User:Bhuta.nish/Hamirji Gohil

There have been many heroic warriors in India who have been martyred in different battles. Some have been martyred for the protection of the temple, some for the protection of religion or in the freedom struggle of India. Hamirji Gohil of Arthila (Lathi) showed such invincible bravery. Arthila is located in the Amreli district of the state of Gujarat in western India. This region is also known as Gohilwad. Bhimji Gohil of Arthila had three sons. Dudaji, Arjanji and Hamirji. Dudaji was in charge of Arthila and Lathi 'Gadi', Arjanji was in charge of 11 villages of Gadhali and Hamirji,, the youngest son was in charge of Samadhiala village. Thus he was born into the royal family of Gohilwad in the Saurashtra region and lived a life appropriate to his clan. Hamirji Gohil was the ancestor of Sursinhji Takhtsinhji Gohil, famous as the poet Kalapi.

Marwad
Arjanji and Hamirji were closely attached with each other and they very much loved each other. One day, a fight broke out between two roosters in the Darbargadh of Gadhali. Both roosters are bloodied. One rooster belongs to Arjanji and the other to Hamirji. There are challenges from both sides. It so happened that Arjanji's rooster ran away from the fight. Thus seeing his cock defeated, Arjanji got angry and got up and started hitting Hamirji's rooster with a stick.

Seeing the rooster crowing, Hamirji said, "Brother, this is just a fight. One wins and the other loses. There is nothing to be angry about. And if you are angry, kill me! What's wrong with a poor rooster ?" Hearing this, Arjanji got upset and told Hamirji that you too have got wings. Go, leave now and don't stay there upto where you can hear my name. Hamirji was shocked at that time and the matter got deteriorated. Hamirji had about 200 brave Rajput friends. He moved with his friends to Marwad region in Rajasthan. At a young age, he left home because of clash with his brother about a trivial matter.

Zafar Khan's invasion of Somnath
At that time Muhammad Taghalakh II was ruling On the throne of Delhi. After defeat of his 'subah' Samsuddin in Junagadh, the emperor replaced him and appointed Zafar Khan as the 'subah' of Gujarat. Zafar Khan was originally from Rajasthan but over the time he became the independent king of Gujarat. So he set up a royal base at Somnath. A Muslim named Rasul Khan was appointed 'thanedar'. Zafar Khan was a staunch opponent of idolatry. His eyes were on the Somnath temple because the Hindus had great faith in it.

Zafar khan ordered Rasul Khan not to allow a large number of Hindus to gather in the temple. At same time Shivratri fair was held. To disperse devotees, Rasul Khan and his men started beating. Things got worse and people got agitated and killed Rasul Khan along with his family and men. When Zafar Khan got the news, he became furious and decided to crush Sorath. At that time, bigotry, idolatry, defeat of Samsuddin, death of Rasul Khan, so many things were piercing his heart like a thorn. Thus Zafar Khan ascended on Sorath. Elephants capable of smashing the gates of the fort are brought. The cannon is assembled. And an army of Kabuli, Makrani, Afghani and Pathani soldiers marched to attack the Somnath temple.

Pledge to protect Somnath temple
Before the attack on Somnath, Arjanji had sent a Gadhvi named Manasur from Gadhali in Saurashtra to Hamirji to bring him back to Arthila. Gadhvi met Hamirji in Marwad, Rajasthan. Hearing that Arjanji is very sad in bereavement After Hamirji had left home, Hamirji moved away. Tears poured from his eyes and he took about 200 Rajputs with him on horseback. As soon as Hamirji reached Gadhali, the Gohil clan was very happy. Dudaji came from Arthila. Uncle Varsangdevji came from Dhamel. Only arjanji was not found, he was in Junagadh.

Dudaji and his queen took Hamirji to Arthila. Thus he spent his days with his friends at his elder brother's home in Arthila. Hamirji does not even know that Zafar Khan is attacking Somnath. And one day Hamirji came to Darbargarh after playing in the garden with friends like Chhatrapala Sarvaiya, Patalji Bhatti, Saghdevji Solanki, Jani Brahmin Nanji Maharaj of Sihor. Everyone was hungry. Hamirji hurried to eat. So Dudaji's wife who was Hamirji's sister-in-law said, "Diarji, why are you in such a hurry? Want to save Somaiya's in a hurry?" Hearing this, Hamirji said to his sister-in-law, "why sister-in-law, Somaiya is in trouble?" So his sister-in-law said that royal army is going to demolish the Somnath temple and the army of the 'Subah' of Gujarat is on the way to Somnath.

Hearing Bhabhi's words, Hamirji stood up and said "Bhabhi, what are you talking about? No Rajput is going to die for Somnath? An army of heretics will attack Mahadev at the sight of Rajputs? Is Rajput pride dead?" He many such questions. And his sister-in-law was disappointed and said that the Rajputs are unparalleled, but there is no one who can match invaders. And is this like a little hunting? You have to go to Shankar's side against the big army and if you feel like it, you take a weapon. She said that are you not rajput? Thus Hamirji's sister-in-law spoke instinctively. But Hamirji felt dizzy. And the taunt spread to his bones. Hamirji said to his sister-in-law, "call my two brothers, I am going to Somnath temple." The queen of Dudaji explained a lot to Hamirji. But he did not agree and asked not to send anyone behind him. Hamirji took the path of Somnath witht two hundred of daredevil friends. Thus when the fear of 'Subah' confused people, the kingdoms were in turmoil, It was difficult to call for war. At that time, Hamirji decided to not care for his death and marched as companion of Somaiya's.

Wedding in Drongadhada village on the way
200 friends like like Hamirji Kunwar go on the way to Somnath. Along the way came a village. It must have been midnight. Peace was all around. There was the sound of the murmur of the night. An old shepherd lady sings 'marashia' in a hut. 'Marashia' is a mourning song sung after death. The wind has stopped listening to lady's cry. Hamirji also stood there and went to hut and asked, "Whose 'marashia' were you singing?" Lady replied, "I am a mourner and I was singing my son's 'marashia' ". Young son has died just a fortnight ago. Hearing this, Hamirji said to lady, "If you pamper your son even after death, will you sing my 'marashia'?" I want to listen. The shepherd's name was Lakhbai. She said to him, "what did you say? When should I get rid of that sin by singing your 'marashia'?" So Hamirji said, "we are on the way to death. We have gone to Somaiya's Sakhat. It is not possible to come back from that way.

Lakhbai got impressed over the bravery of Hamirji. Blessed him. Then she said, "son Hamirji, are you married?" Hamirji replied "no". She said, "let's get married with whatever we find along the way. Don't let a bachelor ride in the desert." Hearing this, Hamirji said, "But mother, who will give us a daughter who is going to die?" Hamirji expressed doubts. But she said to Hamirji, "son, dont say no if anyone marry his daughter to you after seein your bravery". Keep my word. After saying so much, Lakhbai walked towards Somnathand said to Hamirji, I will reach Somnath before you and wait for you.

On the way from there came Dronagadhada. Bhil chief named Vegdaji had command over gir. He had Three hundred Bhil warriors, but could gather one and a half thousands with a call. From Gir to the hill of Sarod near Sihor, Vegdajihad command. All the Bhils believed in Somnath and accepted the power of Ra 'of Junagadh. Vegdaji had a young daughter named Rajbai. Once a Jethwa Rajput was going on a pilgrimage to Tulsishyam. On the way, Vegda Bhil intercepted him and there was a scuffle between Bhil and Rajput. That Jethwa Rajput died. But before dying, he handed over his youngest daughter to Vegda and requested that, brother, raise this daughter and marry her when he sees a good Rajput who is getting old. By accepting this, Vegda raised her as if she were his own daughter. She, too, was now of young age. So at that time Vagdaji stopped Lakhbai, asked about a good Rajput for the daughter. That is why Lakhbai said, "Vegda, Hamirji Lathio has come out on the side of Somaiya. Will not let you down. Marry Rajbai. He is a real brave Rajput."

At the promise of Lakhbai, Vegda Bhil camped near Kalvanesh in Gir with his three hundred Bhils. Hamirji no longer has any attachment. He was dedicated to Somnath. Thus moving forward he came to Kalvanesh. The Shingwado River flows right next to village. Hamirji and his companions had to bathe in it. They took a bath and went to play. A few of them went out. When they came back, some horses were missing. Hamirji sent his men to look at the hill on the side. The men came and found out that there was a camp a little farther away and there were horses. All came to the camp of Bhils from behind. Vegado Bhil came forward. Asking for acquaintance or Hamirji Gohil yourself? We are waiting for you. Hamirji asked, who are you? The answer was "I am Vagdo bhil". So Hamirji replied, "oh ho ho, vegado bhil. Lion of gir. Good that you met on the way to Somnath."

Vegdaji insisted and stopped Hamirji for two days with his companions. Meanwhile, in private, Vagdaji talked to Rajbai about Hamirji and asked to marry Hamirji. Thus, the beautiful bride of the Jethwa clan felt ashamed. She agreed mutedly. Vegda spoke to Hamirji. Hamirji's consent was obtained. But the thing is, as many as 200 friends were with him, so Hamirji had decided to get married only when he got married, so their marriage with Bhil's brides was also arranged. Thus in Gir, 200 Rajputs married bhil brides and Hamirji's mass marriage with Rajbai was celebrated. Drums and bows rose, and the young men who were about to go to celebrate death, made Gir fall with joy. And thus Hamirji's marriage took place on the way to Somnath's without the presence of any of his family members, the history is witness to this.

Fierce battle in the precincts of Somnath temple
The very next day after getting married in the forest of Gir, took the road to Somnath. Vegdaji and his ally Bhils also left with him. Manasur Gadhvi, who came with Hamirji from Arthila, is also going to Kube, Timbe villages, giving a boost to the village population. Youngsters of castes like Rajput, Kathi, Ahir, Mer, Bharwad and Rabari are being prepared to come with Somnath. Thus he reached Somnath with all the warriors he met on the way.

Vegdaji gets news of Zafar Khan's army through his spies. The emperor's army is advancing on the borders of Sorath. Kings and nobles are punished. No one came out to stop his army. While Hamirji, Vegdaji and other warriors are waiting in the courtyard of Somnath. The priests and the townspeople of Prabhas are standing. Zafar Khan had to destroy Somnath. He received the news that some would face them. While Vegdaji's camp was outside the temple of Somnath. Prabhas and Somnath was handeled by Hamirji. Zafar Khan, who had become mad in zeal of victory, reached near Prabhas. The arrows of the Bhils of Vegdaji defeated the royal army. The arrows are fired at the Muslim army. On the one hand there is a strong zeal to demolish the temple, on the other hand there is a strange zeal to save the temple. Zafar Khan, sitting on an elephant, was ordered to advance the artillery cannons after watching killing of his army.

At that time the Bhil archers knew intent on Zafar Khan. They started the arrow by hiding in the trees in the dense bush around Somnath. Subah's gunners screamed at the cannon and began to lean. Zafar was furious. The artillery advanced to the second row after death of gunners. The number of Bhil soldiers began to decrease. Zafar Khan sent his chief with the elephant to fight with Vegdaji and the trained elephant took Vegdaji in the trunk and pushed him forward and Vegdaji died there. Hamirji, on the other hand, was protecting Somnath and Patan. As soon as Vegdaji was martyred, Zafar Khan's army attacked the fort of Somnath. Hamirji was also cautious. Burning arrows were dropped with stone balls. Boiling oil was poured on the soldiers who came near the fort. Thus the first attack fell back. In the evening, Aarti was performed in the temple and at that time Hamirji gathered everyone and explained the strategy. Zafar Khan surrounded Somnath on three sides and the sea on one side. The next morning, Hamirji and the soldiers mounted their horses and shouted attacking at the enemy's elephants with spears, so that Zafar Khan's army was shaken. Zafar Khan dug a tunnel at the base of the fort to get inside, in which Hamirji poured water and made it useless. Thus the war was continuing for nine consecutive days.

Martyred in battle
After fighting for 9 days Hamirji now had only a select few warriors left to fight Zafar Khan's army in front of the fort of Somnath. All the warriors led by Hamirji came together to save destruction of Somnath. On the night of the ninth day, Hamirji explained the tactics of the war and in the early hours of the morning. When sun went out to play in the sky, they should immediately open the fort and start 'Kesariya'. When Hamirji said "All get ready", Har Har Mahadev's chant rang out. No one sleeps whole night. Abil Gulal is flying on Somnath temple. The dying heroes did not even let Shankardada (Lord Shiva) sleep that night. After bathing in the morning, Hamirji worshiped Shankar (Lord Shiva). Armed, stepped on Lakhbai's feet and said, "Give me blessings." The time has come to listen to the sweet songs of death. Hours passed in verandah. Sitting on the floor and turning the garland, Lakhbai said, "Blessed are you, Veera. Yoy kept the pride of Sorath's dying manhood". And sang this, વે'લો આવ્યો વીર, સખાતે સોમૈયા તણી; હીલોળવા હમીર, ભાલાની અણીએ ભીમાઉત.

માથે મુંગીપર ખરૂ, મોસાળ વસા વીસ; સોમૈયાને શીષ, આપ્યુ અરઠીલા ધણી. On the morning of the tenth day, as Sun arrived, the gates of the fort opened and Hamirji and his fellow warriors struck on Zafar Khan's army. Thus, Zafar Khan was overwhelmed by the sudden onslaught and started the war by sabotaging the army. On the other hand, Hamirji and his comrades, who went out to meet death, wrought havoc. By the evening they pushed back the enemy army and the battle of that day ended. Returning to the fort of Somnath, Hamirji sees that some of the comrades have had their hands amputated, some have had their legs and some have had their intestines taken out. And now only about 150 to 200 comrades are left. Hamirji decided with his allies to fight the morning battle in the vicinity of Somnath. In the morning Zafar Khan attcked from the front as he did not want to take too much time. While Hamirji and his companions bathed the Shivling with water, kissed each other for the last time and landed on the battlefield.

In the evening battle, Hamirji's whole body was scattered. He had 10 attacks on head by sword. The warrior who defended the Shivling fell. It was evening in this battle. Hamirji fell and Somnath was won. At that time Lakhbai climbed the porch of the fort. And while praising this valiant warrior, she sang 'marashia', રડવડિયે રડિયા, પાટણ પારવતી તણા; કાંકણ કમળ પછે, ભોંય તાહળા ભીમાઉત.

વેળ તુંહારી વીર, આવીને ઉં વાટી નહીં; હાકમ તણી હમીર, ભેખડ હુતી ભીમાઉત. On one side devi of Somaiya fort, Lakhbai was singing 'marashia'. History has to take note of Hamirji Gohil who went to protect Somnath with his handful of companions against the huge army of Suba Zafar Khan when the Rajput pride of Saurashtra was roaring. Hamirji is still worshiped by his descendants as 'Surapura'.

Outside the Somnath temple, there are 'deri' of Vegdaji and Hamirji Gohil in the temple grounds. Remembering such a majestic personality and drawing a bright history of heroism, his 'deri' is still worshiped in Somnath.