Jamnagar district General information

Jamnagar district is located in state of Gujarat. The headquarters is in Jamnagar. Jamnagar district lies between 21 47' and 22 57' north latitude and 68 57' and 70 37' west longitude in the peninsular region of Gujarat, known as Kathiawar or Saurashtra. This district is bounded on the North by the Rann and Gulf of Kutch, on the East by Rajkot district, on the South by Junagadh district and on the West by the Arabian Sea.

Jamnagar district measures about 128.75 km. from North to South and about 167.37 km. from East to West. The area of the district is 10,921 sq. km. The district had a population of 1,904,278 of which 43.91% were urban as of 2001.

The Jamnagar district, originally constituted as Halar district, is not only recent in its origin but also in its modern set up. But the region comprised therein is of great antiquity and dates back to ancient periods of Jamnagar. According to Pauranik literature, Lord Krishna established his kingdom at Dwarka, now in Jamnagar district, after his migration from Mathura and it is to this great Yadava race that the Jams of Nawanagar trace their descent.

History


The foundation of Nawanagar State is credited to Jam Raval. In AD 1540 after winning conquests Jam Raval founded the city of Nawanagar.

During the rule of His Highness Jam Ranjitsinhji, between 1920 - 1930, he developed the city according to western architecture and built Power House, Vibha Vilas Palace, Jam Bunglow (Bhavendra Vilas Palace), Pratap Vilas Palace, Mann Vilas, Amar Vilas, Arch Vilas, Badminton House, Filtzer House, Coach House, Irwin Hospital, Solarium, Vegetable Market, Grain Market, Nana-Ashapura's Temple, Sajuba Girls' High School, Wellington Crescent, Bedi Bunder, Rajput Boarding, Infantry Lines, Jam Raval's Statue, Jam Ranjit's Statue, Nursing School, Dayaram Library, Port Office, Central Bank, Summair Club, Railway Station, Parsi Agiyari, Anandabava Ashram, extention of Lal Bunglow, Ranjit Road, Central Bank Road, Rajendra Road, Khambhalia Gate Road, Jam Bunglow Road, Talav-ni-Pal Road, being the main ones.

After His Highness Jam Ranjitsinhji, His Highness Digvijaysinhji was bethroned (1933 - 1948) and he built Digvijay Woollen Mills, Aerodrome, Dhanvantri Mandir, Digvijay Plot, Gulabnagar, Valsura, Ranjit Swimming Pool.

The present district takes its name from the city and capital of Jamnagar so named after the rulers who styled themselves as Jams.

The Halar district which was constituted for the first time in the year 1949 after the merger of princely states into the state of Saurashtra, constituted of the former Indian states of Nawanagar and Dhrol, Dhrafa Thana and part of Jalia Dewani. After re-organization several territorial changes were effected in practically all the districts of Saurashtra. On June 19th 1959, the boundaries of the district got enlarged by the inclusion of the adjoining Okhamandal, when Halar district was renamed Jamnagar. This district became part of the newly born State of Gujarat on the bifurcation of the composite State of Bombay on May 1st 1960.In the year 1961 the district consisted of 720 villages and 15 towns.

Tourist Place

LAKHOTA PALACE: In the centre of Jamnagar, in the middle of the lake, are two magnificent old structures, the Lakhota Fort and the Kotha Bastion. Lakhota Fort is Jamnagar's Museum and its terraces display a fine collection of sculpture that spans a period from the 9th to 18th Century. The Kotha Bastion is Jamnagar's arsenal. One of its most interesting sights is an old well, the water of which can be drawn by blowing into a small hole in the floor.

PRATAP VILAS PALACE: Built according to foreign architecture, but the carvings on it are very much Indian. 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. Balconies in the palace add further beauty to it.

RANJIT SAGAR: Located 13 Kms. away from the city, His Highness Jam Ranjitsinhji commenced the construction of 'Ranjit Sagar' dam, but was completed only in 1938 during the rule of His Highness Jam Digvijaysinhji, the last ruler of this princely state of Jamnagar. Foundation stone for this dam was laid by His Highness, King of Bikaner, Sir Gangasinhji and hence was named 'Ganga Sagar' after him. But for reasons unknown was later named as 'Ranjit Sagar' dam. It was built at the cost of Rs. 15 Lakhs having an area of 4 sq. miles and capacity of 12,000 lakhs cubic feet of water.

SOLARIUM: Known as the Ranjit Institute of Poly-Radio Therapy is one of it's only kind in Asia. A slowly revolving tower provides full day long sunlight for the treatment of skin diseases, but unfortunately lies in ruins, today.

BHUJIO KOTHO: In the years 1834, 1839 & 1846 there was drought because of which His Highness Jam Raval started relief works. Bhujio Kotho was the result of this relief works. Foundation stone for this was laid in 1826 and the work was completed in 1839, taking 13 years to get completed. It has gained importance because of it's height and circumference. It has five floors. On the first floor there are guns place in each direction and in the walls holes are made to place the rifles. There is even a room constructed on that floor in the centre. On the upper floor a tank is constructed to store water and on it's peak a dancing peacock is placed. It is believed to be a monument built for protection during the attacks by enemies.

JUMMA MASJID: During Aurangzeb's rule in the year 1664, Qutbuddin attacked this state of Jamnagar and during which His Highness Jam Raisinhji died. Qutbuddin entered the city with his army and looted it. He built the first mosque in the main bazaar of Jamnagar city. This mosque was later beautified and made bigger and named Jumma Masjid. The present face of Jumma Masjid was given by His Highness Jam Vibhaji's muslim wife Dhanbai.

BALA HANUMANJI: Situated on southeastern bank of Lakhota lake, it has gained a place in the Guiness Book of World Records for continuous enchanting of "Ram Dhun" (recitation of Ramanama), 24 hour a day and 7 days a week since 1st August 1964.

MARINE NATIONAL PARK: Gujarat has the distinction of creating the country’s first Marine National Park spread over an area of nearly 458 sq.kms. in the Gulf of Kutch, 30 km. from Jamnagar.

Vardhman Shah's Jain Temple : The foundation stone for this temple was laid in 1612 during the rule of His Highness Jam Jasaji - I and completed in the year 1620. Surrounding this temple 52 'Deri' (a very small temple) were built in 1622.

Raisi Shah's Jain Temple: Tejsi Shah built jain temples in 1564 which were ruined by Moghul army in 1590. Tejsi Shah renovated these temples in 1592. In the year 1619 his son Raisi Shah built 'Deri'(a very small temple) around it.

Sheth's Jain Temple: Built in the year 1594 by Bhansali Abji.

Vasupujya Swami's Jain Temple: They are believed to be built by Aaskaran Shah in the 17th century.

Willingdon Crescent: Across the road from the darbargadh, isone of Jam Saheb Ranjit Sinhji s attempts to replace the choked slums of Nawanagar with a new citadel inspired by his European journeys. The crescent comprised 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. Statue of the Jam saheb stand in the centre. The royal emblem of the Jam saheb crowns the crescent.

Dwarka: Ancient name for this area was Kushsthali, then Dwarvati, then Usha mandal then Okha mandal. Lord Krishna came to here to Kushthali with his whole yadav clan to make a new world for his clan.This pleasant sea side land, cooled the eyes of Lord Krishna, so he put the foundation of Dwarka.This place was full of all the comforts of life so it was called the Golden city. The city had huge markets, good roads, There was a fort built around the city and there were 10 Kothas. The Palaces of the Yadav clan is said to have doors of gold.

In the middle of the town is the Dwarkadhish Temple, which was built in the 16th century. Dwarkadish is another name of Lord Krishna that means the "Lord of Dwarka". The five-storey high temple is built on seventy-two pillars. The temple spire is 78.3m (235 feet) high. From the temple dome waves an eighty-four foot long multicolored flag decorated with the symbols of the sun and moon. Lord Krishna's grandson, Vajranabha, is said to have built the original temple of Dwarkadhish over the hari-graha (Lord Krishna's residential place). The sanctum of the temple is formed by the Jagat Mandir, or Nija Mandir, which dates back at least 2500 years. The Jagat Mandir has a tall tower and a hall of audience. There are two entrances to the temple. The main entrance(north entrance) is called "Moksha Dwara" (Door to Salvation). This entrance leads to the main market. The south entrance is called "Swarga Dwara" (Gate to Heaven). Outside this doorway are 56 steps that lead to the Gomati River. The audience hall has both ancient and fairly modem sculptures. The main Deity in this temple is Lord Dwarkadhish, who is on the central altar. The Deity represents the four-armed form of Vishnu called Trivikrama. There is a temple to the right of the main Deity that contains the Deity of Lord Baladevaji (Balarama), who is the older brother of Lord Krishna. The temple to the left of the main Deity contains a big Deity of Pradyumna and a small Deity of Aniruddha. They are the son and grandson of Lord Krishna. Opposite this shrine is the shrine of Purusottama (Vishnu). Next to this shrine is a shrine dedicated to Kuseswara Mahadeva (Shiva). The shrine facing Dwarkadhish is dedicated to Devaki, the mother of Lord Krishna. Next to this shrine is a temple dedicated to Veni-madhava (Lord Vishnu). Behind the main temple in the eastern part of the temple compound are shrines of Radhikaji, Jambuvatiji, Satyabhamaji and Lakshmiji. There are also shrines of Saraswati and Lakshmi-Narayan

Rukshmaniji Temple: 1.5 Kms from Dwarka on Okha Highway, on the banks of Bhagirathi River, is the Temple of Rukshmaniji, the Patrani of Lord Krishna.

Gomti Ghat: This is the place where Gomti River meets the Ocean, Pilgirms take the privialage here for a holy dip. if one wants then they can take a ferry and cross the Ghat and reach the opposite bank and visit the places of Pandavas.

Bet Dwarka: Also known as Bet Shankhodar, was a full fledged port before the development of Okha Port. It was the residing of Lord Krishnas Queens. In the Temple of of the Bet, the idols of the queens such as Lakshmiji, Radhaji, Satyabhamaji, Jambuvantiji are main. On the Island thre are 23 Shivalays, 20 Vaishnav Temples, 9 Hanuman Temples, 6 DeviTemples including other many temples.The Old Shankhnarayan Temple is belived to be built around V.S 1774. The Mahaprabhuji Baithak was built here by Shrimad Vallabhacharyaji in V.S 1535. There is also a place for Balramji. Bet Dwarka is about 3 KMS from Okha port.

Okha Port: The natural harbour of okha was made into a port by the Gaikwad Dynasty ruler of Baroda, Shri Sayaji Rao Gaikwad on 14th February 1926. Before that in 1925AD,Jamnagar Okha railway line had become operational. Before Okha port was developed, Arambhada was the main port and people used this place for going towards Bet Dwarka for pilgirmage. Mendarda Port was also used for the purpose.

Gopi Talav: Gopis used to take bath in this lake so its called gopi talav. the red mud aroundt the lake is called `Gopi Chandan' here there are small and big Dharamshalas, Anandabawa Ashram, Kabir Ashram and Birla Dharamshala.

Shardapeetha: Aadh Shankracharya in 491 AD, founded this peetha himself as the 4th peeth. Aadh Sankracharya had founded 4 peeths for withholding the traditions of India. Dwarka Shardapeeth operates Sharda Vidyapeeth Art College, an Indian Research Temple and a Museum.

Madhavpur: Lord Krishna and Rukshmaniji married in Madhavpura, which is 60 KMS from Porbunder. A large fair is held here in March – April. Dehotsarg, at Treveni Ghat is believed to be the site of Lord Krishnas mortal incarnations cremation. The Ahir community women of this area wear black even today.

Nageshwar Mahadeva Temple: contains one of the 12 Shiva jyotirlings in an underground sanctum. It is 17 km from Dwarka. The jyotirling enshrined in the temple of Nagnath attracts thousands of pilgrims all round the year. This powerful jyotirlinga symbolizes protection from all poisons and those who pray to the Nageshwar therefore become poison free. This Shivaling is facing South, with the Gomugam facing East. There is a story for this position. A devotee by name Naamdev was singing bhajans in front of the Lord. Other devotees asked him to stand aside and not hide the Lord. To this Naamdev asked them to suggest one direction in which the Lord does not exist, so that he can stand there. The enraged devotees carried him and left him on the southside. To their astonishment, they found that the Ling was now facing South with the Gomukh facing east. Lord Shivas huge sitting idol here near Nageshwar Mahadev Temple is awe inspiring.

Harshidhi Temple: The temple is situated on the top and bottom of Koyla Hill. Harsidhi Matatji is also known as Ambica Mataji and Kalki Mataji. The local people call her Harshad Mata.