The city of Thane is situated on the western banks of Thane creek with Parsik hills on the east and Yeoor hills on the west. The city was then know as Shreesthanak. It was more popularly known as the Capital of the Shilahar dynasty. The history of Thane city can be broadly categorized into 5 eras.

‘Aparant’ is the ancient name of the geographical area hosting Thane city. During the Indian expedition of the Greek Emperor Alexander, a number of philosophers, historians and geographists visited India. Among them a Greek historian ‘Tolemi’ has mentioned about the city of Thane in his writings. A famous sailor named Marcopolo had also visited Thane in 1290 ‘A.D. and noted it to be one of the best cities in the world. A place called | ‘Ghodbunder was famous for horse trading thus deriving its name from the word ghoda i.e. horse and bunder meaning port.

During this period a fabric called ‘Tansi’ was exported from Thane. During the period from 13 A.D. to 17 A.D., the Muslims, Portuguese, Marathas, & the British dynasties ruled Thane. From 810A.D. to 1260A.D. the Shilahar Dynasty ruled over Thane. The Emperors of Shilahar dynasty were disciples of Lord Shiva and the Kopineshwar Temple has been built during their reign. During this period, At this time the Shilahars also divided the city into different sections and named them as ‘padas’. it is seen that these padas exist even today by names of Naupada, Patlipada, Agripada etc.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Janka Devi Temple, Vartak Nagar



Jankadevi temple is a 400-year-old shrine believed to be built during the rule of the Shilahar dynasty in Thane. Destroyed by Portuguese rulers, temple then was rebuilt by local residents. Temple had sheltered saint Ramdas. This temple is near the little flower school at vartak nagar. Also an Old Portuguese church is situated near it. There are many dogs and hens around and they come near you for food.  
Click here to know more 

4 comments:

  1. Where can I learn more about the temple and Mata Janka Devi??

    ReplyDelete
  2. Absolutely serene, radiant temple.

    Huge interior. Plush and clean.

    Diety at a lower level.

    Captivating, hynotic features

    Very holy, vibrant silence.

    Om

    ReplyDelete
  3. There is also a bhuikot / gadhi near the temple. Only walls left of the kot and heard from locals that old statues of God / goddess were lying there upto 1990's.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Are you talking about that old Church??

      Delete