Broach
Broach or Baru Katchha or Bhrigu-pura or Bhrigu Kshetra or Bhrigu Katchha (has various names) is situated on
the banks of river Narmada near the river’s confluence with the Sea. This town is of great antiquity. It is a sacred Hindu ‘Tirth’ and also an important port. In the Periplus, the town and the harbour of Broach has been referred to as Barugaza, while Plotemy refers to it as Barygaza. Kurmapurana refers to Broach as the best ‘Tirth’, where Sage Bhrigu propitiated the GODS by his penace. The hill on which the existing town is located was the first place where Goddess Lakshmi constructed a town for herself,
called Srinagar. In due
course, the place became deserted and jungles grew up. These jungles were in possession of Hadimba. Sage Bhrigu made an, ‘Ashram’ here and soon it became very popular leading to over-population. Hence, the Sage constructed the famous city of Broach.
River Narmada is one of the religious rivers of India also known as River Rewa. It rises in the Maikal Mountains and is therefore also called Makela Suta or the daughter of Mount Maikal. At Rewa, she starts from Amarkantak, passes through the mountain ranges of Vindhyas and the Satpuras, and finally enters Gujarat. The river has a course of 800 miles. The river flows through steep mountains and dense jungles. It is also known as Rudra Kanya, as she is considered to be the daughter of Lord Shiva or Rudra. Lord Shiva is Rudra when he is angry and Shankar or ‘Giver of Happiness’ when in a good mood. The same is reflected in the course of the river. She is awe-inspiring during her few 100 miles and when it comes to the plains, it becomes peaceful, benevolent and tranquilizing.
Unlike the River Ganges, which is sacred at Kanakhal and River Saraswati at Kurukshetra, River Narmada is considered sacred everywhere, even in the forest and the village. The Narmada is also called ‘Pitris’. A pilgrimage of the river from the point it meets the Sea to her source and back again is believed to be very rewarding. This pilgrimage or ‘Parikrama’ takes about a year.
Since ancient times, Broach was known for its Maritime activities. India had a very large trade with Babylon at least from the 2nd Millennium B.C. All import and export trade of India, on this way, was centered at this port by the 1st Century A.D. Even Kabul traded with Broach during this period. The city of Broach has been frequently referred to in Buddhist Jatakas, Puranas and in the writings of Greek and Roman writers. It was one of the three famous harbours on the west coast of India.
Apart from its religious and maritime significance, Broach also has a historical past. It has been ruled by many Empires. They are, Ashoka (as a part of the Lata Country), Kshatrapa, Andhra rulers, Guptas, Varahamihira. In the 7th Century, Broach was attacked by the Arabs. Later, Solanki’s of Anhilwad annexed it to Gujarat. In 1300 A.D. it was under the Muslims and later the Britishers captured it in 1772 A.D. Its fortification was done by Siddhraj Jai Singh and later strengthened by Bahadur Shah.
Today in Broach, there remains practically nothing except its importance as a place of pilgrimage, which will be forever.