Champaner is a UNESCO-protected city in the western Indian trading state of Gujarat, located in Panchmahal district. This city once had the pride of being the capital of Gujarat. According to historians, the city was settled and developed by the Chavda ruler Raja Vanraj Chavda in the 8th century. Vanraj Chawda named the city Champaner after his general Champa.
The city was occupied by the Chauhan Rajput rulers of Rajasthan in the early 15th century. In 1482, the young Sultan Mahmud Begda of Gujarat won the battle and captured Champaner. After this, Sultan Mahmud Begda launched a siege to attack the fort of Pavagadh and captured Pavagadh fort as well. During his reign, Sultan Mahmud Begda renamed Pavagadh to Muhammadabad and shifted the capital of Gujarat from Ahmedabad to Muhammadabad.
During this period, the Sultan built many historic buildings here, one of which is the Jama Masjid at Champaner. Due to the beautiful historical buildings here, UNESCO gave this city the status of World Heritage City in the year 2004.
Jama Masjid
The architecture of this Jama Masjid is very beautiful. Which is built on a high platform. There is a dome in the center of the Jama Masjid, two minarets are built on either side of the mosque, the height of which is about 30 meters. Jama Masjid has seven beautiful arches with 172 pillars. Its door has attractive carvings.
During the Mughal rule, Emperor Humayun forced Bahadur Shah, Emperor of Gujarat to flee and captured this fort of Pavagadh along with Champaner. Pavagadh Fort is built on a hill.
Kalika Mata Temple
The city of Champaner has its own archaeological and historical significance, its living cultural heritage and properties have received World Heritage status. Being the capital of Gujarat state in the 16th century, its ruins are still present here. Apart from this, the historical remains of the 8th to 14th centuries include forts, palaces, religious buildings, residential complexes.
The temple of Kalika Mata, Goddess of Shakti is built on top of Pavagadh hill, which is an important pilgrimage site for devotees of the Goddess. Kalika Mata is specially worshiped twice a year during Sharad and Chaitra Navratri. Its construction date is between 900 to 1000 AD. This temple of Kalika Mata is located in Pavagadh Archaeological Park. The temple of Kalika Mata has two floors. On the first floor of this temple is the tomb of a Sufi named Sadan Shah.
On the ground floor of the temple there are many paintings and idols of Goddess Mata. The idol of Kalika Mata is in red in the center, with Maa Kali on her right and Buchachara Mata on the left. To reach the temple located on the Pavagadh hill, you can either walk through the forest or easily reach it by cable car. The city is the only intact pre-Mughal city in India.
Jain temple
A short distance from the temple of Kalika Mata are the Jain temples in Pavagadh fort. These temples were discovered by the Greek geographer Ptolemy in 140 AD. They were built during the time of the 20th Tirthankara. There are two main temples at Pavagadh Tirth which are dedicated to Lord Shri Parshwanath and Shri Chintamani Parshwanath. One of these temples is built on the top of the Pavagad hill and the other at the foot of the Pavagad hill. Beautiful carvings have been done on the walls of these temples.
Tourist places in Champaner
Historical monuments to be visited by tourists in Champaner include Jama Masjid, Sahar Masjid, Nagina Masjid, Kevra Masjid, Lal Gumbad Masjid, Kamani Masjid, Bavman Masjid, Khajuri Masjid, Stepwell, Jain Temple, Udan Khatola, Sat Kaman, Champaner. Fort, Mahmood Begda Fort, Khapra Zaveri Palace, Sikandar Shah’s Tomb, Heritage Forest, Bada Talab, Khunia Mahadev Temple (best to go here in monsoon to enjoy the waterfall near Khunia Mahadev).
How to reach Champaner
Route Route: Champaner is about 50 km from Vadodara and 150 km from Ahmedabad. Gujarat state transport buses ply to Champaner, tourists can also come by private bus, taxi and own vehicle.
Railway Tracks: The biggest railway station near Champaner is Vadodara Junction, which is the main station connecting Delhi-Mumbai. It is situated at a distance of about 50 km from Champaner. Taxis and buses are easily available from outside the railway station to reach Champaner.
Air Shaft: The nearest airport to reach Champaner is Vadodara which is about 50 km from Champaner city. You can easily reach Champaner by taxi from Vadodara airport.
