This is not from Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Photographs of Lord BhavaniShankar, the presiding deity of Shri Chitrapur Math, Srivalli, found in the ancient ruins of RudraMahalaya, the magnificent Temple of Lord Shiva at Sidhpur  -

Photographs: Hemant Kaikini.

Rudra Mahalaya a massive Shiva Temple at Sidhpur (Yatris would be visiting Sidhpur during Prabhas Teerth Somnath Saraswati Yatra on 27^th January 2009), was built more than a 1000 years ago. King Mulraj of the Solanki dynasty started its construction in 983 AD and was completed by King Jaisingh Sidhraj!

When Rudra Mahalaya was standing in all its glory it is believed that it rested on 1600 pillars and had 12 entrance doors and covered almost half of the total area of Sidhpur. The eastern gate was adorned with beautifully carved 'Toran', with a flight of steps leading to the Saraswati River. The unique geographical feature of the Saraswati stream turning eastwards lends special sanctity to this place.

Ulugh Khan and later Ahmed Shah of Ahmedabad ruthlessly destroyed this magnificent Shiva Temple, in the late 13th century or early 14th century. The cells on the surrounding walls were converted in to a mosque.

Today (18^th August 2008) the Core Team of PTSSY from Ahmedabad Sabha, along with Gen. Prakash Gokarn, Maheshmam Kalyanpur of the Tercentenary Committee and Vivek Kallianpur (Bangalore) were on a Pilot Trip to this place and what we saw amazed all!

Rudra Mahalaya is in the itinerary of the Prabhas Teerth Somnath Saraswati Yatra and the Yatris are scheduled to visit Sidhpur on 27^th January 2008.

Rudra Mahalaya is under the Archeological Society of India and is closed to the general public. When we reached there the security person was fast asleep (at 1.30 pm!) and we miraculously could get unhindered entry.

No sooner we reached one of the Shiva Linga, Nagdevata gave an exquisite darshan to Maheshmam Kalyanpur.

He excitedly called all of us, but before we reached, Nagdevata had disappeared. Possibly he wanted to give darshan only to Maheshmam.

And what we saw next amongst these ruins was something amazing and unbelievable – it left us dumbfounded! It was a beautiful but slightly mutilated marble statue of Lord Bhavanishankar about 2.5 feet tall. Truly a feast for our eyes and our spirits! And please do remember - Rudra Mahalaya is over a thousand years old!

Were our forefathers great travelers? Did some of our ancestors migrate to Gujarat? Do we have our roots in Gujarat? Well at least I do not have the answers to these questions which come to my mind.

But personally I would like to believe that Lord Bhavanishankar is showering His blessings on Chitrapur Saraswats during the Tercentenary Year!

Vivek Hattangadi18^th August 2008

River Saraswati and Sasan-Gir Forests

The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Sasan-Gir) is the one and only home of the pure Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica). It is around 45 kms from Somnath. Gir Forest measures about 260 km² for the fully protected area (the National Park). The Sanctuary is around 1150 km². It is one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species. Gir has a weird but wonderful beauty in its severity.

Gir Forest in its full splendour

The ecosystem of Gir has varied flora and fauna. Due to the efforts of the Government forest department, wildlife activists and NGOs it is protected reserve. In fact, the forest area of Gir and its lions have been declared as "protected" as early as the 1900's. At one time, the population had declined to just 25 lions but concerted efforts to save the species have borne fruit. The April 2005 census recorded the lion-count in Gir at 359, an increase of 32 compared to 2001. The lion breeding programme covering the park and surrounding area has bred about 180 lions in captivity since its inception

Rarest of the rare species - let him live in peace

Gir forms the catchments' of seven perennial rivers viz Hiran, Saraswati, Datardi, Shingoda, Macchundri, Ghodavadi and Raval. All these major rivers of Gir have perennial water supply except during severe drought. In order to tap the water resources four dams have been constructed, one each on Hiranya, Machhundri, Raval and Shingoda rivers, including the biggest reservoir in the area, the Kamleshwar Dam, nicknamed 'the lifeline of Gir'.

Unlike humans, these gentle lions do not kill the deer and other cattle for pleasure, jealousy or to demonstrate power! Truly, they are the Kings of the Jungle

In the heart of the Gir Forest 165 Kms. from Junagadh is the scenic spot of Tulsi Shyam with its hot springs, said to originate from River Saraswati. Tulsi Shyam has also a mythological story. Krishna seduces Vrinda, the wife of a demon named Jalandhara. Vrinda sacrifices herself and becomes a sati. She curses Krishna and converts him into a stone, a Shaligram. Krishna had vowed to marry Tulsi. He converts her hair to a Tulsi plant. Hindus still give Tulsi in marriage to a Shaligram. Tulsi Shyam is considered very holy by the Hindus. There are seven hot springs and the temperature varies from 70 to 80 degrees F.

We will protect you and let you live in peace!

Posted by:

Vivek Hattangadi - Ahmedabad

vivekhattangadi@yahoo.co.in

River Saraswati, Prabhas-Patan and Somnath

Somnath has inspired many poets and writers.

Jai! Jai! Garvi Gujarat!
Uttarman Amba maata
Puravaman Kali Maata
Chhe Dakshin Disaman Karant raksha Kunteshwar Mahadev,
Ne Somnath ne Dwarkesh ae Pachcim Kera dev
Chhe Sahayamanb Sakshaat
Jai! Jai! Garvi Gujarat!
Wrote Kavi Narmad, the poet saint of Gujarat.

New Somnath Temple

Somnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga’s of Lord Shiva. It is 79 kms. from Junagadh and 450 kms from Ahmedabad.
According to legend, Somnath is as old as creation, built by none other than the Moon God himself, Somaraj hence the name Somnath. Somnath has withstood the shocks of time and survived the attacks of Muslim invaders. The construction of the existing temple was initiated by Sardar Vallabbhai Patel. It now has an arresting Chalukya architecture and is a stunning sight facing the blue vastness of the Sindhu Sagar (Arabian Sea) a part of the Indian Ocean. The spire of the temple is 150 feet high and the flagpole is 27 feet tall and 1 foot in circumference. The Somnath Temple was destroyed five times and built seven times during the last 2000 years; the temple of Somnath has been rightly called the Shrine Etenal

Triveni Sangam (of Saraswati, Hiranya and Kapila) at Prabhas Patan

From the early days Prabhas-Patan, Somnath is a pilgrim place. It is the confluence of mythological Saraswati, Hiranya and Kapila. About 5000 years ago, River Saraswati traversed a distance of over 1600 km., through Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat, to reach Sindhu Sagar at Prabhas-Patan, Somnath. This is emphasized in the Mahabharata and other ancient texts.

Photograph of Somnath in 1869

A river is always holy in Hinduism. And the place where all the three rivers - Hiranya, Kapila and mythical Saraswati - come together and meet Sindhu Sagar, is thirty times more important! The Triveni Teerth at Prabhas-Patan is an important place of pilgrimage,
A short distance from the Somnath temple is Balkha Teerth, where Lord Krishna was struck by the stray arrow of a Bhil tribal. The Mahabharata says that the entire Yadav clan went on a drinking spree near Hiranya River at Prabhas Patan. They drank merrily and destroyed each other. Only two Yadavas and Sri Krishna survived. The Pandavas are reported to have performed penance at Prabhas Patan. It is on account of all these reasons that the Mahabharata and the Puranic literature speak of Prabhas-Patan with great reverence.

Mythology :

Somaraja is the Moon God. Somaraja is the son in-law of Daksha (son of Brahma). Daksha had 27 daughters, who were the 27 Nakshatras, married them to Somaraja. Daksha had asked Somaraja to treat all his daughters alike. Somaraja, however, was giving special treatment to his ‘favorite’, Rohini. Daksha was enraged. He put a curse on Somaraja, saying, "You shall wane into nothingness!" The moon, which used to shine in full splendor every night till then, started to shrink. However, before the curse brought about an absolute end to the moon, the other daughters of Daksha pleaded with him to revoke his curse. Daksha then asked Somaraja to take a bath in the sea at the mouth of the River Saraswati and then to pray to Lord Shiva. The intenseness of the curse was reduced and we now see the periodic waning and waxing of the Moon.
Brahma then asked Somaraja to construct a temple and dedicate it to Shiva at the spot where he had prayed. Hence at Prabhas Patan, Shiva Temple is known as Somnath, the Lord of the Moon. Since Somaraja once again regained his light and brightness at this place it is known as ‘Prabhasa’ meaning light. Somnath is also known by several other names - Deo Patan, Prabhas Patan or Patan Somnath, which it acquired during its long and eventful history.
It is said that Somaraja originally built this temple in gold. Ravana, a passionate bhakta of Lord Shiva built it in silver and later Lord Krishna who ruled Dwarka built it with sandalwood.
The Somnath temple has been destroyed several times, mainly by the barbaric Muslim invaders. It had to be rebuilt several times from scratch. Each time the community of architects who designed and constructed the temple were the Sompura Shilpakar Brahmins. Prabha Shankar Sompura designed the present temple and his descendents are still building temples in India.

ll Yatra gangach, yamunach l
Yatra prachi saraswati l
Yatra someshwarach devah: tatra mamarut kaddhi l
Indrayendo paristrava ll
Posted by: Vivek Hattangadi

vivekhattangadi@yahoo.co.in

River Saraswati and Sidhpur (ShreeSthal)

Sidhpur or ShreeSthal as it was known in the Skanda Puranas is situated on the banks of the Vedic Saraswati. Sidhpur is considered to be the ‘Kashi’ of North Gujarat. Sidhpur has also been described in the Rig Vedas. Sidhpur is also known as ‘ShreeSthal’ or a "pious place" finds a place in the Rig Veda and was then known as Dashu village.
Modern Sidhpur is in Patan district in North Gujarat, India. Sidhpur and neigboring Unjha are now well known for cultivating 'Jeera' and 'Isabgol'.
About the 10th century, under Solanki rulers, the city was at the peak of fame and magnificence. The ruler Siddhraj Jaisingh built his capital at Sidhpur, thus the name Sidhpur which literally means the town of Siddhraj. He built a temple dedicated to Shiva, Rudra Mahalaya. Rudra Mahalaya was a magnificent Shiva Temple with a three-storeyed 'shikhara', 1600 pillars, 12 entrance doors, central 'mandapa' and porches on east, north and south and sanctum in west. Around the temple, there were 11 shrines of Rudra. The eastern gate was adorned with beautifully carved 'Toran', with a flight of steps leading to the Saraswati River.
During the 12th century Mohammed Ghori destroyed the town Sidhpur on his way to Somnath. Around 30,000 people were killed in the raid, and the Solanki Empire was destroyed. Later Ulugh Khan and Ahmed Shah of Ahmedabad ruthlessly destroyed this magnificent Shiva Temple, in the late 13th century or early 14th century and converted the grand temple into a mosque.
The ruins of Rudra Mahalaya in the shape of a column here or a platform there stand as mute witnesses to the insensitivity, cruelty and heartlessness of the Muslim invaders who destroyed this magnificent Shiva temple

The remnants of the once magnificent Rudra Mahalaya destroyed by Muslim invaders

The Puranas regard ShreeSthal as the most sacred spot in the ‘Saraswat-Mandal’ of Gujarat. The Bhagvata Purana associates it with Kardama rishi, (son of Manu) who had his hermitage here, and also with Kapila Muni who was born in this place on the bank of the sacred Saraswati River. It is said that Anahilwad-Patan (Anahillapataka or Anahillapattana), the capital of medieval Gujarat was founded where it is now, because of its closeness and proximity to ShreeSthal.
Sidhpur is the only place in India where matru-shradh is being carried out. At the banks of River Saraswati, thousands of people come here annually to perform the rituals for their mothers who are in heavenly abode. This tradition was started by Bhagwan Parashuram, also known as the protector of the Saraswat Brahmins.
Sidhpur is also known as Matrugaya Koshers. Bhagwan Parashuram, the sixth avatar of Vishnu (Parashu = axe and Ram i.e. axe wielding Shree Ram) had performed ‘Pind dan’ dedicated to his mother Devi Renuka at Sidhpur on the banks of River Saraswati. Now, pilgrims from all over India come to Sidhpur for performing this pooja.

Today, this ritual is performed at Bindu Sarovar. Learned Brahmins who have been educated and trained to perform this special type of pooja are always available in Sidhpur

A Brahmin performing Pooja at Bindu Sarovar

The five most holy and ancient lakes of India renowned for their sacredness are: (1) Manas Sarovar (Tibet) (2) Pushkar Sarovar (Rajasthan) (3) Bindu Sarovar (Gujarat) (4) Narayan Sarovar (Kutch, Gujarat) (5) Pampa Sarovar (Karnataka). The Bindu Sarovar has its special sanctity and glory due to it being the Tapobhumi of Shri Kapil Dev - an incarnation of God and founder of Samkhya philosophy. It was on the banks of the Bindu Sarovar that Kapil Dev preached the essence of attaining Moksha to his mother. Bhagwan Swaminarayan had also sanctified the Bindu Sarovar.
Posted by Vivek Hattangadi

Ahmedabad

vivekhattangadi@yahoo.co.in

Another view of Bindu Sarovar

Nal Sarovar and River Saraswati

Nal Sarovar is the original remnant of River Saraswati flowing from the Himalayas to Gujarat.

Sunrise at Nal Sarovar

Nal Sarovar could be a relic of the River Saraswati which might have flowed through the funnel of the Little Rann of Kutch into Saurashtra. There are about 100 archaeological sites around this Sarovar region. The shortest riverine route between Dholavira, Surkotada and Lothal could have been through a possible ancient river course which existed through the Nal Sarovar.

Flamingos enjoying the hospitality of Gujarat

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is a charming tourist attraction which people should not miss while on a pleasure trip to Ahmedabad. Nal Sarovar is 62 km to the West of Ahmedabad, in the state of Gujarat, India. Nal Sarovar is a delightful bird sanctuary. It is principally is a huge lake with a relaxing atmosphere amongst the marshes. It is inhabited by over two lakh migratory birds from Siberia in winters; it is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat, and one of the largest in India.

White winged ducks at Nal Sarovar

Nal Sarovar is 18 miles long and 4 miles wide and measuring 75 square miles. The lake is shallow and its depth does not exceed 2 meters any where in the lake. There are around 300 Islands situated in the lake. Panvad is the biggest Island.

Our guests in a playful mood

Nal Sarovar attracts over 250 species of birds in the winter. It harbors a variety of flora and fauna. Thousands of migratory waterfowl flock to this sanctuary just after monsoon. Greater flamingoes migrate here from Kutch every year and one can find tall standing birds like painted and black-necked storks. The shallow area and ponds on the outer reaches of the lake attract the wading birds that feed in the shallow waters. Its migratory bird population, which visit Nal Sarovar between November and February include Rosy Pelicans, Flamingoes, White Storks, Brahmany Ducks and Herons. Ducks, geese, pelicans and flamingos are best seen early in the morning and in the evening. Nal Sarovar probably is a fantasy land for birds! It is estimated that over two lakh migratory birds from Siberia make Nal Sarovar their home every winter

Gulls at Nal Sarovar

Besides a few mammalian species including the endangered wild ass and the blackbucks also reside here.

Our guests in a holiday mood!

The islands within the lake are populated by migrating Bharwad shepherds. On the banks are the Padhars, who are excellent folk dancers, artisans and boatmen. One can hire country boats on the lake for bird viewing, and picnic at shacks the on the islands. It is best to make the trip to Nal Sarovar in your own or private hired vehicle. Eight routes have been fixed where bird watchers can spend one to six hours.

Come again next year - Phudchya Varshi Lavkar Yaa!!!

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary offers opportunities to visitors to spend some quality time in the lap of Mother Nature. Its beauty and tranquility is surely going to steal your heart.

A boatman at Nal Sarovar

Thank you River Saraswati for your wonderful gift to Gujarat!

Dr. Jagdish Gandhi’s presentation in ‘Divya Bhaskar’, # 1 Gujarati newspaper in Ahmedabad

Dr. Jagdish Gandhi the well known "Saraswatilogist", had made a presentation on River Saraswati before P.P. Sadyojat Shankarashram Swamiji, Mathadipati of Shree Chitrapur Math, Srivalli, N.Kannada District, Karnataka, India. The presentation was at Killa Pardi, South Gujarat.

In May 2008, he made a presentation before the scientists of ndian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Ahmedabad. The report appeared in the "Divya Bhaskar". The English translation and a scanned copy of the original news are presented in this weblog.

Dr. Jagdish Gandhi's report in "Divya Bhaskar", the # 1 Gujarati newspaer in Ahmedabad (English Translation)

The Himdhar glacier in the Himalayan Mountain Range was the source of the Vedic River Saraswati, which has now disappeared. River Saraswati once flowed through Rajasthan, now a desert. This river can now be revived through modern science and technology. The enormous mass of water can now be brought from the Himalayas to arid Kutch. Jagdish Gandhi disclosed this while showing a film “The Lost River Saraswati” at the LD Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad. On this subject, Jagdish Gandhi said, that he has prepared a blueprint to show that the waters of the River Saraswati flowing through the Himalayas can now be brought to Kutch (a desert area) through a system of canals. He said he has presented these blue prints to the Central Government and the Governments of Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Jagdish Gandhi further said that enough water is available in the Himalayan glaciers to revive River Saraswati. Through his film, he showed that River Saraswati still flows in the Himalayas. River Saraswati now joins the River Yamuna. The waters of River Saraswati can now be diverted to the original Vedic Saraswati River route through canals and water can brought to Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Kutch. Jagdish Gandhi clarified and emphasized that drawing water by digging bore wells and capturing water from the original path of River Saraswati should be avoided at any cost.

Dr. Jagdish Gandhi has provided the Central and State Governments details of the maps on this subject.

Rani-ki-Vav - The Queen's Stepwell

Rani-ki-Vav – Patan

Water has played an important role in the architectural heritage of Western India from the earliest times. It has been historically confirmed that the early Harappan towns (3000 BC) had a highly developed system of drains, wells and tanks.

Rani-ki-Vav is almost 5-6 storeys deep

The vavs or baolis (step-wells) of Gujarat consist of two parts: a vertical shaft from which water is drawn and the surrounding inclined subterranean passageways, chambers and steps which provide access to the well. The galleries and chambers surrounding these wells were often carved profusely with elaborate detail and became cool, quiet retreats during the hot summers.

The ornated walls at Rani-ki-Vav

Step-wells are unique to India and are repositories of architecture. Such step wells are not known anywhere outside the Indian sub-continent. It appears that the vavs were designed to bring the people and Gods together. Vavs were probably attempts to entice Gods to leave their abodes for a cool drink of water - the elixir of life.

Rani-ki-Vav viewed from ground level

of Gujarat under the Solanki kings is the Rani-ki-Vav, the oldest and grandest step well of all the 120 step wells built in Gujarat. It is said that Rani Udaymati played a vital role in its construction, hence known as Rani-ki-Vav (Queens Step Well).The Rani-ki-Vav is on the eastern banks of River Saraswati, at Patan, built somewhere during the eleventh century, during the period of the Solanki reign [The Solankis ruled over Gujarat till 1143].Rani-ki-Vav is probably the most magnificent step-well in Gujarat. Throughout, the ornamentation is splendid. Columns, brackets and beams are covered with scrollwork and the wall niches are carved with figures. Hindu deities on the walls flank the staircase. Its monumental construction and ornate treatment suggest that it also served a ritual ceremonial purpose. Most of the sculpture is in devotion to Vishnu, in the forms of his Avatar as Krishna and Ram, representing their return to the world

Another view of Rani-k-Vav from ground level .

Rani-ki-Vav is almost five to six storeys deep. Builders and masons dug deep trenches into the earth for dependable, year-round groundwater drawn from River Saraswati. There is also a small gate below the last step of the step well which has a 30 kilometer tunnel built (Now it has been blocked by stones and mud) which leads to the town of Sidhpur near Patan. It was to serve as an escape gateway for the royal family in the times of defeat in a war.
To escape the tortuous heat of the summers the royal family rested in the cool pavilions of Rani-ki-Vav – probably the earliest water cooler!

Rani-ki-Vav is rightly described as a Temple for the waters from the River Saraswati.

A Grand View of Rani-ki-Vav