My Heritage Chronicles

Borivali Sanjay Gandhi National park, a protected area is one of the most visited national park within the metropolitan city limits of Mumbai. It covers an area of 103 sq kms. Apart from its rich flora and fauna, the area of national park lies on an important route which connected the two ancient port towns of Sopara and Kalyan. These ancient ports had trading relations with older cities of the world like Greece and Mesopotamia. The history of National park dates back to 1st century BCE when Buddhist monks chiselled out massive basaltic rocks to create the world famous Buddhist learning and pilgrimage site of Kanheri. Over 109 caves were carved filled with sculptures, carvings, paintings and inscriptions between 1st century to 9th century BCE. The forested areas of the national park were first inhabited by the monks who stayed at the monasteries of Kanheri. But in modern times there are quite a large tribal populations who have been staying inside or on the fringes of national p

Some 60 kms to the east of Mumbai lies a satellite suburb of Ambernath, The name Ambernath literally means The Lord of the Sky. To many it's just a stop on the way to Karjat but some 2 kms from the station on the banks of Vadavan (Waldhuni) river lies a 11th century masterpiece - Ambreshwar Shivalaya.  History: Shivalaya also known locally as "Puratana Shivalaya" is said to be built in 1060 AD by Shilahara King Chhittaraja and completed / rebuilt by his son Mummuni. This is mentioned in the inscription engraved on the northern porch lintel of the temple. Historical records shows that this is the oldest existing temple built in Bhumija style of architecture which is popular in temples of western India, Northern Deccan and Malwa regions of India. If one has to believe in legendary tales than the temple was built by Pandavas from a single mass of stone in one single night.  Local excavations shows that Ambernath was populated as early as 200 BC and was kn