Vadodara, a city renowned for its rich cultural and historical tapestry, is home to the historic Siddhanath Ganapati Mandir, a revered site established in 1872 by Ganpati Bua whose original name was Nageshwar R. Karmarkar. Situated near Siddhanath Lake, behind the Khanderao Market in the Ganeshwadi area, this 152-year-old temple is notable for its mythological significance and serene ambiance. The…
A Vijnaptipatra is a formal letter in the form of a scroll, often illustrated with miniature paintings that depict current events. It constitutes an appeal from a Jain sangha, usually of the Shwetambara sect, inviting a revered guru to grace them with his presence. The composition of such patras was prevalent from the late 14th to the 18th century. What…
The Bolai Mata Temple or so called Bolai Aai Mandir in Vadodara is a cherished place with a rich history and deep spiritual significance. Located near Siddhnath Road, this temple is a revered spot for devotees. The temple, originally located near Leheripura Gate (Darwaja), was rebuilt by Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad on Siddhnath Road. The story behind the temple’s construction is…
The Haribhakti family’s legacy is a profound testament to centuries of devotion, scholarship, and social welfare. For over two and a half centuries, this distinguished family has upheld a rich tradition of philanthropy and religious dedication, beginning with Sheth Haribhai (1750-1796) and Sheth Bhaktibhai (1750-1795). Engaged in extensive business across the country, they planted the seeds of social service and…
Over 110 years ago, Baroda witnessed the introduction of polo, a game that became a cherished part of its cultural landscape. This tradition began when Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III observed the sport during a visit to Jodhpur and subsequently introduced it to Baroda. On his return, he initiated the game in the city, bringing in a polo expert to train…
Located in Harni village, near Vadodara Airport and on the way to Motnath Mahadev Temple, the Shree Bhid Bhanjan Maruti Mandir is one of Baroda’s oldest Hanuman temples. It is the only temple till date where Lord Hanuman is worshipped in Human form on commandment of Lord Rama. Long ago, this area was a peaceful forest filled with banyan trees,…
Vasantrao Kaptan, born on February 5, 1905, in Vadodara, was a dedicated champion of physical education. He founded and led the ‘Gujarat Krida Mandal’ in Vadodara and served as the Physical Education Officer at Sardar Patel University (Vallabh Vidyanagar) from 1951 to 1963. Hailing from a Maharashtrian family, with his father Balwantrao and mother Radhikabai, he was a student of…
Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Maharaja of Baroda State from 1875 to 1939, was a transformative leader who significantly modernized the state. His reforms spanned various sectors, including education, industry, and agriculture. A notable project during his reign was the establishment of a tramway system in Baroda. This initiative was part of his broader vision to enhance public transport and urban…
It was at Baroda’s Kalabhavan that the Father of Indian Cinema, Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, also known as Dadasaheb Phalke, made history with his first full-length film ‘Raja Harishchandra’ in 1913. Phalke enrolled in Kalabhavan in 1891 after graduating from the J.J. School of Arts in Bombay. The Principal of Kalabhavan, T.K. Gajjar, recognized Phalke’s talent early on and imparted the…
Pendawala Duliram Ratanlal Sharma, an iconic establishment nestled in Vadodara’s historic Jambubet area. For over 162 years, this renowned store has captivated locals and visitors alike with its signature offering: Mathura Peda, affectionately known as Duliram Penda locally. Founded in 1862 by brothers Duliram and Maharam Sharma, who migrated from a village near the Rajasthan-Mathura border, the shop quickly gained…