Ghumli Navlakha Sun Temple- Gujarat

Address

Ghumli Navlakha Sun Temple- Ghumli, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gujarat 360510

Deity

Surya (Sun)

Introduction

The Navlakha Temple, dedicated to the Sun, is located in Ghumli Village in the Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujarat, India.

Puranic Significance:

The temple derives its name “Navlakha” from the fact that it was built at a total cost of Rupees Nine Lacs.
According to legend, the downfall of Ghumli, once the capital of the Saindhava dynasty, can be attributed to a curse inflicted by a Sati named Son, who was in love with Rana Bhanji Jethwa. Various historical records mention different names that gradually evolved into “Ghumli.” The temple dates back to the 12th century CE and was originally built by the Jethwa rulers.
Unfortunately, the temple faced its demise when Ghumli was attacked and destroyed in 1313 by Jadeja Jam Barmaniyaji.

Special Features:

The Navlakha Temple is renowned as the oldest Sun temple in Gujarat and showcases a unique blend of architectural styles, combining elements of Solanki style and Maru-Gurjara architecture.
The temple’s orientation is towards the east.
It features the largest base (Jagati) among all temples in Gujarat, measuring 45.72 x 30.48 meters.
The temple once featured a magnificent entrance arch or Kirti Toran, which is unfortunately no longer in existence.
The temple has a covered pradakshina path with balconies around the sanctum sanctorum.
The Ranga Mandapa, a spacious gathering hall, is two-storied and supported by eight-sided pillars.
Inside the Bhadra Gavashaka, there are images of various deities, including Brahma and Savitri in the south, Shiva and Parvati in the west, and Lakshmi and Narayan in the north.
One distinctive feature of this temple is an entwining tusk of three elephants, which is considered to be a trademark or symbol associated with the temple.

The Navlakha Temple is not only an architectural marvel but also holds historical and cultural significance as one of the oldest Sun temples in Gujarat.