Junagadh News – Telemedicine Network National Accreditation Board of Health

BY 2010, the year Gujarat celebrates its 50th anniversary, all villages in the state will be part of telemedicine network.

Making this announcement, Health Minister Jai Narayan Vyas said that this would provide health care to people living in the remote areas. He was inaugurating the Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH) at the Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and Social Research.

The minister said, with this scheme, healthcare facilities will be made available to people at their doorstep. It was already the leader in organ donation and transplantation, besides providing high quality treatment for kidney ailments, cancer and other diseases. The telemedicine network will pit Gujarat at the top position in health services.

He said the government hospitals at Rajpipla and Junagadh (Saurastra) would soon get accreditation from the National Accreditation Board of Health (NABH). He added that only seven hospitals in the country in the private sector have got NABH accreditation. He further said the government would strive to get this accreditation for each government hospital at the district and municipality level to establish high standard of healthcare services to the public.

IIPH Gandhinagar chairman Prof Bakul Dholakia said that Gujarat became the first state in the country to set up IIPH. Eight IIPH are to be set up across India. The present campus is a make shift arrangement as the building of the Institute is coming up in Gandhinagar.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of the institute in August 2007. From this year onwards, certificates in diploma courses in health management would be awarded to the students.

Now its really great news for Junagadh (Saurastra) People.

Kesar Mangoes Keris Types Varities Junagadh Saurashtra Gujarat India

Kesar Mango Keri - Junagadh City District

Types of Mangoes :-

Types of Mangoes found in India

1. Alphonso
2. Ratnagiri
3. Devgadh
4. Kesar
5. Batli
6. Langdo
7. Payri
8. Rajapuri
9. Tota

Types of Mangoes found in the US :-

1. Irwin
2. Kent
3. Lippens
4. Haden
5. Alice
6. Valencia Pride
7. Alice

Diu Beach Junagadh District Saurashtra Gujarat India

Diu is located at 125 kms from Junagadh.

It is the beautiful tiny island with a coastal length of 21 kms.

Best Time to Visit :- October to April

Location:- Diu beach is situated off the Saurashtra coast and is connected to the state of Gujarat via a causeway.

Diu is abounded by Gujarat, separated by a narrow canal. Diu is 13 km long and 3 km wide. Depth and Length of Diu:-

The island of Diu is about 13 km long and 3 km wide.

The beaches are not so deep hence swimming is advisable. The Gomtimata beach is having rather heavy waves.

Introduction:- Diu, the previous Portuguese colony, is an island, which offers six pristine beaches renowned for their scenic beauty and seclusion. Due to their isolated position these beaches are offering complete rescue to the holiday seekers.

Along with these unpolluted beaches Diu also possess much more to the history enthusiasts. The remnants of some Portuguese Cathedrals, forts and other monuments still symbolize the glory of the then Portuguese colonials who ruled over 400 years.

After 1961, the island is one of the Union Territories of India under the direct rule of New Delhi. Since Diu got its identity in all branches of development, tourism has also begun to be considered as one of the viable economic activities. The proximity of six beaches has already made Diu as a mascot of tourists.

Diu is a secluded island and does not have much population. This makes it the place ideal for a serene vacation, away from the worries of daily life. Diu Beach is a perfect blend of sun, sand and sea.

The captivating scenic beauty of the place is popular not only in India, but the world over. As the sea is not too deep here, you can enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water. The average temperature of Diu Island during the summer months varies from 30 Deg C to 34 Deg C. It mostly experiences a humid climate, but the cool wind blowing over the sea brings respite. You can enjoy a host of activities on Diu beach.

It is ideal place for sun bathing, swimming, surfing and other marine activities. The Diu fort, situated near the beach, is also worth visiting. It is a symbol of the power of the rulers that constructed it. It now serves as a jail.

All the historic structures here remind the glory of the 400 years of rule. The Diu shores are gently swept away by the waves of the Arabian Sea making it an ideal retreat for a perfect vacation.

There are a number of buildings built here by the Portuguese like churches and museum, which exhibit rare artifacts belonging to the era.

HISTORY OF POPULARITY :- The political unrest of Diu remained until the late eighties. Since then the influx of tourists in seeking a total getaway into the small beaches of Diu have made it a popular destination. Now all the six beaches of Diu are filled with innumerable foreign visitors in the season. The emergence of good accommodation facilities indicates the popularity of these beaches.

VICINITY :- The beautiful and small Diu Town is worth full to visit as it houses many of the historical and cultural remnants. The town is in between a massive fort, which extended to the east, and the city wall to the west.

The Zamba Getaway possess many carved sculptures of angels, lions etc. Inside the wall one can see the 18th century miniature chapel. The artificial waterfall is a wonderful creation, is light up at night.

The Diu Museum adjacent to the St.Thomas Church houses an array of catholic sculptures. Most attracting one here is that of a statue of Jesus Christ prostrate on a bier, accompanied by two angels. The Portuguese fort is built in the first half of 16th Century is under threat of collapse due to the ebb and flow of time. Yet a visit is worth full. The presence of cannons, most of them are still in good condition attracts the attention of people. The fort now serves as the jail of the island.

Private Beaches :-

Since tourism has not yet started to conquer the Diu beaches in a large scale, there are not too much resorts on the seafront hence private beaches are very few. But in Nagoa beach and Jallandhar beach there are a couple of private beach resorts situated right on the beach side. Activities in Diu Junagadh -

The Diu beaches are ideal for sun bathing, swimming, surfing and other marine activities.

Among the six beaches Nagoa beach is famous.

This pleasant palm-fringed beach, very safe for swimming is now quite busy.

Gomtimata, located to the west of Nagoa is a golden sandy beach still deserted, but the waves are quite heavy.

Other beaches in the vicinity of Diu include Jallandhar, Chakratirth and Sunset point.

Sun rise and sun set cruises from all the beaches can be arranged by the fisher folk. Sea cruises are also popular here. Fairs And Festivals (Diu Junagah) -

The Navaratri festival will be a novel concept to the visitors, which is celebrated in October. The concept is that of praising the Goddess Amba. During this festival women perform a dance form known as Garba. Portuguese dance forms are also performed by the people includes Mando, Vira and Verdigao dances. These dances of slow motion are performed at joyful occasions. TRADITION AND DRESS CODE in Diu-Junagadh :- As the local people are still conservative, in public the visitors should be in decent dress. It does not mean that indecent dress is advisable in beaches. Nudity and topless parade of ladies are also prohibited. Shopping(Diu Junagadh) -

In the Diu town good shopping facilities are there. Diu is specially noted for the absence of commercial exploitation of visitors. The small handicraft shops are having many locally made handicraft items. Accomodation in Diu Junagadh -

In Jalandhar beach there is a six -cottage complex on the beach. There is also a camping site in Kevdi that provides budget and middle class accommodation. In the Diu town one can find accommodation near the fish market and the town square. Some of the beach resorts have sea view rooms. Other Facilities in Diu Junagadh -

There are some Govt. Rural hospitals in and around Diu in Ghoghla, Vanakbara and in Bucharwada. There is a main Post and Telegraph Office in Diu.

The sub-Post offices are at Zampa, Ghoghla, Bucharwada and Vanakbara.

In Diu beer and alcoholic drinks are very cheap.

Security Precautions in Diu -

Not in the case of Diu beaches only, keeping one's ears and eyes wide open while roaming in an unknown place always pays. It is advisable to keep the belongings well locked and should not left behind carelessly.

What to see -

* Nagoa Beach
* Fortress of Panikot
* St. Paul's Church
* Jallandhar Shrine
* Gangeshwar Temple
* Navlakha Parshvanath Temple
* Jama Masjid
* Diu Museum

How to Reach:-

Air :- Diu do have one airport at Nagoa which provides Diu-Mumbai daily flights.

Bus :- Una is the access point for Diu, and there are direct buses to there from Bhavnagar, Palitana, veraval and Talaja. Once in Una, you have to get yourself the 10 or so km to Ghoghla and Diu. Buses depart every 30 minutes from Una bus stand between 6.30 am and 8.l5 pm (Rs 6).

From Una, if you don't want to wait for a bus, walk the one km; from the bus stand to Tower Chowk (ask directions), from where crowded share rickshaws take you to Ghoghla (Rs 5), and another share rickshaw on to Diu (Rs 3). An auto-rikshaw from Una costs about Rs 50. There are a number of Gujarat STC buses which run all the way to Diu from paces such as Veraval and Bhavnagar.

A quicker and more comfortable option to the STC buses are the private minibuses. There are regular departures between 6 am and 8 pm to Veraval .


Junagadh (four hours), Rajkot (seven hours) and Porbandar (five hours) There's a bus to Mumbai at 10 am (22 hours). Bookings for all buses should be made preferably 24 hours in advance. By Train Delwada, between Una and Ghoghla and only about eight km from Diu, is the nearest railhead.

A share auto-rickshaw from there to Ghoghla costs about Rs 5. There's a direct train at 6 am from Delwada to Veraval (96km).

There is also a daily service to Junagadh (164km) via Sasan Gir. Getting Around Auto-rickshaw drivers will demand Rs 50 to Una, but you may be able to bargain this down.

To travel anywhere within the town of Diu itself should cost Rs 7. To Nagoa Beach, expect to pay Rs 35, and to Sunset point, Rs 25.

Share rickshaws to Ghoghla cost Rs 3 per person. Cycling is a good way to get around Diu Town.

You can also rent bicycles here. Local buses from Diu Town to Nagoa to Beach and Vanakbara leave from the bus stand opposite the petrol pump on Bunder Rd. From Nagoa, they depart for Diu Town from near the police post.

Sasan Gir National Park Junagadh District - Asiatic Lions provided to Jaipur Zoo

10 Lions provided by Sasan Gir National Park Junagadh Distirct.

Now Peoples who are fan of Lions have no need to go Particular Africa,but they can also visit in Nahargarh Biological Park means Tourists in Rajasthan can now enjoy an African style lion safari in a new layout at the Nahargarh Biological Park in Jaipur

Initially, the safari would have 10 lions brought in from the Gir National Park and the Jaipur Zoo.

Lions tend to move around in groups and that will make it easier for the tourists to get a glimpse of the animal. Nearly 36 acres of land have been earmarked for the safari in the Neejar area of the botanical garden that is densely forested.

Five dens would be created for the lions to give them a natural ambience and protect them from extreme climatic conditions. The area would also have three or four water reservoirs with underground pipes providing regular water supply.

Two watchtowers would also be constructed to monitor the activities of the lions, the official added.

A track would be constructed, which will divide the area into two parts and tourists would be ferried in vehicles on these tracks.

Junagadh Agricultural University Saurashtra Gujarat India

The lust green JAU, Junagadh campus famously known as Motibag is situated in the heart of Junagadh city about 5 km from the railway station and 3 kms from bus station.

The JAU, Junagadh campus has total land area 754.62 ha and 2485 ha including 17 sub centers and 1500 manpower with annual budget around 28.5 crores.

JAU(Junagadh Agricultural University) readies to reap the benefits of its tissue culture programme.

In A bid to double agricultural produce, while at the same time make it cost effective, Junagadh Agriculture University (JAU) has commenced an ambitious tissue culture training study programme.

On anvil are also tissue culture production plans on a commercial basis to provide high yield tissue culture plants to farmers of the region.

JAU's department of agronomy has achieved remarkable success in tissue culture development with the help of the state-of-the-art technology laboratory, a first of its kind in the Saurashtra region.

Tissue culture is a technique to grow plants by culturing and maintaining plants cells or organs like leaves, stem, root, branch shoot tip, petals, anther and pollen in sterile, nutritionally and environmentally supportive conditions in vitro. The technique is widely used for micro propagation of banana and sugarcane crops.

Dr V P Chovatia, head of the department of agronomy, JAU, said, "With the use of this technique, plants have been prepared in the laboratory, which are disease free, contains uniform growth and can be obtained throughout the year. Besides, thousands of plants can be produced from a single selected plant," he said.

According to Dr Chovatia, the harvesting period for crop prepared with tissue culture plantation is 25 per cent less than normal. The crop growth is also uniform with almost zero crop loss due to the disease, which consequently leads to more yield, and thereby more profit.

So, cultivation based on tissue culture can prove to be commercially more profitable, which could make our farmers and economy stronger, he said.

Under the direct supervision and guidance of Professor K H Dabhi, the first batch of 20 students has now completed the tissue culture study programme.

When contacted, Dr Dabhi said, "Our prime object is to create awareness about the benefits of tissue culture technique among students and farmers. Apart from banana and sugarcane, tissue culture plants can be prepared among various horticulture crops particularly date palms, roses and gerbera crops. In addition to this, experiments are also under progress on medicinal plants in the JAU laboratory," he said. "Multiple advantage of tissue culture technique includes conservation of biodiversity through biotechnology cryo-preservation," he further said.

Somnath Temple Veraval Taluka - Junagadh District's Proud

Somnath soon to attain its former glory as ‘golden temple’

Best time to visit :- November to March.

How to reach there :-

By Air: Nearest airport Keshod- 55 km.

By Rail: Nearest railhead is Veraval.By Road: Somnath to Veraval- 7 kms,Bombay- 889 kms, Ahmedabad- 400 kms, Bhavnagar- 266 kms, Junagadh- 85 kms, Porbandar- 122 kms.

The historic temple of Somnath, which is also one of the jyotirlingas located in Prabash Patan in Junagadh district, is all set to regain its lost glory as a ‘golden temple’.

According to folkore, the temple was first built on the shores of the Arabian Sea by Chandra, the Lord of Moon. It was destroyed six times and subsequently rebuilt every time. The temple is also unique in the sense that it has been constructed in a location with unhindered sea clearance till the Antarctica.

Now the Shree Somnath Trust, the guardian authority of the temple has begun carving and gold plating work on the Sabha Mandap — the place where devotees stand for darshan.

Besides, the outer structure of the temple is also being painted with fungus resistant paint to allow the porous bella stones, which make up the structure, to breathe.

The temple was destroyed and looted many times, the most notable being the ones by the invading Turks led by Mahmud Gazni and centuries later by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It was reconstructed for the seventh time in 1947, which lasted till 1995. In the last decade, little renovation work has been undertaken.

The trust, which began beautification and cleanliness of the temple and its vicinity two years ago, now has for the first time taken up the job of outer coating and carving for the pillars.

“It’s said that it was a ‘golden temple’. We have begun to restore the yellow metal from the Sabha Mandap. The entire mandap and its two pillars now would be gold plated,” said Ashok Sharma secretary of the Somnath Temple Trust. There are a total three mandaps — Garabh, Sabha and Nritya. Garbha Mandap is where the Jytorilinga is located, while Nritya Mandap is where dance was performed.

Also, this would be the first time that carvings would be done on the pillars. “We have the photographs of the old structure. Our aim is to get the similar carvings done on the pillars of the Sabha Mandap. The carvings were originally gold plated and had designs of flowers and Hindu religious symbols. The present temple, Kailash Mahameru Prasada, is built in the Chalukya style of temple architecture and reflects the skill of the Sompuras, Gujarat’s master masons,” said Sharma.

“The outer coating would protect the temple for the next ten years from fungus attack. Located on the shore, the temple continuously has to bear saline and moist wind. It’s a special kind of a coat that is fungus resistant and at the same time would not block the breathing of the bellas,” he added.

Junagadh's Coldest Day

Feb.-5th , the season's coldest day on Tuesday, Junagadh experienced with the minimum temperature dropping to 6.5 degrees Celsius.Its really coldest day for all people in Junagadh.

Junagadh Agriculture University (JAU) official said that , Tuesday's temperature was the lowest ever recorded in the last 25 years for Junagadh. The severe cold forced people to stay indoors since Monday evening. The streets also wore a deserted look.

The cold has also affected wildlife at the Gir and Girnar forests.In Junagadh,for wildlife,the temperature became harmful for wild animals in forest,but still no any report of death .

Ashoka Rock Edict Junagadh City News Gujarat India

About 2km east of Junagadh and 3 km from the foot of Girnar Hill, between the two places, is an edict of Emperor Ashoka inscribed on a rock dating from the 3rd century BC.

The Ashoka edicts impart moral instructions on dharma, harmony, tolerance, and peace.One of the major sets of rock eddicts of Ashoka is still legibly inscribed on a rock on the outskirts of Junagadh, and protected by an archaelogical survey of India building.

The inscriptions were reported in 1822 by Todd, but really came to light only in 1837 when Rev. Dr John Wilson copied them and in 1843 when the Royal Asiatic society published them in the Bombay branch journal.

The 16 principals preach virtues like matery of the senses, purity of thought, gratitute, devotion, self control, secular thinking and kindness, while oposing animal sacrifice and greed.

They speak of his repentance for death and destruction caused during wars waged by him, his pilgrimages and his attempts to send people around the realm to preach the principles of non violence.Another famous peace maker in the historic annals of Junagadh is the religious poet Narsinh Mehta who dwelt here from 1414-1480 AD.

His shrine can still be seen in the city, and his portrait stands alongside one of Mahatma Gandhi in the railway station.

Junagadh City Nawabi Places Saurashtra Gujarat India

The middle of the 19th century, peace reigned under the British umbrella,and the Nawabs moved down from Uparkot, and started built the walled sections of Junagadh, which is still a picturesque city with monuments and gardens.

The Nawabs depended for their state's development on assisitance from the British colonial rulers, and in consequence the preffered style of architecture was Venetian Gothic, as can be seen from the palaces and the public institutions-clock towers, schools, bazaars, hospitals, city gates, district court, prison and most of all, the imposing Bahauddin college.

The buildings have thick walls, carvings, cornices and elegant columns outside, while the interiors had wall paintings and stucco or canvas false ceilings.

The 160 sq foot hall of the Bahuddin college is noted for it's wood carvings seen on the timber roof, the galleries and the carved brackets, the Sardar bagh palace for it's stucco carvings and the Rang mahal palace for it's fancy canvas ceiling.

Maqbara Junagadh :-

The older complex of maqbaras (mausoleoms) of the Nawabs of Junagadh, located near Chitkana chowk offer some remarkable 18th century architecture with vertical columns, delicate carved arches, cornices and domes in a range of sizes, the whole accentuated by a wealth of brilliant stone carvings.

The newer complex, near the town gates, is even more impressive and attractive, besides being better maintained. The naya Maqbara complex was started by Mahabat Khanji in 1878, completed in 1892 by his successor, Bahadur Khanji, and enshrined also Rasul Khanji in 1911 ADThe complex includes the mausoleom of Baha-ud-din, minster of Nawab Rasul Khanji, which has an almost funfairish flamboyance-4 minarets with pirouetting spiral staircases, a facade rich in stone carvings, beautiful silver doors and large sized domes mark the architecture of this tomb of the great minister in the Nawabi court, titled Vazir-e-azam.

Beside the maqbaras is the Jumma mosque, dated to 1886-97 which has geometric rows of coloured pillars leading to a cool marble minbar, and an Islamic religious school.

Roaming around the streets of Junagadh look for a number of old havelis, known for their jarokhas (intricately bracketed balconies) and wood carvings and the town gates including the Majevdi gate, the Junagadh gate near the new Maqbara cluster and the Reay gate, an imposing 2 storeyed cresent archway with domes and minarets.

The New Bazaar and the Sardar bagh garden are other reminders of the Nawabi period.

Historical Places in Junagadh City Saurashtra Gujarat India

Girnar :- The mountain, 6 km. from Junagadh city, has five principal peaks. It has 9999 steps. The third peak, Gorakhnath, at 3661 ft above sea level, is the highest.

The area of the hills is approximately 10 km. To ascend the hills a stepaway is built UPPER KOT certainly worth seeing Jain tamples. Spots to visit Bhimkund, Satpuda, Gaumukhi Ganga, Pathar chati, Bhairavjap, Bharatvan Sheshavan, Hanumandhara.

The peak of Ambaji, with a height of 3330 ft., is famous for the temple of Ambaji. Kamandal kund; stepway diverts between temples of Gorakhnath and Dattatreya.

The path to Dattatreya temple is difficult, but on the top of the peak is a small temple on the padukas of Guru Dattatreya.

THE WILD MUSEUM - Junagadh museum in Sakkarbagh, has a memorable collection of of pre-historic and proto-historic implements made from stone and bone, stone sculpture including a 9th century Vishnu, bronze sculpture of the medival period, copper inscriptions and manuscripts, consorting with an average collection of silverware, glass, porcelain, wood carvings, traditional textiles, folk art and unimpressive miniature paintings.Rare specimens of art furniture, stuffed animals, ancient coins, Persian Sanskrit inscriptions and various other articles of interest.

SAKKARBAUG ZOO – In Junagadh,The historical city,one of the few places in the world where the pure bred Asiatic lion is breeding successfully.This is the oldest zoo in Gujarat and the 3rd oldest in India. The rare Gir lions are bred and supplied to other zoos.Here you find a sizable collection of mammals, birds and reptiles from Indian species.

MAKARBA – In Junagadh, Nawabs were buried here. This is a fine specimen of medieval structure.

JAIN DERASAR – In Junagadh-The Historical City,Excellent Temple on Girnar Hill at 3100 feet. There are many temples with excellent design.

NARSINH MEHTA NO CHORO – In Junagdh,This place is said to be one where the great poet Saint and reformer Narshinh Mehta held his assemblies of discovers in 15th century. Some believe that Lord Krishna held a traditional "Rasleela" dance here.

DARBAR HALL MUSEUM – In Junagadh,Its also one of the great historial place for tourists.Picture gallery , textiles, arms gallery, the kacheri, the hall which was used by Nawabs of Junagadh to hold their darbar. The Durbar Hall and Museum has an interesting collection of weapons, thrones, silver articles, costumes, paintings, tapestries, and palanquins on display. It is not far from the entrance to the fort.

GAYATRI MANDIR & VAGHESHWARI MANDIR – In Junagadh-Gujarat,On the way to Girnar Talati, are both of the beautiful temples of Maa Gayatri and Maa Vagheshwari. At every navratris, a mela is held.

SONAPUR – In Junagadh,Where many statues of saints are erected. It also has a Sai Baba temple and serves as a cemetery.

DAMODAR KUND – It is Built in 500 a.d.in Junagadh-Saurastra, this often reconstructed kund (water reservoir) is a check dam. This kund is about a km before the bottom of Girnar Hill. It is a sacred bathing tank. Close to Damodara Kund is Revati Kund. It is said that Revata left Dwarka and moved near Girnar Hill after his daughter, Revati, married Lord Balarama

DAMODAR KUND – It is Built in 500 a.d.in Junagadh-Saurastra, this often reconstructed kund (water reservoir) is a check dam. This kund is about a km before the bottom of Girnar Hill. It is a sacred bathing tank. Close to Damodara Kund is Revati Kund. It is said that Revata left Dwarka and moved near Girnar Hill after his daughter, Revati, married Lord Balarama.

DAMODARJI TEMPLE, Near Aswatthama Hill, which is north of Damodara Kund, is the Damodarji Temple, said to have been built by Vajranabha, Lord Krishna’s great-grandson.

DATAAR HILLS – In Junagadh-Saurastra,2779 feet high stepway is built for going up shrine of Jamiyalshah Datar.

SCIENCE MUSEUM – In Junagadh,Gujarat’s first and the only private science museum. More than 60 working science projects based on science facts. Which can be operated by visitors. Worth visiting attached one small aquarium and evening open air garden restaurant garden café serves south Indian and Punjabi dishes since 1981.Its is a first & best garden restaurant in Junagadh.

WELLINGTON DAM - Built by the Britishers near the foot of Datar hill. The three sides and a garden in front it affords an enchanting view.

MOTI BAUG - The best garden the campus of agricultural university and botanical garden. It also houses the Junagadh Agricultural University Campus which has total land area of 754.62 ha and 2485 ha including 17 sub centers and 1500 manpower with annual budget around 28.5 crores.

Mujkund Caves - Famous place where Krishna ran and came from mathura after which he was named as Ranchod Rai

Ayurvedic Museum- In Junagadh,Ayurvedic Museum is located at the Ayurvedic College at Sardarbag in the western part of town. The personnel are helpful to those interested in learning something about this ancient and natural medical treatment.

NARSINH MAHETA LAKE- In Junagadh,A beautiful lake constructed by joint effort of the people of Junagadh near Talav Gate.Its is one of the great enjoyful places for people of Junagadh at weekand.

BAHAUDDIN COLLEGE(Arts & Science)- In Junagadh-Saurastra,Gujarat's first science college built by the Nawab's vazeer "Bahauddin".

KESAR KERI (MANGOES)- Junagadh is famous for Kesar Mangoes (Safaron Mangoes). As name says Kesar mangoes are very sweet and looks like safaron color.

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir,Junagadh- Mandir made for Lord Swaminarayan. Chhatri of Lord Swaminarayan's Charanavind at Junagadh On the land presented by Jinabhai (Hemantsingh) Darbar of Panchala, Lord Swaminarayan got constructed a huge temple at Junagadh by Sant Brahmanand Swami and installed Radha, Ramandev, Ranchhodji, Trikamji and Siddheshwar Mahadev with Parvati Devi in Vikram Samvat year 1884 on the second day of the dark half of the month of Vaishakh (Vad 2), on Friday,May 1,1828.

JETPUR-Junagadh

An interesting excursion on the Rajkot-Junagadh road for those interested in textiles is Jetpur, approximately 30 kms from Junagadh, which is one of the largest centers in India for screen and block printed textiles. Here you can visit workshops which specialize in screen printing of textiles, artisans who work on the highly intricate process of printing fabrics using wooden blocks and yarn dyeing centres. Buddhist relics can be seen here too.

Excursions - From Junagadh one can journey easily to nearby Porbandar (112 kms away) on the West Coast, where Mahatma Gandhi was born. Equally close by (88 kms) is Veraval, where the rebuilt temple of Somnath, stands proudly. Further along the coast is the former Portuguese colony of Diu. Sasan Gir, the last habitat of the Asiatic lion is only 60 kms from Junagadh.

Buddhist Caves Uperkot Junagadh City Saurashtra Gujarat India

Its one of the historical place in Junagadh.

An impressive fort, Uperkot, located on a plateau in the middle of town, was originally built by the Mauryan Chandragupta in 319 B.C.E.. It was covered over for 300 years, then rediscovered in 976 C.E.It was besieged 16 times over an 800-year period.

The walled fortress of Uparkot, witnessed every change in the lifestyle of Junagadh from monastic Buddhism, Aryan Hinduism, pious Jainism, Islamic invasions, British colonisation, the Nawabi spendour and finally, the victory of democracy which forced the Nawab to vacate his throne after he was heavily out-voted in the elections. Like the acrpolises of ancient Greek cities, the Uparkot is built on the defences of rocky hills and the entire modern city sprawls around it. It was an important city during Mauryan rule, became the capital of the Kshtrapas after the fall of the Mauryan empire in the 2nd-4th century AD period, was rebuilt by the Chudasama Rajputs in the 9th century and finally fell to Sultan Muhamad Bhegada. In all, the fort is said to have been subjected to 16 seiges, including one which lasted 12 years over a beautiful daughter of a potter. The girl was coveted by a neighbouring prince, and came for refuge to the ruler of Junagadh, who promptly married herIn the war that followed, the chivalrous prince of Junagadh was killed in 1094 AD, and the girl committed Sati on his funereal pyre.

An inscription with fourteen Edicts of Ashoka is found on a large boulder within 2 km of Uperkot Fort. The inscriptions carry Brahmi script in Pali language and date back to 250 B.C.E.. On the same rock are inscriptions in Sanskrit added around 150 C.E. by Mahakshatrap Rudradaman I, the Saka (Scythian) ruler of Malwa, member of the Western Kshtrapas dynasty. Another dates from about 450 C.E. by Skandagupta,the last Gupta emperor. Old rock-cut Buddhist"caves" in this area, dating from well before 500 C.E., have stone carvings and floral work. There are also the Khapra Kodia Caves north of the fort, and the Babupyana Caves south of the fort.

The Maitraka dynasty ruled Gujarat in western India from 475 to 767 C.E. The founder of the dynasty, general Bhatarka, a military governor of Saurashtra peninsula under the Gupta empire, established himself as the independent ruler of Gujarat approximately in the last quarter of the 5th century. However, James Tod states Maitraka rule ended as early as 524 C.E..

Visitors enter the fort through a large gate. Some parts of the fort’s walls are 20m high. If, after entering the gate you turn left, you will come to Jama Masjid, which was built on top of a Hindu temple. It has 140 pillars supporting its ceiling.

Further down the road are what are believed to be old Buddhist caves, said to be 1,500 years old (dating from before 500 AD). They are carved into the rocky hill and have stone carvings and floral work. There are also the Khapra Kodia caves north of the fort, and the Babupyana caves south of the fort.

There is a huge, fifteen-foot cannon, made in Egypt in 1531. There are also two interesting large step wells (vavs) here. The 11th century Navghan Kuva has a circular stairway that descends over 50m down into the well. The Adi Chadi Vav descends down 170 steps.

In Junagadh,Inside the massive battlemented walls of the Uparkot, as opposed to other forts where you would expect to see it outside, is a huge moat, said to be around 300 ft deep which not only prevented enemies who successfully scaled the high walls from entering the citadel, but was also said to be a sort of death chamber with crocodiles for throwing convicts and captured enemy warriors. Beyond the moat, is the Buddhist cave, which goes down some 3 storeys and is dated by archaelogists to around 2nd century AD- much younger than the Baba Pyara and Khapra cave complexes-because of the delectable carvings on the 6 pillars, though it is difficult to judge if the actual excavations were earlier and the carvings done later.