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Gujarat Hotels |
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Champaner Attractions |
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At Champaner, one can see
three fortifications - the base (Champaner), the top (Pavagadh)
and the area connecting both of them (Machi). The major
mosques in Champaner are Shehar ki Masjid, Jami Masjid,
Kewada Masjid and Nagina Masjid.
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Jami
Masjid
The Jami Masjid is intact and is a large, richly
ornamented mosque modelled on the Friday Mosque at
Ahmedabad. This mosque is one of the finest examples
of the Sultanate architecture of Gujarat. It is an
imposing structure on a high plinth with two tall
minarets of 30 meter height, 172 pillars and seven
mihrabs. There are interesting Gujarati features such
as oriel windows. This mosque belongs to 1513 and took
125 years to build and has a wonderful carved entrance
and imposing courtyard. Inside, the ruler's prayer
hall is divided from the main space by jalis. Behind
the building is an octagonal kund (lake), Hauz-i-Vazu,
used for washing before prayer. |
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Champaner Fort
The lower fortification is the citadel or the Champaner
fort. The Champaner Fort was the royal enclosure of Muhammad
Begara. It is a perfect rectangle enclosed by the massive
walls with huge bastions and entrance gates with carved
balconies projecting from top. On the north-west of the
citadel is the huge lake - Vada Talav and ruins of Sultan's
Palace.
Machi
The ruins of Khapra Zaveri Palace are located on the way
from the base to Machi. From its terrace, one can have a
fabulous view of the origin of Vishwamitri river. Atak gate
is one of the nine gates that leads to the hilltop. It has
two catapult stands for hurling stones at the enemies. Other
monuments from Machi to hilltop are Makai Kothar - a granary
with the fort, Kalika Temple and a shrine of Muslim Saint
Sadanshah are located.
Kalika Temple
The Kalika Mata Temple is situated on the highest peak of
the Pavagadh hill. This is one of the most sacred centre of
the Hindu pilgrimage for devotees of the Goddess Kali. every
year about one million people visit the temple. There is a
rope way to reach the temple. |
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Lakulish
Temple
The another important temple is the Lakulish Temple at
Chhashia Talav. It has some beautiful sculptures
depicting various forms of Shiva - Dakshinamurti,
Ardhanarishvara and Kalyanasundaramurti.
Excursions from Champaner
Jambughoda
Jambughoda is situated about 25 kms. from Champaner.
This ex-princely state of Jambughoda, turned sanctuary
in 1992 covers an area of 130 square kms. lush
countryside. |
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