Tarapur, Gujarat


Tarapur is a town in Tarapur Taluka in Anand district in the State of Gujarat, India. It is located on the Baroda – Rajkot Highway. It is the administrative seat for the taluka, a major trading centre of the Bhal region and gateway to the Charotar region.

Demographics

Tarapur is a multi-religious town with a population of roughly 35,000. The economy is based on farming, trade, and services. Major crops are wheat, rice, chickpeas, and millet. Some of the neighbourhoods are almost empty because people have migrated to Indian cities or abroad for work in businesses and professional fields.

History

Tarapur was established in 1215 by Dharmadas from Adalaj. King Jayarajsing defeated Mahamad Khalji of Delhi. A warrior and farmer named Dharmadas and his five brothers and other relatives were a great help in defeating Khalji, so the king rewarded him with of land at the border of his kingdom. They were to protect the border and farm the land. They build seven homes and started living in the centre, and divided the land equally.

Swaminarayan Temple

Swaminarayan temple is situated at Nani Bhagol. This temple was built by Sadhu Balramdas whose guru Anandswami was one of the main saint of Swaminarayan and was his confidant Saint. Swaminarayan had told him of akhsar swarup of Gunatitanand swami.
Sadhu Balramdas was looking for a tree to make main beam for Mandir. One local haribhakta suggested a good Mahudo tree in Barot's farm, which will be perfect for Mandir beam. When Barot did not give Mahudo, Balramdas said, "We will pray for the tree to Swaminarayan and you will be blessed with son, please give Mandir that tree."
Barot gave the tree and he had son which was known as Mahudio.
Sadhu Balramdas installed murti of Swaminarayan on hindola with his two nephew, acharya of both Vadtal and Ahmedabad standing on side of hindola. There are names beside both acharya but no description of Swaminarayan. The murti is a fine painting with gold leaf and beautiful colours on board. This murti was given by last Kothari of temple Bhaktakishor Brahmbhatt in 2015 to his nephew Mahendra Barot when the temple was rebuilt with new murti.