmedabad.
The temple is closed on Mondays but opens on all other days. You can easily reach there by public transport buses from anywhere in the state.
3. Dwarkadhish temple
The term Dwarkadhish means the Ruler of Dwaraka, which Lord Krishna had been. The famous temple here is made in Chalukyan architectural style and stands tall at 5 storeys along the shore of the Arabian Sea. The devotees enter the temple through the Swarg dwar (the gate to heaven) and exit through the Moksha dwar (the gate to salvation). A visit here is said to erase all your sins.
There also are the Dwarka temples to consider that include the Rukmini Temple, which is the better half of the lord. A visit to Dwaraka is deemed to be incomplete without paying a visit here.
4. Jagannath Temple, Ahmedabad
This temple is built similar to the one in Puri, Orissa. The temple follows similar customs as well. It is a wonderful option for a quick visit to the temple since it is situated closer to the city and public transportation is also available for the interested.
Wearing masks and maintaining a one-meter distance are both mandatory within the premises. There are no other restrictions inside the temple as of now.
5. Modhera Sun Temple
If you ever want to see some engineering and architectural marvel, this Modhera Sun Temple in Gujarat is one of the best options. Not only does the temple have exquisitely carved pillars but is also a great engineering marvel that can hold tons of water stored for a long time. Though the latter is not functional now except for the rainwater that gathers in it, the viral video where this storage tank gets filled by rainwater was breathtaking. Now, visit the spot and see it for yourself by making a GSRTC bus booking through the redBus app.
The temple that now stands there does not have an idol anymore but was built for the SUn God with some exclusive features. The temple was built such that every equinox will have the sun rays falling directly on the diamond that was placed on the idol of Sun God. That itself was enough to illuminate the entire shrine. All the structures around the ‘Kunt’ or the water reservoir is enough to leave the visitors in awe.
6. Somnath Temple
Somnath temple is famous for having one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This is also the place where Lord Krishna believed to have left this world and set for his heavenly abode. It is located along the western coast. The initial temple was destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni and later multiple times by other rulers. The current structure was built on its ruins in the year 1951.
7. Palitana Temples
The Palitana Temples, located atop the Shatrunjaya Hills in Palitana, Gujarat, are a revered and sacred pilgrimage site for Jains. The temple complex consists of more than 800 intricately carved marble temples, making it the largest cluster of Jain temples in the world. These temples were constructed over a period of 900 years, starting from the 11th century, by various generations of Jain followers.
The Palitana Temples are dedicated to the 24 Tirthankaras, the spiritual teachers of Jainism, with the main temple, the Adinatha Temple, dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Lord Adinatha. The temples are famous for their architectural splendor, featuring detailed carvings, ornate pillars, and stunning sculptures that reflect the devotion and craftsmanship of their builders.
8. Gujarat Temple Tours
One of the most popular tour packages had been the Gujarat Temple tours that covered most of the famous temples within a span of 3–5 days. Gujarat has better connectivity with multiple airports, infrastructure, and public transport systems. Most of these temples are well-connected by the GSRTC buses, so it is easier for all to reach the respective temples.
You can easily make the GSRTC bus booking online through redBus. Even if it is from one temple to another, you can easily find transportation.
Please remember that some temples may require advance booking for visitation, so make sure that you have arranged for the same in advance. Also, make sure that your visits do not collide with any day that the temple is likely closed, as in the case of Akshardham Temple.
A Few Things to Remember When Making Your GSRTC bus booking Online
Do remember to follow all the RTC rules and regulations regarding the prevention of the virus. Having masks, hand sanitizers, and proper disdain are mandatory. In addition, make sure to have all the necessary personal items with you and avoid sharing anything as much as possible.
Conclusion
Gujarat houses several temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, and there are several upcoming festivities that are in his honor. Though there is a huge decline in the number of cases, it is always advised to be cautious.
Even if you have made plans well ahead, be prepared to make changes somewhere in between if need be. Although paying a visit to these holy places is part of belief, it should never be at the cost of your health or life.
The GSRTC online booking facility allows as much safety, flexibility, and convenience as possible to fellow passengers. It is up to the travelers to do their part well and stay safe to avoid any mishaps when it comes to the coronavirus. As far as the pandemic is concerned, precaution and prevention is always better than cure!