AMAZING COLLECTION

AMAZING COLLECTION
Colourful embroidered wall hangings depicting Krishna legends hang from the second floor right down to ground level. Cloth decorated with tie-dye, glinting mirror work, screen prints, block prints and intricate embroidery include exquisite pieces made for the British and Portuguese and exported to Bali, while from India's royal households there's an embroidered tent and the robes of Shah Jahan, along with elaborate carpets and plump cushions that once furnished Muslim palaces.

THE FABULOUS PATOLA
The collection also includes some of the best examples anywhere of the Patola saris woven in Patan as well as the extravagant Zari work that gilds saris in heavy gold stitching and can bring their weight to almost nine kilos.

JAIN SECTION
The Jain section features statues housed in a replica Haveli Temple, along with centuries-old manuscripts and 'mandalas' painted on palm leaves; note the traditional symbols such as the snake and ladder motif representing rebirth and 'karma'.

STATE SPECIALTIES
Among exhibits from else where in India are Kashmiri shawls, Kullu embroidery, glittering silk brocades from Varanasi, folk art from the Punjab and masks and large wooden temple cars (processional vehicles) from Tamil Nadu. Tribal crafts such as Kachchhi silk and cotton 'mashru' weaving are displayed in spectacular wooden 'havelis' from Patna and Siddhpur in northern Gujarat. Clearly labelled models and diagrams explain the weaving, dyeing and embroidery processes.

Calioc Textiles Musium

Calioc Textiles Musium

Location : Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Constructed In : 1949 AD.
Significance : One Of The Finest Textile Museums In The World.

The museum in its present, new setting creates a charming atmosphere, with courtyards, gardens, fountains, quiet passages and evocative settings created with the textiles themselves to show how they were used: religious textiles, cloth is used in royal court etc. This introduction is very well presented and offers an insight into the genius of Indian weavers and the skills and traditions associated with the ancient art. Textiles can be broadly divided into those fabricated from cotton, wool and silk. Of these, cotton and wool appear to have been used throughout Indian history, beginning from the time of the Harappan Civilization. Indigenous silk was produced by the tribes of the north-eastern states like Assam, and of the Bihar and Orissa regions.

These tusser and muga silks are still available in natural hues of gold, and each with their own distinct textures. There is a legend that a Buddhist monk brought a mulberry tree to India from China, where silk production was a closely guarded secret. There are numerous references in literature to silk garments throughout the medieval period. On a more significant scale, silk was introduced into south India during the reign of Tipu Sultan of Mysore, in the 17th century, through his 'French connection'. Any material, including textiles, cam be studied according to the techniques involved in their production. For fabrics, the first stage is the preparation of the yarn for weaving: the twirling and twisting (spinning), which provides the initial element of texture to the cloth. Handspun yarn, like that used an khadi (handspun and handwoven cloth), lends a delightful uneven texture to the cloth. The colours and dyeing techniques for yarn used are equally important.

The best example of these is ikat, in which the yarn is tied and dyed in two, three or four colours, so that when it is woven the designs 'assemble themselves' on the fabrics. The museum has some outstanding samples of ikat from Gujarat, referred to there as patola, in which both the wrap and weft threads carry 'colour coding', to create intricate, slightly fuzzy-edged motifs of elephants, flowers and birds. This artistic techniques is still practised today in Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.

Bhujia Hill Fort

Bhujia Hill Fort

At a short distance from Bhuj town is the hill fort of Bhujia, the top surrounded by a parapet wall of no great strength, entered by one gate, and enclosing an irregular area with a few scattered buildings. The fort was built by Rao Godji as a sort of out-work defense for Bhuj. It was completed during Maharao Desalji's reign when the hill was crowned with its Snake Temple and was fortified as a further aid to the defense of the capital.

Snake Domain
At one corner is a small square tower dedicated to 'Bhujang Nag' (snake) said to have been the brother of 'Shesh Nag'- Lord of the under world ('Patal'), who came from Than of Kathiawar and freed Kachchh from the oppression of demons known as 'daityas' and 'rakshasas'. To commemorate this event, an annual fair is held on the fort-hill on the Nag Panchami day (Shravan Sun 5, August).

Bhadra Fort (Ahmedabad )

Bhadra Fort (Ahmedabad )

The Bhadra Fort of Ahmedabad is another place to be visited in the city. The place is a venue for Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations in Ahmedabad. This fort of Ahmedabad fort has a temple devoted to the Mother Goddess, Bhadrakali; hence the name Bhadra Fort. Once housed royal palaces and beautiful gardens. It has the temple of Bhadrakali and was built in 1411 during the Maratha rule. The huge and grand Teen Darwaza (Triple Gateway) is another place to be seen in Ahmedabad. Teen Darwaza servedthe purpose of a royal entrance to the Royal Square of the Bhadra Fort.

Ashokan Rock Edicts (Junagadh)

Ashokan Rock Edicts (Junagadh) Location : Junagadh, Gujarat.
Built By : Ashoka.
Contains : 14 Edicts
Issued By : Ashoka.

Ashoka's edicts, issued after his switch to Buddhism, were designed to bring about large-scale recognition of Buddhism. In pillar edict 6, he had mentioned that he started issuing these edicts 12 years after his coronation. Fourteen such edicts have been found near the edge of the Sudarshan Lake, about half a mile to the east of Junagadh. The inscriptions on these edicts are in the Prakrit dialect. The script used for these edicts used to vary with the need of the region, but was largely Brahmi or Kharoshthi. The Junagadh rocks cover all the 14 edicts that Ashoka had issued. They are in a western dialect, with many Magadhi words resembling Pali.

HALL OF MIRRORS

HALL OF MIRRORS
The real attraction here, though, is the Hall of Mirrors, created by the master artisan, Ram Singh Malam, under the patronage of his poet-ruler, Maharao Shri Lakhpatji around the middle of the 18th century. A blend of Indian and European artistry (Ram Singh acquired, his skills in Europe), the walls of the great hall are of white marble covered by mirrors separated by gilded ornaments, lighting being provided by elaborate candelabra, with shades of Venetian glass. It has a platform above it surrounded by a series of fountains operated by an elaborated system of pumps below a Venetian chandelier. Another remarkable feature is the pleasure pool, in the middle of which rises a square platform where the Maharao composed his poems and gave encouragement to the

AINA MAHAL

AINA MAHAL

Location : Kachchh, Gujarat.
Built By : Roa Lakhpatji.
Built In: 18th Century.
Main Attraction: Hall of Mirrors. mahal) Bhuj.

The last ruler of Kutch Maharao Madansinhji established the "Maharao of Kutch Aina Mahal Trust on 1st January, 1977. Aina Mahal means a mirror palace. It was created by the artists Ramsinh & Gaidhar Devshi in the period of Maharao Lakhpatji (1752-61). In 1757, Rao Lakhpatji visited the emperor Alamgir in Delhi. He was graced with the title of Mahi Maratib. He welcomed foreigners in his court. Fortune brought him a man named Ramsingh malam who specialized in Kutchi architecture, enamel work, jewellery, tile work and interior decoration. The great master piece of Ramsingh is the Hall of Mirrors in the Aina Mahal. The walls are white marble covered with mirror which are separated by gilded ornaments. The hall is lit by elaborate pendant candelabra with shades of Venetian glass. The hall of mirrors is on the second floor of the Aina Mahal but Ramsingh devised ingenious pumps and siphons to raise up water to fill the pleasure pool and to operate fountains which cast spray in an intricate variety of patterns charming the eye and cooling the air. The small state apartment, carpeted with exquisite Kutchi silk embroidery, its walls paneled high with the same priceless fabrics still contains Maharao Lakhpatji's bed. The hall is filled with a miscellaneous collection of objects; a Dutch Clock, English and French celestial globes, some antique pictures, mechanical toys, glass and china. On the walls of the corridor are a variety of pictures, some European and many Indian. The Aina Mahal alone cost eight million kories and was only one of the many enterprises which the Maharao and Ramsingh undertook together.

Junagadh

Junagadh

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If Porbandar is the city of Sudama, Junagadh is the city of Narsimh Mehta, the saint poet of Gujarat. Although Narsimh was born at Talaja near Bhavnagar, he spent his whole life at Junagadh. This is one of the most ancient places of Indian history. The first historical reference in the Junagadh Inscription of Ashoka is that of Chandragupta Maurya (322-298 BC). As the Inscription says, the assistant of Chandragupta, Vaisya Pushyamitra had constructed a dam over the Suvarnaskta River and created this manmade lake named 'Sudarshan' here. Thereafter, Ashok rebuilt and renovated this lake circa 150 BC.

In the first century of Christ the Ksatrap kings had been ruling for the last 400 years, as tributary rulers of the Mauryas. Then came the Maitraka dynasty, established by one Bhattaraka. The Arabs brought an end to this dynasty. The region was then ruled by Chudasamas of Yadava descent until 1472 AD. Then the Mughals occupied entire Gujarat region, and after them the regional Muslim rulers or Sultans took over.

Girnar A lofty Mountain: At its base is the city of Junagadh, meaning Old Fort. This is not just a historical site but also ancient - most ancient - site of the Puranas. When we explore its recent history, we find the story of its Nawab who did not want to join the Indian Union after Independence. As we move back in time we go through not just the Chudasamas and Mauryas, but all the way to Satrap Rudradaman and Lord Krishna because of its antiquity. We can still find the marks of Time on its various places such as the stories of Bhairav Nath and Gorakh Nath, Buddhist caves, Inscriptions of Ashoka and Rudradaman, Jain temples with its stories interwoven in Jain 'Rasas', the 'Choro' of Narsimh Mehta and Damodar Kund, Navgahn Kuvo,Uparkot, 'Chhatris' of the Nawabs, are left here that we can recognize and recall.

Another such popular legend is that of Ra Gangajaliya. The last Rajput ruler of Junadagh was Ra Mandalik. He was named Ra Gangajaliya for his good character and purity. But once he fell in love with one of his subjects, a woman of great character, Nagbai, and she cursed him. As a result Muhammad Begda was able to defeat this brave ruler, and from then on Junagadh came under Muslim rule.

The town of Junagadh offers a lot to the tourist. The Uperkot Fort, its Gates, the ruins of the palace of Ra Khengar, the nalTOW'vav' of Adikadi and the Navghan Kuvo built similar to the Bhammariyo Kuvo; of Mahemeadabad with their amazing architecture are also worth seeing. These are of 10th century. The town also has the 'Chhatris' or bmial places of the Babi dynasty's scions. The zoo is called 'Shakkm"bag', then a palace built in 19th century too needs to be visited. However, the ancient memories can be revived on the way to Girnar.

Gir

Gir

Plane :
Keshod - 40 KM

Railway :
Junagadh - 8 KM

Way :
Ahmedabad - 327 KM

Photo Gallery

The forest that stretches from the base of the Girnar all the way to sea is one of the most famous forests of India. Tribhuvan Kavi has joyfully described it in his poem 'Gaje Jangal gir tana', where its rich flora and fauna, thick woods of ancient trees come to life in our mind from mere words even. However, unfortunately the in roads of time and humans have eroded the beauty and richness of this forest a great deal by now. And yet it still retains its beauty as a forest that needs to be seen by our own eyes. We find the camps of huge and quality cattle here that the shepherds of Saurashtra move with them. The wild creatures live under huge ancient trees. When the region faces a draught, the shepherds bring their cattle under the blessings of Girnar and its natural resources. It is full of small and big springs and lakes too, besides vegetation. The most distinguished feature of this place is that it is the home of Indian Lion, the king of wild life. Lions have vanished from the face of the earth, except in Africa and India; and in India also it survives only at Gir forest of Gujarat.

The government guesthouse has been set up at the western edge of the forest, at a place called 'Sasan Gir', by the Tourism Department. It also is a station on the railway line of Sasan, Visavadar- Talala. We can enjoy overnight stay in this forest here. The government also arranges a tour of the forest so that we may be able to view the freely roaming lions. We can do this in his natural habitat and go very near him without endangering any of us or him.

Of the wild animals here the lion -locally called 'savaj' - is the main attraction. Although the lions are free to roam all over the forest, it seems that they have divided it into their own territories. They take their own families around in the some kind of detennined areas only. A lion is a beautiful, majestic and fearless creature of the forest. It can get angry and is powerful enough to destroy his enemy any time. However, it never kills any animal unless provoked or absolutely hungry.

Another notable creature of Gir forest is the Gir bison. This big buffalo or bison has Yeryheavy and sharp horns, and is very powerful. It is so brave that it does not back out a combat with a lion if necessary. The shepherds of this place also have adjusted with the lions here and are not afraid of him as they too live here, having partly cleared the forest and live along with their families too, along their cattle.

At one time the number of lions in the entire Saurashtra was very large. But as is happening elsewhere, the forests are dying here and at Gir too. The population of the lion is dwindling now. As the forests were cut, the lions migrated to the thicker Vegetation Zones and now only at Gir do they survive. Uncontrolled hunting has also taken its toll on the lion population. Now hunting has been banned. To protect the lion, the government has declared Gir as a Sanctuary for Lions at Sasan Gir. A wall of stone has been erected around it and the roads in-between have barbed wire fences on both sides. In the area of 176 km care is taken not to allow any wild animal to leave it or no other animal or hunters enter it.

A Resort with Nawabi Grandeur Chorwad

A Resort with Nawabi Grandeur Chorwad

Plane :
Keshod - 30 KM

Railway :
Junagadh - 60 KM

Way :
Ahmedabad - 400 KM

Photo Gallery

At the southern border of Saurashtra is the Arabian Sea, and in this pleasant ambience is located Chorwad. Popular songs sing its praises for being so green as 'lili nagher'. It is full of greenery with its gardens of nagarvel leaves, cane fields with another shade of green and other orchards. Thus the original name of 'Charuvadi', now locally turned into Chorwad, is quite appropriate for a pleasing place for the eye.

In the great heat of summer other parts of Saurashtra are roasted in rising mercury but the cool sea winds make it into an ideal cool place to be in. It is known for this attraction since a long time indeed. We therefore find an old palace of the Nawab of Junagadh and other big buildings of private owners as well. The Chorwad Road station is on the Junagadh- Veravalline, and actual village is at a distance of 6 km from the station.

The Sate has developed this as a tourist place, and all facilities are provided to the visitors. In the old palace of the Nawab the modern facilities are installed. A swimming pool is available right near the sea. At one time as many as 250 persons can stay in this palace, because of the developed facilities and some changes in the old palace. In Gujarat it seems to be the biggest place of its kind.

Besides this palace, there are amall cottage type rooms also, and are located in the same vicinity. There is a lot of open space around and hence the mornings and evenings are very pleasant. There is a big dining hall and restaurent also.

Jamnagar

Jamnagar

Plane :
Jamnagar - 0 KM

Railway :
Jamnagar - 0 KM

Way :
Ahmedabad - 350 KM

Photo Gallery

A special city is this Jamnagar. It is a center of interest in terms of history, modernity as well as education. After leaving Kutch, Jam Raval had set up Jamnagar in 1540. For the next 400 years it was the capital city for the newly developed and prosperous Navanagar State in entire Saurashtra. It used to be within a fort until 1914. Jam Ranjitsinh had the city well laid out with big crossing circles, wide roads and houses on roads looking similar and built in one line along the sides, giving a disciplined civic look. As a result it came to be known as 'Paris of Saurashtra'.

It is a historical city. It had on its four sides a fort with gates. Its history is also full of romantic stories of brave warriors and other heroes. The Jadeja dynasty has a claim in many of these. In the central lake of the city we have 'Lakhota Mahal' that houses many romantic and colorful stories of love and valor of the rulers, their nobles and diwans or ministers.

Reconstructed during the rule of Jam (a term meaning King) Ranjitsinh in about 1914, the city is spectacular for its town-planning. It has a mixture of several styles with its roads, crossroads, marketplaces and other residential and no-residential buildings. Named as "Paris of Saurashtra', we can see the past glory it must have commanded in its gorgeous buildings, systematic roads, historical places etc. There are a number of temples within and out of the fort area, and also because of its large number of Sanskrit schools at one time, Jamnagar also has another name: 'Chhota Kashi', a place of learning. Dinstinguished men like Adityaramji, the music maestro, and Zandu Bhattji, the great Ayurved practitioner had settled here. These have become legendary figures of entire Gujarat. The present Zandu Pharmacy is a legacy of Zandu Bhattji.

As a centre of learning, Jamnagar still holds the fort. It has an Ayurved University, Gulabkunvarba Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, medical College, Polytechnic, ITI and training centers for all the three wings of the Armed Forces. Several industries continue to prop up in and around Jamnagar.

The town has a beautiful lake called Ranmal Talav. In its center is Lakhota Mahal. It is so designed that even the soldiers placed sun'ounding it could guard it so well that they could stop the entry of any enemy and his army. Today Lakhota Mahal is a national monument. It now has a museum that displays the beautiful samples of artistic sculptures and architectural designs. A well in this Mahal is so constructed that it looks like a hole in the ground, and still, just one quick blast of air from the mouth can bring out the water. Some walls have old paintings on them. On the edge of the lake is 'Kotha' a secret place to hoard weapons.

The Khambhalia Gate here is a beautiful construction, with its great sculpted figures. Jamnagar also has other palaces, viz. Vibhavilas and Pratapvilas palaces. Besides a large number of temples of Shiva, other gods and goddesses, it has many Jain temples too. A huge temple of Kabir sect is located here. Jamnagar is the most important center of medical studies, both Ayurvedic and Allopathic. This huge Ayurvedic University also has a Research Center . Besides, many years ago, Jam Saheb had one Solarium built here for solar treatment of many diseases. It is unique in that it turns with the progress of the Sun to get the maximum benefit of solar energy.

Ghumli

Ghumli

Plane :
Jamnagar - 48 KM

Railway :
Jamnagar - 48 KM

Way :
Ahmedabad - 313 KM

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AS we are talking of the ancient sites, and we are still in the Jamnagar District, then we cannot forget Ghumli. In the Barda hill area, near the village of Bhanavad, the ruins of a very ancient town and temple are found. A number of sites have been destroyed and they were resurrected some time later. But Ghumli, having been destroyed or abandoned once, has somehow never been inhabited again. Now, it has to be satisfied as just a site for the historians and archaeologists as a center of their research and studies.

Ordinarily, from the viewpoint of art and architecture the old Somnath temple is considered as the most ancient temple. However, Ghumli has a temple that rivals join to Somnath by nearly 500 years and from the viewpoint of art, it rivals in beauty with the Modhera Sun temple. Indeed the remains are in ruins. Spread over almost 1.5 km area the remnants of a large vmiety and styles reveal that it was built between 9th and 14th centuries. The high quality of artistic remnants makes us believe that once upon a time it must have been a very prosperous city.

NAVLAKA MANDIR : Due to the rich and exemplary architecture the Navlakha Mandir of Ghumli (District Jamnagar) distinguishes itself from the other temple structures of Saurashtra built during 11th or 12th centuries. 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 is the image of Brahma-Savitri, in the west is the Shiva-Parvati, to the north is LakshmiNarayan.

Dwarkadhish Temple at Dwarka

Dwarkadhish Temple at Dwarka

Plane :
Jamnagar - 146 KM

Railway :
Dwarka - 2 KM

Way :
Ahmedabad - 541 KM

Photo Gallery

The most famous spot on the west coast of Gujarat is Dwarka, a city older than the Puranas aT even the Kavyas. This city is well known, because of the great Lord Krishna whose emple is situated here and He is called Dwarkadhish. According to the legend, when the two enemies of Krishna, Jarasandh and Kalyavan attacked Mathura to revenge the killing of its earlier king and uncle of Krishna, named Kansa, to prevent the annihilation of the Yadava tribe, Lord Krishna came down to this place and named it' as Dwarka, where he set up his own kingdom. This name has a very significant meaning. We have already seen how it denotes as the Gateway to India in the west by the sea.

One of the 4 major pilgrimage sites, called Haridham, which spread all over India, this temple is situated on the northem banks of the River Gomti. Its architecture is of 13th century, similar to the other contemporary Hindu temples. It has an icon of the Lord with four hands, it has sanctum sanctorum or Garbhagriha, a large public hall called Sabhagriha and Mahamandapa.

The city that Sudama has described is not to be seen even in part or any remnants. Legend has it that when at Prabhas Patan Lord Krishna was about to die, he sent a message to the Yadavas to evacuate Dwarka, for it was destined to sink into the ocean upon his death. However, we have nothing to show for a golden city on the land anymore, for it is indeed under the sea. The present Dwarka is a new city that came up much later.

It may be that the legend is imaginary, as many are. However, it is interesting that the a marine archeologist Dr. Rao has discovered an entire urban settlement under the sea near the present Dwarka that shows signs of having beeen washed over five times by the sea.

Whatever it may be, present Dwarka is a small little town and its importance lies in its religious association. The ancients had described it as one of the seven cities where death would bring Moksha to the seekers. Chaitnaya Mahaprabhu had visited it. It is said the Meera the great saint poetess of India came here at the end of her days and was merged into the very image of Lord Krishna whom she worshipped. The pilgrimage continues without interruption. Thousands of people gather here for worship at the temple of Ranchhodji - Dwarkadhish- and offer their prayers and gifts with great faith in their hearts, as He sits benignly in the beautiful temple.

The Temple has a very high plinth and the first level is reached after climbing a number of steps. Situated right at the juncture where the Gomti meets the sea, this height and steps provide a position of haughtiness for the Lord within. The sea seems to be touching His feet all the time with its gentle waves. The central place, Garbhagriha is 60 meters high, with a 6 storied 'shikhara' or inverted cone-like structure in 6 layers. In the front of it we have a huge 'mandapa' , a hall that is 5 stories or 35 meters in height. Its corridors are 27 meters long and 6.4 meter wide. The outer walls have sculptured reliefs from its base to the top, but the insides of the wall are plain. The entrance is decorated with an image of Lord Ganesha

Mahudi - The Main Seat of Shri Ghantakarnavir

Mahudi - The Main Seat of Shri Ghantakarnavir

Way :
Ahmedabad - 67 KM

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Near Vijapur and about 80 km away from Ahmedabad is situated the place of pilgrimage of Mahudi. It is believed to be 2000 years old. In V.S. 1974 and V.S. 1980 the present temple was erected and the Image of Ghantakama Mahavir installed in it respectively. This is considered a place of miracles and it is said that the devotees can actually hope to get their wishes fulfilled. The reverence in which Shri Ghantakamaji and Mata Padmavati are held is indeed very deep

Among the 52 Virs, Ghantakama Mahavir is one. At Mahudi, a seat of Ghantakarna Mahavir is made as the Chief of Padmaprabhu. He is a benefactor of his devotees and legends of his many miracles circulate even today. In His earlier birth, He was a King and spent His life protecting Satis, Sadhus and devotees from the demon-like evil men. He used to love a sweet preparation called 'sukhdi"

In Jain temples, besides the chief Tirhankar, there are special places dedicated to Yaksha and Yakshinis. The goddess is placed in the niche at the foot of the Tirthankar while in the niches in the walls of Maandapa we find Yakshas and Yakshinis in a variety of poses. Some even with weapons, and installed with their own Mantras. The Jains believe that Mantras have Samammohan or hypnotizing power. The power of the Mantras brings the god there and renders the help the devotee needed. That is why the Jain householders consume the 'sukhdi' prepared at the temple.

Tradition is to prepare as well as consume 'prasad' of 'sukhdi; within the temple complex of Ghantakarna Mahavir. This is a simple yet absolutely adorable sweet preparation and has to be completely consumed when on the premises. If you have offered more than you can consume, you have to distribute it to the others, and the poor who are visiting. But, you cannot take this 'prasad' for someone at home, and it is said that anyone trying to take the 'sukhadi' out of the premises is never successful. Another ancient temple at Mahudi is of Katyarkji, the god of the community of Khadayata Vaniks. The old temple was at the edge of the river, but now it has been shifted in a larger temple nearby. The image of the God has also been brought over in it. Two beautifully sculpted images also are brought over. The sculpture of a mother with a child making mischief on her shoulders is remarkable.

Gandhinagar - Capital of Gujarat

Gandhinagar - Capital of Gujarat

Way :
Ahmedabad - 28 KM

Photo Gallery

Gandhiji does not belong merely to Gujarat or India; he belongs to the entire humanity. However, since he hailed from Gujarat, the state is understandably proud of him. Is there any objection to call one's own as one's own, ever? Indeed not. Gujarat has joined the name of Gandhiji with several types of places and activities to commemorate him. Nearly all cities have his image and a main road named after him. The Ellis Bridge station of Ahmedabad was renamed as Gandhigram station. An entirely new city that developed near Kandla became Gandhidham. But the greatest place where his name was joined is Gandhinagar, the new capital of Gujarat State.

This entire city is created from a scratch. A systematic town-planning scheme was designed for it first. The needs of an administrative center of a prosperous state were kept in mind, and governmental buildings, roads, facilities, as well as beauty and dignity it must elicit from the public - all such points were considered. The city was developed in stages and is still growing. It is aimed to be a vast, grand, imposing, dignified, modern, and full of beauty and facilities of all kinds for residents and visitors. The planners gave deep thought to the possible future needs of such a capital city and made its layout to meet those needs.

In 1960 Maharashtra and Gujarat became two separate states from the erstwhile Bombay State of the Indian Union. Ahmedabad was at the time made into a temporary capital of the new state. However, it was a city that had been growing since ages and was already with considerably large urban population. Instead of adding to it a new burden of becoming a political and administrative center of the state, it was decided that keeping it near enough, a new and entirely modem city must be constructed to suit the young state's needs. The roads, buildings, secretariats, residences, legislature, Governor House, and so many new needs were to be taken care of. Therefore a totally new city was a dire necessity too. This city.was named GANDHINAGAR. In 1964-65 the foundation for this city was laid and its layout was similar to the city of Chandigadh built by La Corbusier in modem times in North India. There are 30 Sectors in this city. Grand buildings of Sachivalaya, Vidhan sabha, and other governmental departments were built and still additions are also coming up. The building of the State Legislature, i.e. Vidhan Sabha, has the latest style of architecture and yet is in keeping with the environment and communicative, artistic and grand.

As it was a specially thought out planning, it has very systematic divisions. The roads are really broad. The govt. buildings are so arranged as to have smooth cooperation and easy contacts. It is also ensured that the buildings do not get crowded. The water supply, and electric supply centers are also so arranged that there is no pollution due to their constant use. Every year trees are planted in the city and the roads are lined with them making it absolutely a 'Green City' in reality. This city has stolen the honor of having the largest number of trees year after year. More than 160 crores have been spent for the all round development of this city. There are several beautiful gardens; schools and temples are also constructed here. In the Gandhinagar district we find such attractions as Sarita Udyan, Balodyan, Town Hall, Vidhan Sabha, Sachivalaya, Akshardham, Fun World, Old Fort and Deer Park at Indroda, and the Adalj ni Vav built in 1499 AD. The ancient step-well at Va1ad, Matri Mata temple, Jabali Rishi ni Gufa, and other temples are worth visiting. In Vasania Mahadev temple (Vaijnath) there are 11 Shivlingas and 13 shikhat'as. At Motera we find the Gayatri Upasana Khand and the Ashram of Asharam Bapu. In Koba on the banks of Sabarmati are old Shiva temples of Koteshvar and also at Kumbhesvar. At Rupal, the temple of Vardayini Mata is famous for its Palli during Navaratri festival.

Amarnath Dham - High-tech Religious Exhibition

Amarnath Dham - High-tech Religious Exhibition

Way :
Ahmedabad - 28 KM

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Near Gandhinagar, on the road to Mahudi, we come across this Divya Amar Nath Dham. It is placed at the bank of River Sabarmati near Swapna Shristi Water Park and is easily accessible. The 'white ashes' are brought here from the Jammu and Kashmir State's Cave of Baba Amarnath and installed here with due religious ceremony in this look-alike structure of Amarnath Dham in the Himalayas. Not merely the Shivlinga of ice we find in the mountains, even the Dwadash Jyotirlingas found all over India have been installed here. Thus it is a unique and amazing place for the devotees. Instead of going all over India, people can have the 'darshan' of all the sacred 'Jyotirlingas' at one place.

Vishva Kalyan Samstha has used latest High-tech techniques of the little known field of Animotrix technology and revolutionized it incomparably by its use here. In this 'High-tech Exhibition' one can see the incident that occurred 5000 years ago, viz. when Lord Krishna imparts the knowledge of Bhagvad Gita to Arjuna in the battlefield during the war in Mahabharata. The lifelike enactment is most amazing as it is so close to real life

Another such grand incident is the slaughter of the demon Mahishasur by Bhagvati Ambika, the Mother Goddess. This 'rakshash' was protected by the boon given to him by Lord Brahma that none of the Trinity i.e. Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, would be able to destroy him. When the demon began to harass the good people too much, to destroy him the new Benevolent Force was embodied in the form of Goddess Amba. The scene is so well presented that the effect is nothing short of unbelievably real lifelike !

Trimandir - an Inspiration Of Dada Bhagvan

Trimandir - an Inspiration Of Dada Bhagvan

Way :
Ahmedabad - 18 KM

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On our way to Gandhinagar, we come across an unusual temple complex called Trimandir, inspired by the honorable saint of Gujarat, Akram Vignani Param Pujya Shri Dada Bhagvan. This spiritual center is on the Mehsana-Gandhinagar Highway. It is about 18 km from Ahmedabad and 8 km from Gandhinagar at Adalaj.

The central temple of the Trimandir has an image of Shri Simandhar Swami that is 13 ft. tall and wighs 18 tons. This huge image is absolutely charming and fascinates one's mind with just one look at it. The images of Shashandev Shri Chandrayan Yakshdev, Shashndevi Panchguli Yakshinidevi, and Shri Rishabdev Bhagvan, Shri Ajitnath Bhagvan, Shri Parsvanath Bhagvan, Shri Mahavir Bhagvan, Shri Padmavtidevi and Shri Chakreshwaridevi are also installed in this temple. In the first temple we find Shivlinga, Parvatidevi, Hanuman dada, Ganpatiji, Nandi, and others. In the third temple are installed the images of Shri Yogeshwar Shrikrishna Bhagvan, Tirupati Balaji, Shrinathji, Shri Bhadrakali Mataji, and Shri Ambaji Mata. In the temple complex of Trimandir, a hall is made 'to seat 10,000 persons simultaneously. In the next plot of land of 70 vighas a Simandhar City is planned in which Amba Arogya Kendra, a medical assistance unit provides for elementary medical check up, diagnostic and pathological tests, and treatment at a very nominal charge to the needy.

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