Hira Gate Dabhoi
A magnificent eastern gateway of Dabhoi fort, Hira Gate boasts exquisite Solanki-era carvings and captivating local legends.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Softer light for photos
Hira Gate Dabhoi
Best Time
Softer light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent eastern gateway of Dabhoi fort, Hira Gate boasts exquisite Solanki-era carvings and captivating local legends.
"JUST VISIT TO BELIEVE AND GET ENTHRALLED BY CARVINGS."
🚗 Street Parking Available
Parking is available on the street near the gate.
🧐 Look for Unique Carvings
Seek out the 'indecent' stone carving tucked away in the garden for a unique find.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Hira-Gate
Eastern Gateway of Dabhoi Fort
Exquisitely carved eastern gateway of Dabhoi fort, showcasing remarkable Solanki era structures and sculptures.
Vaijnath Temple Ruins
Southern side of Hira Gate
Explore the remnants of the medieval Vaijnath temple, offering a glimpse into the site's ancient past.
Architect Hiradhar's Legacy
Near Hira Gate
Discover the stories and potential unbuilt structures related to architect Hiradhar, adding a layer of local legend.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Carvings
Restoration & Information
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Street Parking Available
Parking is available on the street near the gate.
🧐 Look for Unique Carvings
Seek out the 'indecent' stone carving tucked away in the garden for a unique find.
🐍 Garden Wildlife
Be aware of the black cobra reportedly residing in the garden surrounding the gate.
🚶♂️ Explore Nearby Gates
Dabhoi has four main gates; explore others for a fuller historical perspective.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Street Parking Available
Parking is available on the street near the gate.
🧐 Look for Unique Carvings
Seek out the 'indecent' stone carving tucked away in the garden for a unique find.
🐍 Garden Wildlife
Be aware of the black cobra reportedly residing in the garden surrounding the gate.
🚶♂️ Explore Nearby Gates
Dabhoi has four main gates; explore others for a fuller historical perspective.
📸 Capture the Details
The intricate carvings are a highlight; take your time to photograph them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Hira Gate to be a historically significant and beautifully carved monument, particularly appreciating its intricate Solanki-era sculptures. While the lack of an entry fee is a plus, some reviewers note that the site could benefit from better restoration and more informative signage. Concerns about cleanliness in surrounding areas and the presence of wildlife in the garden are also mentioned.
"Nice place, needs good restoration.
Details of the place can be put on a board .
There is no entry ticket.
There is only one temple you can visit.
You have to park on street."
Unmesh Ronghe
"Hira Bhagol is highly renovated eastern gateway of Dabhoi fort. It underwent major restoration during Maratha period but still many Solanki era structures and sculptures are notable. It bears an inscription of Vaghela king Visaldev. Filth is issue in Dabhoi but gateways are clean. The ruins of medieval Vaijnath temple are seen on the southern side of gate."
Jaimin Patel
"From Vadodari Gate or Bhagol, our next destination was Hira Gate, most exquisitely designed and decorated of all 4 gates.
Let's review it's history in nutshell. Said to be built in one night ie in those times,one night equal to six months. So still a marathon job.
Secondly Hira, engineer,was captivated by King in this same gate at a specific place which is mentioned in my photos and a local guide can show you on your visit both this place and unbuilt kaman for which he was released. Stories say his beloved fed him through straw and an opening food for six months. Later when King released him to complete the last kaman, he just collapsed due to such long captivity ,we must presume. However these facts remain gate and Tentalav nearby.
Having visited many historical places at Gujarat, the idols and figures are all together different. So this is an entirely different man's ideas and imagination that's transformed into many exemplary beauties at Dabhoi.
JUST VISIT TO BELIEVE AND GET ENTHRALLED BY CARVINGS.
Photos have more to tell.
ASI and locals play an important role in preservation of this place.
Enjoy."
Hiten Rathod
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hira Gate is located in Dabhoi, Gujarat. It's accessible by road, and you can park on the street nearby. Many visitors arrive from Vadodara, which is a short drive away.
Yes, Hira Gate is a prominent landmark and the eastern gateway of the Dabhoi fort, making it relatively easy to locate within the town.
You can reach Dabhoi from Vadodara by car or taxi, which is a convenient option. Public transport like buses is also available.
Hira Gate is the eastern gateway of the Dabhoi fort. If you're in Dabhoi, ask for directions to the fort's eastern gate or Hira Bhagol.
Yes, public buses operate to Dabhoi from surrounding cities like Vadodara, making it accessible via public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry ticket required to visit Hira Gate.
Hira Gate is an open historical monument. It's best visited during daylight hours to appreciate the carvings.
No advance booking is necessary as there is no entry fee. You can visit anytime during daylight.
Generally, there are no major restrictions, but it's advisable to respect the historical site and avoid littering.
Hira Gate has undergone restoration, and while generally clean, some areas might benefit from further upkeep.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire gate is a photographic marvel, especially the intricately carved facades. The southern side offers views of the Vaijnath temple ruins.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Hira Gate. Capture the detailed sculptures and architectural elements.
Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light, enhancing the textures of the stone carvings and reducing harsh shadows.
Look for the unique stone carvings, including the 'indecent' one mentioned by visitors, and the architectural details of the gateway.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules before flying a drone near historical monuments.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Hira Gate is the eastern gateway of the Dabhoi fort, known for its exquisite carvings. It was renovated during the Maratha period, but retains Solanki era structures. It's named after architect Hiradhar, with local legends about its construction.
The gate is attributed to architect Hiradhar, with significant portions dating back to the Solanki era and later renovations during the Maratha period.
Hira Gate is renowned for its intricate Solanki-era sculptures and carvings, considered one of the most exquisitely designed gates of the Dabhoi fort.
Yes, Dabhoi fort has four main gates in the cardinal directions, and Hira Gate is the eastern one.
The gate is named after its architect, Hiradhar. Local legends speak of his punishment and the unique circumstances of the gate's construction.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the surrounding environment; while the gate itself is clean, nearby areas might not be. Keep an eye on children, especially near the Vaijnath temple ruins and the garden where a cobra has been reported.
🏛️ History Buffs
Don't miss the ruins of the Vaijnath temple on the southern side, offering further historical context. Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the gate's construction, historical significance, and the captivating stories associated with it.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Hiradhar and Hira Gate
One compelling tale suggests that Hiradhar's beloved fed him through a straw for six months while he was imprisoned, allowing him to continue his work. This narrative highlights the dedication and ingenuity associated with the monument's creation. The nearby Ten-Talav lake is also said to have been built by Hiradhar in memory of his wife, Ten. These stories add a rich human element to the historical significance of Hira Gate.
While the historical accuracy of these legends is debated, they are an integral part of the local culture and add a unique dimension to any visit. Visitors are often encouraged to listen to these tales from local guides to fully appreciate the gate's mystique.
Architectural Significance and Restoration
Despite renovations, the gate retains much of its historical character. It bears an inscription of the Vaghela king Visaldev, further cementing its historical importance. The intricate details on the gateway are a primary draw for visitors, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship of medieval India.
While the gateways themselves are generally kept clean, the surrounding areas can sometimes face issues with filth, a common concern in some parts of Dabhoi. However, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and local communities play a crucial role in the preservation of this significant historical site.
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