Located in the Dandia Bazaar area of Baroda, Shree Jummadada Vyayam Mandir, commonly known as the “Temple of Physical Education,” has a rich history rooted in the revival of Indian martial arts. Founded by Jummadada in approximately 1853, the institute began as a modest Akhada (gymnasium) in the Warasia area. With the support of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Jummadada transformed the original structure into the esteemed institution known today as Professor Manikrao’s Shree Jummadada Vyayam Mandir.
The Early Beginnings
Jummadada, an orphan rescued from the Gir forests and brought to Baroda, was nurtured under the Maharaja’s patronage. Trained in various martial arts, including sword, dagger, and lance fighting, as well as Malkhamb, he became a skilled wrestler and a devoted learner of Gita, Sanskrit scriptures, and Kabir’s Doha. Jummadada’s passion led him to establish his own Akhada, where he trained many pupils in Indian martial arts, including Gajanan, who would later become Professor Manikrao.
Carrying Forward the Legacy
Upon Jummadada’s passing in 1904 at the age of 110, he entrusted the Akhada to Gajanan, who later became known as Professor Manikrao. Manikrao, a multifaceted individual, was not only a master of Malla Vidya (martial arts) and Shastra Vidya (weaponry) but also a practitioner of Unani medicine, Ayurveda, bone setting, and a skilled pharmacist and social reformer. Fluent in several languages and a prolific writer, Manikrao authored books that preserved and promoted Indian martial arts and weaponry, including his renowned work “Shree Pratap Shastrgar.”
Under Manikrao’s leadership, the Akhada was renamed “Vyayam Mandir” and evolved into a modern institution for physical education. He introduced group exercises, making martial arts more accessible and appealing, which led to increased participation from well-to-do families. He also established the “Kanya Aarogya Mandir” to provide physical education for women.
Notable Contributions and Legacy
Manikrao’s contributions were recognized with titles such as “Professor,” “Rajratna,” and “Rajpriya” by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad for his extensive social work and dedication. The Vyayam Mandir houses a unique collection of arms and ammunition known as the Shastraghar, featuring artifacts from renowned Indian warriors, including swords used by Tipu Sultan, Maharana Pratap, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, as well as Shivaji’s Vagh Nakh and the Minto Handshake medal awarded to Manikrao.
The Vyayam Mandir is also only home to a Shivaji Mandir, dedicated to the great Maratha warrior on his 400th birth anniversary. In 1901, the Akhada became the venue for Baroda’s first public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, inspired by Lokmanya Tilak, and played a significant role in the Indian Freedom Movement by sheltering revolutionaries.
From its humble beginnings as a small Akhada, the institution has grown into a full-fledged institute that has significantly contributed to the revival and propagation of Indian martial arts. Today, it continues to honor the legacy of Jummadada and Professor Manikrao, imparting physical education and preserving the rich heritage of Indian martial traditions.
Partial Source: Prof Manikrao
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