While visiting fort of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, we will come across Gopachal parvat known rock-cut Jain monuments.Here we can find group of Jain sculptured statues, around the wall of Gwalior fort. Thus during fort sightseeing visit, we can explore this artistic site. Here artists have tried to depict Trithankaras in Padmasana posture, standing position. This work is mainly from 7th and 15th century. Majority of scultured work was carried out during 15th century, during the rule of Tomar kings. They gave shelter and security of Jain community and thus artists expressed their creative imagination in the form of sculptured art on walls of Gwalior fort hills that sustains the fort.
Gopachal Parvat is carved in 7th century and 15th century. Till 7th century, this hill was forested and had grassland at the top flat area of hill. Local cattle owners use to visit this site for cow grazing. Such cattle owners were named as Gwala and cows were called Gou in local hindi language. From this Gou work, this region was named as Gopachal which simply means area for cows. Later in 8th century, local ruler Suraj Sen visited this hill while he was in hunting expedition. Due to thirst, in search of drinking water, he reached a cave of local saint Gwalipa who managed to arrange drinking water for him, from local waterhole. This water has magical effect on his body as Suraj Sen was leprosy patient and this water have ability to cure his disease. Thus on request of saint Gwalipa, fort was constructed here and city's name Gwalior was derived. Thus we can say that Gopachal name is older than Gwalior but major sculptural work was carried out in 15th century, during the rule of Tomar dynasty. Other older names of this hill were Gopagiri, Gopadri etc, whose common meaning was "cow-herd". If we refer to the Purans, this hill was named as Gomanta.
Gwalior is the city of Madhya Pradesh which is rushed throughout the year. Gopachal parvat is located on Gwalior fort hill thus it can be visited throughout the year. Thus we can advise our readers to club Gopachal parvat visit with Gwalior fort sightseeing. According to fort sightseeing timings, we can visit this cultural and pilgrimage site. Here majority of visit have been noticed in tourism season i.e. from September to March months. Thus according to climatic condition, best time to visit Gopachal durg is from September to March period. Due to dry and arid geographical conditions of Bundelkhand, here climatic condition determines the volume of tourism. All surrounding destinations like Orchha, Datia, Shivpuri, Agra are also heritage tourism destinations thus winters is considered the best time to explore this region.
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