Apsidal Chaityagriha, Lalitgiri

Lalitgiri Buddhist complex has various structures of religious and architectural importance that have been excavated by the A.S.I.  One such interesting discovery of Buddhist architecture is Apsidal Chaityagriha. 

The brick chaitya griha is apsidal on plan having a structural stupa at the rear end. It has as usual component such as apse, axial and nave. The stupa at the rear end provided with a area around it to go around. The chaitya graham also provided with a stone pavement around it of letter construction as evidence from the excavation. 

This unique structure was believed to be the biggest prayer hall is built sometime between 8th and 12th century A.D.

Pavagadh

Pavagadh is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site Champaner - Pavagadh Archelogical Park. This place which is just 45 kms from Vadodara is a must visit not only for pilgrims, but also for tourists.

The Pavagadh Hill rises to 830 m and descends in five successive plateaus which are separated by steep cliffs namely Kalikamata, Mauliya, Bhadrakali, Machi and Atak. The higher plateaus on the west and south makes it safe and inaccessible from invasion.

One can choose to reach the top of the hill either taking the steps to the the top or rope-way. If one takes the steps and walk all the way up to the top of the hill from Machi and it takes approximately 3 hours. We choose to use the rope-way to reach top of the hill from the base station at Machi. It took just 6 minutes to reach the top.

The places of interest on the hill that we visited are:

• The Gates
• Rishabanath Temple
• Parsavanath Temple
• Digambar Temple
• Maa Mahakali Temple
• Lakulisa Temple
• Patai Rawal Palace
• Sat Kaman
• Navlakha Kotar