Kankai Mata Temple is a revered Hindu temple located within the Gir Forest National Park in Sasan Gir, Gujarat, India. The temple is dedicated to Kankai Mata, also known as the Goddess of the Jungle.
The temple is situated in the heart of the Gir Forest National Park, near Sasan Gir in Gujarat. It lies amidst the dense forest which is home to the Asiatic lion.
Kankai Mata Temple holds significant religious importance for the local people and the devotees who visit it. It is a place of worship and a spiritual sanctuary set in the midst of nature, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere for prayer and meditation.
Tourists can visit the temple by obtaining permission from the forest department as it is located within a protected national park. It is advisable to hire a guide or join a group safari that includes the temple in its itinerary. Visitors should be aware of the timings and rules of the national park.
The best time to visit the temple is from October to March as the weather is pleasant and the national park is open for visitors. The park usually remains closed during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
Yes, since the temple is inside Gir Forest National Park, tourists often spot various forms of wildlife, including deer, monkeys, and if lucky, might catch a glimpse of the Asiatic lion, while on their way to the temple.
Being inside a national park, there are no direct accommodation facilities at the temple. However, tourists can find several resorts, hotels, and lodges around Sasan Gir which offer comfortable stays and may arrange visits to the temple.
As the temple is within the Gir Forest National Park, visitors need to pay the applicable entry fee for the park. There may not be an additional fee for the temple, but it is best to check with the forest department for current rates and regulations.
The temple may have its own set of rituals performed daily or on specific days by the priests. Furthermore, during Navratri and other significant Hindu festivals, special celebrations and rituals are likely to be conducted attracting more devotees.
Visitors should respect the religious sentiments of the place and the sanctity of the national park. This includes dressing modestly, not littering, keeping noise levels low, and adhering to the rules set by the forest department to ensure the safety of the wildlife and the sanctity of the temple.
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