The Shamlaji Temple is a very famous and worshipped temple which stands on the banks of the river Meshwo, in veneration of Lord Vishnu. A number of devotees gather during the month of November to be a part of this great cultural spectacle called Shamlaji fair that lasts for about three weeks.

Devotees are seen coming on foot, on camel and other means singing and dancing to participate in this fair. Many people are seen carrying flags, banners with their sacred symbols on them. During the Fair one of the main attractions of the devotees lies in taking sacred bathe in the river Meshwo, on the banks of which Shamlaji Temple is situated. They also offer prayers to the deity.

Around 2 lakh tourists attend the fair, especially from Gujarat and Rajasthan. The Fair is extremely significant for the Bhils community among the Adiwasis, as they are faithfully dedicated to Lord Shamlaji who they lovingly refer to as Kaliyo Dev (Dark Divinity).

Shamlaji temple:

The temple of Shamlaji is situated on the banks of river Meshwo and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Sakshi Gopal or Gadadhar is a black representation of Lord Vishnu, worshipped in this shrine. The river Meshwo is seen splashing water and waving through the valley just below the temple. During the fair and otherwise the waters of the river Meshwo is considered very holy as numbers of devotees take a dip whenever they come here.

The shrine of Shamlaji is believed to be about 500 yrs old and is beautifully crafted. The complete temple is a two stories building that has episodes and teachings of Mahabharata engraved on the outer walls.

Shamlaji:

The Shamlaji Fair is held at Shamlaji in the district of Sabarkantha. The district is located near the border between Rajasthan and Gujarat. The town is located 122 Kms from Ahmedabad.

Time of celebration:

The Shamlaji fair is a very important and widely celebrated fair in the state of Gujarat. It is observed in the month of November and lasts for about three weeks. According to the Hindu calendar, it falls in the month of kartik. Kartik Purnima (Full moon night) is the most important day for the fair.

Dates in Upcoming Years:

29thOctomber to 02ndNovember 2009 (Thu-Mon)

13th to 21stNovember 2010 (Wed-Sun)

06th to 10thNovember 2011 (Sun-Thu)

24th to 28thNovember 2012 (Sat-Wed)

13th to 17thNovember 2013 (Wed-Sun)