Pavagadh, the place of Mahashakti Devi Kali:
Anand to Pavagadh journey
Pawagadh Main Temple
Jay Ambe
Welcome to my travel blog, where today we will travel to Pavagadh - one of the holiest and most sacred cities of India. In this post, I will share my experiences from my travels in this fascinating city. From Adya Shakti Pavagadh Temple to charming local markets, I will explore all the must-sees and hidden gems that make Pavagadh a truly unique place. This journey is intertwined with the Rudra form of Mahakali of Dham Devi Parvati.
About Pawagadh:
Pavagadh is located in the state of Gujarat. At the foothills of Pavagadh lies the town of Champaner, one of the oldest cities in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is one of the 51 Shaktipeethas, according to the mythology of which Goddess Sati, enraged by the insult of Mahadev in the Yajna of Daksha Prajapati, took Agni Samadhi in the Yajna, whose holy body Mahadev continued to move around in anger, which was the cause of the destruction of creation, so that God Sati's body was cut into fifty-one pieces by Vishnu with the Sudarshan Chakra. The places where the organs fell were called Shaktipeeth. Part of the breast of Goddess Sati is said to have fallen here.
Muslim Fort built by Mahummad Begada (Champaner)
About Champaner :
According to one legend, Champaner was founded by Champa Bhil, where the kings of Pataivansa ruled. The last king was Siddaraja Jaisingh. According to one folklore, the king was cursed by the insult of the goddess who changed form and was playing with Garba. So in 1984, Pavagadh fort fell by Mahmud Begad. The city is also known for its unique architecture, culture and traditional crafts, making it an important tourist destination in India.
How Will We Go ?
Pavagadh is a mountain near Halol in Panchmahal district of Gujarat. There are various transport options to get there.
Bus: The fastest and easiest way to reach Pavagadh from Anand is by bus, Anand – Bhalej – Oud – Savli – Sherpur – Khakharia – Halol – Champaner – Pavagadh – this route covers 80 km and takes 1:30 hrs. There are regular government (GSRTC Government Bus) and private buses that run from Anand to Pavagadh, which takes around 2 hours. Go to this link https://www.gsrtcbus.in/ you can see the bus time-table and GSRTC also provides the facility of bus reservation.
Train: You can also take train from Anand to Pavagadh. The nearest railway station to Pavagadh is Champaner railway station, the train from Anand to Pavagadh takes around 1 hour. Main train from Anand to Pavagadh is as follows.
You can check Indian Railways website or IRCTC website for latest train schedule and seat availability. Go to this link https://irctc.co.in/ you can see about the train route and IRCTC also provides the facility of train reservation.
Car: If you prefer a more comfortable journey, you can hire a car or hire a taxi from Anand to Pavagadh. The drive takes around 2 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Air Way : There is no direct flight from Anand to Pavagadh.
Whichever mode of transport you choose, it is recommended to plan your journey in advance to avoid any inconvenience, especially during the peak tourist season.
Attraction Sites in Pavagadh :
Mahakali Mata Pawagadh
Mahakali Mandir :
On the peak of the mountain is the temple of Mahakali Mata, which is the main attraction here, to reach it one has to climb 300 steps, if one is disabled there is a rope-way facility to reach 80% of the mountain climb.
🛕Champaner Pawagadh
It is a historical town, with some monuments in good condition such as Shahr Masjid and Jami Masjid. The town is situated within the walls of the fort. Marble and brown stonework are seen everywhere. The town was built during the reign of Mahmud Begda, the grandson of Ahmad Shah, the founder of Ahmedabad. This town is a must visit for history buffs. A cheap jeep ride is available to reach Pavagadh mountain 4 km from here. The town has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thus attracting international tourists as well.
Jain Temple: This temple which commemorates the Jainism patronized by the Solanki dynasty, is on the way to the temple of Mother Mahakali. The entrances and internal structures are not properly maintained. The temple is surrounded by a large bazaar which is crowded with vendors and shopkeepers.
Navalkha Kothar (Grain-Storage) : On the north side of Pavagadh main hill is Navalkha Kothara which was used for grain storage in ancient times.
Sadanshah Pir's Dargah : Sadanshah Pir's Dargah is located on the top of Pavagadh, the temple of Mahakali Mata. Which reminds one of the kings of Delhi Sultanate at one time. Both Hindu and Muslim devotees come here. According to history Sadanshah Pir was a Hindu Brahmin. You can have a beautiful view of Pavagadh hill from this dargah.
Nakhi Pond : This lake is known as Nakhi Lake, behind which there is a folklore that this lake was dug out by hand by the gods. The lake reflects the mountains, and the surrounding greenery makes for an attractive location for photography.
7-Arch Champaner Fort: Visit Uparkot Fort: This ancient fort dates back to the 3rd century and gives a glimpse into the rich history of Pavagadh. The seven arched doorways, built of marble blocks and without any pillars, are examples of Muslim architecture.
What activities can you do?
Visitors to Pavagadh participate in a variety of activities, including:
Visitors can participate in daily rituals, and learn about Hindu religion and culture.
Road to Panchmahal Forest
Pavagadh Panchmahal district is surrounded by nature. You can walk in the forest there.
There are many beautiful hiking trails in the surroundings of Pavagadh, which offer spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Visit Museums and Galleries: Pavagadh has several museums and galleries that showcase the region's rich cultural heritage, including the Pavagadh Archaeological Museum and Kalakar Art Gallery.
You can enjoy the bird-view by taking a safari in the ropeway.
Enjoy a picnic at the nearby Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards and many species of birds.
Enjoy shopping: Pavagadh is famous for its traditional handicrafts, textiles and jewellery. You will find various shops selling these items.
Participate in local festivals, including Gujarat's famous folk dance Raas Garba held in Pavagadh during Navratri which gives a very devotional experience.
Food
Gujarati Traditional Thali
Trible Fruit sell by Adiwasi Woman
Pavagarh is in the middle of Panchmahal forests, tribal fruits like Bor, Kotha (WoodApple), Star Fruit (Karamda), Khatmada, Jackfruit, Desimadh etc. are easily available.
When Will Go ?
Happy Journey
Jay Mataji
Some Questions ..
What items should be carried??
If you are planning to go in summer then you should carry sun glasses and hat (cap) it is imperative to avoid going in monsoon due to bad weather. A little over the mountain.
Is there accommodation in Pavagadh??
Pavagadh has excellent accommodation facilities, hotels also provide good accommodation facilities. .
Which places will be worth seeing next in our journey??
You can proceed in your journey in two ways. In which one can travel to Dabhoi (Artistic Bhaghol Darwaza), Vadodara (Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Kamati Bagh, Sayajirao Museum) on the southern route. Further north you can visit Adalaj's Wav, Ambaji, Hatsinh's Dera, Abu.
How far is Ambaji from Pavagadh??
The distance is about 294 km via NH 58, which takes 6 hours via Modasa - Godhra Hwy route.
Which transport is cheaper??
Rail transport is the cheapest. While road transport is much easier and suitable for visiting more places. Bus Ticket which can be from 190 to 225 rupees.
What items can be bought specially?
Sukhdi-prasad is famous for bamboo baskets, baskets, forest products like gum, lac, native honey, wild fruits, wooden masks made by tribal, herbs, Patan ties and Patola sarees, etc.