Porbandar Tourist Places – A Day In The City

I also found that Porbandar was situated just between the two cities. The moment I saw it, all my history lessons came rushing to me. "It would not hurt to see the birthplace of the Mahatma," I thought to myself. And that is how Porbandar got added to the list.

After having travelled Somnath, I found myself at the bus station to board a bus to Porbandar. The bus made its way to the small and dusty lanes of Porbandar. My joy knew no bounds when the destination was reached. With plenty of stay options right next to the bus stand, I quickly checked into one and set out to explore Porbandar. I could not wait to tick these places off my list, but not before munching on sumptuous delicacies— Dhokla and Pathrode.

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Heritage buildings of Porbandar

Porbandar has the best of both worlds — it is neither a town nor a big city. Its roads are still dusty; the heritage buildings give a historical feel; the narrow market lanes beckon you; there are autos to take you around; the crowd is always buzzing around; every corner of the street smells of Gujarati snacks; the tobacco-chewing uncle cannot converse with you without spitting right next to you, and the best part of the city is that it can mostly be explored on foot.

The story of Sudama is not unknown. It is a popular tale that finds mention in the Bhagavata Purana. Sudama and Krishna were childhood friends; however, they went their separate ways as they grew up. In the later years, Sudama struggled with his poverty while Krishna was, as we all know, a part of the royal family.

A popular anecdote thus goes—One day Sudama's wife urged him to meet Krishna and request him (Krishna) to alleviate their poverty. Sudama hesitantly leaves for Dwarka to meet Krishna. He only has a fistful of beaten rice tied in a cloth as a gift to him. He reaches Dwarka and meets his friend. Krishna is joyful about seeing his childhood friend. He treats Sudama with the best of his hospitality. He then asks Sudama, "What gift do you have for your friend?" Sudama hesitantly hands over the 'potli' of beaten rice to Krishna, especially after being bestowed upon with all the riches and delicacies. However, Krishna stuffs himself with the beaten rice in great humility.

Sudama is so overwhelmed by the love that he does not ask for anything else. He leaves the place with contentment. But when he reaches his home, lo and behold — His poverty has vanished away! There is a grand palace in place of his home, filled with all sorts of riches.

Krishna's hospitality towards Sudama

Porbandar is where Sudama was born, and Lord Krishna grew up as a kid. This small temple is thus dedicated to Sudama. It mesmerizes you with symmetrical arches and pillars. There is also a unique maze-like structure constructed in the temple, and it is believed that if you walk through the maze, your sins will be washed away.

Walk out of the side gate of Sudama temple, and soon after having passed the houses, you will come to Sartanji Choro. Not even Google Maps can get you here!

Sartanji Choro is a music hall and was built by Raja Rana Sartanji in 1813 AD. Built like many palaces found around Gujarat, this music hall also is carved very intricately. The pillars depict musicians playing various instruments. There are floral motifs all around. The hall has been constructed with features that enhance its acoustic sounds. The inside has a sitting area which is made up of wooden pillars and a wooden ceiling. The wood absorbs noise and enhances the sound. Around the performance stage, there is a moat-like structure that is filled with water for better acoustics. It also keeps the hall cool. Sadly, photography is strictly prohibited here.