Amidst lush green hillocks stands a temple at Ghumli, a testimony to the beauty in symmetry and stone. Built in the typical Solanky style of Gujarat, this temple rivals Somnath and Konark among the major sun temples in our country. It is a must visit for history buffs among the travellers.
The temple was built at a total cost of Nine Lakhs silver coins, and hence the temple was named Navlakha. In the 11th century,the Navlakha Temple was built by Jethwa rulers and is dedicated to the Sun God. It has the largest base of all the temples in Gujarat, and is the oldest sun temple of its kind.
Image Credit: apnisanskriti
The temple is built in Solanki and Maru-Gurjara style of architecture. The temple has a beautiful entrance arch which faces east. The sanctum sanctorum, covered pradakshina path and large assembly hall with its three shringarchokis are eye catching.On the surrounding walking path, there are balconies in three directions. The mandapa has eight sided pillars for support.
Another highlighted feature of this temple is the carving of two elephants with their trunks intertwined, on the rear wall of the temple. The carvings on the outer walls represent figures from the Shaiva mythology and friezes.
Image Credit: wikimedia
In the vicinity, there is a step well which is called “VikaiVaav” and ‘JethaVaav’. ‘VikaiVaav’ is the largest step well in entire Kathiawar region.
The temple was destroyed when Ghumli was sacked by Jadeja Jam Barmaniyaji, who attacked Ghumli in 1313 to take revenge of defeat of his father Jadeja Jam Unaji. Since then this historic and architectural wonder has been restored by the government of India.
You can reach Navlakha temple via Porbandar or Ahmedabad by road. The nearest airport is Jamnagar at 137 km.
Though it has faced the ravages of time, this temple stands a witness to the richness of times that have gone by in Gujarat.
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