Shamlaji - Charutbhuj Vishnu



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  Ahmedabad - 130 KM
Shamlaji - Charutbhuj Vishnu Shamlaji - Charutbhuj Vishnu
Shamlaji - Charutbhuj Vishnu Shamlaji - Charutbhuj Vishnu
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The three Vishnu temples of Gujarat, Dwarka, Dakor and Shamlaji are not only the most important places of pilgrimage, but are the best Vishnu temples too. All the three are very large and are exemplary in their special images of the God, besides the architectural beauty. And among the three again, the temple at Shamlaji is considered the best for its artistic beauty in sculpture and architecture as well. While Dwarka temple has the company of the Ocean, Shamlaji temple resides with the Mountains, forests, and the beauty of the River Meshvo, flowing nearby. In addition, behind the Temple at Shamlaji we find a big Lake has formed in natural surroundings and is named Shyam Sarovar. Built due to the dam on the river Meshvo, this water-body adds greatly to the already beautiful Shamlaji temple.

The site of the Shamlaji temple is full of natural beauty. The 'Gadadhar' image of the beautiful temple is very attractive. Situated as it is nearly on the borders of 'Mewad', this place has a long history too. The big bricks of large size that are scattered in the area, mounds, ruins of big and small temples, the crossroads of Harishchandra, temples of Trilokinath, Ranchhodraiji and Kashivishvanath, besides the Karmabai's Pond, etc. continue to preserve the past to the best of their ability. Among these probably the most important is the Mahavishnu Image called 'Kalshi Chhokran ni Ma' that has been installed by the people of the village in small temple. On the crown of this image we find 24 Avatars of Lord Vishnu carved out. One brick Sti.Ipaand two Viharas, believed to be of Kshatrapa period are found from the Shyam Sarovar. Besides, many smaller remnants of Stupas and Viharas indicate that this must have been an important Budddhist center.

In modem times it has seen the addition of the Bridge on the River Meshvo and a beautiful Ashram Shala for the Advasi children. In spite of all these the main center of attraction in the place remains the Gadadhar temple. A Gate with huge carved elephants allows you to enter the temple premises with a big open ground in the front, with the seven-layered temple at the end of it. There is a difference of opinion about the antiquity of this temple, though. However, the generally accepted time is mostly between 400 to 500 years ago.

From among the temples built after 15 century in Gujarat, this is the best. Even while renovations were done recently, care has been taken to maintain its ancient form and beauty. The broken panels have been replaced but are made in keeping with its original continuity. The architectural style of the Chaulukyas has been maintained well. The area of gathering ground Uagati) facing the North is vast. The Elephant Gate and its arch directly face the steps to the main temple; these lead to the entrance hall; and this also faces straight into the Garbha Griha with the Image of the God. Near the icon is a very beautiful image of Garuda. The temple is divided into three parts: Sabha Mandap, Antaraal and Garbha Griha. The inside walls and some pillars are not decorated with close sculptured reliefs, though some floors, panels that run all the way to top are decorated at certain levels with bands with designs of beautiful and artistic carvings

The inner pillars have base of squares, or rectangles or rounds. The strings of flowers circle these all the way up. The outer walls however are profusely sculpted all around. There are figures of gods and goddesses, of men and innumerable animals, geographical designs and large variety of flowers. Among these the series of sculpture are remarkable where the episodes are shown from the epics of Mahabharat, Ramayan and even the Bhagvat and other Puranas. In keeping with the classical delineations, in the wall niches (gokhs) smaller images of gods and goddesses like Indra, Agni, Varun, Shiva, Ganesh, /vayu, Saraswati, Chandrika, Indrani and others are also presented. The carving of Kuber is noteworthy. The stories turn smaller as they rise and the upper ones are too small to enter. The levels are seven in number and topped by a huge Shikhar on it. It has three levels or 'Urushrungas, and at the northeast corner the flag of the Temple is dug in for flying.

We have found two copper plates from this temple. The writing on them indicates that in 1782 the temple was renovated. Also, we come to know that originally the temple was of Haldhar Balram, and probably the Trivikram image of Lord Krishna or Shamlaji was installed later. In any case the Gadadhar image of the temple reminds us of the beauty of Ranchhodrai temple of Dakor. This image is 130 cm tall, made from beautiful black marble, to present the Chaturbhuj form of Lord Vishnu. Before it is yet another beautiful image, carved from black marble again, of Garuda, the 'vahana' of the God, as a human form with a gesture of 'anjali' carved in stone for eternity.

On the railway line from Himmatnagar to Udaipur this station of Shamlaji Road is only at 8 km.

Kris/l1la with flute

The Fair of Adivasi people held in the mOllth of Kartik is a great attractioll to the devotees and tourists. Tojoill the tribals in their vigorous dance while singillg 'Shamlaji lle mele ralljhalliyull vagey ... ' is a great experiellce.



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