- Jain community sought an FIR against members of the Shree Kalika Mataji Mandir Trust of Pavagadh for allegedly removing the seven idols of Jain Tirthankaras from their original place during the ongoing renovation that was being undertaken by the temple body.
- The idols of Tirthankaras (or spiritual leaders) – believed to be at least a thousand years old – adorned the old stairway, leading to the Mahakali Temple atop the Pavagadh Hill.
- The Pavagadh hill composed of reddish-yellow coloured stone formation is one of the oldest rock formations in India. The hill rises to a height of nearly 800 m from the mean sea level.
- Pavagadh hill was a famous Hindu fortress under the Solanki kings of Gujarat followed by Khichi Chauhans.
- In 1484, Sultan Mahmud Begarah took possession of the fort and renamed it Muhammadabad.
- These monuments are located on the Mauliya plateau, which is situated on the hill.
- The earliest temple datable to 10th – 11th century is dedicated to Lakulisa of which only gudhamandapa and antarala is extant.
- Other temples belong to Hindu and Jaina sects and are datable to circa 13th – 15th centuries A.D.
The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
- It is UNESCO World Heritage site with its ancient Hindu and Jaina architecture, temple.
- Special water retaining installations together with its religious, military and agricultural structures, dating back to the regional Capital City built by Mehmud Begda in the 16th century, represents cultures which have disappeared.
- All the temples are of the Nagara style having garbhagriha, mandapa and an entrance porch.
Dig Deeper: Read about the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Gujarat.
