Virpur (Rajkot)
| Virpur વીરપુર Kaubhand Nagari (in 1500AD) | |
|---|---|
| town | |
| Nickname(s): Jalaram Nagar | |
  Virpur Location in Gujarat, India | |
| Coordinates: 21°45′15″N 70°37′20″E / 21.75417°N 70.62222°ECoordinates: 21°45′15″N 70°37′20″E / 21.75417°N 70.62222°E | |
| Country |
 India |
| State | Gujarat |
| District | Rajkot |
| Founded by | virparanath |
| Named for | virparanath |
| Government | |
| • Type | democracy |
| Population | |
| • Total | 11,178 [1] |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Gujarati, Hindi |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| PIN | 360380 |
| Vehicle registration | GJ-3 |
| Nearest city | Jetpur, (kathi) |
Virpur (virpuranath dham) is a small village with a gram panchayat, located 53 km from Rajkot near the Indian state of Gujarat. It is known as the birth place of saint Jalaram Bapa. Millions of followers flood this place every year on the seventh day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu calendar month on Kartika, the birth anniversary of Jalaram Bapa, known locally as Jalaram Jayanti. The Jalaram temple is the world's first temple where money is not accepted. For hundreds of years it has been known for charity and feeding the poor and needy people. Also, there are many Dharmasthal (Dharmashala) which are known for serving food free of cost to visitors without taking any type of donation for decades.
Pilgrimage center
Virpur is the birthplace of saint Shree Jalaram Bapa Virparanath who allegedly spent his whole life there. Millions of followers throng this place every year to visit his home. There is a huge rush especially on the birth anniversary of the saint Jalaram Bapa, which is celebrated as Jalaram Jayanti.[2]
There are a few religious places in Virpur:
- Jalaram mandir
- Virpara nath Mandir
- Samadhi of jalaram bapa
- Samadhi of Jetha bapa
- Virbai maa mandir at triveni sangam
- Khodiyar mandir at mavatar vridhdharshram
- Gala vada hanuman
There are many small guest houses and dining houses for tourists and pilgrims. Virpur's economy is largely based on tourists and pilgrims visiting the temple and other areas.
History
Before India attained independence, Virpur served as the capital of the princely state of Virpur-Kherdi, which extended over an area of 171 km2 (13 villages, mainly- Thorala, Seluka, Kagvad, Bhandariya, Masitala) and was a fourth class state in British India ruled by Jadeja chiefs having descended from Nawanagar ruling family.[2] People also visit Darbargadh.
"Before 400 years it was called Kaubhandnagari. At that time people believed in bhoot pret n meli vidya. After saint Virparanath came people had strongly believed in god and then after it was called Virpur named after him. At same time there were also a saint called Jethabapa and sati called Satibai maa And at last Jalaram bapa. Saint Virparanath mandir at outside mandir of Jalaram mandir and at right direction. There are also Minaldevi wav on right away and people are praying (manata) here for having children or pregnancy and for pregnancy induced lactations."{{Citation needed}}
Here is good government hospital serving people free of cost 24*7 for people who are traveling here from all over the world.
The nearest towns are Gondal, Dhoraji and Jetpur.
The nearest airport is at Rajkot.
The nearest multi-speciality hospital is Rajkot civil hospital.
References
- ↑ "Census2011".
- 1 2 Census of India, 1961: Gujarat - Page 198