Skip to main content

Talaja Hills Bhavnagar


Fact File
Location
Talaja Town, Bhavnagar District, Gujarat
Contains
Buddhist Caves, Jain Derasar, Hindu Mandir dedicated to Khodiyar Maa
Open
Sunrise to Sunset (6 am to 7 pm)
Closed
Monsoon season
Fees
None


Talaja Hills Bhavnagar
Located at the confluence of the Sarita and the Shatrunjaya rivers, Talaja lies at a distance of approximately 32 kilometers from Palitana, the most important religious town for Jainism. At the same time, Talaja Hills are known to be of religious importance not only for Jainism, but also for Buddhism and Hinduism. The Talaja Hill is round 320 feet high and houses 30 ancient Buddhist caves that run into the rocks. These caves are known are known to have fine carvings of Boddhisatva. Another place of historical importance in the caves is the Ebhala Mandapa, which is a large hall with four pillars. These pillars have an impressive octagonal shape.
Apart from the caves, there is also a Hindu Temple of Khodiar Mata and a Jain Derasar on Talaja Hill. The Jain temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Sumatinath, the fifth Tirthankar of the Jains. This temple is known to have a tremendous religious significance for Jains. There is a lamp here that is known to burn continuously and miraculously. It also emits a saffron powder, which is considered auspicious. Even the idol of Lord Sumatinath is known to posses many miraculous powers.
The Khodiyaar Temple, on the other hand, is known to be around 700 years old.
Another interesting thing about Talaja is the fact that this town is also the birthplace of renowned poet Narsinh Mehta. While one can visit his house when they are there, there is little they will find in terms of historical importance apart from a sign that points to his birthplace.


History
Not much is known about the history of Talaja. However, the caves are said to be as old as 2000 years. Also, the Jain temple is known to be built during the era of King Kumarpal in the 12th century AD. It also bears references to the era of Kim Samprati who ruled around the 16th and 17th century AD. The temple was last removed during the year 1872.


Best Time to Visit
Although Talaja Hill is closed during the monsoons, summers in Gujarat are known to be harsh with the mercury rising as high as 40 degrees centigrade. So the best time to visit Talaja is during November to February. This will ensure that the climate is pleasant and you get to enjoy all of the different places of historical and religious significance at leisure. There are a number of dharamshalas (religious inns) here as well as hotels where one can stay during their visit to Talaja.






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

JUNAGADH - History of A Historica

History  of A Historical City called  “Junagadh” We have many historical cities in Gujarat and other states of India, but Junagadh is unique among them, as it comprises of historical monuments starting from the very ancient age (500 BC) till the most recent history of partition of India in 1947 AD. This city, as the name suggests, is a city of old fort. It has a very old history and, as a result, there are many historical monuments worth visiting in this city, Junagadh. In olden times, the city was known by various names like “Raivatachal”, “Raivatnagar”, “Revant”, “Manipur”, “Chandraketapur”, “Puratanpur”, “Pratappur”, “Narendrapur”, “Girinagar”, “Karan Kunj”, “Jirna Durg”, “Mustafabad” and finally the present name “Junagadh” was given by the British Government in 1820AD. The city has acquired an important place in tourist map of Gujarat. Everyday thousands of visitors / tourists visit city for religious, entertainment and educational excursions. Two main ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Girmal Falls

Girmal Falls Girmal waterfall is located 8 km from Nishana on Ahwa-Nawapur Road near Girmal Village of Dang District in Gujarat. This waterfall extends to a height of up to 100 feet, making it the highest waterfall of Gujarat. The picturesque beauty of this site makes it popular among visitors and people of the region alike. The water swiftly falls from a great height, creating a fog like condition that’s eye catching. The government of this state is working on many projects to make this place an ideal picnic spot and a tourist attraction. The fall comes to its best form at the time of monsoon and provides an immensely striking appearance. Some of the best natural features of Gujarat can be explored in this place. This place is a nice and refreshing retreat for any traveler. Nearby Places to Visit Gavdahad View Point On route to Girmal and Nishana, this is a beautiful view point for visitors to explore. It’s a stunning view point that was developed by the Forest Dep...
Post a Comment
Read more