Tarnetar Temple also famous as Trinetreshwar Temple at Tarnetar, Near Thangadh, Surendrangar, Gujarat
It is believed that Tarnetar Temple was built in Solanki Era, around in 10th century by King Pratihara, great devotee of Lord Shiva. The name of the Temple Trinetreshwar is derived from the three eyed Shiva. This temple is surrounded by three Holy Kunds, Vishnu Kund, Brahm Kund and Shiv Kund and it is believed that dip in this water is as holy as dip in River Ganga and also as per the folklore, River Ganga used to flow here. Thus devote and tourist must take holy dip in this Kund. The original temple complex was dismantle in 1898 and replaced by the present monument.
Tarnetar Fair – Tarnetar no Melo
Tarnetar is popular for its annual fair, “Tarnetar no Melo” or Trinetreshwar Mahadev Mela, which is held near the Trinetreshwar Mahadev temple. Villagers from all over the region as well as tourists across the India and even from abroad attend and enjoy the fair. This is one of the most popular riligious festival of Gujarat.
Based on the tale of Draupadi's swayamvara and the Panchal region – currently Tarnetar area, native of Draupadi holds great importance as historically significant place. It is believed that swayamwar was held here at Tarnetar temple. The tradition has been carried on in this region where young tribal men and women seeking for marriage partners. Tarnetar fair is celebrated with Gujarat’s folk-dance, music and arts and even for those who are not interested in finding a spouse.
Unmarried men and women adorn themselves with traditional dress and cultural ornaments and gather at the fair to find match for them. Tarneter fair is held on 4th, 5th and 6th day of Sukhla Paksha of Bhadra Month every year. Most of the part of Tarnetar village is covered with large number of stalls installed to sell beautiful local and unique handicrafts items with tribal jewelry, traditional attire, idol of deity etc.
The whole surrounding of Tarnetar fair with colorful costumes, glittering ornaments and free-spirited movements of folk dances, all unite to create unforgettable scene. Many kinds of folk dances are performed and most famous one is the Rass in which dancers hold sticks to click against other dancers. Women from Rabari community of Zalawad perform the circular folk dance called “Rahado”. Lots of saints and Bhjan Mandali sing the devotional song and create the amazing environment.
