History, Significance, Architecture of ancient temple ruins at Gumli
Gumli is small village and beautiful place around 45 km away from Porbandar at foothills of barda in Devbhumi Dwarka district and well known for its Navlakha temple, Ganesh Temple and Ashapura temple. The ancient temple ruins at Ghumli dated back to the period between 9th and 12th century AD. The architecture of the temples is quiet unique in that very few ancient temples of the Solanki Dynasty survive and the temples here are quiet well preserved by archaeology survey of India.
Navlakha temple at Gumli is the most ancient and biggest Sun temple of the Gujarat, constructed by Jethwa rulers during the 12th century at cost of nine Lakhs. Thus it was named as Navlakha temple and architecture had influence of combination of Solanki style and Maru-Gurjara style. Navlakha temple had prominent entrance arch followed by sanctum sanctorum with Pradakshina path and two storeyed gathering hall. Navlakha temple is now in ruins and many such ruins from the Solanki period can be found on the site of Ghumli. Adjacent to the main temple stands a shrine devoted to Lord Ganesha, also known as Ghumali Ganesha Temple which was built in the 10th century AD.
Along with these temples, there are two step well named Vikai Vav and Jethwa Vav near Navlakha temples. Vikai vav is believed to be the largest step well in Kathiyavad region, and named after the Jethwa Ruler Vikaiji, who had constructed this step well.
The twisting tusk of three elephants is considered as key design with finely carved large base of temple. The temple had a beautiful entrance arch which is now ruined. The Rang Mandapa is supported by eight-sided pillars. Image of Lord Brahma and Savitri, Lord Shiva-Parvati, and Lord Lakshmi Narayan painted.
