Shamlaji Fair

About Shamlaji Fair

Shamlaji is eminent for the Shamlaji Temple, Vaishnav Shrine. The temple bears all the traces of ancient architecture, according to the Archaeological Survey, the temple belongs to 11th century. All the fairs and festivals develop round the temple which shows the strong ethnic background of Shamlaji.Apart from the fair, the auspicious bath in the river Meshwo is considered to be essential for the tourists for purgation. Tourists from different corners of the state and from neighboring states come and visit the holy destination of religion and culture.

History of Shamlaji Fair

• According to one, Lord Brahma once embarked on a journey to find out the best tirtha (sacred site) on the earth. After seeing a number of places, he came to Shamlaji, which he liked the most and performed penance there for a thousand years. Lord Shiva, who was pleased with him, asked him to perform a yajna (ritual). At the beginning of the yajna, Lord Vishnu manifested himself in the form of Shamlaji, and was enshrined at this place.

• Another legend has it that Vishwakarma, the architect of the Gods, constructed this temple in one night, but as it was morning by the time he completed it, he could not take it with him and had to return leaving it here.

• According to the third story, an Adivasi found the idol of Lord Shamlaji while ploughing his land. He worshipped it by lighting a lamp everyday and was blessed for his faith by having an abundant yield in his farm. Learning of this, a Vaishnava merchant built the temple and installed the idol therein, which was later beautified by the Idar rulers. More recently, a prominent business family further renovated this temple.

Importance of Shamlaji Fair

Despite their personal differences, tribal people belonging to different regions come together and celebrate the fair with great zeal. There is an estimated gathering of about two hundred thousand people, which throng the place during the fair. It is organized near the famous Shamlaji temple of the region, a famous Vaishnav shrine dedicated to the deity called Gadadhar (mace bearer) or Shaksi Gopal. The temple architecture dates back to the 11th century and is of great archeological importance.

Nearest Visiting places

Idar:
It is a historical based town located at the southern parts fo Arvalli ranges and a natural beauty of protected hill fort is here, once it was the capital of the Idar when Rathore Rajputs ruled. The ancient fort namely Iiva Durga is known to be mentioned in the epic of ‘Mahabharata’ and in the Chinese travelogue-named Hiusen-tsing. The town has its beautiful entrance of its 3 storied clock town and the huge arch in it with a semi circular dome invites people amazingly to the core of excitement over those days architectural charm. The bazaar of this town is at both the ends of the road and leads to the tower and ends up at the foothills of Idar fort. The old palace od beauty and charm is still alive even when the days pass by its carved balconies of artistic work, pillars, brackets, and foliated arches are at vicinity and challenging. Rani Talav, a huge water tank is also seen near the palace.

Gadada Shamlaji:
Located near the Dharoi Dam, a lovely landscape of hills and nature fills in here, which give a great relax from the hurry busy world. The temple of Lord Vishnu is devoted here.

Dharoi Dam:
The main water source for drinking purpose is provided from here to Ahemdabad, which is about 85 kms of distance. This unique dam of living waters was constructed in 1973 on the source of Sabarmati River. Gadada Shamlaji is the nearby touring spot.

Dhantiwada:
This is a spot of water reservoir on the gatherings of River Banas. The cool, clear waters create an enchanting location for relaxing. Nearby, you have an agriculture university. The nature and picturesque spot pulls in birds and bird watchers from various places during the winter seasons.

Vaktapur Teerth:
Vaktapur Teerth , a famous Jain temple located here is the main tourist attraction. Apart from this Shamlaji, Akshardham temple, Shri Mehsana Teerth, Hathee Singh Jain temple, Kanjariya Lake, Bhadra fort and Teen Darwaza and Calico Museum are the other attractions filled with enlightening experiences.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

**Max Industries:**Plot No. 27/28, G.I.D.C.Modasa Road,Kapadvanj,Gujarat,India,ph:02691 263436

Location info

• **Address:**Shamlaji Fair,Sabarkatha,Gujarat,India

• District: Sabarkantha

• **Nearest City:**Modasa

• Best time to visit: Shamlaji Fair is held on the ‘purnima’ (full moon) of the month of ‘Kartik’ according to the local calendar, which falls in November.

Climate & weather

The land relief in Gujarat is low in most parts of the state, resulting in a great diversity in the climate of Gujarat India. Gujarat experiences mild, pleasant and dry winters, with average daytime temperatures ranging around 83 °F(29 °C) and night temperatures around 53 °F(12 °C). The summers are very hot and dry, with day temperatures rising up to around 105 °F(41 °C) and night temperatures dropping to 85 °F(29 °C).

How to reach Shamlaji Fair

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Modasa raiway station

• **Nearest Airport:**Ahmedabad airport

Road Transport: It is 80 kms from Ahmedabad and 32 kms from Himatnagar.,Polo Forest, Idar. Kesariaji, a Jain shrine in Rajasthan about 30 kms away from the border of Gujarat. Modasa – 29 kms

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**100

Nearest Hospital:
Sarvajanik Hospital:Nr. Nandanvan society,Kumbharvada,Modasa,Sabarkantha,Gujarat,India,ph:02774 247468
Navjivan urosurgical hospital:Malpur Road,Opp.Govt.Guest,House,Modasa,Sabarkantha,Gujarat,India,ph:02774 247502

• Society/Community Phone Number:

• **Link:**www.gujrattour.com

Best time to visit Shamlaji Fair

November.

Timings & opening hours

Annual fair in November (full moon).

Entry fee & tickets

No entry fee.

Duration needed

Few hours.

Safety tips

Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes. Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.

Things to carry

Camera, water bottle, hat, cash for local purchases.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport and railway station.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide good coverage across Gujarat’s major cities and tourist areas. 4G is generally reliable in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote areas of Kutch and interior Saurashtra. Most hotels and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Traditional Gujarati thali restaurants and local eateries offer a range of vegetarian dishes.

Things to do at Shamlaji Fair

Experience the fair, enjoy folk performances, shop for local crafts, and taste local cuisine.

Things to visit & highlights

The fairground and cultural performances.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pump available in the nearest town.

Frequently asked questions

What is Shamlaji Fair? An annual fair in Gujarat.

When is it held? Check the annual schedule.

Is there an entry fee? No.

Map & location view

Shamlaji Fair is located in the vibrant state of Gujarat, India. The destination is accessible by road and is well-connected to major cities and towns in the region, making it a convenient addition to any Gujarat travel itinerary.

How to reach

• By Air: The nearest airport is connected to major Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Vadodara with regular domestic flights.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station is connected to the Indian railway network with regular trains from major cities across India.
• By Road: State transport buses, private taxis, and self-drive options are available from nearby cities. Gujarat has a well-maintained network of state highways and national highways.

Use GPS navigation or local maps to find the exact location of this destination in Gujarat. The Gujarat Tourism website provides additional travel resources for visitors.