Gandhinagar, Japan K Pathak: Religious Hindu flag was hoisted atop an ancient Galteshwar Mahadev mandir for the first time yesterday probably after centuries. This could become possible due to construction of Shikhar of this mandir by the efforts of Government of India. A 52 gajj size flag atop a 75 ft high Shikhar was hoisted on auspicious occasion of Somvati Amas on the last day of Shravan as Shikhar construction was over.

Galteshwar Mahadev is located in a small village Sarnal, near Dakor in Kheda district. Galteshwar Mandir was without a Shikhar since the time unknown. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) working under the central government completed the Shikhar construction atop this old mandir recently, following which, hoisting of religious flag could become possible. Galteshwar attracts thousands of visitors thanks to its accessible river bank and proximity to major pilgrim place Dakor. The temple is protected by ASI and comes under the Monuments Of National Importance.

It is believed that some fanatic Mughal ruler had demolished the Shiakhara of this temple, centuries ago. According to Ramdes Maharaj who looks after this temple, the permission for restoration of Shiakhar was granted by the Centre after Narendrabhai Modi became Prime Minister. He said, the restoration process had started about three years ago.

On the occasion of flag offering, Galteshwar Mandir’s Mohandasji Maharaj, Nadiad Santram mandir’s Nirgundasji Maharaj, Satyadasji Maharaj and other saints were present.

According to ASI, Galteshwar Mahadev temple belongs to 12th century A.D. stylistically and its style of sculptures, vegetal and geometric decorations resemble the earlier temple of Somnath.

ASI text reads, it has been built in typical architectural style of Malwa, rare in Gujarat with certain Chalukyan influences, but its moldings and decorations conforming to the architectural and sculpture style of Gujarat. The temple consists the sanctum and mandapa while the Shikhara was damaged at the top, the doorway is tastefully carved a which can be reckoned as the finest. Deities are generally different forms of Shiva, Parvati, Chamunda, Kartikeya etc. Its style of sculptures, vegetal and geometric decorations resemble the earlier temple of Somnath.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is at the confluence of river Galati and river Mahi and one spring of river Galati continuously sprinkles water over the Shivlinga. It is mentioned in many ancient Hindu texts and is associated with Rishi Galav from Puranas and a devoted king Chandrahas from Hindu scriptures. The Temple is built in Bhumija style and very rich in art and architecture. Its Garbhagriha is square from inside and circular from outside. Its mandapa is eight sided with several projecting angles similar to Chalukya temples in Gujarat like the sun temple of Modhera, Somnath temple and Sejakpur temple. The walls have carved figures of Gods, gandharvas, humans, rishis, horse riders, elephant riders, chariots, palanquins and the events of a human life, from birth to death, are all depicted in these carvings.

Meanwhile Minister of State in the Centre Devusinh Chauhan, Gujarat BJP vice president Gordhan Zadafia and Nadiad MLA Pankaj Desai among others today offered religious flag to new Shikharbaddha Galteshwar Mahadev Mandir. Devusinh gave a credit of new Shikhara to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pledge and inspiration. DeshGujarat

ગળતેશ્વર મહાદેવના શિખરની ધજાનું પૂજન રાજ્ય કક્ષા કેન્દ્રીય સંચાર મંત્રી દેવુસિંહ ચૌહાણ કર્યું pic.twitter.com/mD8ysdMW71

— News18Gujarati (@News18Guj) September 7, 2021