Ghumli is a village located 35 km from Porbandar, at foothills of Barda, in Jamnagar district of Gujarat, India.
Ghumli also called Bhumli, was once the ancient capital of Jethwa dynasty of Gujarat. The town was established in 7th Century AD by Jethwa Sal Kumar.[1]
Ghumli was declared as second Capital by Jethwa dynasty, in 1220 by Rana Shiyaji, who took the title of Rana Of Ghumli and shifted capital from Shrinagar[2]
Ghumli remained their Capital till 1313, when Rana Bhanji Jethwa, was defeated at a war, he fled Ghumli & shifted to Ranpur. It is said that Ghumli was destroyed due to curse of a Sati named Son with whom Rana Bhanji Jethwa fell in love.[3]
Jadeja Jam Unaji came from Sindh and attacked Ghumli in 1309 but was defeated later in 1313 his son Barmaniyaji Jadeja attacked and defeated Rana Bhanji Jethwa. On the same night Goddess Ambaji came in his dream and told him that, as she has granted the wish ("Asha") of his father to conquer Ghumli, he should make a temple in her name. So Bamaniyaji built the Temple of Ambaji on the hill in the middle of Ghumli and named it as Ashapura Mata Temple. He completely destroyed Ghumli and turned it into ruins.[4][5][6]
At present, Ghumli is one of the important archeological site of Gujarat. The site houses, famous Navlakha Temple, considered to be oldest Sun temple of Gujarat. The temple is built in Solanki style of architect with entwining tusk of three elephants as a trade mark of temple. Then, there is step well called Vikai Vav the largest in Kathiawar. A Ganesha temple called Ghumli Ganesh, within ruins of Navlakha Temple is worshiped daily by locals. The other place of interest is Rampol Gate.[7][8][9][10]
Government of Gujarat and Archaeological of Survey of India have taken a project to restore this place of historical importance.[7][9]