Excursion

[ Talaja | Buddhist Caves | Rudra Mahalaya ]

Talaja
(birthplace of Narsinh Mehta, a group of rock cut Buddhist caves) 54 km

Talaja is a Jain temple spiraling on a 350-foot high volcanic hill. This is a holy place of Shri Shatrunjay panchteerthi. It is counted as part of Shatrunjay hills. All the 32 caves (small & big) have been constructed without pillars. Such caves are unique. Prabhu idol is full of miracles (chamatkar); with the effect of its appearance; complete area was relieved from the disease spread here during that period. Since then the idol is called as Sacha Sumatinath. Prabhu idol was established after last renovation of the temple and akhand jyoti was lighted which is still in practice.

The idol is 79 cms high and blue in colour. The idol of Shri Sacha Sumatinath Bhagwan is present in the temple in Padmasan position. Present on the Sangam place of Shetrunji and Sarita rivers on a hill, this teerth was considered to be a part of Shri Shatrunjay Mahateerth in the olden days and is still recognized in the Shatrunjay Panchteerthi.

Top    

Buddhist Caves
The Buddhist caves are fine examples of rock cut architecture with ornamented pillars, carved entrances, water cisterns, chaitya hall, monastic cells for medication and chaitya windows. The Khapara-Kodia caves located in the town are also worth visiting.

Top    

Rudra Mahalaya
The ancient texts describe Rudra Mahalaya as a magnificent Shiva Temple with a three- storied Shikhara, 1600 pillars, 12 entrance doors, central mandapa and porches on east, north and south and sanctum in west. Around the temple, there were 11 shrines of Rudra. The eastern gate was adorned with beautiful carved Torana, with the flight of steps leading to the Saraswati River. Ulugh Khan and Ahmed Shah of Ahmedabad ruthlessly destroyed this magnificent Shiva Temple, in the late 13th century or early 14th century. The cells on the surrounding walls were converted into a mosque. Today it is mostly in ruin.

Top