Ahmedabad - 0 KM
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Yet another Shakti tirth of Gujarat is the temple of Bahucharaji. People bring their children for the 'mundan' ceremony of their children. It is an ancient sacred site and features prominently among the' garb a - garbi' compositions in folk songs. Its older temple is 5 km away and it is quite ordinary too. But this one is very huge and grand. Its compound is also vast. On several occasions this is filled with thousands of devotees. In front of the temple is one Havankund and behind it is the home of Vallabh Bhatt Mevada who has composed a number of songs of garbis and garbas addressing the Mother Goddess. Next to the temple is Mansarovar Lake and a number of Dharmshalas for devotees and visitors.
Bahucharaji Mata is held in great honor in Gujarat. Among the most worthy places for visit near the ancient capital of Patan is this temple of Bahucharaji Mata. On full moon day of Chaitra and Aso months every year big fairs are held here. Folk dances and dramas of 'Bhavai' are also performed. The construction of this temple began in VS 1835 and it was completed in VS 1837 when the image of the Mother Goddess was ceremoniously installed.
Around this large area of the temple a fort is constructed, with four 'burj' and three Gates. This temple is ISm long and 9m wide. It has a dome and a shikhar. There is a great Mandapa facing the Garbhagriha. In the dome of this Mandapa or hall, on its pillars are painted dolls. Near the temple is one Havan or Agni kund for religious ceremonies. The open ground of the temple is popularly called 'chachar no chowk'. Near the gate of the temple is Mansarovar. On full moon day of Chaitra and Aso months people visit the temple in large numbers. The 'palkhi' procession of the Goddess is taken out to Shankhalpur. Many families come to the temple for the 'mundan' ceremony of their children when their hair is totally removed for the first time after birth as one of the 'sanskaras'.
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