AFVOA Newletters of Year 2013

Page 40 of 61 Gandhi Ashram Mahatma Gandhiji’s non violent struggle for independence of India was centred in Ahmadabad. A Satyagraha Ashram was established on the banks of Sabari River in 1917 after the previous Kochrat Ashram. Gandhiji learnt spinning and weaving here and the khadi was produced. The activity here was subdued when Gandhiji moved to Sevagram Ashram near Wardha, Maharashtra after ‘Namak Satyagraha’. This Ashram at Ahmadabad was handed over to Harijan Sevak Sangh. A small museum depicts pictorial and written documents of Gandhian literature and paintings. Volume of letters written by Gandhiji on the back of used papers is preserved here. Museum also accommodates Hridayakuni, Gandhiji’s small living place, Vinoda, Mira Kutir, Aprathana Bhoomi, a Guest House and a Training place for Cottage Industries. Somnath Temple The original Temple of Somnath is believed to have been built by Moon God, Soma in gold, in silver by Sun God, in wood by Sri Krishna and in stone by Solanki Rajputs in the 11 th Century. The present temple, built in 1951, is the seventh reconstruction on the original site. Tales of its riches attracted several invasions. It is situated on the tip of Saurashtra Peninsula. The temple architecture follows Chalukyan style and shikara is 50 meter tall. Intricate carvings, silver door, Adorable Nandi and Central Shiva Linga are the main features of the temple. The mandapa is huge and with the main shrine, a gently curved pyramid forms the tower over the temple complex. The Shiva Linga is considered as one of the twelve Jyothir Lingas in the country. Junagarh Fort. The Junagarh Fort has rock edicts, approximately 2200 years old, set up by Ashoka, the great Emperor. The fort has 20 meter high walls around and well secured. The fort is about 1200 years old and was built by Ugrasen. Sidharaj Jaisingh, King of Gujarat and Rakhengar, King of Junagarh, were at war for 12 years over Queen Ranak Devi. Sasan - Gir The Gir is the last home of the Asiatic lion. Gir Sanctuary and National Park are spread over 1412 sq kms. There are 38 species of mammals, 37 species of reptiles and around 300 species of birds and more than 2000 species of Insects in the Park. The main carnivores of the Gir are Asiatic lion, leopard, jungle cat, hyena, jackal, ratel, desert cat and the civet cat. The main herbivores are the Chital, Nilgai, Sambar, four horned antelopes, deer, chinkara and wild boar. Large population of crocodiles are seen in the marsh. The main tribe is nomadic pastoral community called ‘Maldhari’. The park is open from mid October to mid June. During rainy season it is totally closed. Wednesdays are holidays. The Gir forest is explored by visitors for about two hours using open Gypsy vehicles on predetermined safari routes. One may see lions freely moving about in the forest near the road or water bodies. Diu Diu Nagoa Beach is very attractive. Water sports are common including para sailing in the horse shoe shaped beach. Swimming in the sea is safe. The other important place to visit is St Paul’s Church. The Church is dedicated to Lady of Immaculate Conception. The Church was completed in nine years in