To preserve their identity the Nagars formulated a certain code of conduct as early as in 347 A.D. this code was recorded in the Chapters 198 to 201 of the “ Nagar Khand” of the Skand Puran. It admonishes Nagars to preserve their religion (i.e the worship of shiv and shakti) and practice good conduct and justice. It forbids inter caste marriages and interdining. Certain day to day practices are prescribed and 48 rituals or sanskaras laid down. Vadnagar was invaded several times and Nagars had to flee and seek refuge at various places. Wherever, they went, they strictly observed their code and zealously guarded their identity.
According to one legend a Nagar is associated with the Muslim invasion of Gujarat, The last Rajput king, Karan Ghela had a Nagar minister by the name of Madhav who was a brave soldier, an able statesman and astute diplomat. Once when he was away from home on state business, the king cast his covetous eyes on the minister’s wife. Madhav’s brother Keshav tried to defend the honour of his sister-in- lay, but was killed in the skirmish that followed. On his return, Madhav was so enraged and bitter at what he learnt that he went to Delhi to seek the help of Allauddin Khilji to avenge himself. Not only did Allauddin overcome Karan Ghela in battle, he also abducted his wife Kamladevi and daughter and converted them to islam, This legend is strongly refuted by a number of scholars.
The fourteenth day of the bright half of Chitra (April) is devoted to the worship of Lord Hatkshwar- it is called Hatkeshwar Jayanti. Wherever ther is a sizeable Nagar population, the deity is taken out in procession in the evening. The procession is called Palakhi no Varghodo and at its conclusion there is a sumptuous feast: Patotsav or bhandaro.
Mahashivratri, on the fourteenth day of dark half of the month of Magha (February) is another important festival. The devout fast for the entire day and offer bilva leaves to the Ling. During Navaratri in Ashvina (October), the Nagars worship Shakti. Some families invoke th Mother Goddess and perform puja for all the nine nights. It is a time of festivity in the entire locality. In the evening, women gather in the courtyards and perform garbas. Apart from this autumn navaratri, Nagars also sometimes observe a similar nine-day ritual during the months of Magha, Chaitra and Ashadha.
According to one legend a Nagar is associated with the Muslim invasion of Gujarat, The last Rajput king, Karan Ghela had a Nagar minister by the name of Madhav who was a brave soldier, an able statesman and astute diplomat. Once when he was away from home on state business, the king cast his covetous eyes on the minister’s wife. Madhav’s brother Keshav tried to defend the honour of his sister-in- lay, but was killed in the skirmish that followed. On his return, Madhav was so enraged and bitter at what he learnt that he went to Delhi to seek the help of Allauddin Khilji to avenge himself. Not only did Allauddin overcome Karan Ghela in battle, he also abducted his wife Kamladevi and daughter and converted them to islam, This legend is strongly refuted by a number of scholars.
The fourteenth day of the bright half of Chitra (April) is devoted to the worship of Lord Hatkshwar- it is called Hatkeshwar Jayanti. Wherever ther is a sizeable Nagar population, the deity is taken out in procession in the evening. The procession is called Palakhi no Varghodo and at its conclusion there is a sumptuous feast: Patotsav or bhandaro.
Mahashivratri, on the fourteenth day of dark half of the month of Magha (February) is another important festival. The devout fast for the entire day and offer bilva leaves to the Ling. During Navaratri in Ashvina (October), the Nagars worship Shakti. Some families invoke th Mother Goddess and perform puja for all the nine nights. It is a time of festivity in the entire locality. In the evening, women gather in the courtyards and perform garbas. Apart from this autumn navaratri, Nagars also sometimes observe a similar nine-day ritual during the months of Magha, Chaitra and Ashadha.
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