Holy Pilgrimage – Gujarat State –(Camp Hanuman temple, Sadimataji temple, Chotila, Chamunda mata temple, Bahuchara mata, Becharaji temple, Sidhapur, Kalika mata temple and other temples) -4 at 10:03 PM

Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Gujarat  State

Camp Hanuman Temple

The Shree Camp Hanuman Temple (Hindi: कामप हनुमान् मन्दीर) is one of the biggest Hanuman temples of India. It is situated in Ahmedabad Cantonment area in Shahibaug, Ahmedabad, Gujarat^[1] . This temple was established by Pandit Gajanan Prasad around 100 years ago.
 Pandit Dwarka Prasad was the Chief Mahant of this temple. The Pandit family acts as the managing trustee for this temple .
Visitors of note have included: Former Prime Ministers of India Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Smt. Indira Gandhi

 Who is Lord Hanuman

Endowed with godly powers, Shree Hanuman was a military leader of the monkey army from Kiskinda, who aided Lord Rama in his quest to retrieve his kidnapped wife Sita from the demon king Ravanna in the Hindu epic tale Ramayana, written by the Hindu sage Valmiki^[3] .
The noble monkey warrior is much loved for his humility and wisdom, along with his unlimited strength and power. He is seen as the epitome of selfless devotion as he never took a wife--for no other could replace his love for Rama and Sita. When asked to accompany the divine couple to the next world he refused to go as he wished to live in this one for as long as Rama-Sita's names were praised here by man.

Best Times To Visit

For devotees of Lord Hanuman the days Tuesday and Saturday are held as being the most auspicious to give worship or make rituals in his name

Sadhimataji’s temple

Sadhimataji’s temple is a Hindu temple in Kherva, a village in Mehsana District.of Gujarat.
Sadhimata’s temple is 2.5 km south of Kherva village on Mehsana Kalol highway. It is a very old^{[clarification needed]} temple. The set-up of temple is under a huge  Neem tree. A rectangular dome is built on inside part of temple. The temple is covered by terrace of cement. A vast  front yard with full facility is built in front of temple. Behind temple a vast  space is available which is basically used in fair and other traditions. One inn structure is available behind the temple. A room is provided for Pujari (worshiper of temple). A highway passes in front of temple and it experiences the coolness of temple.
Sadhimata is kuldevi (main goddess) of Raval Yogi Community. A temple is built by former pujari Shree Khodabhai Raval. His heredity worships the goddess generation to generation. Now a day Manoj Raval is appointed as main pujari of temple.
Sadhimata’s temple is very famous not only in Kherva but also in surrounding area. People go on barefoot to fulfill their wishes. Most of the people go on Sunday and Tuesday. On New Year of Hinduism, Villager must go at the temple. “Dharo Atham No Melo” is main fair of temple which started by Raval yogi community, comes at Bhadrva Sud Aatham in Hindu Panchang.

Location

The temple is 2 km from Kherva, 11 km from Mehsana and 21 km from Gozaria. Nearest railway stations are Mehsana and Jagudan

Chotila

Chotila is a worship place of Hindu religion in Surendranagar district, located near Rajkot, Gujarat

History

Historically, this area is called 'Panchal'. It is the worship place for Mata Chamunda, which is one of the 64 Avatars of Shakti,others being Bahuchar Mata, Kali Mata, Ambaji Mata etc. Chamunda Mataji is the Kuldevi (family Goddess) of many Hindus. Earlier Chotila was princely state of Khachar dynasty. It was having area of 18 km². Chotila is also the birthplace of famous Gujarati poet Zaverchand Meghani.

Geography

Chotila is also a small town, in the district Surendranagar.Chotila is a small town having population of around 20,000 people and is a Nagarpalika, Taluka head quarter and Legislative Assembly area. The Mataji temple is situated at the top of the Chotila hill. Mataji temples are mostly located at the top of the hills in India and the reason for this is that if you want to visit the Mata Temple, you will have to undergo some physical strain. Total footsteps were around 366. Now, after renovation,there are around 700 footsteps. Chotila is located on the Rajkot-Ahmedabad national highway no.8A.It is around 170 km. from Ahmedabad and 60 km from Rajkot. Compare to sea level Chotila is the tallest point in Saurashtra region. The height of the hill is 1,173 feet.

Chamunda Mata Temple

Chotila is also a small town, in the district Surendranagar.Chotila is a small town having population of around 20,000 people and is a Nagarpalika, Taluka head quarter and Legislative Assembly area. The Mataji temple is situated at the top of the Chotila hill. Mataji temples are mostly located at the top of the hills in India and the reason for this is that if you want to visit the Mata Temple, you will have to undergo some physical strain. Total footsteps were around 366. Now, after renovation,there are around 700 footsteps. Chotila is located on the Rajkot-Ahmedabad national highway no.8A.It is around 170 km. from Ahmedabad and 60 km from Rajkot. Compare to sea level Chotila is the tallest point in Saurashtra region. The height of the hill is 1,173 feet.

Chamunda Mata Temple

The story is when Demons Chand and Mund came to conquer Devi Mahakali and in the fight that ensues, the Devi cut their heads and presented these to Maa Ambika, who in turn told Mahakali that you will be worshipped as Chamunda Devi. You can start your climb from the base after walking some distance. There are stoned steps up to the top of the hill. These steps were not covered by the shade before. However, a good shade and railings now cover the entire walkway thus providing comfort to all the pilgrims. The temple is crowded with tourists and pilgrims all round the year specially during the Navratri Festival. The Chotila village is situated at the foot of the Chotila hill. As soon as you reach Chotila, you will find number of shops that sale prasads of Mataji, various types of Gujarati souvenirs like thick bangles with engraving, CDs and DVDs of Chamunda Mataji, and many toys for all ages of children. There are hundreds of such shops located at the base of the Chotila hill. At the end of the navaratri festival, a big havan is taking place on top of the Chotila hill. It is said that after the aarti at chotila hill in the evening everybody comes down the hill and that no one stays there that is what Chamunda Mataji has said. Also people have encountered that there is a lion on the hill or dungar of chotila.
Prayer timing
1. 4:00 AM - In Full Moon Day ( In Gujarati "Poonam")
2. 5:30 AM - Every Sunday
3. 6:00 AM - All other day
4. In Evening - At sunset time ( In Gujarati "Suryast")

Nearby places

Rajkot is only 60 km away from Chotila. It is also the nearest airport from this place. Ahmedbad airport is the nearest international airport. Thanghad is 19 km from Chotila and it is an industrial area. There is an old temple of Lord Shiv in the middle way while going to Thanghad. In this temple water flows automatically on "shivling". It comes under the forest area

EME Temple (Sri Dakshina Murthy Temple)

The EME Temple or "Dakshinamurty Temple" is a Shiva Temple run by Indian Army Authorities in the city of Vadodara in the state of Gujarat, western India. It is a unique in concept & design, geodesic structure covered with aluminium sheets. This temple is a major attraction for both tourist and devotees.

Bahuchara Mata

Bahuchara Mata is a Hindu goddess. She was a daughter of a charan Bapal dan Detha. She and her sisters were on journey with a caravan when a marauder named Bapiya attacked their caravan. It was common practice in charan men and women if overpowered by their enemies, not to surrender but to kill themselves. Shedding the blood of charan was considered heinous sin. When Bapiya attacked the caravan, Bahuchara and her sisters announced tragu and cut their breasts. Legend tells that Bapiya was cursed and became impotent. The curse was lifted only when he worshiped Bahuchara Mata by dressing and acting like a woman.^[1] Today Bahuchara Mata is considered patroness of—and worshipped by—the hijra community in India. Though many of her followers believe in non-violence and consider killing of all animals and creatures a sin, historically Bahuchara Mata was, like many Hindu gods and goddesses, the recipient of annual animal sacrifices

Depiction and symbols

Bahuchara Mata is shown as a woman who carries a sword on her top right, a text of scriptures on her top left, the abhay hasta mudra ("showering of blessings") on her bottom right, and a trident on her bottom left. She is seated on a rooster, which symbolises innocence.

Legends

One important myth concerns a king who prayed before Bahuchara Mata to bring him a son. Bahuchara complied but the prince Jetho, who was born to the king, was impotent. One night Bahuchara appeared to Jetho in a dream and ordered him to cut off his genitals, wear women's clothes and become her servant. Bahuchara Mata identified impotent men and commanded them to do the same. If they refused, she punished them by arranging that during their next seven incarnations they would be born impotent. This is how the cult of Bahuchara Mata, whose devotees are required to self-castrate and remain celibate, developed.^[2] In one of the many folk stories associated with Bahuchara Mata, the goddess was once a princess who castrated her husband because he preferred going to the forest and "behaving as a woman" instead of coming to her bridal bed. In another story, a man who attempted to molest Bahuchara Mata was cursed with impotence. He was forgiven only after he gave up his masculinity, dressed as a woman, and worshipped the goddess. Another theory says that she is one of the goddesses in Sri Chakra. The real symbol of her vehicle is kurkut which means the serpent which has two mouths. Bahucharaji is seated on low end and other end goes to sahastrar, which means that Bahucharaji is the goddess of starting the awakening of kundlini which eventually leads the liberation or moksha.^{[citation needed]}

Temple

Becharaji Temple is located in Becharaji town in Mehsana district of Gujarat, India. It is 110 km from Ahmedabad and 35 km west of Mahesana. The original temple complex was built in 1783 AD. The temple is nicely decorated with stone carving. Every year 1.5 million pilgrims visit this temple.^[3] Toda Mata (Bahuchara Mata) is located in Sankhalpur. The origin of Bahuchra Mata is situated at Varakhdiwala temple in Bechraji. Because Bhakta Vallabha Dhola wrote in his Aanand no Garbo the original place of Bahuchra Mata is situated at between Sankhalpur and Dedana village. The Toda Mata temple in Sankhalpur is 2 kilometers fare from Bechraji (Bahuchraji).

Becharaji

Becharaji or Bahucharaji  is a small town and taluka, a place in Mehsana district of Gujarat state, India. It is situated in northern part of Gujarat. It is a very popular religious place of Hindu religion. It is among the three Shakti Pith's worshipped in Gujarat as Bala at Bahucharaji, as Ambika at Ambaji and as Kalika at Pavagadh.

History

The town's name is derived from Bahuchar Mata or Bahucharaji Mata, a popular deity or 'Devi' of Hindus. Earlier this town was a small village. Although, still it is a Gram Panchayat. Its development is mainly due to temple of Bahuchara Mata. Other reasons for its development are it being declared as Taluka Place or Taluka Panchayat and centre for shopping for peripheral villages. For the development of temple of Bahuchar Mata, Sayajirao Gaekwad extended the Gaekwar's Baroda State Railway (GBSR) that was under the control of his state up to Becharaji.

Demography

This taluka comprises population of around 1 lakh. A majority of the population follows Hindu religion, although there are some villages with Muslim population. Among Hindus, the main communities are Patel, Brahmins, Jain, Charan, Rabari, Bharwad, Thakore, Khant, etc.

Becharaji Town

Becharaji town is small in area. Earlier, it was basically divided in two parts, namely, 'Upali Bajaar (Upper market)'and 'Nichali Bajaar (Lower market)'. But now it is developing at rapid pace. Many new complexes are developed like 'Dayanand Complex'. There are many Dhramshalas in the town. Apart from this, many shops of different commodities are found there. "Becharaji APMC" and "Becharaji Taluka Kharid-Vechan Sangh or Becharaji Taluka Purchase-sales Union" are situated in the town. [State Bank Of India] and "Mehsana District Cooperative Bank" are having their branches in the town. Most of the hotels and restaurants are situated on the highway.

Temple

The Temple of Bahuchara Mata is located in mid Bechraji town. It is 110 km from Ahmedabad and 35 km west of Mahesana. The main temple fort and gate was built by Manajirao Gakewad in Samvat 1839 or 1783 AD when he was Suba of Kadi. He gave 3 villages for the maintenance of the temple. These villages were subsequently taken over and Rs. 10,500/- per year was paid towards maintenance, which is merged and is now under Government control. For the development of this temple Sayajirao Gaekwad extended the GBSR railway that was under the control of his state up to Becharaji.
The centre temple was built by Maratha Fadanvesh. It has been renovated. Learned Saint Kapildev built the varakahdi temple and was then renovated by Kalari king Tejpal. That temple too has been again renovated.
On night of every Punam (15 th day of the month as per Vikram Samvat calendar) and on 8 th day of Aso sud and Chaitri sud police with arms pay Guard of Honour to Mataji's procession. It is also considered as important place for the 'Hijras (Eunuchs)'.

Transportation Facility

Bahucharaji is well connected by Railways and state transport (ST) buses. There are many private vehicle operators as well. It is connected with Mehsana, Chanasma and Viramgam by state highways.
Bahuchraji is located on Ahmedabad-Rantej-Patan metre gauge railroot.
State highways no. 7 connects NH-14 from Deesa, Patan, and Chanasma to Becharaji, from where it further goes to Viramgam, Dhrangadhra, Halvad and Maliya. From Maliya, one can connect to NH-8A and reach Kutch.
Whereas state highway no. 19 connects Mehsana, Kalri to Becharaji, from where it further goes to Dasada, Zainabad, Patdi, and Surendranagar.
Another state highway, precisely no. 134, connects Mehsana, Modhera and Kalri to Becharaji.

Other Important Places Nearby

  Shankhalpur - Temple of Toda Mata/ Bahuchar Mata: 3 km

  Modhera - World Famous Sun Temple, Step well and Suryakund, Temple of Modheshwari Mata, : 14 km

  Viramgam - 1000 Years old Munsar Lake of Solanki's Era : 50 km

  Zinzuwada - Fort built in typical Hindu Culture architecture Artistic Doors, carvings on Fort's Wall & Kund : 40 km

  Zainabad - Heritage Hotel, Wild ass sanctuary of Ghudkhar Facility for desert safari : 30 km

  Patan - Step Well of Rani, Sahastraling Lake, Well of Dharmadhar, Home Industries of Patola, Khan Sarovar Lake, Jain Temples : 50 km

  Sidhpur - Rudra Mahalay, Bindu Sarowar, Vahorawad: 80 km

  Shankheshwar - Jain Temples :50 km

  Bhoyani - Jain Temples : 35 km

  Rantej - Jain Temples : 20 km.

  Fattepur -tantreshwar mahadev Temples :10 km

Sidhpur (a Pious Place)

Siddhpur is a city and a municipality in Patan district in the Indian state of Gujarat. Siddhpur is an historical place, located in North Gujarat, India. It is located on the bank of Sarasvati River, considered to be the branch of lost Saraswati river. Siddhpur is the taluka headquarters of Siddhpur taluka.

 

History

Siddhpur is also known as Sri-sthal or a "pious place". It is mentioned in the Rig Veda to be existing at that time as the Dashu village. The legend is that the great sage Vyashya had donated his bones to God Indra here at Siddhpur. Siddhpur is also believed to be located at the junction of two rivers Ganges and Saraswati. Even in the Mahabharata, the great Indian epic, it is mentioned that the Pandavas had visited the place while they were in exile. During the 4-5th A.D a large number of people settled in this part. They were Gurjara people from Iran.
Around the 10th century, under Solanki rulers, the city was at the zenith of fame and glory. The ruler Siddhraj Jaisingh built his capital at Siddhpur, thus the name Siddhpur which literally means Siddhraj's town. He built a temple dedicated to Shiva, and also beautiful palaces and one huge tower, some say of 80 metres long. He also brought large numbers of Brahmins from Mathura and had them settled here. During the 12th century Muhammed Ghori destroyed the town on his way to Somnath. Around 30,000 people were killed in the raid, and the Solanki empire was destroyed.
If you want to visit this famous place of north Gujrat then there is two different ways to come
1. By train : 19707 : Aravali Express train come from the Mumbai, Maharastra which come daily reached siddhpur by 7.30 am early in the morning and the other list of trains are belows
16507 Ju Banglore Exp Jodhpur Jn Bangalore Cy Jn 12:18 12:20 2 min 19105 Haridwar Mail Ahmedabad Jn Haridwar Jn 12:43 12:45 2 min 19565 Uttaranchal Exp Okha Dehradun 18:07 18:09 2 min 19566 Uttaranchal Exp Dehradun Okha 04:50 04:52 2 min 19708 Aravali Express Jaipur Bandra Terminus 18:56 18:58 2 min 19223 Adi Jat Express Ahmedabad Jn Jammu Tawi 13:21 13:23 2 min 19224 Jat Adi Express Jammu Tawi Ahmedabad Jn 12:40 12:42 2 min 19106 Hw Adi Mail Haridwar Jn Ahmedabad Jn 13:46 13:48 2 min
2. By road : you can use the western express highway to reach there
During the Sultanate time the place was under the rule of local dynasty ruling from Palanpur. Later on in 15th century the place was brought under the Mughal rule by Akbar. Under the Mughal rule the town developed and flourished.

Climate

The climate of Siddhpur is continental. The summer season is hot and dry, with temperature in the range of 40s. While in winter it is pleasant with temperatures in 20s. The average annual rainfall is 40-50 inches. Great place to

• Bindu-sarowar:It is a small artificial tank, even mentioned in rig-veda and considered pious by Hindus. Matrushradh, Mother Mauksha /Tarpan on Sarswati river (Rig-Ved)an ancient Hindu culture. one of the famous place to visit in the siddhpur

• Lord Kapil had founded Sankhya sastra, and Mother Devhuti got Moksha, Explained the Sankhya Darsan by his son (Kapila) on the Saraswati bank: Since the Mauksha of Devhuti established this place Bidu sarovar in Siddhpur an only place in India where Matru-shradh is being carried out, thus thousands of people come here annually to perform the rituals for their dead mothers. in month of Kartike of Hindu calendar. History says the Lord Parshuram had worship here for his sins and done the Matrushradh for his Mother . Mauksha karmakand by brahman priest on sarswati river at pipal tree of Siddheswar temple possess ancient place of God Vishnu. Rig-Ved mentioned for ancient Sristhal and Sarswati river .Siddhpur.\his are the magnificent and beautiful havelies or medieval homes of Bohra traders. They are famous for their delicate wooden architecture and interior decoration of medieval style of India.

Arvadeswar temple of Lord Shiv at Siddhpur is a very ancient place of Nath sampraday in this place Late Devshankarbapa Bhatt who had worshiped 50 years and Died in 1978. The Siddhpith is established by Devshankarbapa. Where vedic activities, archana of Lord shiv like Laghurudra, Maharudra, Atirudra . Daily Agnihotra and Gaytrima chants is being carried out by Brahmin Priest Shri Vikrambhai Pancholi at present. At Siddhpith annually pilgrims/Devotees from India come at Birth, Death anivesary of Devshankarbapa. Siddhpith had a place of Rushi Kandarm "s worship spot, and evidence of ancient history being the Lord Brahma'"s visit The Siddheswar temple on Sarswati river, Chandrakant Pathak(chanduguru) great human devotee of Dutta, ved pathi, brahmchari established guru-sishya parampara here after lord Krisna-Sandipani. Thousands of Rushiputra/Brahman priest learned in free gurukul since 200 years  at the same place and developed Brahmtej

Transport

It has the 4-lane state highway passing through it connecting Ahmedabad with Palanpur. The broad gauge railway line connecting Mumbai to Delhi passes through Siddhpur. Coordinates: 23°55′00″N 72°23′00″E

Muktidham

Muktidham (MORTUARY)called as the placed where human left the world leaving their family behind This place is famous for holy funeral process of human body after died. about siddhpur taluka's 85 villages pepole come for funeral process after anybody died in his village. This is the "gandharv smashan". In india Gandharva Smashan like 1. Ujjain 2. Kashi 3. Prayag 4. Siddhpur you can watch the live agni sanskar from the muktidham
MORTUARY is used for the storage of human corpses awaiting identification, or removal for autopsy or disposal by burial, cremation or otherwise. In modern times they have customarily been refrigerated to delay decomposition.

 

 

Bhujia Fort

Bhujia Fort also spelled as Bhujiya Fort is a fort located in the outskirts of the town of Bhuj in the district of Kutch, Gujarat. The Fort is built on a hill overlooking the town of Bhuj. Bhujia Fort offers a panoramic view of Bhuj city.

History

The city of Bhuj derives its name from the Bhujia hill on which Bhujia Fort was constructed for the defense of the city by Jadeja Chief, Rao Godaji. The Fort is built on a hill overlooking the town.^[1][2]
The construction of Bhujia fort was started by Rao Godaji (1715–1718) as a sort of out-work defense for Bhuj. However, the major work and completion was done during the rule of his son, Maharao Deshalji I (1718–1741). The hill was fortified as a further aid to the defense of the capital, Bhuj. Devakaran Sheth, Diwan of Kutch during Rao Deshalji I took the lead in fortifying the hill.^[2][5] The Fort has seen six major battles since its construction, most of which were fought in the years 1700-1800 AD between the Rajput rulers of Kutch and Muslim raiders from Sindh and the Mughal rulers of Gujarat.^[2][6]
The first major battle at Bhujia Fort was fought during the early part of the reign of Deshalji I, when Sher Buland Khan, who was Mughal Viceroy of Gujarat at that time, invaded Kutch. The army of Kutch was in a precarious condition, when a group of Naga Bawas got the gate of Bhujia Fort opened through a stratagem on pretext of visiting Nag temple for worship and then joined in the fray against Sher Buland Khan's army, putting them to flight. Since that day Naga Bawa and their leader have had a place of importance in a procession held on Nag Panchami day.^[7]
The British colonel William Coir took over the fort in 1819, when Kutch accepted the suzerainty of the British.^[1] Ever since the Bhujia Fort has been under occupation of military personnel.^[3][5]

Temple of Bhujángá Naga

At one corner of the fort is a small square tower dedicated to 'Bhujang Nag' (snake god), who in folklore is said to have been the brother of 'Sheshnag' - Lord of the nether world ('Patal'). It is said He came from Than of Kathiawar and freed Kachchh from the oppression of demons known as 'daityas' and 'rakshasas'.
The Snake Temple was also built at the time of the fortification of the hill during Deshalji I's reign (1718–1740).^[2][5][6] In a battle that was won with help of Naga Sadhus, who worship the Snake god, by Deshalji, the ruler of Kutch, also built a Chhatri over the temple in 1723. To commemorate this event, ever since, an annual fair is held on the fort-hill on the Nag Panchami day in Shraavana month in the Hindu calendar.^[3][5] The Bhujia hill on which this fort stands gets its name from this snake deity Bhujanga.

Present day

Bhujia Hill fort has been under the jurisdiction of the Indian Army since the independence of India. It is strictly prohibited to enter in on any day except on the day of Nag Panchami fair, held once a year.^[3][5] When you enter there are some scattered buildings with an irregular area. Parapet wall is on the top, which is weak and damaged. At one corner of the fort is the temple of the snake deity, which is well maintained. Other areas are under Army control and off limits for civilians.
An army depot on the Bhujiya fort stores tanks, guns, mortar and high explosives. Any civilian activity within 700 meters of the mountain is illegal

 

 

Kalika Mata Temple, Pavagadh

 

Kālikā Mata Temple (or Kalikamata; meaning "the black Mother")  is a Hindu and Muslim goddess temple complex and pilgrim centre at the summit of Pavagadh Hill in Panchmahal district, Gujarat, India, within the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. It dates from the 10th or 11th centuries. The temple has three images of goddesses: the central image is of Kalika Mata, flanked by Kali on the right and Bahucharamata on the left. The spire, interestingly, has a shrine of Sadanandsha Pir, a Muslim ‘pir’ or “saint” held in great reverence locally. On Chitra sud 8, a fair is held at the temple which is attended by thousands of devotees. The temple is the site of one of the Shakti Peethas. 

 

Geography

Kalika Mata Temple is situated in the Indian state of Gujarat, near Halol,^[2] at 762 metres (2,500 ft) above sea level.^[3] The temple complex is part of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.^[4] It is set amidst a dense forest cover on a cliff.
The temple can be accessed by a pathway from the road head through the forest over a distance of 5 kilometres (3.1 mi).^[3] The path passes the ruins of Patai Raval's palace ruins. Alternatively, there is a ropeway access, which was commissioned in 1986.^[5] The ropeway, 740 metres (2,430 ft) in length, is of mono-cable and can carry 1,200 people per hour; it is said to be the country's highest.^[6]

History

Dating from the 10th-11th centuries, Kalika Mata is the oldest temple in the area.^[3] According to R. K. Trivedi in Fairs and Festivals of Gujarat (1961), the goddess Kalika Mata was initially worshipped by the local Bhil people and Koli people, until she was later invoked and installed by Vishvamitra on Pavagadh Hill summit, where she is worshipped as a form of Durga or Chandi.^[7] Pavagadh's Kalika Mata is also worshipped by the Adivasi.^[1] The temple was described in Gangadas Pratap Vilasa Natakam, a 15th-century drama.^[8] Named in honor of the Goddess Kali, the temple is believed to be the Kali Mata's residence, and is one of the Shakti Peethas,^[9] as the symbolic toe of the goddess Sati is said to have fallen here.^[10]

Architecture and fittings

The small and plain^[11] temple is set amidst fortifications with an open yard in the front, and is open for long hours to cater to the rush of pilgrims.^[3] There are two altars in front of the temple for offering sacrifices to the Kalika Mata, as well as a row of lights that are lit on festive occasions. The Kali yantra is worshipped at the temple.^[12]
The complex is divided into two parts, the ground floor containing Hindu shrines, while the temple spire is domed with a Muslim shrine.^[2][13] The chief shrine on the ground floor contains three divine images: in the centre Kalika Mata in the centre (depicted in the form of a head, known as mukhwato and red in colour^[3]), while Mahakali is situated to her right and Bahuchara Mata to her left. The restored marble floor dates to about 1859 and was presented by the minister of Limbdi in Kathiawar.^[11] The domed temple spire contains a Muslim shrine and mausoleum to Sadan Shah Pir, a Sufi saint

Festivals

The temple is one of the biggest tourist and pilgrimage centers in Gujarat, attracting large numbers of people every year.^[14][15] It is a Chodhri tradition to make a pilgrimage here at least once in a lifetime.^[16] Devotees of Kalika Mata visiting the temple "worshipped by beating bell-metal symbols".^[17] A fair is held each year at the temple on Chaitra Sud 8.^[2] Especially on the full moon of Chaitra, in April, and at Dasara, in October, there are large meetings of Hindus of all classes

 

 

Kayavarohan

 

Kayavarohan is a village in the Vadodara district of the state of Gujarat, India. Kayavarohan is popularly known as Karvan and is situated on the National Highway 8 at a distance of 30 km from Vadodara. Kayavarohan is the birthplace of Lakulish, the 2nd Century C.E. Shaivite revivalist, reformer and propounder of the pashupata doctrine. It is an important religious place on account of its Shiva temple in Lakulish avatar .

 

History

Kayavarohan (Karvan) is an ancient town believed to have existed through each of the Four Ages. As per Shaivite mythology, Lord Shiva in the Lakulish manifestation appeared at this place. According to mythology and puranas, from here Lord Shiva transmigrated into the form of a Brahmin child. Thus the place came to be known as Kayavarohan [Kaya (Body) + Avarohan (Descent) = Where the body of the Lord has descended]. It is an ancient town believed to have existed through each of the Four Ages according to the Hindus. According to a popularly held belief it was from here that Lord Shiva in the guise of a child transmigrated after death and his body disappeared. Thus the place came to be known as Kayavarohan. A number of copper coins and a stone quern have been found from here. A beautiful head of Tapas, the image of Kartikeya and an idol of Uma Maheshwara are some of the archaeological specimen discovered from here. Kayavarohan is also famous for its healthy environment.The people of Kayavarohan are extremely creative and wealthy. The village has many wealthy people whose mostly kids are studying in abroad. shivratri is most popular festival in kayavarohan at night time its unbelievable.

Religious Significance

Kayavarohan is one of the sixty-eight ‘teerthas' (Pilgrimage) of Lord Shiva as mentioned in the Shiva Purana. However, Kayavarohan is not among the 12 Jyotirlingas as mentioned in the Shiva Purana.
It is of great significance to the Pasupatas (Followers of the Pashupati), those in the spiritual following of Lakulish, for it is considered to be the place of Shiva's appearance on earth in that incarnation. Lakulish is considered to be the 28th birth of Shiva. Shiva had come to the earth in the form of Lakulisha through Kayavaroha, literally meaning ‘Descent of the form’.
Kayavarohan harbours the Brahmeshwar Jyotirshivlang temple, claimed to have been founded by Maharshi Vishwamitra. It has been held that the incarnation of Shiva in Lakulish has merged with the linga in Shambavi Mudra.
The Kayavarohan lingam represents the "formless" but a unique, exceptional iconic form of Shiva bearing the image of a meditating yogi, who holds parchments in one hand and citron (Matulinga) in the other.
It is believed that Ichhapuri was the main place of pilgrimage in Satyuga, Mayapuri in Treta Yuga, Meghavati in Dwapar Yuga, and Kayavarohan in the present Kali yuga. This temple has a Lingam of Lord Shiva, made up of black stone. It is believed that Maharshi Vishwamitra had installed this Linga of Lord Shiva during the Ramayana period.
In the Vedic times, Kayavarohan/Karvan was a popular centre of learning and education and used to house numerous Vedic Universities, Yajna Shalas and the temples of many Hindu Gods.
The myth has it that during the barbarian invasion of Mahmood of Ghazni, the luminous jyotirlinga with Lakulish merged the light of all of the other 12 jyotirlingas into its form and disappeared. Maha Shivratri is most famous festival in Kayavarohan. During the sacred day, hundreds of men wear Lord Mahadev's attire and appear at the temples.
Presently, there is an underground meditation cave at the Kayavarohana temple used for seclusion and meditation.

Archeological Significance

The village and its surrounding areas are of great archeological significance. The ruins of a Shiva Temple that was as sacred as the Kashi (Jyotirlingas) during later Vedic times is found here. Ancient sculptures and relics belonging to the 2nd century have been excavated from this place.
Later during the Dark Ages of Hinduism (Muslim invasions and subsequent reign from 11th century CE. to 17th century CE), starting with the attacks of barbarian Muslim marauder Mahmud Ghazni, who looted and destroyed the temple of Somnath in Gujarat, all the Shiva temples at Karvan were desecrated and razed by the iconoclast Muslim invaders. However, the Shiva Lingas of the destroyed temples still survive and remain at the site, without temples around them. The Shivalayas and temples of Karvan were rebuilt and restored during the late Twentieth century by the Great Yogacharya Swamiji Kripaluanandji Maharaj.
Numerous Hindu icons, number of copper coins and a stone quern have been found from Karvan. A grand head of Tapasvi, the image of Kartikeya and an idol of Uma Maheshwara are some of the rare and unmatched archaeological specimen discovered from Karvan. Karvan is a place of great archeological importance and the A.S.I. Archaeological Survey of India has listed Karvan as a heritage site and has set up a special museum for the remains found around this site. Karvan is one of the major sites of Indian Heritage.

 

 

Khedbrahma

Khedbrahma (Gujarati: ખેડબ્રહ્મા) is a town and a taluka in Sabarkantha,Gujarat. It is known for its historical values, Lord Brahma’s Temple and Stepwell, goddess Ambika temple, Jain Temple of Lord Mahavir, and tribal population. Villages of Khedbrahma Taluka include Matoda, Radhivad, Agia, Derol, Metral, Poshina, etc. 

Etymology

It is believed that Lord Brahma had ploughed the land here and a river had flown out of it^[2] which is now known as Harnav.

History

According to Padmapuran this is an ancient town being known as Brahmpur in Saty Yug; Agnikhet in Treta; Hiranyapur in Dwapar and talukhet in Kali Yug. Puratan Brahmakshetra says that many Digambar temples were also present in this locality. History can be traces back to 11th century when Lord Brahma Temple and Ambika Temple were built. Aditi Vav was built in 14th century.^[3]

Geography

There is a sangam (meeting point) of three small rivers here, namely Hirnakshi, Bhimakshi and Kosambi. After the confluence of these three rivers, the river is named Harnav which merges with Sabarmati river. It divides the town in a northern and a southern part.

Places of Importance

Lord Brahma Temple and Aditi Stepwell

There is a Lord Brahma Temple rarely seen in India, only second to Pushkar built in 12th century.^[1][3] It was built in third quarter of 11th century.^[7]
There is a stepwell known as Brahma Vav which have carving that resembling temple spires and idols. It is now in dispair due to lack of maintenance.^[2][8] It is also known as Aditi Vav historically and was built in 14th century. An inscription of Vikram Samvat 1256 is present in Vav.^[3]

Goddess Ambika Temple

It was built in early 11th century.^[7] Every year many pilgrims come to Ambika temple especially during September–October due to Bhadarvi Purnima festival. It is also known as Nana Ambaji Temple.^[2] There is a fair during Kartik Purnima(on full moon day of November–December)here. Pushya Purnima(on full moon day of February–March) is important because it is considered as a foundation day of the temple.^[9]

Others

There is also the Bhrugurushi Ashram and Shiv Temple which is associated with folklores and Puranic stories. According to legend, Bhrugurushi, Son of Brahma had spent a long time praying to Lord Shiva here in order to fulfill his wish.
Kashi Vishvanath Temple, Kshirjamba Mahalaxmi Temple and Pankheshvar Mahadev Temple are situated on the bank of the Harnav River which are very popular in this area. Mahavir Swami Jain Temple is in northern part of town which is almost 500 year old.^[1][3]

Transportation

There is a bus-station of state transport (GSRTC)which have connectivity to all major city of Gujarat , and a railway station which has two trains a day.

Distance from Places

From Ahmedabad it is 122 km away.
From Himmatnagar it is 52 km away.
From Ambaji it is 50 km away

 

Navlakha Temple, Ghumli

                                                                                       

Navlakha Temple at Ghumli is a 12th Century temple built by Jethwa rulers.^[1]

History

Navlakha Temple at Ghumli was built by Jethwa rulers in 11th century dedicated to Sun god, Surya and is oldest sun temple of Gujarat.^[1]It has the largest base (Uagati) of the temples in Gujarat, measuring 45.72 x 30.48 m. Facing East, it had a beautiful entrance arch or Kirti Toran, that is now lost. The sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), covered pradakshina path, large gathering hall and its three shringar chokis are eye catching. On the surrounding walking path we find three directions with balconies. The mandapa has eight-sided pillars for support. In the small niches we find sculptures. The entrances are two storied. At the back wall of the temple we find two huge elephants fighting with their trunks. In Bhadra gavaksha there is the image of Brahma-Savitri, in the west is the Shiva-Parvati, to the north is Lakshmi Narayan. The Navlakha Temple built at a cost of Nine Lacs hence the name rivals the Somnath Temple in its architect and interiors.  The temple is built in Solanki style of architecture and Maru-Gurjara style of architecture^[8] have the three entwining tusks of elephants as its trademark and is considered to be high noon of Solanki style of architect. Outside main temple there is an temple dedicated to Ganesha, popularly known as Gumali Ganesha Temple. This temple is said to be built in 10th century AD.^[9]
The temple was destroyed when Ghumli was sacked by Jadeja Jam Barmaniyaji attacked Ghumli in 1313 to take revenge of defeat of his father Jadeja Jam Unaji, who had came from Sindh and but was defeated in 1309 by Jethwa ruler Rana Bhanji.^[10]

Present Status

The Archeological Survey of India, has taken up rehabilitation of temple and develop the place as site of tourist and historical importance.

How to reach

Plane :
  Jamnagar - 48 KM

Railway :
  Jamnagar - 48 KM

Way :
  Ahmedabad - 313 KM

 

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )