Pavagadh Champaner
Pavagadh, rising to a height of 800, metres , dominates the plains around
it; not because of its height, but due to of its light yellow colour, tinged
with red. This colour, resembling that civilization that evolved round Pavagadh
being called Champaner. Champaner - Pavagadh, usually referred to as just Pavagadh
is an important centre of pilgrimage in Gujarat, and has been so for centuries.
Champaner whose foundation has been ascribed to various persons including Champa,
a minister of vanaraja, the chavda rulers of Gujarat and champa, a bhil headman,
became a part of the British Raj in the 19th century. In between many Muslim
rulers ruled over the area.
The pavagadh Fort which must have been a truly imposing edifice at the height
of its glory, is one of the few forts in the largely flat lands of Gujarat.
Today the fort is in a dilapidated state.
The main attractions at pavagadh are of a religious nature. A visit to pavagadh
is not one to a historical site; it is more of a yatra than a pilgrimage.
The religious monuments at pavagadh are not limited to any one particular religion.
There are Hindu temples , Muslim dargahs, and temple belonging to the jain Digambar
sect. the most famous of the lot is the Kalika temple, situated at the highest
point. Parts of this temple have been described in a drama written in the 15th
century.
