Today morning we drive to Vadodara enroute visiting Champaner & Pavagadh.
Champaner is an ancient fort located at the foothills of Pavagadh. The town derives its name from the Champa tree or from Champaraj-founder of the town, a contemporary of King VanrajChavda of Anhilwada. The famous Muslim king of Gujarat, Muhammad Begda captured the fort in late 15th century after a long siege against the KhichiChauhanRajputs.
Muhammad Begda decided to establish the new capital of Gujarat at this place in 1484 AD and changed the name of the town to Muhammadabad. It took 23 years to built the town and had a meteoric rise and attained glory as a great town of western India. Many edifices were constructed during these years : bazaars, town squares, royal gardens and water structures, including mosques. It also became a major trading center producing fine silk, woven and dyed textile and sword manufacturing.
The entire landscape for miles around is scattered with remains of fort walls, ruined tombs, gardens, arches, pillars and wells. Champaner reminds the visitor of other such great deserted towns of India-Mandu, Hampi, Orchha and FatehpurSikri.
At Champaner, one can see three fortifications-the base (Champaner), the top (Pavagadh) and the area connecting both of them (Machi)
Jami Masjid is one of the finest examples of Sultanate architecture of Gujarat. It is an imposing structure on a high plinth with two tall minarets of 30 meter height, 172 pillars and seven mihrabs. The central dome, the placement of balconies and carved entrance gates with fine stone jails and rich decoration make ithe visit a delightful aesthetic experience.
The ruins of KhapraZaveri Palace are located on the way from the base to Machi. From its terrace, one can have a fabulous view of the origin of Vishwamitririver. Atak gate is one of the nice gates that leads to the hill top. It has two catapult stands for hurling stones at the enemies.
Pavagadh: Most of the Hindus in India have faith in goddess Mahakali, particularly from the western region covering the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan & Maharashtra. The famous and the oldest temple of Mahakailiis situated at Pavagadh, near Vadodara, one of the main cities of Gujarat. The temple has become the place of the piligrimage for almost all Hindus in India. This temple is among the three main Shaktipeeths in Gujarat.
It has been said in Hindu Shastras that after the famous Tandava dance of Lord Shiva, the various parts of the body of Sati fell at many places. These places are called Shaktipeets. It is said that the left breast of the Sati had fallen here at Pavagadh. As the name suggests, the temple is located on a mountain, near to the Champaner town.
Evening visit the Garba venue at Vadodara.