Bhalka Teerth is one of the most significant temples of Somnath city. En route to Veraval, it is considered as one of the must visit places of pilgrimage in Gujarat and among the popular places to visit in Somnath. Bhalka Teerth Temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna. It is believed that this was the place where Jara, the hunter, mistakenly shot an arrow at the feet of Lord Krishna, due to which the Lord left his earthly existence for his heavenly abode According to mythology, Lord Krishna was meditated under a Peepal tree here. Only then, Jara, the poacher, mistook the foot of the Lord for that of a deer and shot straight through it. The arrows came in the feet of God and started bleeding. The hunter then realized his mistake and asked for a confession with God. This incident symbolizes Krishna's departure from the earth and was the sign of the end of Dwapara Yuga. The meaning of arrow is known as Bhal, so this pilgrimage has been known as Bhalka Tirth.
The temple has ornate sculptures, both inside and outside. Inside the temple, there is a Banyan trees dot the courtyard of the spectacular Krishna temple that is built in sandstone. Inside the shrine is an unusual idol of Shri Krishna in a semi-reclining position. The temple also contains a beautiful tribhangi idol of Lord Krishna playing his flute.
After being wounded by a hunter's arrow, Lord Krishna walked a few kilometres towards Dehotsarg from Bhalka Tirth. He bathed in the Triveni Sangam and then left his body at Dehotsarg.
Couldn't wait to see this place but when I reached here with the mercy of Guru Gaurang and Prabhupada. How beautiful this place, blissful ecstatic don't want to come from here. Wanna live here. Hare Krishna. I couldn't believe it's that place where this past time taken place. Our history is so auspicious feeling so proud to be Sanatani.
This ancient holy place is situated on the way from Veraval to Prabhas. According to the story, the Yadavas, intoxicated by alcohol, were killed in mutual feud. Being upset with this, Lord Shri Krishna was sitting in Yoga Samadhi under the Pipal tree by placing his left foot on his right foot. Then a hunter named Jara shot an arrow at the lotus feet of Lord Krishna considering it to be the mouth of a deer. This arrow of the hunter hit the sole of the left foot of Lord Shri Krishna. When the hunter reached near his prey, he saw that his prey was not a deer but a Yadav named Purushottam. He got scared and started asking for forgiveness for his crime. Then Lord Shri Krishna assured him.
"Whatever has happened has happened only as per my wish." Saying this, he forgave the vyadha and after penetrating Vasundhara with his kanti, he left for Nijdham. Here the vyadha shot Lord Shri Krishna with a Bhalla (arrow), that is why this place is called Bhalla (Bhalka) Tirtha.
Bhalka Tirth Temple is a Hindu temple located in Veraval, Gujarat, India. It is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna ascended to heaven after being mistakenly shot by an arrow by the hunter Jara. The temple is located about 4 kilometers from the Somnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples in India.
The Bhalka Tirth Temple is a relatively small temple, but it is very popular with Hindu pilgrims. The main shrine of the temple houses a black marble idol of Lord Krishna in a reclining position. There is also a smaller shrine dedicated to Lord Jara, the hunter who mistakenly shot Krishna.
The temple complex also includes a holy pond, known as the Baneshwar Tirth. It is believed that the water of this pond has curative powers. Pilgrims often take a dip in the pond before visiting the main shrine.
The Bhalka Tirth Temple is a very important pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is said that a visit to this temple can help to atone for sins and achieve salvation. The temple is also a popular tourist destination, due to its religious significance and its beautiful architecture.
The best time to visit the Bhalka Tirth Temple is during the winter months (November to February), when the weather is pleasant. The temple is also very crowded during the Janmashtami festival, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna.
=> It is situated at just 4km away from the Somnath Temple.
=> It is said that Sri Krishna took his last breath here after being hit by an arrow of a hunter named Jara.
=> The temple at Bhalka Teerth with an idol Lord Krishna in a semi-reclining position is known as Mahaprabhuji's Bethak.
=> Best time to visit: November to February
=> A temple having such historical significance deserves proper maintenance.
The idol of Lord Krishna under the Pimple tree situated at Bhalka Tirtha looks like a living statue, while resting in a happy mood, Krishnaji appears like a living tableau, the 5000 year old Pimple tree under which Lord Krishna rests. While doing so, an arrow was stuck in his toe. It is still standing today, a proof of its amazing history. This pilgrimage site is dedicated to Shri Krishna.
Great place and parking facility is not available but disable friendly entrance but temple entrance is not disabled friendly,you can see in the photos,
Bhalka Teerth Mandir in Gujarat, India, is a sacred pilgrimage site where Lord Krishna is believed to have left his mortal body after being accidentally wounded by a hunter's arrow. The temple commemorates this event and houses an ancient Shiva lingam. It is a revered destination for devout Hindus seeking blessings and spiritual solace. The legend of Bhalka Teerth has been passed down through generations, making it a significant place of historical and religious importance.
Frequently asked questions About Bhalka Tirth Temple
Where is Bhalka Tirth Temple Located ?
Bhalka Tirth Temple Located in Veraval, Somnath of Gir Somnath. The complete address is Bhalka Tirth Temple, tirth temple, Bhalka, Veraval, Somnath, Gujarat 362265.
