Bhuj

The picturesque town of Bhuj has spectacular scenery. Bhuj the former capital of native state of Kutch is now the headquarters of the district. Located rather low, it is basically an amphitheatre of hills dominated by the Bhuja Hill that rises to a height of 160 m at one end and is a landmark being flat on top, surmounted by the fortifications of a hill fort. This strategically located fort obviously served the purpose of sighting enemies and alerting defense. An old wall surrounds the city built for precautions.The city wall, thirty five feet high and 4 feet thick with towers positioned asymmetrically was formerly armed with 51 guns. Bhuj is blessed with some incredible historic heritages.

In 1510, Maharao Hamir founded Bhuj. In 1549 Rao Khengarji I made Bhuj his capital. It remained an independent princely state during the rule of the British in India and became a part of India, when it gained independence in 1947.

Bhuj lies at the heart of Kutch and is linked by many roads to the rest of the peninsula. Bhuj is a city and a municipality in Kachchh district in the state of Gujarat. At present, Bhuj is the district headquarter of the Kachchh ditrict which is the second largest district of India. Bhuj is located at 23.27° N 69.67° E. It has an average elevation of 110 meters. On the eastern side of the town is a hill, Bhujiyo that separates Bhuj and Madhapar village. One of the biggest lakes at Bhuj is Hamirsar.

As per the 2000 census, the population of Bhuj was 136429 out of which 71056 were males and 65373 were females.

One of the famous universities of Bhuj is the Krantiguru Shyamji Krishna Verma Kachchh University. This university has 22 affiliated colleges; seven of them are in Bhuj. University bestows degrees in Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, Education, Management, Pharmacy, Social Welfare and Engineering.

The major festival of Bhuj is the Rann Utsav (festival) or the desert festival. This festival usually coincides with the Hindu festival of Shivratri. The main attractions of this festival are display of traditional handicrafts, cultural events and tours in and around the city.

The old walled city of Bhuj in Gujarat is the most significant town in Kutch serving as its district headquarters. Bhuj is distinguished by its ornately decorated Hindu temples, beautiful palaces and intricately carved wooden pavilions. It is a paradise for handicraft lovers and weavers. The oldest museum is situated in Bhuj. The region is also well known for the enamel work done on gold and silver jewellery, lacquered wood, seashell toys and metal bells.

Puraneshwar Temple , Kutch, Gujarat : Puraneshwar is about 35 km from Bhuj. The temple is the product of the 9th-10th century, built on a high plinth, containing some extremely well woven sculpture on its walls. Near the temple complex is a place called Vadimedi, a palace dating back to the Solanki era.

Shiva Temple, Kera, Kutch, Gujarat: Kera is renowned for its 10th century Shiva Temple. The present day ruins are suggestive of how beautiful the temple must have been centuries ago. Sadly, the temple was damaged in the epoch-making earthquake of 1819AD. Very near to this ruined Shiva temple, is a Muslim shrine of Ghulam Ali Shah. The annual Urs held here attracts devotees from all faiths. Earnest worshippers walking on smoldering coal is the prime attraction of Urs.

Kutch Bhuj Teerth located in Bhuj city in Kutch is a Jain pilgrimage centre. The temple is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Bhagwan Rishabh Dev. There are three temples built in the Vaniyavad area.

The temples of Kutch-Bhuj Teerth dates back to the ancient times. There are three temples that have been magnificently decorated and carved with attractive designs. It stands as a unique piece of architectural work. This temple belongs to the tapa gaccha. Among these three temples one of them houses the idol of Bhagwan Rishabh Dev. Other than this idol there are 26 other idols installed here. Among these 14 of the idols have been carved out of stone and the 12 other idols carved of metal. These splendid idols depict the creative skills and the artistic talent of the craftsmen of the ancient days. There are portraits of Shri Vijayananda Suri (Shri Atamaramaji) and Shri Khantivijayaji Dada that adorn the temple halls. The other temple belongs to the Anchala Gaccha. In this temple there are beautiful 23 idols made of stone and 32 idols made of metal. Apart from these there are portraits of Shri Kalyanasagarasuri and Shri Gautamasagarasuri.

The third temple belongs to the Kharatara Gaccha. The temple houses the idol of Lord Shantinath. Other than these there are 8 idols made of stone and 13 idols carved of metal. These idols look magnificent and artistic. Portraits of Shri Jinaratnagsagarsuri and Shri Jinaananadasagarasuri are also found here. All these temples have been constructed in the nineteenth century and look exquisite. They reveal the artistic designs of the anceint period. On the outskirts of the town there is dadavadi of kharataragaccha. Another Jain temple is also located here. The sacred footsteps of Shri Ghantakarna have been installed here. A huge idol of Anchala Gaccha has been installed here. One can also see a small Jain temple here. Several annual gatherings and festivals are organised by the temple authorities. There are provisions for dharamshalas or rest houses for the devotees. Kutch Bhuj Teerth is well connected to road, rail and air. Busses, taxies and private vehicles are easily available for the kshetra.

The places of attraction at Bhuj are:
• Aina Mahal or the Palace of Mirrors (Old Palace)
•Prag Mahal (New Palace)
• The Kuchch Museum
•The Sarad Bagh Palace
•The Swaminarayan Temple
• Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Kachch (folk museum)
• Anjal Wild Ass Sanctuary
•The town of Gandhidham.