Tara Mandir

The Tara Mandir, in Porbandar belies its name as it not a temple at all but a planetarium, built solely by the donation of Shri Nanjibhai. ‘Tara’ is actually Gujarati for stars. What lends further regard to the place is that it is one of the maiden two planetariums in India to be started by the First Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Housed within the Mandir is an overhead round screen, adeptly projected on which are detailed renditions of the moon, stars and other heavenly bodies.

There are no particular timings for visiting the planetarium.

Transport

Tara Mandir is located in middle of Porbandar City. So you will reach by Bus,Auto,Private Vehicle etc.

Bharat Mandir

The Bharat Mandir, also known as temple of India, is one of its kind in India as it is dedicated to the country ‘Bharat’. The temple is located opposite to Nehru Planetarium called ‘Tara Mandir’ in a garden. The hall of this temple has a huge relief map of India on the floor. The temple houses stone carvings and brass reliefs of heroes from Hindu mythology on the pillars. The place is filled with pictures and sculptures representing Indian culture and religion.





Transport

Bharat Mandir is located in middle of Porbandar City. So you will reach by Bus,Auto,Private Vehicle etc.

Sudama Mandir

Sudama Puri, the earlier name of Porbandar in the State of Gujarat, India is famous for the shrine by the same name.

The Sudama Mandir at Porbandar, constructed between 1902 and 1907, holds a great historic and religious significance. It is said that due to the depletion of funds during the time of its construction, the devotees collected money by organizing drama shows.





The Sudama Mandir is a beautiful shrine dedicated to Sudama, the best friend and devotee of Lord Krishna. The temple, located in the center of the Porbandar city, is said to be the only temple in India dedicated to this ardent devotee of Lord Krishna.

Story Of Sudama

Sudama was from a poor family. His father's name is Matuka and His mother is Rocana-devi. Krishna was from the royal family. But this difference in social status did not come in the way of their friendship. They lost contact over the years and while Krishna became a military leader and King of great repute at Dwaraka, Sudama stayed as a humble and somewhat impoverished villager.

Some time later when Sudama was going through some bad times, not even having enough money to feed his children, his wife Susheela reminded him of his friendship with Krishna.

Though initially reluctant to go to his friend for help, Sudama finally agrees to go. He leaves with nothing but some beaten rice tied in a cloth as a present. He remembers that beaten rice (Chirha/Chirhe in Bengali, avalakki in Kannada, avil in Tamil and Malayalam, powa/poha/Chewda in Hindi, pohe in Marathi and atukulu in Telugu) is Krishna's favorite and decided to give this as a gift to the Lord.

Krishna is greatly pleased to see his old friend. He treats him royally and with much love. Overwhelmed by all this Sudama forgets to ask for what he actually came for. But the Lord realises what His friend needs, and the Lord's consort Rukmini, incarnation of Lakshmi, gifts him with his desires. On his return journey, Sudama ponders his circumstances and is thankful for the great friend he has in Lord Krishna. When Sudama finally returns to his home, he finds a palatial mansion instead of the hut he had left. He also finds his family dressed in extremely nice garb and waiting for him. He lives an austere life after that, always thankful to the Lord.

Sudama was Lord Krishna’s classmate and a very intimate friend. Lord Krishna was a king. Sudama was a moneyless, poor Brahmin. This difference did not come in way of their true friendship. Sudama went to Dwarka to meet Krishna. He carried a very humble gift to be presented to Lord Krishna. What did he carry? Some books say he carried pohe (beaten rice), while some books and movies say he carried sattu powder (peeth). This confusing difference is because Sudama carried neither sattu nor pohe. He carried with him a combination of sattu and pohe called “sattu-peeth pohe”.[citation needed] It is an exclusive speciality of Samvadi Lad Brahmins to which Sudama belonged. That Sudhama was a Samvadi Lad Brahmin is more or less widely accepted; whether his home town was Bhurgakacha (Bhadoch) or Porbander is a point on which minor difference of opinion exist.

Shri Krishna-Sudama is an immortal example of real, non-materialistic friendship. It is a perpetual symbolic definition of real friendship. Sattu-peeth pohe is a very tasty, ready-to-serve, easy-to-carry food. In it poha (beaten rice) is smeared with sattu while it is fried. Sattu peeth is prepared from grama (phutana) and wheat flour.

Lord Brahma replied, "O Tulasi, Sudama was a partial expansion of Krsna and was one of Krsna's cowherd boyfriends in Goloka. As a result of a curse by Radharani, he is presently living on earth among the Danavas (demons). His name is Sankhacuda. He is very energetic and no one can compare with him in strength. While living in Goloka, he was very attracted to you and wanted to marry you. But because he feared Radharani, he did not make any overtures.

Transport

Sudama Mandir is located in middle of Porbandar City. So you will reach by Bus,Auto,Private Vehicle etc.

Sandipani Vidyaniketan

On the grounds of the Sandipani Vidyaniketan, stands the monumental and breathtaking structure of the Shri Hari Mandir. Measuring 105 ft, held up by 66 pillars, capped by beautifully carved domes, it is the hallmark of Sandipani. The temple is incomparable in its exquisitely designed architecture and aesthetic precision. While the structure is a visual delight, the deities residing within are the personification of Pujya Bhaishri’s faith and ardent devotion. In accordance with Pujya Bhaishri’s vision the Mandir has been built to provide Rishikul students practical training in performing rituals and for the mandir to become an epicentre of culture and spirituality. The Shri Hari Mandir was completed in 2006 and a grand event, ‘Sandipani Mandir Mahotsav’, marked the opening of the Mandir.

The Shri Hari Mandir has the deities of Shri Lakshmi Narayan Bhagavan, Shri Radha Krishna Bhagavan, Shri Janki Vallabh Bhagavan, Shri Karunamayi Maa, Shri Chandramauleshwar Bhagavan, Shri Hanumanji, Shri Ganeshji and Shri Veda Bhagavan.

An oasis of peace and harmony, the mandir also has an auditorium, with a seating capacity of 2000, which is the hub of numerous spiritual and cultural activities. The mandir complex sits in beautifully landscaped scenery making it a wondrous sight to behold. With a special play area for children and seating areas, families love to visit the mandir, partake in the aarti in the evenings and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of Sandipani.

Transport

Shri Hari Mandir in Sandipani is situated 5 km from the city of Porbandar, opposite the airport.

Porbandar is well connected by road, rail and air. Flights to Porbandar depart from Mumbai six days a week. Other nearby airports include Rajkot and Jamnagar. Trains and buses arrive every morning and evening from all nearby cities in Gujarat. Porbandar is 400km from Ahmedabad, 180km from Rajkot and 120km from Jamnagar. Rikshaws are available from the airport to Sandipani campus.

Kirti Mandir

Let us begin our journey where Gandhi began his. On October 2, 1869, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in a 3-storey blue haveli in the city of Porbandar, where his father, uncle and grandfather had all been prime ministers to the Jethwa Rajput rulers of the princely state.

The site of Gandhi’s birth, now called Kirti Mandir, has been converted into a small museum about him, with an exhibit of old photographs, some of his very few possessions and a nice library of books either by him or relating to Gandhian philosophy and practice.

The original three storied house is built like a Haveli, purchased by the great grand father of Mahatmaji, Shri Harjivan Raidas Gandhi, some two hundred years before, in the seventeenth century, from a local woman and the upper stories were added over the years. It was this house where Gandhiji's father Karamchand, uncle, Tulsidas and grandfather Uttamchand lived, who had all been Prime Ministers (Dewan) to the Jethwa Rajput rulers of the princely state of Porbandar.

The foundation stone of modern structure and attractive Kirti Mandir was laid in 1947 during the lifetime of Gandhiji by Shree Darbar Gopaldas Desai. The whole credit of constructing this national memorial of Mahatma Gandhiji goes to the famous industrialist, Nanjibahi Kalidas Mehta, who not only initiated the idea to build a memorial but also donated the whole money purchase the ancestral house and also to build new complex called Kirti Mandir.

The memorial was completed in 1950, by which time Gandhiji was no more. The memorial was named Kirti Mandir and then Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel inaugurated and declared open this place for public on May 27, 1950. Afterwards this beautiful memorial was handed over to the Central Government of India.
The height of the temple is of 79 feet symbolizes the 79 years of lifespan of Gandhiji. The monument Kirti Mandir is symbol of religious integration of six religions, the architectural elements of Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi temple, Church and Mosque are symbolized at Kirti Mandir integrate, which symbolize Gandhiji’s respect towards all religion.
The whole the architecture of the Kirti Mandir was done by Shri Prushottambhai Mistry, a resident of Porbandar.[1][2] He completed construction within two years of time limit by working for days and night himself.

Porbandar Beach

Porbandar Beach is one my favorite beach, its water is clean & clear. I always get time to go over there if i am in the Porbandar town.
Evening at beach is very pleasant. There is a one drink called Kaawo is my favorite drink its just like Hot Lemon Tea. You should try once.

Sand Art at Beach

Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is located at about 15 km from Porbandar, which faces Arabian Sea. Barda was a private forest of the ex-princely State of Ranavav (Porbandar) and Jamnagar and, therefore, it is still popularly known as Rana Barda and Jam Barda. Entire area is the reserve forest and had been notified as Sanctuary in the year 1979. The settlement of the area has been completed, but final notification is yet to be issued. The Sanctuary is distributed in two districts i.e. Porbandar and Jamnagar. The hilly terrain with patches of flat plains at places, the crisscrossing of numerous rivulets and streams and existing dams impart a divine look to the forest. One may hardly abstain from thinking that here is the place, where the saints in ancient times must have attained 'moksha', the ultimate liberation. The Sanctuary area is a green oasis, surrounded by agriculture fields, wastelands and forest.

The Sanctuary hardly has 192.31 sq. km area, but has one of the most diverse floral compositions and therefore a potential source of remedies of many ailments, and therefore deserves to be safeguarded. The terrain of Barda is almost hilly and undulating with an altitude ranging from 79.2 m to 617.8 m. above sea level. At places, there are gentle slopes with exposed rocks. The two main ephemeral rivers are Bileshvary and Joghri. Khambala and Fodara are important dams in the Sanctuary.

There are several forest sub-types, such as Southern tropical forest, Southern dry mixed deciduous forest, and Northern tropical thorn forest, while other predominant flora include Euphorbia scrub, dry deciduous scrub, and dry bamboo brakes. Important fauna are blue bull, chinkara, and wolf. While Barda was known to have had a permanent population of lions, they deserted the area towards the end of the nineteenth century. A proposed reintroduction programmer by the state government was cancelled.

Transport

By road: If you’re coming from Rajkot on bus, the bus passes right through town before reaching the bus station, so you can ask to be let off at Bedi Gate

By air: There is an airport 10 km from town, so it’s a relatively inexpensive rickshaw or taxi ride.

Porbandar Bird Sanctuary (Abhayaran)

Porbandar Bird Sanctuary is located amid the city of Porbandar flaunting the co-existence of man and nature. Spread over an area of 1 square kilometer this unique water dwelling, surrounded by trees and plants was affirmed as a sanctuary in the year 1988.

Flamingos, Grebes, Pelicans, Ducks and geese, Avocets, Coots, Cormorants, Herons, Egrets, Bittern, Storks, Ibis, Spoonbill, Cranes, Whistling Teals, Gulls, Terns, Jacanas, Ruff, Red shanks, Indian roller and many other varieties of winged creatures are seen in this area.

Visit the locale in winters when millions of birds reside in this locale making it the most picturesque shelter for bird lovers and the birds. Spend an entire day away from the hustle-bustle of the city and daily life enjoying as the nature creation visit their seasonal homes. It is easy to catch a close glimpse of the birds residing and nesting in this area.

Transport:

Bird Sanctuary is located in middle of Porbandar City. So you will reach by Bus,Auto,Private Vehicle etc.

Porbandar

Porbandar is a coastal city in the Indian state of Gujarat, perhaps best known for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and Sudama (friend of Lord Krishna). It is the administrative center of Porbandar District.

Porbandar is also an ancient port city at present having an all-weather port, with direct berthing facilities up to 50,000 DWT ships

Let us begin our journey where Gandhi began his. On October 2, 1869, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in a 3-storey blue haveli in the city of Porbandar, where his father, uncle and grandfather had all been prime ministers to the Jethwa Rajput rulers of the princely state. The city had been a prosperous trading center for centuries, conducting much commerce with Arabian and Persian Gulf countries, as well as East Africa, under the Mughals, the Marathas and the British. Now it is a city of industry, with cement and chemical factories ringing the city, contributing to a general griminess around town.

The site of Gandhi’s birth, now called Kirti Mandir, has been converted into a small museum about him, with an exhibit of old photographs, some of his very few possessions and a nice library of books either by him or relating to Gandhian philosophy and practice. The room where his mother gave birth to him has, as expectable, nothing special about it. It was the family home.

Two km from the middle of town is Bharat Mandir, with exhibits of sculptures, pictures and other examples of Indian tradition. Next door is the Nehru Planetarium, with regular programs about astronomy. Both sites are open from 9am-12pm and 3pm-6pm and entry to each is Rs.3/-.

The following are notable sites:

• Kirti Mandir (birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi)
• Sudama Mandir
• Bharat Mandir
• Gita Mandir
• Gayatri Mandir
• Ram Dhoon Mandir
• Rokadia Hanuman temple
• Sandipani Vidyaniketan
• Bird Sanctuary
• Chowpati Beach
• Satyanarayan's Mandir
• Kamla Nehru park
• Shri Hari Mandir
• Nehru Planetarium
• Tara Mandir: Tara is Gujarati for stars. Tara Mandir houses a planetarium which is among the first two planetariums started in India by Shri Jawaharlal Nehru.
• Swaminarayan Mandir
• Bhutnath Mandir - is located opp. Bhavshiji Hospital (Civil Hospital)
• Chadeshwar Mahadev & Ajani Mataji's temple - is located at Somnath Highway 3 km (2 mi) from Porbandar may be from Pandava's Era
• Khimeshware mahadev -Kutchadi (kes goswami)
• Sani Dev tample - Hathla
• RangBai Tample Beach ( kes Goswami )

Transport

The local transportation of the city includes the city bus (operated by Kargil Parivahn company) connecting to major areas of the city and auto rickshaw. Sudama Chowk is the main hub of city buses and private taxis.

The city is well-connected by road, rail and air to the various cities across the country.

Road The city is connected through National Highway 8B, connecting to Rajkot and Ahmedabad. National Highway 8E Ext (also known as State Highway 6) connects to Jamnagar, Dwarka in the north and Veraval, Bhavnagar in the south. Major public transport is covered by the private and government buses. Many private coaches are available daily to Rajkot, Dwarka, Veraval, Junagadh, Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Vadodra, Surat, and Mumbai. Large number of S.T. buses (State Transport Corporation operated by government) are available to multiple destinations including major cities of the state, small villages and towns.

Porbandar Railway station City is well connected with major cities of state and some of major cities in the country. There are daily trains to Rajkot (via Jamnagar), Bhanwad, Okha and Mumbai (via Ahmedabad, Vadodra and Surat). There are also trains to Delhi, Motihari and Howrah connecting to major cities of Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. A once-weekly train service to Trivandrum (Kerala) has been planned.

Airport Airport Authority of India (AAI) has built a new terminal building at Porbandar. The Porbandar Airport has daily flight to Mumbai operated by Jet Airways.