History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Dabhoi Fort and Gates, Dabhoi, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Dabhoi, historical ancient town near Vadodara, Gujarat is known for its Forts and Gates where you can find best architecture like South Indian temple, Modhera Sun temple etc. Dabhoi was originally known as Darbhavati where Dabhoi Fort is located in heart of town which is considered to be a contemporary of Rudra Mahalaya and Zinzuwada Fort. Now it is heritage and protected site and managed by Gujarat tourism board and Archaeological Survey of India to promote historical and cultural tourism.
Dabhoi Fort was built in the 11th century by great king Siddhraj Jaisinh, the complete construction of the entire structure took over two centuries. Vaishal Dev Vaghela of Vaghela Dynasty had completed the construction of fort. The whole structure is built with sand stones where not a single was you can find plain. Every wall has beautiful stone work, carving of Vedic Sculptures and idol of God and celestial deity.
There are four main gates built here in Dabhoi surrounded by fort where you can see excellent carving works. These carved gate ways were built by the famous architect of that time known as the Hiradhar. These four gates are Hira Bhagol, the eastern gate which has Kalika Mata temple at right side. These gate is full of carving of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Scene of churning of ocean and stories of Mahabharat. Second gate is Nandoli Bhagol – southern gate, third one is Vadodara Bhagol – western gate which leads way to Vadodara city. Forth one is Mahudi Bhagol or Champaneri Gate – northern gate which leads way to Champaner. During the Muslim ruler these classy gates were attacked and altered by the Muslim invader and also destroyed many idols of the Hindu god depictions on stones. Along with gates there are six beautiful temples built, three Hindu temple and three Jain temple which includes Shri Lodhan Parshvanath temple. Many Jain scholars stayed here in the past and enriched the Jain Granth Bhandar.
This is how Dabhoi Fort and gates are the best place for who loves architecture, heritage place. It is also a very rare fort where you can find Hindu Vedic and traditional stone crafts works everywhere on its structure.
How to reach Dabhoi Fort and Gates, Dabhoi, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Dabhoi is ancient important town and Taluka place of Vadodara district and very well connected with Road, Rail and Air network. Dabhoi has railway station with few train but it is just 35 km from Vadodara so you can find train to all major cities of India. Dabhoi is also just 50 km from Kevadia – Statue of Unity so you can plan to visit during your trip to Kevadia. State highway connects Dabhoi to Vadodara, Bharich, Surat, Ahmedabad. Chanod is also just 20 km from Dabhoi which is important site and triveni sangam popular for after death rituals.
