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CHAPTER IX
ACHALAGADH
Achalagadha is now a small village, situated at a distance of about 43 miles north-eastwards from Delvādā, and about a mile and a half from Oriyā noted above. It is connected with Delvāļā by a metal road on which runs a regular Bus-service. Bullock-carts are also available for the journey; it would be a pleasant walk by small slopes and ascents if one starts before daybreak from Delvāļā. As noted above, a water-shed is maintained on the spot where the road to Orivā bifurcates from this main road. From here to Achalagadh shrines, the road as well as the flight of steps from the foot of the hill leading to the Achalagadh Fort are built by the managing body of the Jaina shrines at Achalagadh which has made it very convenient for pilgrims to reach the Jaina shrines on the hill.
The village of Achalagadh is situated on a small hill with a fortification also known as Achala-gadh. Originally the place was well populated.
At the foot of the hill, on the right of the bus-stand, i. e., in the western direction, there is a big shrine of Shāntinātha on a small mound, while on our left, i.e. in the eastern direction, is a temple of Sāraneshvara Mahādeva. Next to it is the famous ancient shrine of Achaleshvara Mahādeva, a very wide compound with several smaller shrines in it. On one side of the Achaleshvara area is a big Mandākini-kunda, (a big tank with flights of steps all round, and shrines on the banks ) and the Gupbā (cell) of Bhartshari, situated a few yards away from the kuņda,
On the back of the Achateshvara shrine is an old stepwell with a small garden, as part of the shrine area, while
