The
Bhrigu Rishi Temple
The temple of Bhrigu Rishi, one of the famous and sacred temples of Gujarat,
is situated on the east of the city on the banks of the holy river Narmada.
This temple, being visited by a number of pilgrims, has great religious importance
to the people of Bharuch. Bharuch which was originally called 'Bhrigukachba'
derived its name from this temple. The temple was built in honour of the great
saint Maharishi Bhrigu who was able to attain sainthood by reaching the perfect
balance between wisdom and activity.
Bharuch Fort (Lallubhai
Haveli)
The magnificent Bharuch fort, perched on a hilltop overlooks the Narmada river.
This one-storeyed building was erected in 1791 A.D by an ex-Divan of the former
Nawab of Broach named Lallubhai. Hence the fort is sometimes known as Lallubhai
Haveli. There is a small 'bungli' (room) on the second floor that has arrangements
for placing matchlock guns. The facade of the fort is designed with rich and
lavish wood carvings. It also has underground passages.
Within the fort there is the Collector's office, Civil Courts,
the Old Dutch factory, a church, the Victoria Clock tower and other buildings.
Around 3km from the fort there are some early Dutch tombs, overlooked by some
Parsee Towers of Silence.
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is located at the base of the hilltop of the Bharuch fort. This
14th century masjid is said to have been constructed from the remains of a Jain
temple. It was rebuilt in a conventional mosque design.
Madresa Mosque
Madresa Mosque believed to be built by Mohammad in 1038 AD is one among the
oldest mosques in Gujarat. The special feature here is the Persian inscription
engraved on wooden plates that date back to 1609AD. The pillars of the mosque
and the front door built of black wood are beautifully adorned with elegant
engravings that are about 200 to 300 years old.
Golden Bridge
The Golden Bridge that connects Bharuch to Ankleshwar across the Narmada River
was built in 1881 by the British. It is called so because the iron used for
the construction of the bridge is very sturdy, resistant to rust and rare hence
it is much much more expensive than modern steel.
Top
Kabirvad
Kabirvad is an island on the river Narmada at a distance of about 16km from
Bharuch city. The main attraction here is a gigantic banyan tree covering an
area of 3.7 acres. According to legend, it is at this place that saint Kabirdas
meditated and the treegrew from a meswak stick (used for brushing the teeth)
that was thrown here by the saint. Other added attractions here are the lotus
shaped marble temple, Kabir museum and boat ride on Narmada river.
Shuklatirth
Shuklatirth is a small holy village located on the way to Kabirvad. It has many
old temples of Mahadevji, Vishnuji and other Hindu deities like Brahma and many
goddesses. A temple of Mahadev here claims to solve problems of children who
are unable to speak.
Shoolpaneshwar
Wildlife Sanctuary
Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary located on the outskirts of Bharuch stretches
over an area of 608sq. kms. Earlier known as Dhumkal Sanctuary, it was established
with a view to protect the Sloth Bear. The sanctuary is a peaceful abode for
a large variety of birds and animals. Leopards, wild sloth bears, hyena, panther,
sambar, four-horned antelope, wild dogs are some of the fauna's protected here.
Crocodiles and otters have been sighted along the river. Best season for visiting
the sanctuary is from October to March.
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