History, Importance, Belief, Temple Campus, Festival Celebration of Fagvel Bhathiji Maharaj Temple
Bhathiji Maharaj Temple located at village Fagvel of Kheda district of Gujarat is very popular in surrounding area and just 30 km from Dakor. Lots of Devotee from nearby area visit here throughout the year and especially on Gujarati New year day – first day of Kartik Month, birth day of Bhathiji Maharaj. Hot water spring located at Lasundra – Garam Pani Kund, is another key attraction in tourist near Dakor and Fagvel. Bhathiji Maharaj is very popular for warrior hero of the region.
As per the legend, around 350 years ago, village Fagvel, the small state was managed by Shree Rathod Takhatsinhji Mansinhiji. He was very spiritual in nature and powerful ruler thus general public lived with happiness in his state. He married with Akkalba, spiritual lady and the princess of Chikhdol. It is said that they had received blessing of Goddess Mahakali of Pavagadh during their Tirthyatra of Dakor and Pavagadh. From this, they blessed with divine son – Bhathiji. Bhathiji Maharaj was the small brother of Hathiji and had two sister, Sonba and Banji Ba. From the early child hood Bhathiji was very brave, fond of horse riding and serve snakes with milk everyday with devotion and love. Lots of miracle of Bhathiji Maharaj and Nag Devata, were observed by people of Fagvel and surrounding. Lots of festival and fair arranged on various day like Diwali, Gujarati New Year Day, Purnima of Kartik and Magsar month etc. In saurashra region, Bhathiji Maharaj is also famous as known as Vachara Dada.
The main event of Bhathiji Maharaj’s life was happened on his marriage with Kankuba, princess of Kapadvanj then. When completing the fourth of the seventh fera of marriage, Bhathiji Maharaj came to know that Muslim king of Kapadvanj had invaded and plundered the village and impound the cattle of the village. Bhathiji immediately left riding a horse with his sword, leaving the marriage incomplete. He released the cow and defeated the army in war, during war one of the soldier attacked on Bhathiji from backside and cut the head. As per the legend even after this headless body of Bhathiji continued fight with Muslim soldier until all enemy were killed and cattle were free from their attack. He died as martyr but was able to free the cattle. The place of battle is just five Km from Fagvel temple thus surrounding area developed as major pilgrimage center.
Even after more than 350 year, till date devotee worshiped Bhathiji Maharaj as male warrior that rides a horse wielding a sword in his right hand, folk deity as protector of cow. Followers also believe those who worship Bhathiji are protected also from bites of snakes. Bhathiji is worshiped by Hindus to cure ill livestock and family members. Bhuva, priest of Bhathiji Maharaj are connected by for diagnosis and curing of disease among men and animals.
How to reach Fagvel Bhathiji Maharaj Temple: Fagvel is very well connected with all major city of Gujarat by Road. Dakor, Nadiad, Vadtal etc. are nearby major pilgrimage center of Gujarat. Thus devotee and tourist can plan to visit here along with Dakor or Vadtal visit. Nearest Railway Station is Dakor and nearest Airport is Ahmedabad to reach Fagvel.
