significant of ancient and modern day city - Porbandar

History :

In a study, history of porbandar through archaeological excavations has revealed the presence of the city during the Harappan civilization. Old jetties discovered around the Porbandar creek reveal that the city had been a port during that time. 

According to popular legends, in the 10th century, Porbandar was known as Pauravelakul and was later renamed Sudamapuri after the childhood companion of Lord Krishna. Porbandar was a prosperous port during the Mughal period and thereafter retained its importance as a seat of maritime activities. The prosperity of the port lured the Portuguese to gain control over it. They attacked the port in the year 1531 AD and the battle for gaining supremacy continued for a long period. Later in the year 1807 AD, with the interference of the British and signing of the Walker Treaty came to an end, this lead to establishment of trade links with Africa and the Gulf. 

The people of Porbandar celebrate birth anniversary of the city on Raksha Bandan day or you may say Shravan Sud Poonam or Nariyeli Purnima is believed to be the foundation day of this holy city. As Per the mythological reference in Sudama Charitra of Skand Puran of Shrimad Bhagvad, the present Porbandar city was names after Goddess Porav, and was located along the river banks of Asmavati. The Jethwa dynasty of Rajput clian ruled over this land, who was lover of art and under their royal patronage this city was beautified by constructing wide roads foot paths, symmetrical buildings along the roadsides, having right angular squares, fountains, gardens, public places, temple and so on. The uniqueness of Porbandar city is that it is constructed of special type of white soft stone carves artistically and that is why this is popularly known as “WHITE CITY” also. It is truly said that porbandar is famous for “Rano, pano  and bhano”.

Food:

KHAJALI is Special Food Item of Porbandar. Porbandar is as famous for its visiting place as it is also famous in its food. Porbandar is special famous for its KHAJALI. KHAJALI we can say as a namkeen or a breakfast and regular food. This is made of Menda Flour. Khajali is Mainly of three types sweet, masala and mori khajali.

Places:

There are many places which are worth to visit and few of them are ,

1) Sudama mandir:    Dedicated to the friendship between Lord Krishna and his devotee, Sudama. Built in 1907, it is the only temple in the country dedicated to Sudama. A maze in the temple which is believed to cleanse your sins once you have passed it. The architecture of the temple is simple with carved marble pillars open from all the sides situated in a garden with a small step well.

2) Chowpati : One of the most mesmerising and serene beaches of the state, Chowpatty beach is a favourite hangout amongst the locals. The tranquil waters of the Arabian Sea and hypnotizing sunsets attract a lot of visitors during the dusks. The distant horizon and the ships that could be sailing as Porbandar is renowned port make the entire view charming. The place is known for leisure walks and spending quiet time by the shoreline. Also there are a lot of food joints in the vicinity and serve some lip-smacking gujrati snacks and delicacies.

3) Shri hari mandri: Constructed in the last decade of the twentieth century, Sri Hari Temple is one of the most beautiful religious places of the city.  Lined up with coconut trees and lush greens, the temple has a soothing aura. The temple houses the idols of Radhakrishna, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman and Sri Janki Vallabh among others. The temple premises also carry out spiritual and cultural activities on regular basis.

4) Kirit mandir: It is a memorial dedicated to the father of the nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi. The memorial is next to the three storied blue haveli where the Mahatma was born. The memorial holds life size oil paintings of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi. The memorial is the main attraction for people visiting Porbandar.

5) Bird sanctuary : Declared a bird sanctuary in 1988, the water body in the sanctuary attracts many birds like pelicans, ducks, geese, spoon bills, ibis and herons. It is a must visit for bird watchers.

6) River front: Asmavati RiverFront Porbandar is one of the top and best destinations for family and friends in the field of park, Water Parks and resort category in Porbandar . It is Also known as park, Water Parks, resort, Amusement Parks, Water Parks, Picnic Spots, Adventure Parks and much more.

Shopping :

Porbandar is famous for the wide variety of textiles like bandhani work. Gharchola, a special kind of bandhani which is made in cotton, laharia and chunari prints are also famous.

Clay, brass and iron items, silver jewelry, terracotta figures and mirror works are some of the popular buys which can be bought from markets on Sudama Road and Kedareshwar Road.

Porbandar’s blue Khadi is a form of cotton fabric that is hand-spun using a traditional spinning wheel, and then hand-woven in a loom, producing a fabric with a rich texture. Made famous by Gandhi over 50 years ago as a symbol of self-employment and sustainability for artisans in rural India, its zero ecological footprint makes this fabric even more relevant today. The scarf is made in small batches in a women-owned factory.

Conclusion :

Apart from being a significant place in the Indian History, both ancient and modern, Porbandar is a beautiful place sharing its shoreline with the Arabian Sea. The place is worth a visit when in Gujarat as it speaks about the various centuries that it has witnessed.

Berbagi :