Tag: Gujarat

Gondal: Town of Palaces and Vintage Cars

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Forts & Palaces, Heritage Centre, India5 Comments

The Gondal state was one of the eight first class princely states of Kathiawar Agency during Bombay Presidency. The state spanned an area of about 1000 sq miles comprising four towns and more than 175 villages. Gondal finds mention in texts like Ain-i-Akbari (written in the reign of Akbar) and Mirat-i-Ahmadi as Vaghela state in Sorath (Saurashtra). The Gondal state in Kathiawar Agency was founded in 1634 by Thakore Shri Kumbhoji I Meramanji from Jadeja dynasty, who received Ardoi and other villages from his father Meramanji.

Somnath Dham: Abode of Lord Shiva

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Beaches & Shores, India, Places of WorshipLeave a comment

Somnath is one of the oldest pilgrim centers of India and is said to house one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Somnath temple is located on the western coast of Gujarat and is one of the oldest and most revered temples of India and finds its reference in the most ancient texts like Shreemad Bhagavat, Skandpuran, Shivpuran and Rig-Veda which signifies the importance of this temple as one of the most celebrated pilgrimage sites or Tirthdham.

Madhavpur: Where Lord Krishna Married Queen Rukmini

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Beaches & Shores, India, Places of WorshipLeave a comment

There is a serene beach at Madhavpur on the road to Somnath from Dwarka. It lies on the seashore, close to Porbandar. Madhavpur isn’t much well-known. However it is a very important pilgrimage for Hindu Vaishnavas. ccording to folklore, Lord Krishna kidnapped princess Rukmini (Rukmini haran) and eloped with her to prevent an unwanted marriage at her request and saved her from evil Shishupala. Lord Krishna married princess Rukmini at this village while returning to Dwaraka. She is the first and the most prominent queen of Krishna.

Porbandar: Birthplaces of Sudama & Gandhi

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn India, Places of WorshipLeave a comment

Porbandar is a coastal city on the seashore between Dwarka and Somnath, where the River Asmavati meets the ocean. The city of Porbandar derives its name from ‘Porai’ and ‘Bandar’, which refers to the harbour of Porai, the local Goddess. The discovery of ancient jetties along the Porbandar creek signifies the importance of Porbandar as an active centre of maritime activities in the past. The Indian mythology says its the birthplace of Sudaama (Friend of Lord Krishna). It is best known for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.

Dwaraka: Capital of Lord Krishna’s Kingdom

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cruise & Boats, India, Places of WorshipLeave a comment

Located on the west coast of Gujarat, Dwarka is known as Lord Krishna’s abode. Dwarka, the holy land surrounded with the legends of Lord Krishna, is a significant pilgrimage site for the Hindus. The city lies in the westernmost part of India. Dwaraka (also known as Dvaravati, both names meaning "the many-gated city" in Sanskrit. Dwarka is one of the foremost Chardhams, four sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites, and is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven most ancient religious cities in the country.