Bhadran, Gujarat

Bhadran is a village in the state of Gujarat, in far western India. It is in the Anand district. Bhadran was nicknamed the "Paris of Gaekwad state" due to its prosperity and civil works carried out by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the visionary ruler of Baroda. It has been called the greatest village in India by Vallabhbhai Patel. Years ago in Padampur, nearly two kilometres away (1.2 miles) from Bhadran town, there used to live two very strong brothers named Bhadrasur and Aghasur. The majority of the people here were very cruel. They defeated Devas with a power graced by Mahadevji. Agonized Devas prayed to the mighty goddess Uma and two Shakties named Bhadrakali and Ambaji, were created. Bhadrakali and Ambaji killed Bhdrasur and Aghasur respectively so Devas established temples of both Matajis. In due course Padampur was destroyed. In Samvat 1232 (1176 AC) on Sunday the sudi 11(before full moon) of month Vaishakh Bhadrapur, later known as Bhadrn and finally as the time passed, today's Bhadran, was officially formed. Patidar community are the main population. According to the data for the family tree of the Patels of the seven towns, published in 1925 CE, the first Patel, named Ananda, came from Anklav in Samvat 1415 (1359 AD) and lived here. Gradually his generations, as new Patels, used to live and settle with them. From the eleventh generation of four brothers, eldest and the second number named Revandas and Dhanjibhai, respectively, started to live in a section called Moti Khadki. Third and fourth numbers named Harkhjibhai and Manjibhai, in another section called Nani Khadki. Together with the above, now, Bhadran is flourishing with the influx of all different communities with new Patels from different places. Bhadran is located at 22° 21′ 33.48′′ N, 72° 54′ 1.8′′ E. The total area of Bhadran is around . The village is located on the fertile plains of Mahi river, north of mouth of Mahi river where it meets Gulf of Khambhat. There are three main seasons: Summer, Monsoon and Winter. Aside from the monsoon season, the climate is dry.