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Vanraj Chawda |
| Chawras | End of Solanki Era | SamantSingh & Mulraj | Yograj | Vanraj Chawda | Jaishikhari | |
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the other hand queen Rupsundari gave birth to a son and named him
Vanraj. Loyal to their king, the bhil community gave utmost respect
and took great care of their queen mother Rupsundari. One day, while
passing through the jungle, Jain sadhu Shilgunsuri saw Vanraj sleeping
in the cradle. On seeing the lines of conduct on the child's face,
Jati uttered his future: "This child will become a great king in
future and will be the savior of Jain religion". When Vanraj grew up, his maternal uncle Surpal taught him the art of archery, sword and horse riding. After hearing the stories from his mother and uncle, and with the guidance of Surpal, Vanraj decided to take back his father's kingdom. Thus he became "Bharvatiyu", an avenger (one who withdraws himself outside the limits of the state with a view to harass and molest it by frequent raids and compel it to come to the terms with them). He started attacking regions under the reign of King Bhuvad, robbed them and started collecting wealth. And where possible he added brave men in his team to form an army. In that course they came across an "Ahil", who was well acquainted with all the jungle paths, valleys and caves. One day they were waiting silently for some prey, suddenly they saw a merchant coming towards them with an earthen jug filled with ghee. He had a bow an arrow in his other hand. Vanraj Challenged him "Stay where you are, Vania (a caste in gujarati famous for trading). If you move you will die." "I'm right here. But if you want to die come forward". After saying this Champo broke two out of 5 arrows from his arrow case and put one of his arrow on the bow. Seeing this all three became surprised. "Wait, we also know the art of archery. But why did you break your two arrows?" asked Surpal. "Since you are three, three arrows are enough for Me." replied Champo "Oh! Great, you look brave. What's your name?" asked Vanraj "Champo" came the reply. "Champo, let's stop this argument and hand over whatever you have. You alone cannot fight with three of us", said Anhil. "Well so what you are three. Because of increase in no. Of dacoits in this foreign land, I'm not afraid of any fight", replied Champo. "Foreign rule? So you mean there weren't any robbery or theft in previous rulers kingdom?" asked Surpal. "Previous rule" trusting them Champo said "O, Brother gone are those days when after hearing aloud the challenge to fight from King Jaishikhari and Surpal dacoits used to loose their courage." "Then listen, I'm Surpal standing in front of you and he is Vanraj - the only heir of King Jaishikhari. Would you like to join hands with us? Will you help us in attaining back Vanraj's kingdom?" Champo was astonished with this statement from Surpal. "Oh! The crown of Panchasar" the weapons fell from his hands and he embraced Vanraj. In this way Vanraj got a brave and rich companion/colleague. After that Vanraj and Surpal made proper plans, collected big army and obtained back the kingdom after defeating Bhuvad in the battle. Vanraj made Patan his capital. In appreciation for his friend he named it "Anhilppur Patan". Moreover he also established another city by name "Champaner" to appreciate the help of another companion in the valley of Pavagadh, near Vadodara. Pachasara, Parshvanath's Jain temple was built on the desire of Acharya Shilgunsurini, who uttered bright future for Vanraj and helped him. With the request from all the subjects, a statue of Vanraj was erected, which is seen even today. Vanraj lived 110 years and ruled for 60 years. |
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- Translated from gujarati by Mrs.
Vaishali Nagoree | |
