History, Importance, Timings and Architecture of Galteshwar Mahadev Mandir
Galteshwar Mahadev Temple is ancient and very historical temple at village Sarnal around 15 km from Dakor and on the bank of Galta River. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and related history is mentioned in many of the Hindu Holy Scriptures including Mahabharata and Puran.
It is believed that the Shivlinga emerged as a result of intense penance of great sage Gallvi Muni and he requested the sacred River Ganga to flow over the Shivlinga. Thus Ganga came in form of River Galti, bathing the Shivlinga here and then merges with River Mahi. This is how even today Ganga flows under ground, bathes the Shivlinga at Galteshwar Mahadev Mandir. This this is the very important Shiva temple of Gujarat for all the devotee of Lord Shiva.
The Galteshwar Mahadev Mandir is built in Malva style and beat influence of Chaluklyan style. The temple was most probably built during the Solanki era, in 12th century and has an unusual architectural style. Forty pillar suppors the assembly hall and plinth is in the shape of eight pointed start. The walls have carved figures of Gods, gandharvas, humans, rishis, horse riders, elepant riders, chariots and the events of a human life, from birth to death. At the entrance, idol of Ganesha is installed on left and Hanumanji on right. The Shikhar part of the original temple was damaged by Muslim attackers. It shows glory, though broken pillars and shikhar. It is the symbol of pride of Hinduism, as it stands still in spite of several efforts to break it.
Devotee across the India visits Galteshwar Temple and take holy bath at confluence of River Galti and River Mahisagar. Especially during the Shivratri, Shravan Month and Chaturmas, thousands of devotees comes and blessed with holy bath here.
