Narayan Sarovr and Koteshwar, a trip to land’s end , by:- Durga Charan Mishra

In our country there are so many nice places has its own distinct features. The truth is that India is a huge country, it would take anybody a lifetime to visit all of it, and I can only write based on my own, very limited experience.

Traveling is fun and interesting for both of us. During journey we learn many new things , meeting different people, more history with its cultures.  different local tasty dishes. It make us feel like living in an alternate world

We have visited so many temples historical and tourist interesting places during our “Trip to India project” but visit to Narayan Sarovar and Koteshwar  of Kutch created a great impression on our  mind. 

After  arrived at the Bhuj railway we reached at bus stand by a auto-rickshaw It takes 25 minutes approximately 3 km fare is Rs.80/-. We boarded a bus from Bhuj to Narayan Sarovar,  

We traveled by bus on empty roads. The roads are single lanes and well maintained,  It was a smooth drive because there was no traffic, the bus is running very fast. the bus fare is Rs.78/-, distance is 172 km  from Bhuj to Narayana Sarover. Our bus leaves from Bhuj at 1.30 pm  and reach Narayana Sarover by 5.00 pm including stoppage.

Narayan Sarovar the end point of western part of the India where the road ends. There are many buses operated by the Gujarat State Transport (GSRTC) on regular basis. GSRTC buses are good quality and an efficient source of travel. 

Dharmshala of Narayan Sarovar

We always maintain simple as traveling status so that we keep going. We stay in a Dharmshala of Narayan Sarovar temple trust very near to the temple complex and bus stand. It was very nice on a big space, rooms are    clean and well maintained at very nominal charges of Rs. 270/- Non A.C Room without Geyser and TV. this Dharmshala is more comfortable. less money more pleasure.

There are also some rooms available  a hotel called Toran run by Gujarat Tourism.

charitable trust where free food available 

There is no restaurant in Narayan Sarovar but opposite to the temple there is a big hall run by a charitable trust where free food is served roti, rice , dal, subjee, sooji ka halwa and chas (curd water). This free food is available through donations given by devotees. You have to pick up steel plate and bowl and do a self service. After you finish you have to carry your plate and place it at a point where cleaning is done.  It is a everyday activities.

Narayan Sarovar is a small village and place of pilgrimage for Hindus in Kutch of Gujarat and it was not too crowded place. While entering to the Nayaran Sarovar there are welcome arches.

This area, Kutch is known for its nomadic tribes who lead a very simple life dressed in a traditional attires,  follows Hinduism while a little percent follow Islam. Most people are vegetarians.  their local  spoken language  is Kutchi language, a slightly like Sindhi and Gujarati .it is unique in itself.

The people of this area believe in simple living. their major occupations being cattle rearing for milk & wool and farming. The women do manly work in home like  embroidery designs ghaghra choli (skirts and blouses)  children’s clothes, decorative  wall hangings with small mirrors  which purely symbolize their rich culture.

There are very limited food shops selling food items and tea. at Narayan Sarovar and Koteshwar ‘We love street food , Besan Ki Papdi is very popular Sindhi dish one of the most favorite food of Kutch area. Bajara ki roti with curd and butter milk is very common food..Ground nut oil and milk based items like curd and ghee are very common in food preparation. 

Narayan Sarovar a freshwater lake surrounded by its own nature and beautiful birds  . This is not a so big sarovar. . Narayan Sarovar Lake is one of the 5 holy lakes of Hinduism. 

The place is one of the hottest areas of India basically a wide stretch of dry land. Sarovar is very calmly it's like a hidden gem

The Narayan Sarovar temple was built in 1863 by Seth Gokaldas of Bombay, a very clean and well maintained surrounded by strong wall of yellow stone. it is one of the oldest temple in Kutchh. 

Narayan Sarovar Temple had multiple statue of Shrikrishna in various avatar There are few idols of Lord Vishnu in different forms.

Narayan Sarowar - the place of Faith and devotional ancient place in Kutch where the Temples of Narayan - Lord Vishnu's different leela swarup like Main Temple of Shri Trikamrai and others are like Dhwarikadhish, Govardhannath, Kalyanrai, chaturbhuj, GopalKrushna etc.

There are other five temples a row of six domes supported by fourteen pillars, and forty-eight pilasters with carving. The temples at the two ends have screen walls under their domes with doors, but the rest have a common verandah with entrances in the fronts the space

The temple architecture was amazing. More than the religious sentiment for me here enjoy every part of my photographic process.

The local people around the kutch  areas are  also used the temple as a Important place for family- and community-related functions such as weddings and funerals.

Koteshwar

Narayan sarovar & koteshwar are two nearby places. One with Vishnu temple and other having Shiva temple, both place are good. Koteswar is just 2 Km from Narayan Sarovar, 

This temple is said to be the westernmost point of India on a sandstone built in 1820 by  two Seths of Kshatris by caste. The temple is recently constructed very beautifully and it is huge with beautiful architecture work. People from all over the country come and visit this temple. 

the story of Koteshwar is that once Ravana  won shiva linga n from Lord  Shiva accidentally dropped and it fell to earth at Koteshwar. the linga turned into a thousand. Ravana unable to distinguish the original one and grabbed one and departed, leaving the original one here, around which Koteshwar Temple was built. 

The temple is located at hight from the ground level and can get  spectacular  views of the surrounding sea in all directions. 

From this point, a glow of light from Karachi, Pakistan can be seen in a clear night 

Koteshwar  is a nice place, the sea offers a great view. nice atmosphere,  very calm  made us relax after a long journey.

The  visit of Narayana Sarover, Koteshwar has a lasting impression on our mind for ever. 

Durga Charan Mishra
dcmishradc@gmail.com