Jamnagar: The story of a Goddess, a broken oath and a punishment

Jamnagar is a city in the state of Gujarat, India, known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. It is also the site of a fascinating legend that involves a goddess, a broken oath, and a punishment that changed the fate of a dynasty.

The legend dates back to the 16th century, when Jamnagar was founded by Jam Rawal, a ruler of the Jadeja clan. Jam Rawal was the son of Jam Lakhaji, who was killed by his cousins, Tamachi Deda and Hamirji Jadeja, in a conspiracy. Jam Rawal escaped and vowed to avenge his father’s death.

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Jam Rawal was a devotee of the goddess Ashapura, who is considered to be the patron deity of the Jadeja clan. Ashapura is believed to be the incarnation of Durga, the supreme goddess of power and victory. She is also the kuldevi, or the clan goddess, of many other communities in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Jam Rawal sought the blessings of Ashapura before embarking on his mission of revenge. He swore an oath on her name that he would not kill Hamirji, who was his maternal uncle, but only Tamachi, who was the mastermind of the plot. Ashapura granted him her protection and guidance.

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Jam Rawal gathered his forces and attacked his enemies. He killed Tamachi and conquered his territory of Dhrol. He then proceeded to chase Hamirji, who fled to Kutch, a neighboring region. Jam Rawal followed him and laid siege to his fort.

However, Jam Rawal could not resist the temptation of killing Hamirji, who had also participated in his father’s murder. He broke his oath and shot an arrow at Hamirji, who died on the spot. Jam Rawal felt a surge of satisfaction, but also a pang of guilt.

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That night, Jam Rawal had a dream. He saw the goddess Ashapura, who was angry with him for breaking his oath. She told him that he had dishonored her name and violated her trust. She said that he was no longer worthy of living in Kutch, which was her sacred land. She ordered him to leave Kutch and cross the sea to settle in Kathiawar, a peninsula in the south of Gujarat.

Jam Rawal woke up from the dream and realized his mistake. He regretted his impulsive action and begged for the goddess’s forgiveness. He decided to obey her command and leave Kutch. He gathered his followers and marched towards Kathiawar.

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On his way to Kathiawar, Jam Rawal came across a land that was rich in natural resources and scenic beauty. He was impressed by the courage of a hare that attacked his hunting dogs. He thought that if the land could produce such brave hares, it would also produce brave men. He decided to make this land his new capital.

He named his capital Nawanagar, which means “the new city”. He built a fort and a palace on the banks of two rivers, Rangmati and Nagmati. He also established a temple for the goddess Ashapura, who he hoped would forgive him and bless him. He ruled his kingdom with justice and wisdom.

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Nawanagar eventually came to be known as Jamnagar, which means “the city of Jam”. It became one of the most important and prosperous princely states of Gujarat. Jam Rawal and his descendants expanded their territory and influence over the centuries. They also patronized art, culture, education, and religion. Jamnagar is still home to many historical and cultural monuments, such as the Lakhota Lake and Museum, the Marine National Park, and the Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary.

The legend of Jam Rawal and the goddess Ashapura is a part of the folklore and identity of Jamnagar. It is a story of a ruler’s ambition, betrayal, remorse, and redemption. It is also a story of a goddess’s wrath, mercy, and grace. It is a story that reflects the spirit and heritage of Jamnagar.

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The Ambanis are one of the most influential and wealthy families in India, with a business empire that spans across sectors such as energy, telecom, retail, and media. Both Dhirubai Ambani and his son Mukesh Ambani have had significant entrepreneurial ventures in Jamnagar, with Nita Ambani spearheading the Jamnagar Township project in the 90s. Jamnagar is also the birthplace of Ambani family matriarch Kokilaben Ambani, and the home of their 750-acre property, Reliance Greens. Jamnagar holds a special significance for the Ambanis, as they have celebrated many of their family occasions there, such as the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, recently. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Wed in India’ call, Anant Ambani chose Jamnagar as his wedding venue, saying that it is his grandmother’s janmbhoomi and his grandfather and father’s karmbhoomi.

Image: Times of India

Jamnagar has the only existing solarium in the world, which is a device that uses sunlight to treat various diseases. The solarium was built in 1933 by Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji, the ruler of Jamnagar, who was interested in alternative medicine. The solarium is still functional and attracts many visitors who want to experience its healing benefits.

Another lesser known fact about Jamnagar is that it has a strong connection with Poland, as it provided shelter to thousands of Polish refugees during World War II. Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji welcomed the Polish orphans and gave them land, education, and facilities to live in Jamnagar.

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