When we mention the name of North Gujarat, Banaskantha is the first thing that comes to mind. You may not know this information about this district of Gujarat. Know then, about the places worth visiting in Banaskantha.
- Ambaji Temple
- Mangalya Van
- Nadabet
- Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary
- Balaram Mahadev Temple
Places to visit in North Gujarat
1) Ambaji Temple, Banaskantha
This holy temple of Ambaji in Banaskantha is very famous. People have been worshiping Maa Amba at this temple since Vedic times. They named Ma Amba Arasuri Amba because the temple is located in the Arasur Hills. The Arasuri mountain is located near the Saraswati river at the south-western end of the Aravalli mountain range.
Nagar Brahmins built this temple, which has a spire of gold and is made of white marble. The temple has only the main entrance and only a small side-door. Because, Mataji is believed to have forbidden the addition of any other doors. The temple is surrounded by an open square chachar chowk. Pilgrims perform rituals like Havan and Pooja in chachar chowk.
The inner sanctum of the temple has silver plated doors. An old-plated marble inscription of Visha Yantra, a Vedic text on sacred geometry, is superimposed on a sacred place in the wall, which is the main center of worship. There is no idol of Goddess here. Perhaps because the temple is so ancient, it predates idol-worship. But the priests decorate the upper part of the sacred place in such a way that it looks like an idol of the goddess from a distance.
People celebrate the fair of Bhadravi Poonam and the festival of Navratri here in the presence of huge pilgrims with gaiety and joy. At that time there is a huge crowd of devotees.
Read: Ahmedabad: Top 10 best places to visit
2) Mangalya Van
Mangalya Van is located on the top of Kailas Hill, about one and a half kilometers from Ambaji Temple on the KhedBrahma Highway. This is a unique garden which is the reason of attraction of the tourist hordes. You have to climb a few steps to reach Kailash Hill and Mangalya Van. The Forest Department developed this forest and called it ‘Rashi Van’ (Astrological Garden) due to the unique feature that the plants here affect people’s lives according to their zodiac signs.
All those who come to Mangalya Van take home a plant that suits their zodiac sign after asking about the effects of the plant on the sun signs. They have planted approximately three plants for each Rashi in this garden.
3) Nadabet, Banaskantha
Tourists at Nadabet get a unique opportunity to see the functioning of Army posts on the Indian border. There are also some activities here that interest tourists. They celebrate a grand ceremony here at sunset. In which Border Security Force (BSF) personnel march out with pride to complete one more day of border security.
The weapons exhibition and photo gallery at Nadabet includes guns, tanks and other sophisticated equipment. which helps in securing border and inland locations. They present a camel show here to showcase the skills and manners of the camels for the tourists.
4) Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located approximately 45 km from Palanpur. The 180.66 sq km of forested land in and around the Jessore hills is endowed with some rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. It is a unique area as part of the Aravalli ecosystem, which distinguishes the desert area from the dry deciduous type of plantations in the region.
Jessore Hill is the second highest peak in Gujarat and the sanctuary is known for its population of sloth bears. Other important species include leopard, jackal, wild boar and snakes, turtles etc.
Government established the Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary in May 1978 to conserve the flora and fauna of the Aravalli ecosystem.
5) Balaram Mahadev Temple, Banaskantha
This temple is located in Chitrasani village, a little far from Palanpur. Water comes from gaumukha and abhisheka is done on Shivalinga. Where that water comes from is a big mystery. This holy and beautiful Shivlinga here is a self-manifested Shivlinga, meaning it manifested on its own. According to the legends here, people used to leave their small children here during severe drought. According to belief, at that time, an ascetic sage produced water using his magic and gave it to those children, thus giving them life. That is why people know it as “Balaram” Mahadev. It is one of very peaceful places to visit in Banaskantha.
Read: 10 Holy Shiva Temples in Gujarat and their importance
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