PM Modi inaugurates revamped temple destroyed in 15th century Gujarat ruler

The temple is being run by a trust headed by Gujarat BJP treasurer and senior leader Surendra Patel.

Asserting that India is now witnessing “cultural independence that started with Sardar Patel renovating Somnath temple” after Independence, PM Modi on Saturday unfurled a flag after inaugurating a revamped Mahakali temple which was apparently destroyed by 15th century Gujarat ruler Mahmud Begda. 

“For five centuries and 75 years of Independence, there was no dhwaja atop Mahakali temple. Today, the flag once again unfurls on the temple. This flag is not only a symbol of our faith and spirituality but it shows that centuries change, eras go by, but our faith remains eternal and strong,” Mr. Modi said addressing a small gathering on the Pavagadh hill in central Gujarat. 

The 11th century temple has been redeveloped with new spire and flag a top after a dargah or a shrine which stood atop the temple for nearly 500 years, was shifted with the consent of its caretakers. 

The temple is being run by a trust headed by Gujarat BJP treasurer and senior leader Surendra Patel. The temple trust on Saturday issued an advertisement in local media which says “After being destroyed by Mohmad Begda 500 years ago the temple atop and Dhwaja will be restored today.” 

As per the details, the temple is said to have been destroyed by 15th century Gujarat ruler Sultan Mahmud Begda (1458 to 1511), who had set up his capital in Champaner near Pavagadh after defeating the Rajput rulers. Begda was the most prominent ruler of Gujarat Sultanate and had earned title Begda, after conquering two main forts of Gujarat: Junagadh and Pavagadh. 

It is said that during Begda’s reign; a shrine or Sadanshah Pir Dargah was built after the spire of the temple was destroyed. Now, the shrine has been shifted “amicably” paving the way for redevelopment of the temple with a spire and flag atop.