Heritage Sites & Temples — Set 10
Gujarat GK · विरासत स्थल और मंदिर · Questions 91–100 of 120
The Shamlaji Temple in Aravalli district of Gujarat is dedicated to:
Correct Answer: B. Lord Vishnu (Shamlaji)
The Shamlaji Temple in Aravalli district is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Shamlaji (also called Gabbar dev), a highly venerated deity in Gujarat. The temple is located on the banks of the Meshwo River and has been a pilgrimage center for centuries. It is particularly revered by tribal communities of northern Gujarat.
The historic 'Pols' (traditional neighborhood clusters) of Ahmedabad are unique because:
Correct Answer: B. Each pol was a self-contained residential community with shared resources
The historic 'Pols' of Ahmedabad are traditional residential clusters where each pol functioned as a self-contained community with shared wells, temples, and community halls. The houses in pols feature elaborately carved wooden facades. These pols form the core of the UNESCO World Heritage inscription of the Historic City of Ahmedabad.
The Tarnetar Fair (Trinetra Mahotsav) takes place near which famous temple in Gujarat?
Correct Answer: B. Trinetra temple near Thangadh in Surendranagar
The Tarnetar Fair (officially Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair) takes place at the Trinetreshwar Temple near Thangadh in Surendranagar district. It is one of Gujarat's most colorful rural fairs where tribal communities gather in traditional attire. The fair is associated with the legend of Arjuna winning Draupadi at her swayamvara.
Which Gujarat pilgrimage site is also called 'Saurashtra's Varanasi'?
Correct Answer: C. Junagadh
Junagadh is sometimes referred to as 'Saurashtra's Varanasi' because of its dense concentration of temples, ghats, and pilgrimage sites including Mount Girnar, the Damodar Kund, and numerous ancient temples. The town also has significant Buddhist and Jain heritage. Junagadh's religious and cultural richness justifies its comparison to the holy city of Varanasi.
The Modhera Dance Festival (Uttarardha Mahotsav) is held against the backdrop of which monument?
Correct Answer: B. Modhera Sun Temple
The Modhera Dance Festival (Uttarardha Mahotsav) is an annual classical dance festival held against the magnificent backdrop of the Modhera Sun Temple in January. It is organized by the Gujarat Tourism department to showcase classical Indian dance forms. The festival is a perfect blend of artistic performance and architectural grandeur.
Damodarkund, a sacred bathing tank in Junagadh, is associated with which deity?
Correct Answer: B. Lord Damodara (Krishna)
Damodarkund is a sacred bathing tank in Junagadh associated with Lord Damodara, a name of Lord Krishna. It is believed that Lord Krishna and Balarama had bathed here. The tank is considered highly sacred and pilgrims visit it as part of the Junagadh pilgrimage circuit.
The Sun Temple at Modhera was built after which historical event?
Correct Answer: B. After the Solanki victory against Mahmud of Ghazni
The Modhera Sun Temple was built by Bhimdev I around 1026-1027 CE, reportedly to celebrate the Solanki victory against Mahmud of Ghazni's invasion. After Mahmud's raid on Somnath in 1025 CE, Bhimdev I sought to rebuild and reinforce Hindu cultural identity through grand temple construction. The temple's alignment with astronomical events reflects the sophistication of Solanki architectural knowledge.
The annual Gir Saptami festival at Somnath celebrates:
Correct Answer: D. The sun entering a new zodiac sign
Gir Saptami (Ratha Saptami) is celebrated at Somnath and other Sun temples in Gujarat to mark the sun entering the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) and beginning its northward journey. The festival involves elaborate rituals and worship of the Sun God. Special prayers are also offered at the Somnath Temple during this auspicious occasion.
The 'Baan Stambha' (Arrow Pillar) at Somnath Temple is significant because:
Correct Answer: C. An inscription says there is no landmass between Somnath and the South Pole in that direction
The Baan Stambha (Arrow Pillar) near the Somnath Temple has an inscription declaring that there is no obstruction of land between the point in the direction it faces and the South Pole, emphasizing the temple's position on the southernmost coast. This ancient inscription shows the geographical and astronomical knowledge of the builders. The pillar stands at the sea shore near the temple.
The Jain temples at Palitana on Shatrunjaya Hill are open only during daytime because:
Correct Answer: B. No one is allowed to stay overnight on the sacred hill
The Palitana temples are only open during daytime because by Jain religious tradition, no one is allowed to spend the night on the sacred Shatrunjaya Hill. The temples are closed after sunset and all pilgrims including priests must descend before dark. Even the resident priests come down from the hill every evening.