PATAN THE CITY OF ARTIST:

PATAN THE CITY OF ARTIST:
	Patan, the historic city is also termed as the City of Fine Arts, which is rich in culture, crafts having thousand years of history. It is considered as one of the ancient cities, having full of Hindu temples as well as Buddhist monuments where all ethnic communities belonging to both Hinduism and Buddhism have embraced each other in harmony .and peace. The city is, just 5km south east to the Capital city Katmandu. The city spreads over 16 sq. kilometers and divides into 22 Municipal wards and is inhabited by roughly 165,000 people. Newars, the indigenous inhabitants of Patan, have their own unique culture and traditions which is also recognized as a cultural resource of the world. One of Patan’s biggest festivals, the Machhendra nath jatra, a unique chariot festival celebrated for a month in May-June. A substantial portion of the population is engaged in various trades, especially in traditional handicrafts and small scale cottage industries and the rest are busy in agriculture The city is said to be designed in the shape of the Buddhist Dharma-Chakra (Wheel of Righteousness). It is also famous for its narrow streets and alleys, lined by traditional buildings, unique stone water conduits and vernacular architecture, Hindu and Buddhist monuments. There are more than 1,200 Buddhist monasteries and monuments of various shapes and sizes scattered in and around the city. The most important monument of the city is the medieval palace complex, Patan Durbar Square,
	Patan Darbar Square: In Patan, the places to visit include the Durbar Square, with its enchanting palace building, artistic courtyards and pagoda temples. Patan's Durbar Square offers the finest display of Newari urban architecture in Nepal. The Darbar square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. Patan Durbar Square Kumari Bahal: The most famous building here is the Kumari Bahal, a building richly decorated with beautiful woodcarvings, which is home to the Royal Kumari, the Living Goddess, a manifestation of the great goddess Durga
	Krishna Temples: This temple is the ornament of patan, build by Siddhi Narsingha Malla in 1637. The temple has important scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics have been carved inside the temple On the occasion of Krishna Janmasthanmi (Lord Krishna’s Birthday), thousands of devotees come to the temple. Krishna Temple Golden Temple: This temple is the riches temple in patan, built in the 12th Century. The building has three roofs with copper golden facades. Inside the temple, there are images of Buddha and Bodhisattvas is located north of the Durbar Square. THE FOUR STUPAS OF ASHOKA: The most remarkable feature of the town of Patan is its four ancient architectural Ashoka Stupas. There are four 'thurs' or mounds located on the perimeter of Patan, one at each cardinal point and are popularly known as the Ashoka Stupas. . Legendary Ashoka, Mauryan Emperor of India, Calong his daughter Charumati visited Kathmandu in 250 B. and erected these Stupas. The historians have agreed that these Stupas might have been erected in connection with the foundation of Patan towards the end of the 4th century AD. Lagan Thura: Among the four stupas of patan, the southern mound is known as Lagan Khel Stupa or Lagan Thura Stupa.The mound is crowned by a recent structure, a miniature cenotaph added on the top. Lagan thura is the largest amongst the four stupas which is 47.40 meters in diameter and 11.80 meters in height. Teta thura: The eastern mound is known as Teta thura, which is located about 200 meters east of Tyagal Tole of Patan near the Eastern ring road and is the second biggest stupas amongst other two stupas. This Stupa is 75.83 meters in perimeter and 10.4 meters in height. It has fire Vedika of height 1.6 meters with one Tathagata in each direction. The dome is paved with firebricks and a square shaped Harmika enshrines the dome. Pucho Thura: The stupa located just at the roadside of Pul Chowk Bus stand on the west end of Patan,is Phucho stupa.,which is 75.52 meters in perimeter and 12 meters in height. It has firebrick Vedika of height 1.2 meters with one Tathagata in each direction. The dome that is 6.5 meters tall is too paved by firebrick. The thirteen rings Cakravalis are constructed directly over the dome in square shaped pyramid structure. Ibhahi Thura: This stupa is the smallest stupas having perimeter of 60.62 meters, located on northern end of Patan. Ibhabi thura has five Buddha in the Vedika with their consorts except the Tathagata Vairocana, whereas Vedika is of 1.5meter and dorm of 5.5meters in height. A square Harmika is constructed over the dome with 13 steps Cakravali and a parasol.

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

An image of the under construction marble temple
Name
Location
Location:	Bhuj
Architecture and culture
Primary deity:	Nar Narayan
History
Date built:	Expected: May 23, 2010

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj is a new temple complex coming up in Bhuj. It is

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj is a new temple complex coming up in Bhuj. It is a

Swaminarayan temple that will come under the Nar Narayan Dev Gadi of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. The opening ceremony of the temple is scheduled to take place between May 15 and May 23, 2010.^[1]

An Earthquake on 26 January 2001 shattered most parts of the city of Bhuj (Kutch District), including the original Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj built by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in 1824. To replace this, the new temple is being built of only marble and gold. The throne for the idol of Swaminarayan, the temple domes and doors will be of gold whiles the pillars and ceilings will be made of marble.^[1] The original central deity images of Nar Narayan and Swaminarayan in the form of Hari Krishna will be moved from the old temple to the new one along with those of Radha Krishna, Swaminarayan in the form of Ghanshyam and Sukh Shaiya and others.^[2]

The new temple is being built at a cost of 1 billion Indian rupees (100 crore) on 5 acres (20,000 m²) of land. Made in marbe, intricate carvings adorn the pillars and ceiling of the most expensive temple to be built in the Indian state of Gujarat recently.^[3]

A large number of people are expected to attend the opening ceremony of the temple including a people from overseas, including from United Kingdom and various parts of Africa. According to an estimate by a member of the Bhuj Hoteliers' Association, as of October 2009, 75% of the hotel rooms in Bhuj had been booked for the period during which the opening ceremony is scheduled to take place.^[1] To manage influx of vehicles, Jubilee ground and Khasda ground, the two biggest grounds in Bhuj will be used for parking arrangements.^[1] Temple authorities are expecting around 500,000 (5 lakh) visitors during this period.^[3]

A 3D film, the first of its kind on the life and teachings of Swaminarayan titled 'Sahajanand' will be screened as part of the opening celebrations of the temple. Shot by S3D cameras, it is claimed to be the first of its kind in India.^[4]

Koteshwar Temple

Koteshwar Temple

Koteshwar Temple After traveling over the expanse of desert in western Kutch, you find the Koteshwar Temple, at a place where the immensity of dry land meets the incomprehensible vastness of the sea. After so much arid ground, the sight of the ocean will awaken your spirits; though the sea is even less hospitable to humans, a sobering thought. The only point that breaks the skyline from the flat brown horizon to the east and the wide blue horizon to the west is the point of the Koteshwar Temple, the last outpost of human construction at the westernmost limit of India. Not overrun by tourists like the temple at Dwarka, Koteshwar is conducive to contemplating emptiness, pondering the place of humanity on earth (and ultimately, isn’t that what spiritual traditions are about?). The story of Koteshwar begins with Ravana, who won a boon from Lord Shiva for an outstanding display of piety. This boon was the gift of a Shiva linga of great spiritual power, but which Ravana, in his arrogant haste, accidentally dropped and it fell to earth at Koteshwar. To punish Ravana for his carelessness, the linga turned into a thousand identical copies (some versions of the story say ten thousand, some a million; suffice to say it was quite a lot.) Unable to distinguish the original, Ravana grabbed one and departed, leaving the original one here, around which Koteshwar Temple was built. Visitors can see the temple, walk along the beach and on a clear night, even see the glow of light from Karachi, Pakistan, on the northwestern horizon.

TEEN DARWAJA

TEEN DARWAJA The triple-arched gateway was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah to serve as the royal entrance to the Maidan Shahi or the Royal Square. It is an imposing monument of perfect proportions and highly ornate buttresses.

Gujjaratta,

There is no denying the fact that people all over the world have an irresistible urge to know about Gujarat - its history and culture. Enclosed by Pakistan and the states of Rajasthan to the north eastern part of the country, Madhya Pradesh to the east and Maharashtra and the Union territories of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the south, Gujarat is one of the prime tourist destinations in India. A seat for deep seated folk and classical cultures, the state reflects a rich heritage of the country’s past.

Trying to know more and more about Gujarat will lead you to explore avenues more than you actually expected. Walks along the beautiful Diu Beach, Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach, or visits to the various temples which are some of the finest tourist attractions in India will offer some of the memorable moments of your life. The Rann of Kutch which occupies a large area of western Gujarat is famous for its rare ecosystem, wildlife, fossils, and terrain.
Fast Facts

Area	1,96,024 sq km
Population	41,309,582
Religion	Hinduism (89.48%), Islam (8.73%), Others (1.79%)
Maximum Temperature	42°C
Minimum Temperature	14°C
Capital	Gandhinagar
Languages	Gujarati, Hindi, English
Best Time To Visit	October to March

History

Having derived its name from Gujjaratta, meaning the land of the Gujjars, a tribe which migrated to India around the 5th century AD, Gujarat has its history dating back to many Indus Valley and Harappan centers that have been discovered in the states like Rangpur, Lothal, Lakhabaval, Dholavira, Amri, and Rozdi. Gradually with the advent of the Yadava tribe led by Lord Krishna, some 3,500 years ago, Gujarat reached its most glorious days.

History about Gujarat says that Ashoka, the Mauryan king extended his kingdom to Gujarat. The downfall of the Maurya Empire subsequently led the smaller kingdoms to establish their authority in this state. The state prospered greatly during the time of Solankis from the 9th century. In the 12th century AD, Allauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi defeated the Waghela king of Gujarat and a long era of Muslims started. Power changed hands to the Marathas and ended the Muslim rule in the 18th century only to be further transferred to the British in the early 19th century. The East India Company set up its first center in Surat.

Gujarat was initially a part of Mumbai state till 1960; and Gujarat’s people decided to have their state divided on the basis of language and culture. This led to creation of the two new states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

SHAH ALAM ROZA

SHAH ALAM ROZA The tomb and mosque of Saint Shah Alam is said to have been built by the brother of the Empress Noorjehan. The brass doors are set in carved marble frames and the floor tiled in black and white marble.

THE POLS

THE POLS The Pols are residential units dating back to 1714 with intricately carved facades, which line the streets are an integral parts of old Ahmedabad. It nurtures within its folds, pages of history, a breath of harmony and a showcase of exquisite architecture. Notable in the present day Pols are Mhurat Pol, Mandvi-ni-Pol, and Lakha Patel-ni-Pol.

SARKHEJ ROZA

SARKHEJ ROZA About 8 kms. from the city, Sarkhej comprises one of the most elegant architectural complexes of Ahmedabad. Grouped around a great stepped tank is the tomb to the saint, Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh (1445), the mosque, the tombs of Mehmud Shah Begada and his queen, and the palace and pavilions. The buildings are remarkable for the complete absence of arches and the use of pierced stone trellises throughout.

JUMMA MASJID

JUMMA MASJID The Jumma Masjid, built in 1423 by Ahmed Shah, is beside Mahatma Gandhi Rd, just to the east of the Teen Darwaja. Built in yellow sandstone, it combines the best of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture. It stands on 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at varying elevations.

ADALAJ STEP WELL

ADALAJ STEP WELL Adalaj Vav is situated 18 kms. north of Ahmedabad in Gandhinagar district. Built in 1499 A.D. by Queen Rudabai, this step well at the village Adalaj is a fine example of magnificent architectural form, unique to Northwestern India. The step well or Vav as it is locally called is intricately carved and is several stories in depth. The designs on its walls and pillars include, leaves, flowers, birds, fish and other breathtaking ornamental designs.

GANDHI ASHRAM

GANDHI ASHRAM On a quiet stretch of the river Sabarmati, 7 kms. north of the city, Mahatma Gandhi set up a simple retreat in 1915. This was his first Satyagraha Ashram and for many it was the nerve centre of India's freedom movement. The Gandhi Ashram has a memorial centre, library and a sound and light spectacle to offer its visitors.

King Karandev

King Karandev 1, the Solanki Ruler, had waged a war against the Bhil king of Ashapall. After his victory Karandev established the city called "Karnavati". In 1411 Sultan Ahmed Shah conquered Karnavati and after his name Karnavati was renamed to Ahmedabad. The city was built in open and spacious plane to the East of Sabarmati. It compromised of smaller known Fort as Bhadra Fort. The city fort wall was enclosed containing 12 Gates. In 1753 combined armies of Raghunath Rao and Damaji Gaekwad took the fort, which resulted into end of Mughal Rule in Ahmedabad. In 1818 British took over the administration of Ahmedabad. During this period Municipality Committee was founded and Railway link was established.