BANAS KANTHA, Gujarat

Main Attraction: Ambaji Gabbar

According to the Indian Scriptures Gabbar Tirth, situated on the bank of the origin of the Vedic virgin river SARASWATI, in the hills of Arasur in Ambica forest, towards south-west side to old hills of Arvalli at about 1600 feet high from sea level. Wherever any of the 51 holy parts and ornaments of the dead body of Devi Sati fell on this earth, all such places are known as famous 51 Shakti Pith - the symbol of Supreme centre of cosmic power . Thus Shri Arasuri Ambaji Shakti Pith is one of them where the heart of Devi Sati fell at the top of the Gabbar, as described in scripture "Tantra Chudamani"and it is the original holy place of Mata Ambaji.

Gabbar (or Gabbargadh), a small hillock about four km to the west of Ambaji village, is believed to have been the original seat of the goddess, the site of Krishna's tonsorial ceremony (ritual head-shaving)in presence of his foster parents Nand and Yashodaduring the period of Dwaparyug and the abode of the divine Mahishasur-Mardini.

There are 300 stone steps at the foot of the hill and on the flat top of the hill there is a small niche facing the temple of Ambaji, in which a well-protected lamp is kept constantly burning, and can be seen from the main Ambaji temple at night. There are footprints of the Goddess under a pipal tree, which are worshipped and as per belief Maha Rana Pratap had gifted and dedicated his famous sword to the holy feet of Mata Arasuri Ambaji.

As per Mahabharat, on the Full Moon Day Purnima of the month of Bhadrapad (Bhadarva Mas) Princess Rukshamani had worshiped her Kul- Devi Mata Ambica on the mountain of Gabbar Hill, in order to invite her beloved Lord Krishna and then after wedded with him and had celebrated the well-known Indian Festival of Navratri near the hill for the first time on this earth.

Brief History

Banaskantha is a not just a district of cultural importance but also has got immense historical value. The Banaskantha, as its name denotes, is made up of words namely Banas and Kantha. Banas is the main river flowing through the district and Kantha means the bank of the river i.e the district consists of the territories situated on and around the river Banas. The district comprises the former princely states of Palanpur, Radhanpur (now a part of newly created district of Patan), Tharad,Vav, Danta, Deodar and Thara Jagirs and the old Agency thanas of Varohi, Shihori, Santalpur (now a part of Patan district), Bhabhar and the sub thana of Suigam. Of these, Palanpur and Radhanpur were class I states, whereas Danta was a class II state. Palanpur was one of the oldest states and has a continuous history right from 15th Century till its merger with the Bombay state.

An early history of the district is not available. It is assumed that the district was ruled by the same rulers who ruled over the other parts of Gujarat from time to time. According to some of the inscriptions available, Banaskantha is largely influenced with the prolific ruling of the Chauhans. During the period of Chandragupt Maurya to at least Ashoka Maurya and Samprati, Gujarat was under the rule of Mauryas (272-200B.C.). Thereafter it might have passed under the Indo- Greek kings. The western Kshatrapas ruled over Gujarat for more than 33 years (up to 400A.D.).

Next to the Kshatrapas were the Guptas, who ruled over Gujarat up to 468 A.D. After it, a large portion of Gujarat formed a part of the Maitraka kingdom (up to788 A.D.) of Valabhi. Shortly after the fall of Valabhi in 788 A.D., a new kingdom at Anhilwad Patan (now Patan district) was established by Vanaraj, the son of the Chapotkata (Chavda) king Jayshikharin of Panchsar (Mahesana district). Thakkura Lahara, a commander of Vanaraja, built a temple of Vindhyavasini at Sandathal , which is identified with Santhli in the Radhanpur taluka of this district. Kakara, a place associated with an early advanture of Vanaraja, is represented by modern Kakar in the Kankarej taluka.

King Ahala a descendent of Vanaraja is said to have built temple of agnesvara, and Kantesvari at Karkarapuri which seems to be the same as Kakara. From the available historic evidences and references it is understood that the Banaskantha district was a part of the Chapotkata kingdom up to 942 A.D. The Chapotkata dynasty was succeeded by the Chalukya dynasty in 942 A.D. which lasted upto 1304 A.D. During the 14th century, the entire region experienced a lot of improvement in terms of historical, cultural, agricultural and communal aspects. The area was under the administration of Muslim rulers such as Nawab Shaeb Sher Khan Lohnai and Nawab Sahib Talej Muhammed Khan Lohani, who contributed to the development of the region to a further extent. Marathas replaced Mughals. Lastly it came under the British rule. The British contact with Banaskantha dates from 1809 A.D.

Nawab Shaeb Sher Khan Lohnai developed Palanpur, the headquarters of Banaskantha, immensely in the 19th century. The exports took a big leap with commercial transactions not only among nearby regions but also beyond the state. Banaskantha was seen a major trade center with Palanpur being a prime location during the rule of Nawab Sahib Talej Muhammed Khan Lohani as well during the 20th century.

On the achievement of Independence, all the states and estates (Jagirs), comprising the Banaskantha district were dissolved into the Indian Union and merged in the then Banaskantha district, thus enlarging its existing (at that time) boundaries, forming part of the Bombay state. In November 1956, the states of India were reorganized and the bigger bilingual state of Bombay was formed with Vidarbh, Marathawad, Saurashtraand Kachchh regions.

Lastly, the Bombay state was bifurcated on 1st May 1960 and the separate states of Gujarat and Maharashtra were formed. Since then the Banaskantha district became a part of the Gujarat state.