Sight Seeing

1. TRILOKNATHJI MANDIR:

Just as you come out of the Shamlaji Temple, on the right hand side you will find the Mandir of Triloknathhji (Lord of Three Worlds) The Vishnu idol here is having four hands. Here we also find the idol of Lord Shiva with his weapon "Trishnul" in the Gupta Style. Lord Shiva has covered his body with a tiger-skin. He is holding the 'Trishul' in his left hand while on the right hand are shown Cobras circling round his hand. On his head is Jata Mukut.

2. KHAKH CHOWK(SQUARE):

Opposite to the Shamlaji Vishnu Mandir is situated the Ashram of Ramanand Sadhus. This place is known as 'Khakh Chowk'. An under ground cave has been traced out during excavation. Here is found a single- roomed building made of bricks and lime. At present it has been closed.

In one of the temples of Khakh Chowk, is installed the idol os Shri Girdharilalji and in another temple, the idol of Laxmiji is installed. Saints and hermits are provided accommodation here. There is also an idol of Shri Ganpati in the chowk. At the end of the garden, there is one 'Sun Temple' (Surya Mandir).

In the year of 2011 Gujarat Govt. has sanctioned Rs.67 crores to developing the Shamlaji as religious tourist place &for this Govt. has established Sharda (Shamalaji Rural Devlopment Authority) under town planning scheme. In this project they have put all the three temple trust on common parisar to make new temple of Shree Triloknath Bhagawan, Shree Girdhari Bhagawan &Shree Laxmi Mataji Temple.

3. THE KASHI VISHVANATH TEMPLE :

At the northern end of Khakh Chowk we find the very ancient Shivalaya (Shiva's Temple). The level of this temple is below ground level. We find layers of earth as high as 10 feet surrounding the walls of the temple. The idol of Sada Shiva seen (installed) in this temple is celestial there is a Jata (long hair) on the head.

There is a picture depicting the descendance of the Holy Ganges on the earth. The beautiful scene of the Holy Ganges coming down from Heaven and reaching the earth and there after flowing out as river from the Jata of Lord Shiva is really unsurpassed in beauty. It is presumed that this Idol might date back to the 7th Century.

4. KARAMBUJ LAKE (POND) :

This lake (pond) is situated at a distance of about 1 kilometer from the Shamlaji Temple. It is very ancient historical holy place. Stone steps were built on both the Ghat on either (both side). There existed some small temples (Deries) of gods and goddesses. During the course of time, the ghat, stone steps and temple unique. The idol is single faced with three eyes and temples ceased to exit. The water in the lake was completely exhausted as a result of smashing of one of the ghats owing to heavy downpour. Some call it the lake of Karmabhai. At present cultivation is done in the dry land of this lake. The overflow of Mashvo Dam flows into the Mashvo River through the west wear and the lake.

5. GOVIND ASHRAM AND GANPATI TEMPLE

The dreamer and founder of this Ashram, Saint Govindkaka, a resident of Bhiloda left this mundance world recently. There is a Ganpati temple in this Ashram. There existed one erect (standing) idol of Shri Ganesh in this temple but it is no more now. Jyotishacharya Shri Shukdevprasadbhai of Bolundra Ashram got the temple repaired and an idol of Ganpati is installed in it. Regular Puja is done in this temple.

6. VISHRAM GHAT:

The bank of river Meshvo alias Mashwati, is considered to be the last resting place in this ocean of human life (life-span). In the old days, coffin bearers of dead bodies took a rest for a shorte while here and reached the cremation ground where stand the water lake at present. Remains two temples are visible here. In one temple is found the form (idol) of Vishwaroop or Vishnu, or it may be that of Brahma, having eight hands and three mouths (faces). This is known as 'kalsi Chhokrani Maa' (Mother of sixteen children) The local Adivasis consider this idol as the goddess protecting children.

Though all the hands of the idol are broken, eight hands could be seen clearly. It has four hands. The fourth head must be on the reverse side of the idol. Pitamber (Yellow covering) and a girdle are seen very clearly. Over the shoulder of the idol, about 24 miniature idols are visible surrounding the head –portion of the idol. Big idols are wearing big Kundalkanadha, studed with jewels. The portion of the face is crampled but the extra ordinary virility of the idol could be seen clearly form its broad chest. It is believed, the idol date back to the 6th Century.

If we move slightly upward, we find a dilapidated temple. This was a Raghunathji temple. It was made out of Red Sanday Stones. Brickbats are also used at some places. The inside celling is made very artistic. Renovation has been carried out to this temple and later on an idol of Shri Goverdhan Nathaji was installed inside it. This Temple is known as Shri Goverdhan Nathji Temple.

7. NAGDHARO:

The meeting place of Mashvo and Pinga rivers is known as Nagdhara. A person is absolved of the sorcery and witch-craft after taking a dip (bath) in this place. There is a strong belief that a dead person whose ashes (bones) are immersed in Nagdhara and a 'Shradhdha' (a religious post- funeral ceremony) is performed In his name his "Jivatma" (his soul) is not reborn in another body and gets salvation.

There was a 'Pret Shalya' (a ghost stone near Nagadhara). The Dhara was always full of water. Here can be seen a small temple. It is believed that 'Pitrues' (deceased ancestors) of a person who after taking a bath in Nagdhara has the 'Darshana' of Pret Shalya are absolved (become free from all desires of this mundane world). As a result of the construction of the Mashvo Lake, neither the Nagdhara nor the Pret Shalya exist at present.

8. MASHVO LAKE:

A Dam and lake for irrigation has been built at the meeting place of Mashvo and Pinga rivers by the Government of India. The Dam, about 200 feet high, has been erected between hills. During the course of excavations, a stupa belonging to the Buddha Period, a Vihar, golden coins of Mahakshatrap Rudradaman King and also a copper vessel for keeping bones were found. They have been kept in the Museum at Baroda at present. The Stupa as well as the Vihar are immersed in the water. The water from this reservoir is mostly supplied to Kaira District and the Aravalli District.

9. HARISHCHANDRA-NI CHORI :

According to legend, King Harishchandra of Ayodhya perfomed Rajsuya Yagna for begetting a son. Hence this place is known as Harishchandra ni Chori. On the other side of the River Mashvo a temple in broken (ruins) is found. There is no idol in this temple. Its facin is northward. One ornamental arch reaches the chowk (square), and adds to the beauty of the temple. This Arch sculptures in the highest art and its stature is very ancient and magnificent. It has been declared as a protected place by the Archeological Department of the Government of India. According to legend, this temple is presumed to be that of the goddess Mangala Devi.

10. THE GANGANANDPURI'S ASHRAM:

The Ashram is situated adjacent to the Ranchhodji temple half way on the hill. To reach this Ashram a track has been carved. Behind Harishchandra – ni Chori. Formerly, there stood the hut of a female-devotee Shabri, a Bhil by Caste. Saint Ganganandpuri founded an Ashram here. There is a small temple with some rooms in this Ashram. Inside the temple, the foot prints of Lord Dattatraya have been installed. Satsang Mandalies (group of devotees holding discourses on religious matters) and Bhajan Mandalies (group of singers) visit this Ashram too often.

11. RANCHHODRAY TEMPLE:

The Ranchhodray Temple is situated near Surya Kund on the bank of the river Meshwo. From its sculpture, it is Believed to be blonging to the 6th Century. There was a giant size Nandi (Bull) in the square (chowk) of the temple. At present, the Nandi is shifted to the Museum at Bombay. This is a very ancient temple. It is in a ruined state. The central and the topmost parts have been preserved. So much information could be gathered from the sculptures on the walls surrounding the temple. After the Surya Kund broke down, it has been transformed into a well. The idol of Lord Shri Krishna Ranchhodray has been installed (stands) in this temple. In front of the idol, is seen the Jyotirling form of Lord Shiva to Nand Bhavan of Jasodamaiya in Gokula to have a 'Darshana' of Lord Krishna at the time of His birth. According to some devotees, the idol of Lord Krishna was put behind was put behind the Jyotirling Form of Lord Shiva.

Outside the temple are seen the idols of Shri Ganapati and Shri Hanumanji. The temple is considered to be that of Ranmukteshwar Mahadev. Two idols of Lord Shiva bearing the 'Trishul' (three –sided spear) have been set on behind wall of the temple. These idols reveal the artistic beauty of Lord Shiva's Form as 'Natraj' (Monarch of Dancing).

12. BRAHMANAND ASHRAM:

There is an ashram on the bank of the river near Kankaria Dhara. A saint, resident of Raman Reti near Gokul-Mathura founded this Ashram in the groves of the trees. After the demise of this saint, no other Sadhu (sant) has settled here. The place of the Ashram is very attractive and pleasant.

13. BHAI BAHEN NI DAHERI :

Opposite Kankaria Dhara on the summit (top) of the opposite hill is situated the deri (a small temple) Known as 'BHAI Bahen ni Daheri'. It was once a shrine of the family Goddess (Deity) of the Nirma Tribe (community). At present the Daheri is ruined. The brave brother and sister. Some idols are found scattered haphazardly in the valley of the hills.

14. SARVODAYA ASHRAM:

As we proceed from Kankaria Dhara of the Mashvo Bank enroute Bhiloda. The Sarvodaya Ashram is located on one side. There exists one hostel as well as a school for the adivasis Bhil boys and girls Buniyadi Training is imparted here. The teaching includes learning the three 'R's and industry and handicraft. A "Gandhi Gher Mela (fair)" is held every year on the dark third of the month of Falgun. Thousands of men, women and children of the "Gher" the drummers beat the drums in a joyous (merry) mood. The adivasis women and girls dance rhythmically, balancing baskets of jawara over the heads an holding a reed-tabor in their hands. This "GHER Mela" has largely contributed to the removal of "Iiquor drinking" among the Adivasis.

15. SHAMAL VAN:

The main objective of Shamal Van which is with full diversity is to create awareness amongst devotees about environment, religion, social, economic, health and spirituality, which also contains fountain, sports ground for children etc. Further, Shamal Van, with a view to providing various information, also boasts of having Dashavtar van, Van Kutir, Nakshatra Van , Rashi Van, Grah Vatika as well as Smruti Van etc.

16. GAYATRI MANDIR:

There are total 5500 Gayatri Shaktipith all over the world, amongst which, the first Gayatri Shaktipith was established by Rev. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya. Poor and needy persons are provided cloths over here free of cost and also, medicinal plants are provided to the needy persons free of cost. The foundation day of this Shaktipith is observed on every Vasant Panchmi.

17. PRANAMI MANDIR:

This temple is constructed with marble stones. No idol is worshiped over here but the Brahma Vidhya is worshiped. This temple is one the total four such kind of temples all over Gujarat. The origin of this is situated at Panna.

18. VISHWAKARMA TEMPLE:

This temple has been established in the year 2000 and in this temple, there are other temples of Chamunda Mataji and Shri Hanumanji also. facilities of Dharma Shala and offered over here, together with Bhojanalaya for visitors. In this entire area, this is the one and only temple of Vishwakarma of the Panchal community of 38 villages. The center of attraction in the temple premises is a21-ft. high idol of Lord Shivji.

OTHER SIGHT SEEING :

KADSHI 100 BALKONA MATA NU TEMPLE

GIRDHARI LAL NU TEMPLE

LAXMI MATA TEMPLE

19. LAKSHMINARAYAN ANNAKSHETRA:

Pilgrim town Shamlaji based Lakshminarayan Annakshetra provides free meal to hungry and poor people since 1977. The trust was established with inspiration of Sant Dongreji Maharaj in year 1977. On an average daily 100 poor persons are catered dal, bhaat, puri, shak thali everyday. On Poonam this figure touches 2500 per day. The trust also offers daily 100 kg feed for birds at local chabutara. Vegetables and Grains used in free meal are donated from donors of Aravalli district.