Pavagadh,
rising to a height of 800, metres , dominates the plains around it; not
because of its height, but due to of its light yellow colour, tinged with
red. This colour, resembling that civilization that evolved round Pavagadh
being called Champaner. Champaner - Pavagadh, usually referred to as just
Pavagadh is an important centre of pilgrimage in Gujarat, and has been so
for centuries.
Champaner whose foundation has been ascribed to
various persons including Champa, a minister of vanaraja, the chavda
rulers of Gujarat and champa, a bhil headman, became a part of the British
Raj in the 19th century. In between many Muslim rulers ruled over the
area.
The pavagadh Fort which must have been a truly imposing
edifice at the height of its glory, is one of the few forts in the largely
flat lands of Gujarat. Today the fort is in a dilapidated state.
The main attractions at pavagadh are of a religious nature. A visit to
pavagadh is not one to a historical site; it is more of a yatra than a
pilgrimage.
The religious monuments at pavagadh are not limited
to any one particular religion. There are Hindu temples , Muslim dargahs,
and temple belonging to the jain Digambar sect. the most famous of the lot
is the Kalika temple, situated at the highest point. Parts of this temple
have been described in a drama written in the 15th century.
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