Vadnagar

Vadnagar is located at 23.78°N 72.63°E / 23.78; 72.63.[2] It has an average elevation of 143 metres (469 feet).

Vadnagar is located south of Kheralu Tehsil, on west side of Unjha tehsil, on South of Visnagar and Vijapur tehsil. East side of it, Sabarkantha District is located.

As of 2011 India census,[3] Vadnagar had population of 27,790 of which 14,097 are males while 13,693 are females. Female Sex Ratio is of 971 against state average of 919. Moreover Child Sex Ratio in Vadnagar is around 937 compared to Gujarat state average of 890. Vadnagar has an average literacy rate of 80.53%, higher than the national average of 78.03%: male literacy is 90.41%, and female literacy is 70.42%. In Vadnagar, 12.26% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Several ancient inscriptions and literary sources mention a town called Anartapura or Anandapura, which is identified as the area in and around the present-day Vadnagar. The Mahabharata mentions the Anarta Kingdom in the northern part of the present-day Gujarat. The oldest Puranic legend about Gujarat is about a king named Anartha. Vadnagar is mentioned in the Tirtha Mahatmya section of Nagara Khanda of Skanda Purana by the name of Chamatkarapura.[4] The Junagadh rock inscription (150 CE) of Western Kshatrapa king Rudradaman I mentions a region called "Anartha" (meaningless) in the northern part of the present-day Gujarat.The Maitraka rulers of Vallabhi (505-648 CE) issued several land grants to the Brahmins of Anarthapura or Anandapura.[5] The Harsola copper plates (949 CE) of the Paramara king record the grant of two villages in Gujarat area to the Nagar Brahmins originating from Anandapura. This Anandapura is also identified with Vadnagar, which is associated with the Nagar Brahmins.[6] In 2009, the archaeologists discovered a 4 km long fortification near Vadnagar, which they believe could be the historical Anartapura.[5]

Vadnagar has also yielded an image of Bodhisattva dated back to the 3rd or 4th century AD. This image seems to be brought from Mathura to install in one of the Buddhist monasteries of the town.

Vadnagar's old town is located inside the walls of a fort which has six gates namely Arjun Bari, Nadiol, Amarthol, Ghaskol, Pithori and Amarthol in which Amarthol gate area is the oldest existing part of the town. The river Kapila used to flow through the town of Vadnagar

Government library of Vadnagar located near Bus station

Guri Kund

Tana Riri garden and shrine

The town is also blessed with a magnificent lake named as "Sharmistha Lake" which has a small island like place amidst it. It is connected with a 7 km long inlet canal. The government is developing this island into a beautiful garden.

Vadnagar also has various public architectures like a Museum and Library, government hospital and a government court. It also has unearthed remains of Buddhist monastery which belongs to 7th century AD.

Hathi Jain Temple

There are scores of temples dedicated to almost every God: Shiva (Daaneshwar Mahadev Temple, Somnath Mahadev Temple and ancient Kashi Vishveshvara temple), Vishnupuri, Chhabila, Hanuman, Ashapuri Mata, Ambaji Mata, Sitla mata, Bhuvaneshpuri Temple, Amther Mata, Gauri kund, Swaminarayan Temple, two Jain derasars, to name just a few.

Of the numerous Shiva shrines, the 15th-century "Hatkeshver Mahadev" is the most important. He is the family deity of the Nagar Brahmins. Facing the east, it is enclosed by a high wall surmounted by three circular domes. From the roof of the sanctum rises a massive pinnacle, which soars high above in the sky. A massive congregation hall leads to the sanctum which houses a shivling said to have self-emerged or as it is said -"Swayambhu"(self emerged). The exterior of the temple is exquisitely and profusely ornamented with figures of the nine planets, regent deities, the chief gods of the Hindu pantheon, scenes from the life of Krishna and Pandava princes, besides the varied animal and floral motifs.

Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Vadnagar

Renovated twice or thrice is the "Sitla Mata" Temple ornately carved with figures of celestial beings. Its door frames and ceilings depict the Rasmandala (Krishna dancing with milkmaids). The most striking pieces of architecture in Vadnagar, however, are the two magnificent Kirtistambhas or triumphal arches. Built of red sandstone they are both identical in size and style. Only, one lies in pieces on the ground (now re-erected) and the other stand erect. Its pillars and arches are decorated with lozenges at the base and geometric and floral designs-leaves, creepers, lotus, animal motifs, human figures engaged in various activities and divine figures in different poses. The top bears an image of a seated god Kartikeya flanked by Ganesh and Makara (griffin) from which spring arches. A number of standing female figures also ornament the top. Vadnagar is also known as Skandhpur after Kartikeya, who is identified with Murugan.

• Temple of Hatkeshwar Mahadev
• Lake Sharmista - Renovation done in 2009 which includes stadium construction in island in the Lake
• Tana Riri garden and shrine
• Jain temples
• Khokha Ganapati
• Ancient Library
• Gauri Kund
• Well of Pancham Mehta
  

  Arjun Bari, Vadnagar
• Janjanio well
• Temple of Ashapuri Mata
• Temple of Amther Mata
• Kirti Toran or Narsinh Mehta’s Chori - Toran is dated 12th century and in Solanki style[7] although Marsinh Mehta was born in 15th century.
• Nag Dharo and Nag Temple
• Amarkund and Mahakaleshwar Mahadev temple
• Baithakji of Gusaiji
• Saptrushi Kund
• Amarthol Gate
• Remains of newly discovered Solanki era (directional stone)

Vadnagar Bus Stand

The city is served by Vadnagar railway station and Vadnagar bus stand. Buses and trains are available.

• Narendra Damodardas Modi, 14th Prime Minister of India
• Asit Kumarr Modi, Indian TV producer and actor

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  Panoramic view of Vadnagar town
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  Hatkeshwar Temple, Vadnagar
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  Upper view of Kirti toran
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  Kirti Toran, Vadnagar
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  Bottom-up view of Kirti Toran, Vadnagar

• Vadnagar - an ancient city
• Vadnagar's second kirti toran re-established: News report on DeshGujarat.Com