Tarkeshwar Mahadev: A Serene Symbol of Brother-Sister Bond
Hello all,
There is something truly captivating and mesmerizing about old cities. You can wander on the streets of the new town, go shopping, and visit beautiful cafés, still the vibes and the emotions you get when you navigate aimlessly on the old city streets are unmatched. You feel lost, yet you are alive. You feel insignificant, yet that stranger who gave you a broad smile makes you feel like the most important person. You may feel undirected, yet the sparkle in the eyes of your fellow unknown pedestrian gives you the confidence to move ahead to follow your heart. And that’s why I love wandering in old cities. Be it Char Minar in Hyderabad or be it Tapovan in Rishikesh. So, how can I not mention our city of Vadodara? The city with so much history. The city is also the historical hub of Gujarat. The city is also known as Sanskari Nagri.
And when it comes to the old town, there is a gateway to it, Jubilee Baug. I have always been afraid of driving cars in the old cities as they are like mazes of narrow lanes and streets. So mentally, driving beyond Jubilee Baug is like a terror. And that’s why for me it’s the gate of the old town. Beyond this, I prefer to go on foot, and I enjoy it.
Nestled on a busy street near Jubilee Baug, there is a beautiful, serene 150-year-old temple from the period of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. This tranquil temple is located on the northern aspect of Sursagar Lake. Though in the middle of the chaotic street, you feel immense peace once you enter the temple’s premises.
The history behind the temple:
When Maharaja Khanderao died in 1870, his queen, Maharani Jamnabai, was pregnant. Princess Tarabai was born a few months later. But as there was no male heir, the throne was transferred to Maharaj’s younger brother, Malharrao. But he was a short-lived king and was deposed, and five years later, Queen’s adopted son Gopalarao, also known as Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, became the king in 1875.
Maharaja Sayajirao and Princess Tarabai shared a special bond, and the king was very fond of his adoptive sister. He even did her kanyadaan. But Princess Tarabai died young in 1895, and soon Maharani also passed away in 1897. This temple was built in memory of the King’s sister, Princess Tarabai. The royal priest suggested that the king build the temple of Mahadev for the peace of the princess’s soul. And that’s how the temple was made. King himself visited this temple in every Rakshabandhan and Bhai Dooj till 1939.
Location:
On the northern bank of Sursagar Lake, Near Jubilee Baug.
The temple’s entrance is between the food stalls on the street, and it is so inconspicuous that you might not realize a fantastic temple is inside.
Architecture:
The temple is located in a soothing and serene courtyard. The temple is built in the style of South Indian temples and is located on a high plinth with a tall, beautiful shikhara with alluring carvings. The trees in the courtyard add soul to the already reposeful environment of the temple.
The temple is still controlled by the Devsthan trust, which is the royal family’s trust.
So whenever you are in the city, visit this amazing temple standing tall and proud as a symbol of the unconditional love of a brother for his sister.
Thank you…
ખરેખર સરસ રીતે વર્ણન કર્યું છે. એવું કહેવામાં આવે છે કોઈ પણ વ્યક્તિ આ શહેર માં નવો નવો સેટલ થવા આવ્યો હોય અને આ મંદિર ના દર્શન કરે તો વધુ સારી રીતે વિના મુસીબતે સેટ થઈ જાય… જય ભોલે
ઓહો઼. મને એ ખબર નહોતી… Thank you…
Very few in Vadodara, would be aware of this! Good you have visited and described so well.
Yes we came to know about this recently only. Thank you…