VIJAYSAR MATA MANDIR, DANTIVADA

VIJAYSAR MATA MANDIR, DANTIVADA

The temple of Vijaysar Mata has a famous legend associated with it. The legend is from the time that Darbar Ramaji and Darbar Harpal Singh were the rulers of this area. Harpal Singh was an ardent devotee of Vijaysar Mata and he would spend a lot of his time in worshipping the Goddess.

It is said that when Mohammad Begda came to Gujarat he passed through this area with his army. It is said that one day the queen was sitting at the window of Darbargadh and saw the long teeth of the elephants in Mohammad Begda's army. She was fascinated by them and immediately wanted to make beautiful bangles from them. She expressed this desire to Harpal Singh and asked him to get the teeth for her. The darbar tried to convince his queen that it was an unreasonable demand and it was not worth entering into conflict with the Badshah for a trivial thing like bangles. But the queen did not relent and finally he had to give in to her obstinacy.



At that time there was a practice amongst royalty of gathering daan (grains). While doing this the men of Darbar removed the teeth of the elephant. When Mohammad Begda came to know of this he was furious and decided to attack Harpal Singh's kingdom.

(Due to this incident concerning the elephant's teeth the towns at that time came to be known as Daatveri and Dantipur. In course of time these names turned into Dantivada.)

It is said that at this time, Harpal Singh bowed at the feet of Vijaysar Mata and said,"Mother there is going to be a war on your land. I have to fight against a big Badshah. Without your help victory is not possible. You will have to protect all of us." At this time, the temple bell rang automatically and this convinced him that Mataji would protect them.



Next morning the war began. To everyone's surprise, four ladies came disguised as men and within a short time, they alone defeated the army of the Badshah.

The four were really Vijaysar Mata, Varai Mata, Sejol Mata and Ismani Mata. The Badshah who was watching the battle in hiding was convinced that there was something unusual happening. The Matas who were disguised as men had nose rings, and this convinced him that some goddesses were fighting the battle. That night he saw Vijaysar Mata in a dream and following her advice, he sent a message asking for a peaceful settlement the next day.

Full of awe at the strength of the divine Goddess, he bowed down to her and told Harpal Singh,"You are the ruler of these 42 villages. I will not come in your way."

Thus, it is said that Vijaysar Mata protected the village and because of this feeling, the faith of all the devotees increased tremendously. Today there is a kindled Akhand Diya in the temple of the Mata

DEESA REGIMENT TEMPLE, DEESA

DEESA REGIMENT TEMPLE, DEESA

The city of Deesa was the property of the Nawabs of Palanpur. In the year 1814, Nawab Firoze Khan gave Deesa to the British on a lease of a hundred years. The British then established a military regiment in Deesa and from that time the place came to be recognised as Deesa camp/cantonment.

Around 1816, the soldiers of the regiment who were living at Deesa, established four temples where they could worship. The temple where the attendants and the troops of horses lived was called the Rasaleshwar Mahadev. The temple where the small division of the regiment of the army lived was called the Regiment Mahadev. The temple at the place where the cannons were kept was called the Topkhana Mahadev. The temple at the place where the regiment of the army lived was called the Paltan Mandir.



The Paltan Mandir is an extraordinarily magnificent specimen. It is also known as the Paltan Rajmandir or the Lakshminarayan Mandir. The appearance and shape of this temple is unbelievable and it attracts followers and tourists for its extraordinary art. It is regarded as a specimen of exclusive architecture.

The beautiful expression on the face of the Idol of Bhagwan Lakshminarayan is so attractive and divine that it instantly captivates the devotees. Beside this idol is a very beautiful Image of Lord Hanuman. On the other side is a small but very beautiful temple of Lord Shiva. The main attraction of this temple is the Panchmukhi Shivling. The main significance here is to offer billipatra to the Shivling. Devotees come here in large numbers during the auspicious month of Shravan.



Another important aspect of this temple is that Krishnajayanti and Ramnavmi are celebrated here with great pomp and splendour. On Gujarati New Year a very elaborate Annakut (offerings of various kinds of prasad and almost 56 varieties of dishes) is made. On Bhadarvi, Ekam Hom and Havan (sacrificial fire) are performed.

In the courtyard of the Lakshminarayan temple, an arrangement has been made for feeding birds.

SHITALAMATA MANDIR, KUMPAT

SHITALAMATA MANDIR, KUMPAT

The Shitalamata temple at Kumpat, in the Deesa district, is considered to be the biggest Shitla Mata temple in the Banaskantha District. The Ahir Bharwads initially inhabited Kumpat village, but over time people from other communities also settled there.



Kumpat is famous because of the Shitla Mata Temple. The idol in the temple is considered to be miraculous -- many devotees claim to have experienced miracles in their lives.

The temple is more than three hundred years old. It is believed that the new idol was installed around 25 years ago.

A fair is organized in Kumpat twice a year -- once on Fagan Vad Satam and once on Shravan Vad Satam. Thousands of people attend the fair organized on Shitla Satam Day as the devotees have immense faith in Shitla Mata. Annually about 2000 Man (40 seers) of salt is offered to the Devi as oath (Manta).

Traditionally, Garba is played during Navratri. People from the nearby villages also participate in the Garba with great enthusiasm.

SIDDHAMBIKA MATA MANDIR, JUNA DEESA

SIDDHAMBIKA MATA MANDIR, JUNA DEESA

This temple is in the Juna Deesa. It is 33 kms from Palanpur and 6 kms from Deesa.

The inspiring statue of Siddhambika was installed sometime between the years 1500-1600. People believe that if one prays here with a pure heart and mind, all one's wishes will be fulfilled.



According to legend, Brahmaji wanted to build a beautiful city and he asked Vishvakarma to execute it and fulfill his desire. Vishvakarma selected a scenic spot, constructed the town there, and called it Darshanpur (which is today called Juna Deesa). He then erected the temple and installed the statue of Siddhambika Mata. Next to this temple is a temple of Siddeshwar Mahadev.

On special days like Janmashtami, Mahasud Aatham, and Chaitra Sud Punam, grand processions are taken out from here which are attended by a large number of people.

This tourist site has a good Dharamshala and Bhojanshala.

JAIN TIRTH, RAMSAN

JAIN TIRTH, RAMSAN

Ramsan is a small village in Deesa district. The ancient name of this village was Ramsainyapur. Around 2200 years back, the Jain King Samprati Maharaj consecrated the statue of Sri Adeshwar and other Jain idols in a magnificent Jain temple.



In the year 1084 VS, under the auspicious guidance of Jain Acharya Sri Sarvadevsuriji, King Raghusen got this ancient temple renovated and got all the idols formally installed.

This town was demolished during the reign of the Muslim Badshahs. At that time in order to save the majestic idols of this temple, it is said that Rajput Kshemsingh sacrificed his life. The statue of this Kshemsingh still stands in the the temple. Soon after, this town was destroyed.



In the year 1988 VS, the Sri Sangh of this place renovated the remains of the original Jain derasar and got all the idols re-installed. Out of these statues, the 2200-year-old idols of Shri Adinath Bhagwan and Ambika Mataji are in the lower area of the Jinalay (Jain temple). The mighty Shikharbandh Jinalay above this was constructed in the year 1999. At that time the majestic statue of Adinath Bhagwan was brought from the basement and installed as Mulnayak Bhagwan. The Tirth also houses the idol of Shri Manibhadra Veer. The practice of offering sukhdi to the deity is prevalent here. A havan is also performed on Aso Sud Pacham.

A very significant fact about this village is that out of respect to this auspicious Jain Temple, the non-Jain villagers do not light the sacred fire on Holi.

SHRI PARSHWANATH DERASAR, RUNI

SHRI PARSHWANATH DERASAR, RUNI

This pilgrimage centre of the Jains is situated at Kakrej in the Bansakantha district.

There is an idol of Prabhu Parshwanath installed in the derasar, which idol originally belonged to a Muslim gentleman. An ardent devotee, Meghasha was instructed by a Yaksh in his dream to buy this idol (Pratima) from the Muslim gentleman. Following these instructions, Meghasha acquired the idol. While returning to his hometown Nagarparkar from Patan, he stopped for a night on the banks of the river Banas. He installed this idol at the river bank and performed 'pooja' as a daily ritual.



It is said that the villagers residing on the river bank saw a miraculous sight. There were foot prints at the place where the Pratima had been temporarily installed. With great faith and devotion the villagers made a small temple on the river bank in Anandpur village, and installed those foot prints in that temple.

From that day on the villagers started worshipping those footprints in the temple. Many years later, in V.S. 1997, on the day of Shravan Vad Chauth, the whole village was inundated with heavy rain and the small temple and footprints were washed away. The villagers were very upset, but when they saw lighted diyas floating in the water they forgot their distress. Awestruck by the miracle they had witnessed, they prayed fervently to Shri Parshwanath Bhagwan to reinstall his footprints in the village. Soon after, Laherchand Seth living in Bhadrevadi village got a dream, in which the Adishtayak Dev of Parshwanath Bhagwan gave him instructions regarding the location of the footprints lying in the water. Following the instructions, the footprints were located and a small temporary temple was built to house them.



All the Jain sanghs from the neighbouring villages wanted to have the footprints installed in their village. To solve the problem, chits were drawn and the decision was made to install them in Runi.

From that day on, the villagers of Runi prospered and peace and happiness prevailed in the village. Credit for this was attributed to Shri Parshwanath Bhagwan.

It is believed that Amijharna (tears of love) are often seen falling from the eyes of Parshwanath Bhagwan and Padmavati Mata.

AMBAJI MANDIR, SANADAR

AMBAJI MANDIR, SANADAR

At a distance of 2.5 kms from Deodar stands the Ambaji temple of Sanadar, which is growing day by day in fame and stature.



Approximately a thousand years ago, a small temple of Ambaji was installed by a young unmarried girl (kumarika) of the Brahmabhatt Samaj. From that time onwards, this temple was recognized as the Nana Ambaji temple.

Today, an aarti of one hundred and eight diyas is performed regularly. Also, a trishul of 56 kgs, made of Panchdhatu, has been installed close by so that the followers can view it while visiting the temple. The temple and the surroundings have also been further beautified by a garden and a carved wooden gate.



On the other side of the temple, there is a well-organized cowshed which keeps not just cows, but also other animals. There is also a birdhouse near the cowshed. The animals and birds are also given medical treatment when required.

RAM MANDIR, KATAV

RAM MANDIR, KATAV

The Katav village of Vaav taluka has the privilege of being the seat of the unique Ram temple, which imparts peace and tranquility to its devotees. The name of Ram is ingrained on every part of the temple. It can be seen on the steps leading to the temple, the roof, the walls etc.

The devotees who come here are very religious. One can see everyone sitting and writing the name of Lord Ram. In this temple Rammantra is also installed in place of the idol of Lord Ram.



Pictures of Mahatma Gandhi, Meerabai, Bhakt Narsaiya and many other Ram devotees, adorn the walls of this temple. In the Gokh outside the temple, there are beautiful idols of Ram Bhakt Hanumanji on one side and Tulsidas, the writer of the great epic, Ramayana on the other side. Devotees believe that doing the parikrama (going around the circumference) of this temple is as good as doing the parikrama of the entire universe.

Opposite this temple is another Ram Temple where idols of Ram and Sita have been installed.

Thus, this pious land of Katav has the honour of being the seat of three Ram temples.

MULESHWAR MAHADEV MANDIR, PADAN

PADANMULESHWAR MAHADEV MANDIR, PADAN

The Muleshwar Mahadev temple is located in Padan village of Vaav taluka of Banaskantha district.



In the period between 942 AD and 997 AD, King Mulraj Solanki had become very powerful. On hearing that Ra Lakha was another powerful force in the nearby area of Kachch, he decided to wage war against him.

Mulraj sent his army six times and fought seven wars but was unsuccessful in his attempts to defeat Ra Lakha. On seeing his pain and confusion, a Rishi muni told him that he needed to worship an idol that had never been worshipped before if he wanted to win. On hearing this, the King announced a prize for anybody who could find one such idol for him.



Everybody set out in search. Around this time, in Padan village, a Brahmin who saw a cow drop her own milk on a particular spot was convinced that an idol of Mahadev was present there. As soon as King Mulraj was informed, digging started at that spot. Seven years later, a shivling was found.

King Mulraj invited Brahmins and rishis from all over the area, and worshipped the shivling in front of everybody. Following this, sweets were distributed across the area.

Mulraj once again waged war and this time, he defeated Ra Lakha. He was greatly pleased and built a temple for the idol at the place where he had found it. This temple became famous as Muleshwar Mahdev. Another temple was built at the place where the cow had dropped its milk and this was called the Dudheswar Mahadev.

DHARNIDHAR MANDIR, DHEEMA

DHARNIDHAR MANDIR, DHEEMA

The temple of Dheema Dharnidhar, in the Dheema village of Vaav Taluka, is a place of pilgrimage for millions of people. It is 90 kms from the town of Palanpur and has acquired its name from an idol named Dheeman.

Within Dheema lies the majestic temple of Bhagwan Dheema Dharnidhar which is very famous because of its miraculous idol of Dharnidhar Bhagwan. It was originally found in the Aravalli mountains of Rajasthan. It is widely believed that a kanbi from the Ked community dreamt about the idol, and took the villagers to the place. The villagers informed the priests and the idol was installed on the throne amidst great celebration.



There are a number of religious stories associated with this temple. It is believed that the King of Jetpur had a temple constructed for this idol and tried to move the idol there. A loyal devotee, Gadhadharji, refused and as a result was imprisoned. God appeared to the king in a dream and ordered the king not to harass the devotee. Following this, Gadadharji was allowed to return safely to his village with the idol.

Another story that is commonly associated with this temple is that of Queen Rangabai, wife of the Ranaji of Vaav. When her character was questioned, the Queen used the temple to prove her innocence. After six days of prayers, the idol in the temple shook and it is said that streams of water were seen flowing from both the idol's and the Queen's toes. Following this, the Ranaji apologized to the Queen.



It is also believed that on his way to Dwarka after killing Kansa, Shri Krishna came to Dheema. On reaching the village, he expressed his desire that Nand, who was accompanying him, stay here for a while. Thus, this place was honoured by the presence of Bhagwan Srikrishna.

It is said that when Allauddin Khalji came to Gujarat, he once visited this village. Driven by religious fanaticism, he tried to destroy this idol. At that time, a strange thing happened. Honey bees started flying in huge numbers all around the idol, protecting it from destruction. Due to this, Allauddin was unsuccessful.

Every year on the days of Dhuleti, Kartaki Poonam and Nirjala Ekadashi, a fair is held here and people bathe at the Madela lake and worship the idol.

NADESHWARI MATA MANDIR, NADABET

NADESHWARI MATA MANDIR, NADABET

The Nadeshwari Mata Temple is situated in Nadabet. Nadabet is a military post situated 20 km from Suigam, near the Pakistan border.



According to folklore, the King of Junagadh Navdhan had stayed here with his huge army while on his way to rescue his sister Jashal from the clutches of the ruler of Sindh. At that time, a Charan girl had provided food to the army and had guided them to ensure a safe passage through the desert. This Charan girl is worshipped as Nadeshwari Mata. In the past the Chauhans ruled over Nadabet and before independence it used to be prosperous.

It is said that during times of drought, when people migrated towards Sindh, they first offered prayers here.



There is a gaushala near the temple. To the west of the temple is a BSF camp and to the North is a Hanuman temple.

Every year on Chaitra Sud Navam, thousands of pilgrims visit the temple and attend the annual fair. The soldiers at the BSF post near Nadabet take part in the worship too.

KAPILESHWAR MAHADEV MANDIR, VEED

KAPILESHWAR MAHADEV MANDIR, VEED

The famous Kapileshwar Mahadev lies 6 kms from Vaav, at a place called Veed. Every Monday, large numbers of devotees flock to this temple.



It is believed 5000 years ago, during the period of the Mahabharata, the great scholar Kapil Muni constructed this temple. It is said that after performing a taap in this area, Kapilmuni considered this to be a perfect place for a taap, and so he set up a temple of Lord Shiva (Mahadev) here.



On seeing the importance of this temple, the Pandavas, who were traveling in the jungle decided to rest here. Yudhishthir had a habit of never eating before he had prayed to Lord Shiva. As this place facilitated this habit of his, the Pandavas stayed here for a long time.

SHRI NEMINATH DERASAR, BHOROL

SHRI NEMINATH DERASAR, BHOROL

The temple of Shri Bhorol Tirth, situated 17 kms from Tharad and 108 kms from Palanpur, is a Tirth of the 22nd Tirthankar of Jains, Shri Neminath Bhagwan.

There is a grand derasar in Bhorol adorned with 24 devkulikas. The main idol in this derasar is of Tirthankar Neminath Bhagwan.



Between the 11th and 16th century, there was a prosperous town here, called Pipalpur Pashtan. Around 1100 Jain families, including 60 multimillionaires, lived here. The Jain merchant Munjashah built a magnificent Jain temple with 1444 pillars, 72 Devkulikas and a step well. This temple no longer exists, but the ruins of the step well can be seen.

Over time this whole area was destroyed and it turned into a deserted, thick jungle, home to wild animals. People were scared to visit it. However a few years later, it was cleaned up again and people re-settled here. But due to the previous 'bhay' (fear or threat associated with this area due the thick jungle and wild animals) it came to be known as Bho-rahel, and this gradually changed to Bhorol.

Following the famine of the Chapnakal, a black stone idol of Shri Neminath Bhagwan was found by a kanbi working in a field. He carefully dug the entire place and came across many idols of Jain Tirthankars. Since the idols were broken they were buried again in the Lake Dhanagochar. After a few years, during the monsoons, these idols were re-located and placed in a derasar. This was during the rule of King Gajsingh.