Friday, March 4, 2011

Shuklatirth and Kabirvad at the Bank of River Narmada in Gujarat, India

Gujarat is a state in western India. It has an area of 75,686 sq mi (196,077 km²) with a coast line of 1,600 km, and a population in excess of 50 million. The state is bordered by Rajasthan to the north, Maharashtra to the south, Madhya Pradesh to the east and the Arabian Sea as well as the Pakistani province of Sindh on the west 1947. Its capital is Gandhinagar, while its largest city is Ahmedabad. Gujarat is home to the Gujarati-speaking people of India.


Gujarat played an important role in the economic history of India throughout the history of India. The state has the fastest growing economy in India. It is also, one of the most industrialized states within the nation. Thus, making it the richest state with a GDP per capita income twice that of the country as a whole.


Gujarat State in India is full of most beautiful picnic spots and the places of tourist's interest. There are also many holy places that are visited by many pilgrims all throughout the year. River Narmada offers
many such beautiful and holy spots for the picnic as well as pilgrimage. Narmada River is considered the mother of the people of Gujarat State. It meets the Arabian Sea near Bharuch, one of the vital and important cities of Gujarat State in India. I have visited one spot near Bharuch on the bank of River Narmada that has its own ancient history as well as the beauty of a picnic spot. This place is Shuklatirth that is around 17 miles away from Bharuch.


This place which is related to Sant Kabir holds a special importance for devotees. As per one belief, it is believed that sant kabir while wondering came to Mangaleshwar area. He stayed over here. As per folk tale two brothers named Tatva Jiva washed the feet of Sant Kabir. Then this water when poured on dry tree, the tree bloomed with greenery. From this the huge tree was created. On all the four sides by the touch of mother Narmada tree covered a lot place. Due to this its origin cannot be reignited. 18 kms away from Bharuch, to see this place which is located in the middle of the following waters of heavenly Narmada is a lifetime opportunity.


The state encompasses major sites of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, such as Lothal and Dholavira. Lothal is believed to be one of the world's first ports. Gujarat's coastal cities, chiefly Bharuch, served as ports and trading centers in the Maurya and Gupta empires. Mohandas Gandhi, considered India's "father of the nation", was a Gujarati who led the Indian Independence Movement against the British colonial rule.


The state encompasses major sites of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, such as Lothal and Dholavira. Lothal is believed to be one of the world's first ports. Gujarat's coastal cities, chiefly Bharuch, served as ports and trading centers in the Maurya and Gupta empires. Mohandas Gandhi, considered India's "father of the nation", was a Gujarati who led the Indian Independence Movement against the British colonial rule.


You can very easily reach Shuklatirth by bus or taxi from Bharuch or Vadodara. It is around 65 miles away from Vadodara and it takes around couple of hours to reach Shuklatirth in car. There is an old, historical temple of Lord Shiva here, which is around 2000 years old. There is a ghat of Narmada here, where you can take a bath. However, make sure to be very careful while taking a bath here as the water is very deep here in the River Narmada. Once you are through with the darshnas and the bath at Shuklatirth, get ready to visit one of the oldest trees of Vad in the world known as Kabirvad. This famous kabirvad is the biggest and oldest tree of the Gujarat State.

1 comment:

  1. Beautiful photos and hilarious perspective ‒ excited to hear about this place.

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