Jasmalnathji Mahadev Temple, Asoda, Gujarat

Jasmalnathji Mahadev Temple, Asoda, Gujarat

Jasmalnathji Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Asoda Village in Vijapur Taluk in Mehsana District in the Indian state of Gujarat. The temple is locally known as Vaijnath Mahadev Temple. The temple is Monument of National Importance protected and maintained by Archeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 12^th century CE. The temple suffered destruction at the hands of Allauddin Khilji.

The Temple

This temple is in the Panchayatana style of architecture. Panchayatana is an architectural style where the main shrine is built on a raised platform with four smaller subsidiary shrines at the four corners and making it a total of five shrines. Out of four subsidiary shrines, three shrines are intact and only the lower portion of the south west corner shrine remains. The main shrine is facing towards east.

It consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa and torana. The main shikara is built in a steep mountain shape or form, symbolic of Mount Meru which is said to be the mythical source of creation of the world. The shikara has richly decorated roofs which rise in a grand form terminating in the shikara. 

The south western and north western shrines are dedicated to Surya and Vishnu respectively and are facing east. The front two shrines are dedicated to Sakthi and Ganesha. The south eastern shrine is facing towards north while the north eastern shrine is facing towards south. The exterior walls of the shrines are richly decorated with sculptures of Hindu deities, animals, floral motifs and geometrical patterns.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 5 Kms from Kukarwada, 6 Kms from Kukarwada Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Vasai, 17 Kms from Visnagar, 17 Kms from Visnagar Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Visnagar Railway Station, 20 Kms from Mansa, 22 Kms from Vijapur, 28 Kms from Mehsana, 47 Kms from Gandhinagar, 67 Kms from Ahmedabad Airport and 71 Kms from Ahmedabad. The temple is situated on Visnagar to Mansa route.

Location