Shamlaji Vishnu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a major Hindu pilgrimage centre near Meshvo River in the Aravalli district of Gujarat state of India. Shamlaji Temple is situated on the banks of the Meshvo River in a valley surrounded by densely forested hills. It is also known as Dholi Dhajawala due to the white silk flag fluttering at the temple. The Shamlaji temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, was built in the 11th century using Chalukya architectural styles. This shrine is regarded as one of Gujarat’s top three Vishnu temples.

The temple was dedicated to Sakshi Gopal, also known as Gadadhar, Lord Vishnu’s black image, which he worshipped here. For Krishna devotees, it is one of India’s 154 major pilgrimages. Shamlaji Temple is one of Lord Krishna’s rare temples, where Lord Krishna is worshipped as the preserver alongside the cow idol. Shamlaji is a favourite among archaeologists because of its majestic grandeur and simplicity. Pilgrims can see some amazing artworks and paintings depicting the lifestyle and timelines of the Ramayana and Mahabharata eras.

Story/Legend of the Shamlaji Vishnu Temple Aravalli

There are many fascinating legends surrounding the construction of this temple. According to one, Brahma once went on a journey to find the planet’s best tirtha (sacred site). He visited several places before settling on Shamlaji, which he preferred and where he performed penance for many years. Lord Shiva, pleased with him, instructed him to perform a yajna (ritual). At the start of the yajna, Lord Vishnu appeared as Shamlaji and was enshrined here.

Another legend states that an Adivasi discovered Shamlaji’s idol while ploughing his land. He worshipped it by lighting a lamp every day and was rewarded for his faith with a bountiful harvest on his farm. Learning of this, a Vaishnava merchant constructed the temple and installed the idol, which the Idar rulers later embellished. Recently, a prominent business family renovated this temple.

History of Shamlaji Vishnu Temple Aravalli

The Remnants discovered near Shamlaji Vishnu Temple confirmed that the site existed even 1500 years ago. However, there is no clear record of who constructed this Hindu temple. However, the sanctuary’s sacred idol of Lord Vishnu dates back to the seventh or eighth century. The temple, built in the 15th or 16th century, is an architectural marvel.

It is worth noting that Lord Krishna is the incarnation of God Vishnu. Nonetheless, Hindus see both as different manifestations of the same divine power. During the sixth century, Shamlaji was the centre for making sculptures out of grey schist stone. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, the famous Parel Relief in Mumbai is a carving of a single stone from Shamlaji.

The Shamlaji Vishnu Temple site dates back to the 11th century of history, but it might have been destroyed by Muslim invaders. The current temple was built by the Chaulukya dynasty rulers. However, the temple we visit today dates from the 15th or 16th century. This temple also suffers an invasion during the rule of Mughal invader Aurangjeb.

The Harishchandrani Chauri Temple, built in the ninth century, is the oldest intact temple and features a gateway. The presence of several temple ruins, scattered idols, and old brickworks surrounding the site attests to the area’s ancient history.

The architecture of Shamlaji Vishnu Temple Aravalli

The exact construction date of the Shamlaji Vishnu Temple has yet to be determined. According to legend, Shamlaji Vishnu Temple has existed for at least 1000 years. The Shamlaji Vishnu Temple is a two-story structure supported by white sandstone and brick pillars. The temple’s outer wall is approximately 320 feet tall and carved with scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Two large elephant statues stand at the entrance, along with beautiful idols of Lord Krishna, Vasudev, and Gadadhara.

The Shamlaji Vishnu Temple has an open square on four sides and is built on a high foundation. Devotees can see four layers of belts: the first layer is lion ornaments with a lion’s mouth, the second is elephant skin, which is mentioned in other Mahabharata and Ramayana events, and the life of the people of Gujarat and Mewar-Rajasthan is also beautifully curved.

The temple of Shamlaji houses an idol of Viṣṇu in Trivikrama form. The Trivikrama form of Viṣṇu is represented by idols with four arms holding a Gada (mace), Chakra (discus), Padma (lotus), and śaṁkha (conch). The image is also known as Gadādhara Viṣṇu due to the mace’s unusual size. However, the temple and idol have recently been slightly Krishnaized, and his right hand now holds a small golden flute.

The outer wall features carvings of Lord Vishnu, Lakṣmi-Narayana, and scenes from the Bhagavata Puraṇa and Ramayana. The Garuḍa image’s base bears an inscription from 1584, while the temple dates from the 15th-16th centuries CE.

Facts about Shamlaji Vishnu Temple Aravalli

• The ancient Shamlaji Vishnu Temple is located in the Aravalli district of Gujarat, India. It is a Hindu temple, in which Lord Vishnu and Krishna are worshipped.
• Shamlaji Vishnu Temple is located in Shamlaji village on the banks of the Meshwo River, about 30 kilometres from Modasa in Sabarkantha district, Gujarat.
• The temple was first built by Modhari Rao Saheb in the eleventh century but it faced various invasions during the Muslim rule.
• The entire temple is a two-story structure with episodes and teachings from the Mahabharata engraved on the outside wall.
• The Shamlaji Vishnu Temple’s magnificence is enhanced by exquisite stone carvings, statues of gods, nymphs, musicians, and celestial dancers, beautiful domed ceilings, and a towering spire.
• The main attraction is the stunning stone carving on the temple’s walls. The ‘Gadadhar’ image of the beautiful temple is quite appealing.
• The Shamlaji Vishnu Temple is located on a beautiful natural site surrounded by natural hills and rivers of the Aravali range.
• The two inscriptions indicate that the deity’s name appears to be Gadadharji, a well-known title for Lord Vishnu, Krishna, or Shamlaji.
• The Shamlaji Vishnu Temple area contains remnants of various temples, including Ranchhodraiji, Trilokinath, and Kashi Vishvanath.
• In this temple Cow idols are also worshipped, depicting Krishna’s childhood as a cowherd.
• It is an important Vaishnavite pilgrimage site. On Kartik Purnima Day, a large fair is also organised by the temple trust.

Famous Festivals In Shamlaji Vishnu Temple Aravalli

• Chitra Poornima and Kartika Poornima is a major occasions for celebration in the temple.
• Vaikuntha Ekadashi – Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrated during the Hindu month of Aghan(December–January) is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
  
• Sri Ram Navami – On this day a special yatra is organised by the temple committee which takes part in the city rath yatra.
• Deepawali – This festival is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.

Best Time to Visit Shamlaji Vishnu Temple Aravalli

This place is heavenly and spiritual; you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How To reach Shamlaji Vishnu Temple Aravalli

By Air– The nearest airport is Ahmedabad Airport which is 125 km away from the Shamlaji Vishnu Temple. It is well-connected to international and Indian cities.

By Train– The nearest railway station from Shamlaji Temple is Shamlaji Road railway station which is located at a distance of about 14 km away from the temple. There is a direct train which is available from Ahmadabad railway station to Shamlaji head railway station. It is one of the safest and cheapest options to reach Shamlaji. The total time taken to travel from Ahmadabad Railway Station to reach Shamlaji is about 3 hours and 55 minutes.

By Road– The temple is located near the National Highway 8 route in the Aravali district of Gujarat. Buses and taxis regularly run from Ahmedabad and major cities of Gujarat. Aravali Bus Stopage is nearest to the temple.

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