Vadnagar
Encyclopedia
Vadnagar is a city and a municipality
in Mehsana district
in the India
n state
of Gujarat.
, Vadnagar had a population of 25,041. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Vadnagar has an average literacy rate of 65%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 75%, and female literacy is 54%. In Vadnagar, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.
It was the land of Gogda Pathan, who came from Delhi
after a dispute with the Mughal emperor
Akbar. Called Shembherwada, most of the Pathan
serve in the Police Force in Gujarat.
Vadnagar (district), situated 112 km from Ahmedabad
and 34 km from Mehsana
, is an ancient town that can catch attention of any person who loves art and ancient architectural monuments. It is a town of Temples, Wells, Vaavs (large wells having steps landing to its level) and Giant Gates with archaeological values and beautiful carvings. Vadnagar was formerly known as "Chamatkarpur" in Sat-Yuga, "Anandpur and Snehpur " in Treta-Yuga and "Vimalpur" in Dvapar-Yuga.
In ancient times, there was a King named Chamatkar
in the region known as "Aanartdesh". The story tells that he was suffering from leprosy
due to a curse from a she-deer. With the advice of sages, King Chamatkar, on the 14 month of the Hindu calendar
took his bath in the famous "ShankhTirth" situated in Vadnagar, and his leprosy was cured. Thereafter he established the town named "Chamatkarpur"(now Vadnagar).
Vadnagar was an important center of education in the past. The town is credited as the place where the Jain monk Acharya Bhadrabahu
authored the Kalpasutra. Yet another legend relates it to Tana and Riri
, two sisters, who sang the raga
Malhar
, to call the rains and relieve Tansen
from the burning sensation that he had developed from singing raga Deepak. It is also said that Vadnagar was the earliest capital of Gujarat. Vadnagar's main is located inside the walls of a fort which has 6 huge gates namely Arjun Bari, Nadiol, Amarthol, Ghaskol, Pithori and Amarthol in which Amarthol gate area is the oldest existing part of the town. The river Kapila used to flow through the town of Vadnagar.
The town is also blessed with a magnificent lake named as "Sharmistha Lake" which has a small island like place amidst it. It is connected with a 7 km long inlet canal. The government is developing this island into a beautiful garden. Vadnagar also has various public architectures like a Museum and Library, government hospital and a government court.
There are scores of temples dedicated to almost every God: Shiva
, Chhabila, Hanuman
, Ashapuri Mata, Ambaji Mata, Vishnupuri, Gaurikund to name just a few. Of the numerous Shiva shrines, the 15th century "Hatkeshver Mahadev" is the most important. He is the family deity of the Nagar Brahmins
. Facing the east, it is enclosed by a high wall surmounted by three circular domes. From the roof of the sanctum rises a massive pinnacle, which soars high above in the sky. A massive congregation hall leads to the sanctum which houses a shivling said to have self-emerged or as it is said -"Swayambhu
"(self emerged). The exterior of the temple is exquisitely and profusely ornamented with figures of the nine planets, regent deities, the chief gods of the Hindu
pantheon
, scenes from the life of Krishna
and Pandava
princes, besides the varied animal and floral motifs. The premises also house an older Swaminarayan Temples (one for male and one for females), two Jain derasars, a goddess Ashapuri temple (Shaktipith), goddess Bhuvaneshpuri Temple, Somnath Mahadev Temple, Daaneshwar Mahadev Temple and Vishnupuri Temple (it is said that God Vishnu
himself had stepped here).
Renovated twice or thrice is the "Sitla Mata" Temple ornately carved with figures of celestial beings. Its door frames and ceilings depict the Rasmandala (Krishna dancing with milkmaids). The most striking pieces of architecture in Vadnagar, however, are the two magnificent Kirtistambhas or triumphal arches. Built of red sandstone
they are both identical in size and style. Only, one lies in pieces on the ground (now re-erected) and the other stand erect. Its pillars and arches are decorated with lozenges at the base and geometric and floral designs-leaves, creepers, lotus, animal motifs, human figures engaged in various activities and divine figures in different poses. The top bears an image of a seated god Kartikeya flanked by Ganesh and Makara (griffin) from which spring arches. A number of standing female figures also ornament the top. Vadnagar is also known as Skandhpur after Kartikeya, who is identified with Murugan
.
Vadnagar has also yielded an image of Bodhisattva
dated back to 3rd-4th cent.A.D. This image seems to be brought from Mathura to install in one of the Buddhist monasteries of the town. Xuanzang
visited this town in 7th cent.A.D and recorded the presence of Buddhist establishments.
Renovation done in 2009 which includes stadium construction in island in the Lake
Municipality
A municipality is essentially an urban administrative division having corporate status and usually powers of self-government. It can also be used to mean the governing body of a municipality. A municipality is a general-purpose administrative subdivision, as opposed to a special-purpose district...
in Mehsana district
Mehsana district
Mehsana district is one of the 26 districts of Gujarat state in western India. Mehsana city is the administrative headquarters of this district. The district has a population of over 18 lakhs and an area of over 4,500 km². There are over 600 villages in this district...
in the India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
n state
States and territories of India
India is a federal union of states comprising twenty-eight states and seven union territories. The states and territories are further subdivided into districts and so on.-List of states and territories:...
of Gujarat.
Geography
Vadnagar is located at 23.78°N 72.63°E. It has an average elevation of 143 metres (469 feet).Demographics
India censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
, Vadnagar had a population of 25,041. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Vadnagar has an average literacy rate of 65%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 75%, and female literacy is 54%. In Vadnagar, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.
History
Known history of Vadnagar goes well beyond 2500 years. Vadnagar is referred to as Anartapur in Mahabharata. According to the great epic the Anarta warriors fought in the Mahabharata war on both the sides and the feud among them continued even after the war was over. Recent archaeological excavations have established the existence of a thriving city of religious and cultural activity at the location around the first century.It was the land of Gogda Pathan, who came from Delhi
Delhi
Delhi , officially National Capital Territory of Delhi , is the largest metropolis by area and the second-largest by population in India, next to Mumbai. It is the eighth largest metropolis in the world by population with 16,753,265 inhabitants in the Territory at the 2011 Census...
after a dispute with the Mughal emperor
Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire , or Mogul Empire in traditional English usage, was an imperial power from the Indian Subcontinent. The Mughal emperors were descendants of the Timurids...
Akbar. Called Shembherwada, most of the Pathan
Pathan
Pathan may refer to a member of the:*Pashtun people; an ethnic group native to Pakistan and Afghanistan*Pathans of Punjab*Pathans of Rajasthan*Pathans of Uttar Pradesh*Pathans of Bihar*Pathans of Gujarat*Rohilla...
serve in the Police Force in Gujarat.
Vadnagar (district), situated 112 km from Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad also known as Karnavati is the largest city in Gujarat, India. It is the former capital of Gujarat and is also the judicial capital of Gujarat as the Gujarat High Court has its seat in Ahmedabad...
and 34 km from Mehsana
Mehsana
Mahesana is a city and municipality in Mehsana district, in the Indian state of Gujarat.-City and surrounding area:Situated near Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, Mehsana is one of the largest cities in North Gujarat; followed by Patan and Palanpur. A number of primary industries including dairy, oil...
, is an ancient town that can catch attention of any person who loves art and ancient architectural monuments. It is a town of Temples, Wells, Vaavs (large wells having steps landing to its level) and Giant Gates with archaeological values and beautiful carvings. Vadnagar was formerly known as "Chamatkarpur" in Sat-Yuga, "Anandpur and Snehpur " in Treta-Yuga and "Vimalpur" in Dvapar-Yuga.
In ancient times, there was a King named Chamatkar
Chamatkar
Chamatkar is a Hindi movie which was directed by Rajiv Mehra and released in India in 1992. It cast Naseeruddin Shah and Shahrukh Khan in pivotal roles....
in the region known as "Aanartdesh". The story tells that he was suffering from leprosy
Leprosy
Leprosy or Hansen's disease is a chronic disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Named after physician Gerhard Armauer Hansen, leprosy is primarily a granulomatous disease of the peripheral nerves and mucosa of the upper respiratory tract; skin lesions...
due to a curse from a she-deer. With the advice of sages, King Chamatkar, on the 14 month of the Hindu calendar
Hindu calendar
The hindu calendar used in ancient times has undergone many changes in the process of regionalization, and today there are several regional Indian calendars, as well as an Indian national calendar. Nepali calendar, Bengali calendar, Malayalam calendar, Tamil calendar, Telugu calendar, Kannada...
took his bath in the famous "ShankhTirth" situated in Vadnagar, and his leprosy was cured. Thereafter he established the town named "Chamatkarpur"(now Vadnagar).
Vadnagar was an important center of education in the past. The town is credited as the place where the Jain monk Acharya Bhadrabahu
Acharya Bhadrabahu
Acharya Bhadrabahu was a Jain monk. He is more famously known as a spiritual teacher of Chandragupta Maurya and author of several texts related to Jainism, including some of the most important works, Upsargahara Stotra and Kalpasutra....
authored the Kalpasutra. Yet another legend relates it to Tana and Riri
Tana and Riri
Tana and Riri is an Indian story about two girls born around 1564, who were asked to sing in the court of Akbar. When Akbar's court singer, maestro Tansen's preceptor died, he sang the raag "Deepak". The effect of singing this raag is said to be that the singer starts feeling an incurable heat in...
, two sisters, who sang the raga
Raga
A raga is one of the melodic modes used in Indian classical music.It is a series of five or more musical notes upon which a melody is made...
Malhar
Malhar
Malhar is an old raga in Indian classical music. Malhar is associated with the atmosphere of torrential rains.- Legend :According to the legend, Malhar is so powerful that when sung, rain falls from the sky....
, to call the rains and relieve Tansen
Tansen
Mia Tansen is considered among the greatest composer-musicians in Hindustani classical music. He was an extraordinarily gifted vocalist, known for a large number of compositions, and also an instrumentalist who popularized and improved the rabab .He was among the Navaratnas at the court of the...
from the burning sensation that he had developed from singing raga Deepak. It is also said that Vadnagar was the earliest capital of Gujarat. Vadnagar's main is located inside the walls of a fort which has 6 huge gates namely Arjun Bari, Nadiol, Amarthol, Ghaskol, Pithori and Amarthol in which Amarthol gate area is the oldest existing part of the town. The river Kapila used to flow through the town of Vadnagar.
The town is also blessed with a magnificent lake named as "Sharmistha Lake" which has a small island like place amidst it. It is connected with a 7 km long inlet canal. The government is developing this island into a beautiful garden. Vadnagar also has various public architectures like a Museum and Library, government hospital and a government court.
There are scores of temples dedicated to almost every God: Shiva
Shiva
Shiva is a major Hindu deity, and is the destroyer god or transformer among the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity of the primary aspects of the divine. God Shiva is a yogi who has notice of everything that happens in the world and is the main aspect of life. Yet one with great power lives a life of a...
, Chhabila, Hanuman
Hanuman
Hanuman , is a Hindu deity, who is an ardent devotee of Rama, a central character in the Indian epic Ramayana and one of the dearest devotees of lord Rama. A general among the vanaras, an ape-like race of forest-dwellers, Hanuman is an incarnation of the divine and a disciple of Lord Rama in the...
, Ashapuri Mata, Ambaji Mata, Vishnupuri, Gaurikund to name just a few. Of the numerous Shiva shrines, the 15th century "Hatkeshver Mahadev" is the most important. He is the family deity of the Nagar Brahmins
Nagar Brahmins
Nagar Gujarati Brahmins are believed to be one of the oldest of the Brahmin groups.-Overview:Historians suggest that the origin of the Nagars to be Aryan, having immigrated to the Indian plains from Balkh in Central Asia...
. Facing the east, it is enclosed by a high wall surmounted by three circular domes. From the roof of the sanctum rises a massive pinnacle, which soars high above in the sky. A massive congregation hall leads to the sanctum which houses a shivling said to have self-emerged or as it is said -"Swayambhu
Swayambhu
Swayambhu means Self-manifested or that which is created by its own accord.-Vaishnavism:Based on details in Bhagavata Purana and Matsya Purana, Narayana or Krishna is said to be the Self-manifested Swayambhu form of Brahman as the first cause of creation...
"(self emerged). The exterior of the temple is exquisitely and profusely ornamented with figures of the nine planets, regent deities, the chief gods of the Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
pantheon
Pantheon (gods)
A pantheon is a set of all the gods of a particular polytheistic religion or mythology.Max Weber's 1922 opus, Economy and Society discusses the link between a...
, scenes from the life of Krishna
Krishna
Krishna is a central figure of Hinduism and is traditionally attributed the authorship of the Bhagavad Gita. He is the supreme Being and considered in some monotheistic traditions as an Avatar of Vishnu...
and Pandava
Pandava
In the Hindu epic Mahābhārata, the Pandava are the five acknowledged sons of Pandu , by his two wives Kunti and Madri. Their names are Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva. Although, Karna is told by Lord Krishna that according to the laws and ethics he is the first son of Kunti making...
princes, besides the varied animal and floral motifs. The premises also house an older Swaminarayan Temples (one for male and one for females), two Jain derasars, a goddess Ashapuri temple (Shaktipith), goddess Bhuvaneshpuri Temple, Somnath Mahadev Temple, Daaneshwar Mahadev Temple and Vishnupuri Temple (it is said that God Vishnu
Vishnu
Vishnu is the Supreme god in the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. Smarta followers of Adi Shankara, among others, venerate Vishnu as one of the five primary forms of God....
himself had stepped here).
Renovated twice or thrice is the "Sitla Mata" Temple ornately carved with figures of celestial beings. Its door frames and ceilings depict the Rasmandala (Krishna dancing with milkmaids). The most striking pieces of architecture in Vadnagar, however, are the two magnificent Kirtistambhas or triumphal arches. Built of red sandstone
Sandstone
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized minerals or rock grains.Most sandstone is composed of quartz and/or feldspar because these are the most common minerals in the Earth's crust. Like sand, sandstone may be any colour, but the most common colours are tan, brown, yellow,...
they are both identical in size and style. Only, one lies in pieces on the ground (now re-erected) and the other stand erect. Its pillars and arches are decorated with lozenges at the base and geometric and floral designs-leaves, creepers, lotus, animal motifs, human figures engaged in various activities and divine figures in different poses. The top bears an image of a seated god Kartikeya flanked by Ganesh and Makara (griffin) from which spring arches. A number of standing female figures also ornament the top. Vadnagar is also known as Skandhpur after Kartikeya, who is identified with Murugan
Murugan
Murugan also called Kartikeya, Skanda and Subrahmanya, is a popular Hindu deity especially among Tamil Hindus, worshipped primarily in areas with Tamil influences, especially South India, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius and Reunion Island. His six most important shrines in India are the...
.
Vadnagar has also yielded an image of Bodhisattva
Bodhisattva
In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is either an enlightened existence or an enlightenment-being or, given the variant Sanskrit spelling satva rather than sattva, "heroic-minded one for enlightenment ." The Pali term has sometimes been translated as "wisdom-being," although in modern publications, and...
dated back to 3rd-4th cent.A.D. This image seems to be brought from Mathura to install in one of the Buddhist monasteries of the town. Xuanzang
Xuanzang
Xuanzang was a famous Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, traveler, and translator who described the interaction between China and India in the early Tang period...
visited this town in 7th cent.A.D and recorded the presence of Buddhist establishments.
Schools
- B N High School
- Navin Sarva Vidyalaya
- Vadnagar Girls High School
- Kumar Shala
- Kanya Shala
Colleges
- javahar navodaya school
- ITI (Government)
- ITI (self finance)
- Vadnagar Arts and Commerce collage
- gov.diploma engg. collage
Hospitals
- Vadnagar Nagrik Mandal Hospital
- Vadnagar Civil Hospital
- drsti hospital
- Vasant prabha hospital
- sardar patel hospital
Historical places to see in Vadnagar
- Temple of Hatkeshwar Mahadev
- Lake Sharmista
Renovation done in 2009 which includes stadium construction in island in the Lake
- Tana Riri Garden and deri
- Jain Temples
- Khokha Ganapati
- Ancient Library
- Gauri Kund
- Well of Pancham Mehta
- Janjanio well
- Temple of Ashapuri Mata
- Temple of Amther Mata
- Kirti Toran or Narsinh MehtaNarsinh MehtaNarsinh Mehta also known as Narsi Mehta or Narsi Bhagat was a poet-saint of Gujarat, India, and a member of the Nagar Brahmins community, notable as a bhakta, an exponent of Hindu devotional religious poetry. He is especially revered in Gujarati literature, where he is acclaimed as its Adi Kavi...
’s Chori - Nag Dharo and Nag Temple
- Amarkund and Mahakaleshwar Mahadev
- Baithakji of Gusaiji