Temples of West India

Temples of West India truly represent the valuable Indian heritage of art and architecture. Seamless rows of pilgrims in front of these temples proves that it's not only the matter of appreciation of art, religious feelings are deeply attached to these ages-old edifices. The temples built in this region belong to different time periods. Some are older than over a millennium and some others were built in the last century. 

Siddhivinayaka Temple, Maharashtradevoted to Ganesh, the elephant-headed God of Good Fortune is located at Prabhadev in Mumbai. Temples dedicated to Ganesh are very famous as Shree Ganesh is the first to be worshiped before beginning any new project or venture as he is Vighnaharta, the destroyer of obstacles. Tuesday is the main day of darshan and puja, but this temple is frequented by hundreds of devotees everyday.. Even the never-ending long hours of wait do not discourage the devout from seeking the blessing of Lord Ganesha.

Mumbadevi Temple, Maharashtrais another Sakthi temple situated in Bombay. The name of the city Bombay (now correctly called Mumbai) is derived from MAA MUMBADEVI. The temple once stood on the site of the present Victoria Terminus in the central island which was called Mumbai. The temple was built in honour of Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli fishermen believed to be the original inhabitants of Mumbai. The original temple was built in 1737 was demolished and a new temple erected in its place at Bhuleshwar. 

Elephanta Cave Temple, Maharashtra embraces the perfect expression of Indian art in the outline of striking sculptures and carvings. Located at Elephanta Island, the temple lies at a distance of 10 kms from the Gateway of India, at Mumbai in the sate of Maharashtra. Cut out from the rocks, Elephanta Cave Temples are the major tourist attraction of Mumbai. 

Somnath Temple, GujaratThe Somnath in the Prabhas Kshetra in Saurashtra, on the western cost of Gujarat has one of the twelve Jyotirlings that are most scared to the Hindus. It is as old as creation and its reference is available in Rig Ved also. The exquisitely carved doorways, the beautifully sculpted statues of Nandi the bull and the murals of goddesses along with their female companions once adorned this holy structure. Restoration work on the present structure commenced soon after the country gained independence and was completed in 1995.

Eklingji Temple, Rajasthan is located at a distance of 20 kms from Udaipur. This temple is renowned for its 108 temples complex. Situated on the banks of a small lake encircled by hills, Eklingji temple is widely known by the devotees as Kailashpuri or the home of Shiva. The main deity of this temple is Eklingji which has four faces and is made of black marble. 

Mahalakshmi Temple, Goa Located at the heart of the Panaji city, the Mahalaxmi temple is a sacred shrine for Hindu devotees. The Mahalaxmi temple enshrines the deity of Mahalaxmi, the Goddess of wealth. Mahalaxmi is also regarded the presiding deity of the Panaji city. The Mahalakshmi temple assumes significance for being the first Hindu temple to be built in Goa after the Portuguese invasion by Alfonse de Albuquerque.