Galteshwar Mahadev Temple- Gujarat

Address

Galteshwar Mahadev Temple- Sarnal Village, Kheda District, Gujarat 388245

Diety

Galteshwar

Introduction

The Galteshwar is dedicated to Shiva, located at Sarnal village near Dakor in Kheda district, Gujarat, India.

Puranic Significance

The information from the Aparajtaprccha, a 12th-century Gujarati text influenced by the Malwa text Samarangana Sutradhara, indeed suggests that the temple was likely constructed in the 12th century. The architectural features, moldings, decorations, and sculptures of the temple are reminiscent of the style seen in the Kumarapala Temple at Somnath and other shrines built during the rule of Chaulukya ruler Kumarapala in the 12th century.

Design and artistic similarities between these structures support the notion that the temple in Siddhpur was constructed during a similar period. It’s important to note that the temple holds significant historical and architectural value and has been designated as a Monument of National Importance, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). While the shikhara (tower) and mandapa of the temple unfortunately collapsed in 1908, efforts were made to restore the shikhara. However, the sculptures within the temple remain in a state of ruin, serving as a testament to the temple’s ancient and storied history.

Festivals

Two fairs are held at Galteshwar every year, on Janmashtami and on Sharad Purnima. The temple is visited by large number of devotees on Mahashivaratri.