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The Bohra Hajira in Jamnagar, Gujarat

Written by Sudhir Kumar

About Bohra Hajira in Jamnagar, Gujarat :

Jamnagar is one of the most beautiful cities of Gujarat and is visited by a large number of tourists all round the year because of its wide range of historical attractions. The Bohra Hajira in Jamnagar is also worth a visit at least once on your tour to famous monuments in Gujarat, India. Getting here is not a problem as it is easily accessible and you can also get hold of transportation easily to get to Bohra Hajira, Jamnagar.As you enter the city of Jamnagar by road on the Rajkot Highway, you can get a glimpse of the magnificent structure of Bohra Hajira that is among the most popular tourist attractions in Gujarat. The monument is located on the banks of the river and you need to take special permission before you can visit the place.

Perhaps, one of the lesser known tourist destinations in Gujarat, a Tour To Jamnagar is, however, one of the best ways of knowing more about the rich culture and heritage of Gujarat as well as India. One of the finest relics of the rich regality that characterized most parts of India before her gain of independence, a visit to Jamnagar promises a trip of a life time. Providing, the tourists to the land with a number of important sights as well as several of the important tourist attractions of Jamnagar. Among these, are included the list of

One of the most important tourist attractions of Jamnagar, a visit to the Bohra Hajira in Jamnagar is a definite must include if you are planning a tour itinerary to Jamnagar. One of the most impressive monuments in Jamnagar, the Bohra Hajira in Jamnagar greets you the moment you step into the city of Jamnagar. The monument is clearly visible the moment you step in to the premises of the city of Jamnagar via the Rajkot Highway. However, one must keep in mind that it is necessary to obtain prior permission to visit the building if you are planning to explore the building closely.

History Of Bohra Hajira in Jamnagar, Gujarat :

Bhora Hajira is Built in the year 1540, by Jam Rawal, who belonged to one of the most respected Royal dynasties of Gujarat, the history of Jamnagar can be said to be one of the richest histories in the entirety of the province of Gujarat. It is after Jam Rawal, that the city of Jamnagar was renamed to its present name. The previous name for the city was Nawagarh, a name which can be literally translated to mean New City. The Bohra Hajira in Jamnagar in Gujarat in India is one such monument, which can add pleasure to your visit to Jamnagar.

Culture: 

Most residents of Jamnagar are Gujarati and speak Gujarati language. A small percentage speak Kachchi language which is written in the Gujarati script but is not mutually intelligible with Gujarati. Kathiawadi Language (which is a variant of Gujarati)is widely used for day to day communication. Major communities include Dawoodi Bohras Satvara(dalvadi)Ahirs(Yadav), Patels , Bhanushalis , Rajputs (Darbars), Mers , Jains, Lohanas etc.

Interesting things to Visit:

Darbargadh Palace:
Dabargadh (Maharajah’s palace), the old royal residence of Jam Sahebs and the most important historical complex in Jamnagar, reflects the fusion of Rajputs and European style of architecture. The semi- circular palace complex consists of a number of buildings with very fine architectural features and detailing. It has some fine examples of stone carvings, wall paintings, fretwork jali-screens, ornamental mirrors, carved pillars and sculpture. The walls outside have carved jarokha balconies in the Indian tradition, a carved gate and Venetian-Gothic arches. The earthquake in 2001, has caused significant damage to the Darbargadh.

Lakhota Fort:
This small palace, on an island in the middle of the Lakhota lake, once belonged to the Maharaja of Nawanagar. This fort like palace has semi-circular bastions, turrets, a pavilion with guard-rooms housing swords, powder flasks and musket loops. An arched stone- bridge with balustrade connects the Lakhota Palace with the town. Today it houses a small museum. The fort museum has a good collection of sculptures that spans a period from the 9th to18th century and pottery found in ruined medieval villages from the surrounding area. The museum is reached by a short causeway from the northern side of Ranmal Lake and is open daily except on Wednesdays.

Willingdon Crescent:
The impressive Willingdon crescent was constructed by Jam Ranjit Singh, inspired by his European journey. It comprises arcades of cusped arches, larger on the ground floor and smaller on the upper storey, pilasters on the curving walls, and balusters on the parapet. The statue of Jam Saheb is situated in the centre of the crescent. Gujarat Earthquake in 2001 has caused only a slight damage to this shopping area.

Pratap Vilas Palace:
The beautiful Pratap Vilas Palace, built during the rule of His Royal Highness Jam Ranjitsinhji, is a distinct place to visit for a variety of reasons. It has European architecture with Indian carvings that give it a totally distinct appeal. It was built as a mimic of Victoria Memorial Building of Calcutta but the domes built on it are according to Indian architecture, out of which 3 domes are made of glass. Carvings of creepers, flowers, leaves, birds and animals on the columns make the palace lively. Damage in the 2001 earthquake has caused a costly loss of some parapets, and the separation of some upper walls at the roof level in some corners. Timings : 10 am to 5 pm.

Kotha Bastion:
The Kotha Bastion is Jamnagar’s prize possession. It has a fine collection of sculptures, coins, inscriptions and copper plates and the skeleton of a whale. One of its most interesting sights is an old well where the water can be drawn by blowing into a small hole in the floor.

Dhanvantri Mandir:
Dhanvantri Mandir was built under the personal supervision of Dr. Pranjivan Manekchand Mehta, Chief Medical Officer of Guru Govindsingh Hospital. After independence it gained the status of Ayurveda University. It has a good library, workshop and been a place of research and international seminars on Ayurveda- an ancient Indian medicinal system.

Solarium:
Also known as the Ranjit Institute of Poly-Radio Therapy, the Solarium was built by Jam Shri Ranjitsinhji during his rule by bringing in an expert from France. This slowly revolving tower provides full daylong sunlight for the treatment of skin diseases. With the destruction of two similar solaria in France during World War II, this is probably now the only one of its kind in the world, and certainly in Asia. It is open to visitors after working hours.

Bhujio Kotho:
Bhujio Kotho enjoys a distinct place among the tourists because of its height and circumference. It is on the bank of the Lakhota Tank, near Khambholiya Gate. This monument having five floors was believed to be constructed for protection during the invasions. On the first floor there are guns placed in each directions and in the walls, holes are made to place the rifles. On the upper floor a tank is constructed to store water and on its peak a dancing peacock is placed.

Shantinath Mandir:
Shantinath Mandir is situated, south-west of Bedi Gate, in Jamnagar. The temple has intricate carvings and the walls are adorned with fine murals, which depict the life of Jain saints. The floor is made of marble and decorated with distinctive Jain patterns in yellow, black, white and red.

Vardhman Shah’s Temple:
Vardhman Shah’s Temple is a delightful shrine and one of the four main Jain temples in Jamnagar. The foundation stone of this shrine was laid in 1612, during the reign of Jam Jasaji I and was completed in the year 1620. Fifty two very small temples or ‘Deri’ were built around the temple in 1622.

Bala Hanuman Temple:
The Bala Hanuman Temple is on the south-eastern side of Ranmal Lake. The temple is famous for the continuous 24-hour chanting of the mantra ‘Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram’, since August 1, 1964. This devotion has earned Bala Hanuman Temple a place in the Guinness Book of Records. Thousands of devotees visit the temple every year. Early evening is particularly a good time to visit the temple.

Khijadia Bird Sanctuary:
Khijadia Bird Sanctuary, located 10 km north east of Jamnagar, represents the combination of seasonal freshwater shallow lake, inter-tidal mudflats, creeks, saltpans, saline land and mangrove scrub. The place is a known breeding ground of the Great Crested Grebe. Apart from it, Little Grebe, Purple Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt and Pheasant-tailed Jacana are also recorded breeding here. Raptors, including harriers, eagles, hawks and falcons are also spotted here. The sanctuary also shelters migratory birds such as swallows, martins, wagtails and various waterfowls. It is considered as an important site for ecological research and education.

Marine National Park:
India’s first marine sanctuary, the park is situated almost 16 nautical miles away in Great Arabian Sea near Jamnagar and spreads over an area of about 458 km2. Located at about 7 km from the city centre, the park comprises an archipelago of 42 islands noted for their coral reefs and mangroves. It is possible to see dolphins, finless porpoise and sea turtles and a variety of colourful tropical fish. The entire forest have various marine lives. The area also attracts a host of water birds. The best period to visit is October to March. Read more details..

Rozi and Bedi Ports:
Rozi and Bedi are two prominent ports along the shores of the mighty Arabian Sea. These attractive seaside picnic spots offer excellent facilities for fishing and angling.

Cremation Park:
Cremation park is situated 10 minutes north of the city centre. The park holds statues of saints and deities, as well as scenes from the Ramayana. This is an interesting place to visit. The circle of life showing the stages in life of man is also thought evoking.

How To Reach There :

By road: State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect Jamnagar with various centres of Gujarat. If you’re coming from Rajkot on bus, the bus passes right through town before reaching the bus station, so you can ask to be let off at Bedi Gate

By rail. There are daily trains on the Western Railway with direct connections to Ahmedabad.

By air: There is an airport 10 km from town, so it’s a relatively inexpensive rickshaw or taxi ride. Various domestic airlines connect Jamnagar to Mumbai.

Address: Bhohra Hajira,Jamnagar,Gujrat,India
District: Jamnagar
Nearest City: Jamnagar
Best time to visit: October to March
Weather: Summer temperature ranges from 24-C to 42-C and Winter temperature ranges from 10-C to 24-C.

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Sudhir Kumar

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