Mahabat Maqbara Junagadh

About:

The yellow mausoleum, Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh, is a masterpiece of it own kind. The uniqueness of the affluence of silver at the portals teemed with intricate carvings and the winding staircase encircling the four minarets attract a lot of tourists to its site. The onion shaped dome also adds to the entire beauty of the spectacle.A fusion of Indo-Islamic architecture coupled with Gothic art form , the Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh, emits the sense of secularism going beyond petty religious egos and reaching new heights of equality and exchange of respective cultures. On one side of the mausoleum is the Jami Masjid and the Vazir's maqbara on the other.

The Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh is generally kept under lock and key, but can be glimpsed into by obtaining the keys from the mosque situated beside the mausoleum.Mahabat Maqbara is a beautifully built mausoleum that was once home to the Nawabs of Junagadh. The art and architecture of the mausoleum is very attractive and this makes the monument of the most important historical landmarks of the city.

The structure of Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh displays flamboyance in its intricately built doors of silver and tall minarets with spiraling stairs. The mausoleum dates back to the year 1892. The Muslim tomb Mahabat Maqbara also happens to be a part of the famous tales of 1001 nights.Considering the present condition of the structure, the Maqbara needs serious attention in terms of renovation. This magnificent mausoleum is today in a crumbling state and needs to be reconstructed to preserve one of the precious gems of history that is also among the largely visited tourist attractions in Gujarat.

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

History:

Interesting things to do:

Interesting things to Visit:

Etched in a huge boulder, the edicts were founded by James Todd, but it was much later by 1837 that Rev. Dr. John Wilson who made them properly known to the world by copying the edicts and in 1843 they were enlisted in the Bombay branch journal by the Royal Asiatic Society.

Uparkot:
Uparkot Fort, Junagarh is situated at the foot of the Girnar Hills. It was built during the Nawabi period. Chandragupta Maurya is said to have constructed the fort in 319 BC. It was rebuilt by many kings over the centuries. The fort was abandoned between 7th and 8th centuries. However, the fort was rediscovered in 976 AD. The fort, due to its strategic location, is said to have survived about 16 sieges over a period of 1000 years.

Durbar Hall Museum:
The Durbar Hall Museum, Junagadh actually has been a courthouse in the times of the Nawabs - where all court cases used to be put up to be fought for or against. Part of the old city palace, the court was later converted into a museum, preserving the tokens and mementos which speaks of the grandeur and glory of the past ages of Nawabs and Sultans.

Lovely diamond woven carpets, sparkling chandeliers, pictures, portraits of the rulers of Junagadh, including the one with his pet dogs, delineate the other room of the Durbar Hall Museum. One of the carpets here is the pride of the Nawabi era as it was woven in the Junagadh jail by inmates. Weapons like Nepalese kukris, shields made out of turtle shells, various daggers, sabers comprise the arms section of the museum.

Junagadh Zoo Museum:
The Junagadh Zoo Museum, Junagadh is one of the most frequented Tourist attractions in Junagadh for obvious reasons. A museum incorporated within the premises of a zoological garden is undoubtedly exclusive in its own sense. It is situated at the foothills of Mount Girnar.Set up in 1863 A.D, and situated at 4km north of the southern part of Junagadh, the Sakkar Bagh Zoo, Junagadh, is oldest of its kind in the entire state of Gujarat, set up by the Nawab with a view to keep poaching under control of the Asiatic lion. It is a well maintained animal park , home to several species of motley colored birds, including flamingos, tigers, lions, leopards and other royal beasts. In the very premises of the zoo, there exists the Junagadh Zoo Museum, Junagadh with various objects which emit cultural evidences from the past

Bhavnath Mahadev:
Located at the foot hills of the Girnar Hills, the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is one of the foremost Holy Places in Junagadh. Nothing much is known about its precise origin but there is no scope of doubt about its historicity. It has stood their since ancient times. Visited by religious minded devotees all along the year, it is however best known for being the venue of the famous Bhavnath Fair.Held in the month of Magha as per the Hindu calendar (roughly coincides with January/February) this fair is the meeting point of a large number of people and is celebrated with a great deal of mirth and good cheer. It continues for five days. Events include performances put up by folk singers and dancers. One of the most striking features of this fair hosted at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is the active participation of the Naga Bavas.

The worship starts at mid night on the 14th day of the dark half in the Magha month and as soon as the puja commences these sages are seen advancing towards the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple seated on elephants holding flags in their hands. The air reverberates with the sounds of the conch shells, the tungis and the turis. A strong belief is prevalent that on this day Lord Shiva himself visits the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple. The organizers serve free meals to the visitors on this auspicious occasion.

Temple of Gorakhnath:
The Temple of Gorakhnath, Junagadh, Gujarat, India is an ancient temple. However, no comprehensive records are found till date to establish the date of its construction.

Junagadh Temple of Gorakhnath is positioned at the Girnar Hill in the district of Junagadh, Gujarat. Girnar Hill lies about 5 kms to the east of Junagadh. The presiding deity at this temple is Lord Gorakhnath. In the vicinity of this beautiful temple, you would get the chance to see several other Hindu temples along with a number of Jain temples.

Neminath Temple:
This rectangular temple is devoted to Neminath, the famous 22nd Tirthankar of Jainism. The Junagadh Temple of Neminath houses a deity of Lord Neminath. This presiding deity dwells in lotus along with a conch. Carved in black stone, Lord Neminath presents an awe inspiring sight.The construction of this temple began in 1128 AD and was finished in 1159 AD. Two brothers, Vastupal and Tejpal, were the brain behind the construction of Neminath Temple. It was this duo who is also held in high esteem for Mount Abu's Dilwara temples, a marvelous piece of architecture.

Amba Mata Temple:
The Temple of Amba Mata, Junagadh, Gujarat, India is an ancient shrine. This temple dates back to the 12th century.Junagadh Temple of Amba Mata is positioned on top of the Girnar Hill that's 600 meter in height. The presiding deity at this Hindu temple is Goddess Amba, an incarnation of the mother Goddess. Every year, thousand of pilgrims come to this temple to offer their prayers and seek divine blessings. This temple is especially a place frequented by the newly married couples who arrive at this place to be blessed by the Goddess. It is believed that the blessings of Goddess Amba would ensure eternal conjugal bliss for the couple.

Wellington Dam:
Built by the Britishers near the foot of Datar hill. The three sides and a garden in front it affords an enchanting view.

Wellington Dam:
Built by the Britishers near the foot of Datar hill. The three sides and a garden in front it affords an enchanting view.

Scince Museum:
Scince Museum is gujarat’s first and the only private science museum. More than 60 working science projects based on science facts. Which can be operated by visitors. Worth visiting attached one small aquarium and evening open air garden restaurant garden café serves south Indian and Punjabi dishes since 1981.

Narsinh Maheta Lake:
Narsinh Maheta Lake is a beautiful lake constructed by joint effort of the people of Junagadh near Talav Gate.

Mallinath Temple:
Actually the Junagadh Temple of Mallinath is a triple temple. The exteriors of this temple are exquisitely carved and present a stunning sight to behold. At this temple, you would be able to get a captivating insight into Jain religious rituals. Akin to a Hindu temple, pilgrims at this place also offer leaves, fruit, flowers, vermilion, sandalwood paste and grains to the deity, amidst ringing of the bells and chanting of mantras. Once the pooja gets over, these devotees adorn their foreheads with liberal daubs of vermilion as well as sandalwood paste. A generous amount of money is also offered for the upkeep of the shrine.The credit of the construction of Temple of Mallinath, Junagadh, Gujarat, India goes to two brothers named Vastupal and Tejpal. Junagadh Temple of Mallinath was erected in 1177 by this duo.

Girnar Hill:
Rising up on the outskirts of Junagadh is Mt Girnar, whose 3660 foot high summit is crowned by some of the finest and religiously most important temples. The climb is a steep one and best undertaken in the very early hours of the morning. The main entrance to the hill is in front of the Uparkot. On the hill top there are Jain and Hindu temples standing in a quadrangular courtyard. The main temple, which is surrounded by pillared cloisters containing 70 cells is dedicated to the 22nd Jain Thirthankara (God) Neminath. Further up from Neminath Temple, the Amba Temple is where newly married Hindu prays for a happy marriage.

Bazaars in Junagadh:
The bustling town of Junagadh in Gujarat carries with it a long history of tradition and heritage. This princely town has been the capital of the Mauryan and the Gupta dynasty and later on was the reigning seat of the Chudasama Rajputs from the 9th to the 15th century. It is located at the foothills of Mount Girnar and is an important Jain pilgrim points.The temples situated at Mount Girnar are some of the most frequented spots in Junagadh. The journey uphill is strenuous when you consider the 2000 steps that you have to climb but rewarding in ways more than one. The 16 shrines in the mountain top reflects the architectural splendor of Junagadh. Apart from the tourist attractions you can also visit the Bazaars in Junagadh which is a good way to spend a leisurely afternoon.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

Sasan Gir Forest & Sanctuary:
It is situated 65 Kms. from Junagadh via Keshod (where there is an airport). It is connected both by Rail as well as Road. Sasan Gir Sanctuary provides refuge to that rare species-the Asiatic Lion. The sanctuary covers an area of 500 sq. miles of dry, open scrubland where the lions roam freely. They can be seen on guided jeep tours through the jungles. The museum inside the sanctuary provides knowledge about environment and its relationship with human beings. Apart from the lions, the wild life includes antelope, hyena, fox, monkeys, lipard, the nilgai or black buck, chinkara, chousingha and other species of the deer family. The habitat varies from arid to semi-arid. Grasslands, scrub, savannah and dry deciduous forests are intersected by several hill and river systems.

Somnath temple :
Situated 79 Kms. from Junagadh and 30 Kms from Chorwad, the legendary shore temple of Somnath is one of the twelve most sacred Shiva shrines in India. According to the legend, Somnath is as old as creation, built by none other than Soma, the Moon God himself. Somnath was destroyed seven times, and seven times, it was rebuilt. Mehmud of Gazni having heard of its fabulous treasure, raided it in 1026 and carried away camel-loads of jewels and gold.

Madhavpur:
It is believed that Lord Krishna married Rukmini at this place. A fair is conducted every year on Chaitra Sud to mark the event of historic importance. This place is festooned with beaches lined with coconut trees.

Ahmedpur- Mandvi:
Ahmedpur- Mandvi is a beautiful sea-resort which commands a panoramic view across the creek of Diu island. This beach stretches around 6-km and provides utmost relaxation to visitors and ideal place for water sports as mentioned above and enjoying traditional food in huts decorated with local style of architecture.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Shikhar Palace:Shikhar Complex,Jayshree Road,Kalwa Chowk,Junagadh,Gujarat,Ph:0285 2626596

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number: