|
|
Lakhpat is the last town situated at the western end of
India, on the India-pakistan border, at the junction of Kori Creek and
Rann of Kachchh. Lakhpat probably, derives its name from the prosperous
maritime trade, which generated a daily income of one lakh (1,00,000)
Kori, an old currency of Kachchh State.
Another legend says that since Rao Lakha founded it, so it is named
Lakhpat.
Lakhpat is a fortified town with high walls, several gates and bastions
made out of hard stone. After a short period of prosperity, Lakhpat lost
its maritime significance in 1851 AD, when the Sindhu River changed its
course. Once a thriving town with population of 15,000, it is today a
deserted town with only few families living here.
Tomb of Gosh Mohammad: 
Gosh
Muhammad was a famous saint revered equally by Hindus and Muslims. A
beautiful tomb was constructed using local hard black stone, after his
death in 1855 AD. It is an octagonal, domed structure with four entrances.
The corner pilasters, foliated arches on each side, door jambs and niches
are exquisitely carved using floral motifs and the tree of life. Inner
walls are decorated with verses from the Koran using beautiful
calligraphy.
Gurdwara: It is one of the sacred places associated with life of
Guru Nanak Sahib, the founder of the Sikh religion, as it is believed that
he embarked for Haj to Mecca from Lakhpat. The Gurudwara here was
constructed to commemorate this event, and it is visited by Sikhs
throughout the year.
Other interesting structures at Lakhpat are the mosque, a structure for
keeping 'Tajia' (a Muslim religious float) and number of Hindu temples.
Kalyaneshwar Temple: The Kalyaneshwar temple is
situated close to the Koteshwar temple at the edge of a sacred square
'kund'. The 'kund' gets filled up during high tide. Hindus bathe here and
perform 'shraddh' (ritual ceremony after the death of ancestors).
Narayan Sarovar: (49 kms from Lakhpat) Narayan Sarovar is one of
the five holy lakes of India, the other four being Mansarovar in Tibet,
Pushkar in Rajasthan, Pampa in south India and Bindu Sarovar in Siddhapur.
It is located 2 km away from Koteshwar on Kori Creek. This lake finds
mention in the chronicles of Alexander, the Great. In 1550 AD, the temple
priest constructed the embankments and ghats on all three sides of the
lake except on east.
He also constructed separate compartments for bathing, using carved stone
jails. The wife of Rao Desalji, Vagheli Mahakunwarba, constructed the
Laxmi Narayan temple and Trikamrai temple in 1734 AD to put the Narayan
Sarovar at par with Dwarka. She donated several vilages for the upkeep of
the temples.
Other temples at Narayan Sarovar are Adi Narayan, Goverdhannath,
Dwarkanath and Lakshmiji.
Koteshwar: (52 km from Lakhpat) Koteshwar is a famous place of
pilgrimage located at the farthest tip of western India at the Kori Creek.
A pilgrimage to Koteshwar and Narayan Sarovar is considered a must for any
devout Hindu.
The Chinese traveller Hieu-en-Tsing (640 AD) described the town as a
flourishing port, 5 miles in circumference, at the mouth of the Sindhu
River. It had 80 monasteries and 5000 monks, out of which nothing survives
today. The present day Koteshwar is a fortified town with high wall and
gates.
The inscription shows that the present fortification and temple were
renovated in 1820 AD by rich merchants- Jetha Sivji and Sheth Sundarji.
The Koteshwar Temple complex is dedicated to Shiva. The white painted high
wall at the seashore, the high Shikhara with saffron flags and series of
domes make a perfect location for a Shiva temple. Within the temple there
are images of Hanuman, Ganesha Revati, Parvati and Swayambhu Shiva Linga.
How To Get There
Air: Nearest airport is Bhuj (151
kms).
Rail: Nearest railway station is Gandhidham (210 kms).
Road: Ahmedabad (547 kms), Rajkot (369 kms) are connected by
road.
Local Transport: non-metered auto rickshaws only at Narayan
Sarovar.
Accommodation is available in dharamshalas at Narayan
Sarovar only.
Note: A visit to Lakhpat is recommended only to the adventurous
traveller, as there are no proper facilities for food and accommodation.
Tourists should arrange their own private transport as the state Transport
bus frequency is very low.