India : Gujarat : Attractions & Excursions and Important Information - 5

Guys, here is the last chapter on Gujarat. I just elaborated some good and important information about Gujarat which help you to sort out your problems if raised during your visit at Gujarat.

Angar Pir:

Near the Adishwar temple is the Muslim shrine of Angar Pir. Childless couples make offerings of miniature cradles at this shrine in the hope of being blessed with children.

Jain Museum:

Palitana has 2 trust run Jain museums. the Shri Vishal Jain Kala Sansthan and the Stapitya Kala graha, with cloth paintings, manuscripts, palm leaf books, book covers, ivory sculpture and paintings on ivory and figurines.

Bhavnagar:

It is a rich princely city around 62 kms away from Palitana. The place is also a base for the tourists visiting Palitana.

Lothal:

A famous site of the Indus Valley Civilization, it is around 143 kms away from here on the way of Ahmedabad.

Valbhipur:

It is located at North of Palitana and was once the capital of this region. Extensive ruins have been located and archaeological finds are exhibited in a museum nearby.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS:

Four special fairs are organised at the Palitana pilgrimage every year - Kartik Purnima, Falgun Shukla Trayodashi, Chaitra Poornima and Baishakhi Shukla Tritiya. Another fair is held on Baishakh Krishna six. In fact, this day is the day of consecration of Lord Aadinath in the main Toonk by Mantri (minister) Karma Saha. On Falgun Trayodashi more than one lakh people walk in procession for over 10 kilometers.

SHOPPING:

Palitana is a good place to shop for textiles related handicrafts and has a Jain Kala Sanstha. Visitors with special interest in temple ornaments an contact the Hill Inspector or The Manager, Anandji Kalyanji Trust, for viewing the jewellery that adorn the dieties on ceremonial occasions.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTERS:

TCGL (Gujarat Tourism),: 079 - 26589683

Tourist Information Center, Palitana,: 252327

MONEY CHANGERS:
State Bank of Sauharashtra : 252118

Indian Overseas Bank : 252262

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

Police Station : 243301/03

Railway Enquiry :252708

Government Hospital :252175

Indian Airline Office, Bhavnagar, :0278-2439168

Guys have a memorable visit at Gujarat!!

India : Gujarat : Attractions and Excrusions - 4

Guys, there are several other small temples which contain feet-images of Chakravarty Bharat, Lord Neminath's Ganadhar Vardatt, Lord Aadinath, Parshwanath and the images of Varikhill, Naarad, Ram, Bharat, Shuk Paribrajak, Thawachcha Putra, Selak, Suri, Jail, Mayali and other gods and goddesses. Midway, we came across Kumarpal-kund and Sala-kund as well. Near Sala-Kund lies Jinendra Toonk, in which are the idols of the gurus and the gods. Among these idols, the images of Mother Padamavati Devis is very beautiful from the art point of view.

Image Source: Google

On proceeding a little further we find the road bifurcated one leads to Nine Toonks and the other to the main Toonk of Lord Aadinath. On going towards the main Toonk, first of all Ram Pal and Goadhan Pol are seen. Further, while entering Haathi Pol, Sooraj Kund, Bheem Kund and Ishwar Kund are seen.

On the road to nine Toonks the first Toonk is that of Seth Narshi Keshav who got this Toonk built in Somvat 1921. The idol of Trithankar Shanitinath adornks this beautiful Jinalaya.

Second is the Kharatarwasahi Toonk. This is also called Chaumukhji's Toonk. This temple is built on the northern summit of the hill. This is the highest Toonk among all the Toonks built on the Shatrunjay Hill. The lafty top fo this temple can be seen from for away. The renovation of this very lafty Jinalaya was done in Samvat 1675 by Seth Sadasomji. Four huge idols of Lord Aadinath adorn this temple as the Chaumukhji facing four sides of Lord Aadinath. In this very Toonk, the temple of Tirthankar Rishabhdev's mother Marudevi is also built. At the rear portion of this temple are the idols of five Pandavas, mother Kunti and Draupadi.

The third Toonk was built by Cheepa brother; therefore it is called Cheepawasahi Toonk. Tirthankar Rishabhadev adrorns, as the principal deity, this temple which was built in Samvat 1791.
The fourth Toonk is Saakarwasahi. In this Toonk built by Seth Saakarchanad Premchand, there are teh idols of four immortal Jineshwars Rishbhanan, Chandranan, Varishen and Vardhamaan.

The sixth Toonk, Heemwasahi, was built by Heema Bhai in Samvat 1886. Here the principal deity is Lord Shree Aadinath.

The seventh is Premwasahi Toonk. Built by Modi Shree Premchandra Lavjee, the principal deity of this temple is Trithankar Shree Rishbhdev.

The eight one is Balawasahi Toon. This temple was renovated in Samvat 1193 by Bala Bhai. The principal deity of this temple is Lord Aadinath.

The ninth is Motishah Toonk. This is the biggest temple had been built by Seth Motishaha, and his worthy son Khemchand had got it consecrated on Samvat 1893. This temple is in itself a cluster of some big and some small temples. The principal deity of this temple is Lord Shree Aadinath.

A special temple has been built near Premwasahi Toonk. An 18-feet high idol of Tirthankar Aadinath in Padmasan (lotus posture) adorn this temple. This idol is also identified as "Adbhut Baba".

The idol of Tirthankar Rishabhdev adorns the main Toonk of Shatrunjay hill. This white-colored holy image is 2.19 meters high. People pine for seeing and worshipping this extremely holy idol. Just on viewing this idol, a sea of devotion surges on. It is due to the holiness of the hill and this idol that it has been said, " He who hasn't visited Shatrunjay pilgrimage is living in womb".

On the rear portion of the temple is the Ravan Tree, which is very ancient. It is said that Tirthankar Aadinath had practiced a long penance under this very tree. Huge image of foot-prints of Tirthankar Aadinath measuring 47 x 25 inches adorn this place. Besides the hill in Palitana, at the fool-hill are Somawasaran Temple, Aagam Temple, Jamboo Dweep, Sprawling Museum, etc. which are worth a visit. The Journey to this great pilgrimage is really the most fortunate moment of life.

India : Gujarat : Basic Information - 2

Guys, here are some basic tips to which help you to sort out your worries at Gujarat. Just keep in mind that before moving towards Gujarat read it out:

How to reach there?

By Air:

Bhavnagar, the nearest airport lies at a distance of 62 kms from Palitana, but the most convenient airport is Ahemdabad as its is connected through regular flights to many important cities of the country like Mumbai and Delhi.

By Rail:

Palitana is on the Western Railway line and as well connected to Ahemdabad, 277 kms.

By Road:

There are hourly buses for Bhavnagar from Palitana. Regular buses are also available for Ahemdabad, Talaja, Una, and Diu. The total journey time to Una or Diu is around 6 hours. Taxis are also available on hire for Palitana from Bhavnagar. The bus stand is situated 800 meters away from the Palitana Railway Station.

General Information:

Temperature:

1. Summer - Max: 42OC and Min: 24OC
2. Winter - Max: 24OC and Min: 10OC

Languages :

Gujarati, English, Hindi

Best time to visit: October to March

STD CODE: 02848

Where to remove from its packing?

In terms of local hospitality and accommodation, you can expect comfortable and value for money options in all price categories at the destination. For specific and detailed information or assistance, contact your approved travel agents or nearest India Tourism / State Tourism Office.

India : Gujrat : The Temple clad Summit of Shatrunjaya : Palitana Temples - 1

Image Source: Palitana Temples by Google

Guys, let us move with me towards GUJARAT.

Fringed by the Arabian Sea, with a hint of the desert and with a sea coast 1650 kms long is Gujarat - the home state of Mahatma Gandhi. It is renowned for its beaches, temple towns and historic capitals. Added attractions are wildlife sanctuaries, hill resorts, and natural grandeur. Sculpture, handicrafts, arts also make the state rich. Gujarat is also among the most technologically advanced, housing the largest petrochemical complex in the country.

Gujarat has always been a major center for the Jains, and some of its most interesting sights are Jain Temple centers like those at Palitana and at Girnar Hill, near Junagadh.

Apart from its Jain temples, Gujarat's major attractions include the only habitant of the Asiatic Lions in India (In the Gir Forest) and the fascinating Indo-Saracenic architecture of Ahmedabad. The colourful tribal villages of Kutch make a visit to this barren land worth it.

Commanding a special place on the Gujarat traveler's map, Palitana is a "MUST VISIT" destination for those who would like to see what the subtle combination fo human enterprise, architectural skills, philanthropy and channelized religious fevor can achieve. The entire summit of the majestic moun Shantrunjaya is crowned with about 900 temples, each rivaling the other for beauty and magnificence, presenting on awe-inspiring spectacle to devotees and visitors.

Map Source : Gujarat Tourist Map by Google

Originally the town was an imperial thana which later grew into the capital of Palitana State of princely Kathiawad (Kathiawar). The feuds and rivalries culminating into battles during the region of the Rajput King Unadji reminds us of the sacrificial chivalry of an age that has passed into history. Taking advantage of the occupation of the Bhavnagar army with Maratha forces, Unadji had attacked Sihor. In retaliation Gohil Wakhatsinhji, the then ruler of Bhavnagar, laid siege on Palitana. Unadji's stubborn resistance which compelled the Bhavnagar forces to retire is even today, many generations later, remembered by the natives of this templetown.