The mighty Jhalas became a formidable force in the Saurashtra region by the late 11th century and formed seats of power at Santalpur, Halvad and Kankavati. They established the capital city of Dhrangadhra in the mid-18th century which eventually became a princely state till Independence. Dhrangadhra has been of tremendous interest to historians, archaeologists... Continue Reading →
Perhaps, one of the deepest stepwells in Gujarat, the Bhamaria vav located a little away from the hustle and bustle of Sojali village has remained in obscurity for centuries. This 15th century vav was built as a pavilion inside an existing well-laid out garden. Though the stepwell and the surroundings are in ruins today, the imposing... Continue Reading →
One of the earliest stepwells or vavs of Gujarat is the 11th century Mata Bhavani ni vav located at Asarva in Ahmedabad. This east-facing vav was built by the Solankis and renovated by the Vaghelas in the 14th century before being confiscated by the Gujarat Sultanate. Interestingly, this vav is one of the longest along the east -... Continue Reading →
Stepwells built in Akhanda Bharat since the ancient times offer valuable insight into the social and cultural propensity, religious practices and architecture and art of that period. These vavs are ingenious edifices built with locally available materials and display a rare harmony of structural soundness and architectural excellence. It is very uncommon to find stepwells... Continue Reading →
Gujarat is dotted with innumerable stepwells that offer a glimpse into the religious and social practices, cultural traditions and customs and art and architecture of that period. Though a fair number of these have either fallen into a state of disrepair or disuse, there is a spirited movement across the state by several heritage enthusiasts... Continue Reading →
One of the lesser-known stepwells built in the 12th century by the valorous Siddharaja Jayasimha of the Solankis is the Brahma Kund in Sihor. This magnificent structure has in fact also great spiritual significance and has even been mentioned in the Puranas thereby, suggesting that this stepwell was built around an ancient kund. As... Continue Reading →
A forgotten edifice of perhaps the 9th - 13th century which was a golden period in the history of the Baroda State is the Prachin Mandir where the Hazira stands today in Danteshwar. The Baroda State, traditionally rich in culture, history, art, architecture, literature and philosophy was ruled by valorous Hindu kings for centuries. ... Continue Reading →
Gujarat's famed nyay ka prateek (symbol of justice) is the thousand-year-old Malav Talav in Dholka built in the 11th century (perhaps 1050 CE) by the chaste and wise Maharani Minal Devi of the Solanki dynasty. Maharani was revered by one and all for her philanthropy, kindness and virtue. She was perhaps one of the... Continue Reading →
Bhadra, now known as Ahmedabad under the patronage of the mighty Paramaras was considered to be the grandest city of Western India with magnificent temples, halls, dharmashalas and palatial quarters. A cursory glance at the edifices in Malwa and surrounding areas of west central India between the 9th -14th century will give you an idea of... Continue Reading →
Anahilapataka, modern-day Patan is a treasure trove of magnificent edifices from the 9th century onwards. This prosperous city was established in the 8th century by Raja Vanaraja of the Chavda dynasty and became the capital of the Chaulukya dynasty also known as the Solanki dynasty between the 10th to 13th century. The city really... Continue Reading →
The sacrosanct tirthasthala of Shukratal now known as Shukrateerth (Shukratirth) is one of the most picturesque places located on the course of the downstream Ganga. This beautiful place full of ancient temples, bathing ghats and wells is truly a spiritual treasure trove for the followers of Sanatana and Advaita. This divine place derives its name from the... Continue Reading →
Veni Madhav Mandir located at Daranganj close to the sacrosanct Triveni Sangam is one of the oldest shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Prayag. This is one of the Dwadasha Madhav Temples of this historical city. This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lakshmi Devi has been mentioned in the Matsya Purana, Agni Purana and Padma Purana... Continue Reading →
Bade Hanuman Ji or Lete Hanuman Ji, as the name suggests is a magnificent shrine of Lord Hanuman in a rare supine position. Located about 500 m north of the Allahabad Fort close to the Triveni Sangam, this massive idol of Lord Hanuman is one of the oldest in Prayag. Bade Hanuman Ji is... Continue Reading →
Akhanda Bharat has many stunning gems in its bosom but the crown jewel is undoubtedly the ancient Patalpuri Temple and the extraordinary Akshayavata. Akshayavata is derived from the Sanskrit words akshaya meaning eternal or imperishable or indestructible and vata meaning banyan or sacred fig and therefore, literally translates to the eternal banyan (fig). According to the Hindu scriptures,... Continue Reading →
Takshakeshwar Nath Mandir situated on the bank of the Yamuna River is one of the oldest temples in Prayagraj. The temple is believed to be at least 5000 years old if not more and historical and archaeological evidence found at the site suggests that this temple has been in existence since the ancient times. ... Continue Reading →
Samudra Koop that literally translates to ocean well is one of the most sacrosanct tirths of Prayagraj. Located in the archaeologically important town of Jhusi, this ancient well was established during the reign of the Chandravamsa dynasty (Lunar dynasty) roughly around 7100 BCE. Jhusi used to be known as Pratisthan Pur during the reign of... Continue Reading →
Nag Vasuki, an ancient temple located on the bank of the holy Ganges to the north of the sacrosanct Triveni Sangam draws lakhs of devotees on the auspicious Kumbh, Ardha Kumba, Magha Mela, Naga Panchami and the month of Shravan. A trip to Prayagraj is deemed complete and successful only if a pilgrim has a dip in the... Continue Reading →
One of the most outstanding examples of iconography along the Rewa River (Narmada River) is the Datta Guru Temple also known as Garudeshwar Datta Mandir in Garudeshwar village. Garudeswar village lies to the south of Tilakwada and east of Rajpipla and is a part of the important Narmada Parikrama. Thousands of devotees walk barefoot visiting... Continue Reading →
One of the most important tirthasthalas along the Rewa River is the ancient temple of Kuber Bhandari Shiva in Karnali village. People often stop over at the 'City of Temples', Chandod located at the Triveni Sangam of Saraswati, Narmada and Orsang rivers before proceeding to Kuber Bhandari Temple by boat. Legend has it that Lord... Continue Reading →
Archaeological excavations conducted in 1962 at Pandu Rajar Dhibi in Ausgram II block in the Sadar North subdivision of Purba Bardhaman district in West Bengal unearthed earthen pots using a mix of rice husk in the main mound. Based on scientific tests, archaeologists concluded that the ancient civilization that dates back to 2000 BCE... Continue Reading →
The holy city of Pehowa in Kurukshetra district is held in high esteem by historians, archaeologists and spiritualists. This city finds mention in Hindu scriptures (several Puranas) and is believed to be named after the legendary Chakravarti Prithu. Chakravarti Prithu is credited with saving the earth from famine in the ancient times. This divine... Continue Reading →
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