Bhalka Tirth: Sacred Site of Lord Krishna’s Departure 2025
If you are a pilgrim or an outdoor enthusiast looking for holy sites in Gujarat, head to Bhalka Tirth. Steeped into history, beliefs, and religiosity, Bhalka Tirth is among the famous pilgrimage sites, dedicated to Lord Krishna. It attracts devotees from all over the world to experience the divinity. Check out this guide to the sacred Hindu site for the best travel experience.
Mythological Significance of Bhalka Tirth
Bhalka Tirth is highly revered as the place where Lord Krishna was mistakenly struck by an arrow shot by a hunter named Jara while resting under a Peepal tree. According to Hindu mythology, this incident marked the end of Lord Krishna’s earthly life and his journey to his heavenly abode (Nijdham Prasthan Leela). This event also signifies the transition from the Dwapara Yuga to the Kali Yuga. Despite being fatally wounded, Lord Krishna is said to have divinely forgiven the hunter, Jara.
Also Read: Temples In Gujarat
The Temple and Its Features
- Mahaprabhuji’s Bethak: The temple at Bhalka Teerth, called ‘Mahaprabhuji’s Bethak’, is dedicated to Lord Krishna and features Him in a reclining posture.
- Idol of Lord Krishna: Lord Krishna’s idol is in a semi-reclining position inside the shrine.
- Tulsi Tree: It is believed that Lord Krishna rested at the tree after being wounded by Jara.
- Peepal Tree: It is the place where a hunter’s arrow fatally struck Lord Krishna.the
- Hunter Jara’s Statue: The hunter’s statue is in front of Lord Krishna to remember the historical event.
- Architecture: The courtyard of the temple, built in sandstone, is dotted with banayan trees.
Visiting Information
Image Credit: TeshTesh for Wikimedia Commons
- Location: Bhalka, 4 km from Somnath on the Somnath-Veraval road
- Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Free
- Best Time to Visit: The cooler months from October to March are generally considered the best time to visit. The temple also gets festive during Janmashtami.
How To Reach
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- Road: Well-connected to nearby cities like Junagadh, Bhavnagar, and Porbandar. Public and private transport options are available.
- Rail: The nearest railway station is Somnath (or Veraval), about 5 km away.
- Air: The nearest airports are Porbandar (approx. 120 km) and Rajkot (approx. 200 km).
Things to Do
Offer prayers, experience the peaceful ambiance, learn about the mythological significance, and see the idol and the sacred trees. Some believe taking a ‘parikrama’ (sacred round) around the sanctum can fulfill wishes.
Nearby Attractions
You might also be interested in visiting other significant sites near Bhalka Tirth, including:
- Somnath Temple: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
- Triveni Sangam: The confluence of three holy rivers (Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati), believed to be where Lord Krishna bathed before his final departure.
- Dehotsarg Tirth: The place where Lord Krishna is believed to have left his mortal body.
- Gita Mandir: A temple with inscriptions of the Bhagavad Gita.
- Panch Pandav Gufa: Caves believed to have been visited by the Pandavas.
- Prabhas Patan Museum: Houses artifacts and fragments from previous temples.
- Somnath Beach: For a relaxing seaside experience.
- Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to the Asiatic lion (further away, but a significant attraction in the region).
You May Also Like To Read: Places To Visit In Gujarat
Conclusion
As spiritual seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, you can have the best time while embracing the divine aura at one of the famous Hindu pilgrimage sites- Bhalka Tirth. Plan your trip to Gujarat trip to Gujarat and add a dimension of religiosity for a spiritual-stirring vacation.
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FAQs
Why is Bhalka Tirth famous?
Bhalka Tirth or Teerth is among the popular temples in Gujarat. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Krishna left His mortal body, marking the transition to Kali Yuga from Dvapara Yuga.
Where is Krishna's death place?
Bhalka Tirth is said to be the place where Lord Krishna died or gave up his mortal body and then, Kali Yuga commenced.
Where is Krishna's body buried?
According to Hindu scriptures, the body of Lord Krishna was cremated, but his heart continued to burn. His ashes and heart were immersed in the Yamuna River when Dwarka submerged under the sea.
Which tree under Krishna died?
According to Hindy mythodology, Lord Krishna is believed to be killed under peepal tree at Bhalka Tirth.
Who is Jara who killed Krishna?
Jara, the hunter, accidentally killed Lord Krishna by shooting an arrow, after mistaking His foot for a deer’s leg.
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