Rise and Glory History of Halari Visa Oshwals

Author(s): Rati Dodhia
Publisher: Rati Dodhia

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Part III. Settlement in Halar
Jam Rawal accepted the advice of the goddess Ashapura. Next morning he told all his relatives, army commanders and leaders of his subjects about his decision of leaving Cutchh and gave them a choice either to join him in building a new kingdom in a new land or to stay behind.
For people who decided to go with Jam Rawal it was a very difficult and emotional decision to leave motherland, relatives, and friends behind and to settle down in a completely strange land. And on the other side if they stayed they were afraid of all the death and destruction, which could happen if Rao Khengarji decided to take revenge. People had faith and confidence in Jam Rawal and in his strength and power to protect them.
In Vikram Samvat 1575 on the fixed day of the departure Jam Rawal left with eighty thousand people including his relatives, army commanders, lords, statesmen and ordinary subjects. Among them there were approximately five thousand members of the Oshwals. An army of one hundred thousand soldiers accompanied him. There were also many horses, elephants, cattle and bullock carts.
The legend is that after passing through a different region of Cutchh, they came to the sea (Strait of Cutchh). The sea was rough and with such a big contingent the king became concerned for their safety and stopped there and started praying to the family deity the goddess Ashapura for guidance. The goddess Ashapura realized the problem the king was facing. She took the form of a black sparrow and sat on the top of king's spear. Immediately due to the divine power of the goddess the sea parted and the king and his whole contingent crossed the sea safely. From there they went to the temple of Lord Shiva (Jadeshvar temple) near the city of Vankaner. There the king paid homage to Lord Shiva. With the Lord's blessings the king entered the land of Halar.