Monday, 05 October 2009 12:14

Pavagadh

About:

Located at the foothill of the Pavagadh, Champaner is 50 km from Baroda in the State of Gujarat. The complete hill is one amongst the oldest stone formations in India and resembles a reddish-yellow shade. Pavagadh hill measures to a height 800 m and was once standing as a fortress of the Hindus under the regime of the Solanki Kings and later under the Khichi Chauhans. The fort was later taken over by Sultan Mehmud Begarah in 1484 and renamed as Muhammadabad. There are many temples dating back to the 10th, 11th, 13th and 15th centuries, all built in the Nagara style. The ruins are stretched over an area of 6 sq km at the foothills of Pavagadh.

 

Pavagadh is one of the major attractions for pilgrims and tourists. Pavagadh is mountain about 46 kms from Vadodara and 190 kms from Ahmedabad. It is situated in the Halol, Panchmahal district. It covers 42 Kms in circumference.Champaner in the foot of Pavagadh is established by King Vanaraj Chavada in memory of his wise minister Champa. Champaner area is declared as protected area by the Archeological survey of India.Gujarat government has developed Pavagadh as a hill resort because of its scenic beauty and fresh atmosphere.

 

The hill of Pavagadh rises from Champaner in three stages. The plateau at an altitude of 1471 ft. is known as the Machi Haveli. State bus service is extended up to Machi. Small hotels and rest houses are available at Machi. Teliya Talav and Dudhia Talav come on top of Machi.Famous temple of Goddess Mahakali is located on the top of hill. Rope-way facility is available from Machi to reach Mahakali Mata's temple at the top. About 250 steps have to be climbed from there to reach the temple. On the roof of the temple is a adanshah Pir Dargah, visited by Muslim devotees.

Location info:

Address:Pavagadh,Gujrat,India
District: Vadodra
Nearest City: Broda
Language: Gujarati, Hindi.
Best time to visit: October to february

Climate/Weather:

It gets very hot in summer, with the mercury soaring to 45 degrees Celsius. The winters are pleasant though, with a minimum of around 11 degrees Celsius.

History:

It is said that the king Vanraj Chavda established Champaner at the foot of Pavagadh in fond memory of his wise minister Champa. Later, the Patai Raval family ruled it and took care of the boundary. The folk tales say that Mahakali assumed the form of a woman and danced in a Garba during Navaratri. The last Patai, Jaisinh watched her with dirty looks. The deity became angry at Jaisinh and cursed him. As a result, the Muslim emperor of Gujarat, Mahmud Begada assaulted Pavagadh and won the hill on the boundary.



Patai was defeated and killed. Mahmud Begada shifted his capital from Ahmedabad to Champaner for some time for reasons of diplomacy. He developed the town by constructing buildings such as the fort of Champaner, Uohra mosque, Mandavi, Kirtistambh, the temple of Shalkh, Jama Masjid, Nagina Mosque and Kevda Mosque. The remains of the Palace of Begada are still found near Vad Talav (Banyan Pond) two kilometers (1.25 miles) away from Champaner.

Interesting things to do:

worship:
Kali here is worshipped as Dakshina Kali, and is worshipped in the Dakshina marga with vedic and tantric rites. The festival season of Navaratri witnesses several celebrations here.

Interesting things to Visit:

Jami Masjid:
The Jami Masjid is intact and is a large, richly ornamented mosque modelled on the Friday Mosque at Ahmedabad. This mosque is one of the finest examples of the Sultanate architecture of Gujarat. It is an imposing structure on a high plinth with two tall minarets of 30 meter height, 172 pillars and seven mihrabs. There are interesting Gujarati features such as oriel windows. This mosque belongs to 1513 and took 125 years to build and has a wonderful carved entrance and imposing courtyard. Inside, the ruler's prayer hall is divided from the main space by jalis. Behind the building is an octagonal kund (lake), Hauz-i-Vazu, used for washing before prayer.

Champaner Fort:
The lower fortification is the citadel or the Champaner fort. The Champaner Fort was the royal enclosure of Muhammad Begara. It is a perfect rectangle enclosed by the massive walls with huge bastions and entrance gates with carved balconies projecting from top. On the north-west of the citadel is the huge lake - Vada Talav and ruins of Sultan's Palace.

Machi:
The ruins of Khapra Zaveri Palace are located on the way from the base to Machi. From its terrace, one can have a fabulous view of the origin of Vishwamitri river. Atak gate is one of the nine gates that leads to the hilltop. It has two catapult stands for hurling stones at the enemies. Other monuments from Machi to hilltop are Makai Kothar - a granary with the fort, Kalika Temple and a shrine of Muslim Saint Sadanshah are located.

Kalika Temple:
The Kalika Mata Temple is situated on the highest peak of the Pavagadh hill. This is one of the most sacred centre of the Hindu pilgrimage for devotees of the Goddess Kali. every year about one million people visit the temple. There is a rope way to reach the temple.

Lakulish Temple:
The another important temple is the Lakulish Temple at Chhashia Talav. It has some beautiful sculptures depicting various forms of Shiva - Dakshinamurti, Ardhanarishvara and Kalyanasundaramurti.

Jambughoda:
Jambughoda is situated about 25 kms. from Champaner. This ex-princely state of Jambughoda, turned sanctuary in 1992 covers an area of 130 square kms. lush countryside.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Vadodara-Godhara railway line.
Nearest Airport:Vadodara,airport is about 46 kms
Road Transport:Vadodara is 46 km and Ahmedabad is 159 km from Champaner. There are regular bus services from Champaner to other parts of the state.

Nearest Visiting places:

Navsari:
A port city in Gujarat, Surat boasts of being the second largest city in Gujarat. Located on the banks of the river Tapi, Surat is popular for its narrow streets and beautiful houses. The city is a major industrial hub of Gujarat and is well known for its textiles and diamond business. Apart from these, the many Tourist attractions in Surat are also worth a visit during your Tour to Surat. One such place to visit is Navsari close to Surat. Navsari is popular as the headquarters of the Parsis ever since they settled in Surat. It is one of the leading Monuments in Surat. Sanjan:
If history interests you, then a trip to Surat's Sanjan is what you would cherish for the rest of your life. Since February 2002, excavation work is in full swing in Sanjan. Among the ancient relics unearthed were human skeletons, coins, shards of pottery, beads and glasses. The praiseworthy initiative was taken by the World Zarathusti Cultural foundation and the project was jointly sponsored by the ASI and the Indian Council for Historical Research. The articled that were thrown up during the excavations are capable of providing valuable insights into the early history of the Parsis.

 

Another significant thing to be revealed during the excavation was that there used to exist a large city on the banks of the Varoli River that was inhabited during the period spanning from 8th to 13th century AD. The presence of a considerable amount of the West Asian and Chinese ceramics testify the fact that the city was directly involved in trade relations with these countries. A more concrete and substantial proof of the Parsi settlement in this part of Gujarat is the dokhma or the Tower of Silence which is a uniquely designed Zoroastrian morgue.

Old Fort:
The city of Surat is located on the bank of river Tapi in the West Indian state of Gujarat. Surat was a grand port city during the Mughal period. Since the ancient times, the early port of Surat has been well-known for its elite quality fine silks and beautiful brocades and its trade in various spices. Surat has been one of the most progressive of India's cities in the 17th and 18th centuries. Presently, Surat is a chief industrial city with many textile mills. Besides, Surat is also an imperative diamond-cutting centre in India. Surat features many attractive tourist destinations. Monuments in Surat are a popular destination with tourists visiting the famous Old Fort which stands tall in the city.

Udvada:
Udvada, near Surat is celebrated for being a very sacred place among the Parsis and is a small sleepy village which is located in the southern coast of Gujarat. It is as important to the Parsis as is Haridwar for the Hindus, Mecca for the Muslims and Vatican City for the Christians. A large number of Parsis flock here every year, both from within the country and from abroad. It was here that the victorious fire or Atash Behram was brought from Persia by the Parsis in the 18th century. This fire is placed in a temple which is strictly meant for the Parsis. As a result, the non-Parsis are not allowed to enter here. This place can be visited from outside. Peace and bliss pervades here that simply enthralls the visitors who come from far and wide.

Sardar Patel Museum:
The Sardar Patel Museum in Surat is a multipurpose museum which is located in Sonifalia. It plays host to several pieces of antiques such as that made of wood, metal, ivory, stone, sandalwood, porcelain and terracotta. Several old oil paintings, miniatures, textiles, manuscripts and many such other items are also displayed in the exhibition organized by this museum. This is the only museum in Surat that has gained a lot importance owing to its rich collection of ancient historical items that are important part of the national heritage too. One will come across 10, 000 specimen of the various arts and crafts at this place. There is also an open air theater which can accommodate about 4000 people at a time.

Dutch Garden:
The Dutch garden in Surat is essentially cemeteries of the officers who landed and settled in Gujarat on their business ventures. Dutch garden is one of the most significant gardens in Surat. Gardens in Surat have been expanding from time to time, under succeeding gardeners to its present state. The striking features of the English and Dutch cemeteries are their huge and imposing tombs. They tell the story of power and glory. Tombs of Christopher Oxenden and George Oxenden, two English traders who took charge of the English Factory in Surat, are the biggest ones in the English cemetery. The tomb of Baron Adrian Van Reede, who was director of the Dutch Company in India, stands out arrestingly in the Dutch cemetery

Laxmi Vilas Palace:
Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara is one of the famous monuments in Vadodara that is high on tourist value. People visiting Vadodara make it a point to visit Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara. A wonderful exemplification of the Indo-Sarcenic architectural style, the palace is a majestic structure that warrants a special visit if you wish to marvel at the detailed and exquisite work from the close quarters. Indianholiday.com is your indispensable e-travelogue that provides you with all you needed to know on Vadodara’s Laxmi Vilas Palace.

Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum:
Also known as Baroda, Vadodara is the highly populated town in Gujarat. This beautiful town comes after Ahmedabad and Surat as per population density is concerned. It has a population of more than 1 million. It is situated on the Vishwamitri River to the southeast of Ahmedabad. It is famously touted as the Cultural Capital of Gujarat. It is a home to the gorgeous Maharaja Palace and the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. Today tourists in huge number flock to this city to relish the beauty and charm of the impressive tourist attractions in Vadodara. There are different kinds of the tourist attractions in the city of which museums in Vadodara are the hot favorite destinations. You must give visit to Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum in Vadodara.

Vadodara Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum is a right place for the art lovers. Situated in the stunning city of Vadodra, the Museum displays amazing royal collection of 19th and 20th centuries which essentially comprises of European paintings of old masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo plus modern Western and Indian miniature paintings, Greco-Roman exhibits and Chinese and Japanese art. It also shows an interesting collection of modern Indian art. It has a rich collection of Indian and Greco-Roman artifacts.

Museum and Art Gallery :
Vadodara which is also called Baroda is renowned as the garden city of Gujarat. This beautiful city has derived its name from the abundance of banyan trees. In yester years, it had once served as the capital of the royal Gaekwad Family. Today, this stunning city takes pride in its attractive palaces, parks, temples, and museums which are counted among the most sought after tourist attractions in Vadodara. However of all the different types of attractions the ones that play significant role in drawing tourist attention to the fullest extent are museums in Vadodara. The best of all the museums is Baroda Museum and Art Gallery in Vadodara.

Vadodara Baroda Museum and Art Gallery exhibits a rich collection of artifacts. This collection comprises of Indian sculptures, ancient manuscripts and Egyptian antiquities. In the art gallery of this museum Mughal miniatures and works of great European masters are put on display.

Sayaji Bagh:
Baroda Sayaji Bagh is situated on river Vishwamitri and was built by Sayajirao III in 1879. Inside the Sayaji Bagh, Vadodara is the Baroda Museum and Art Gallery. It was set up by the Gaekwads in the 1890’s and situated within the Sayaji Bagh. The displayed works are on innumerable number of subjects; geology, natural history, and archeology. The Art Gallery would give you a glimpse of the Mughal miniatures and manuscripts on palm leaves by the Buddhist and Jain preachers. Sayaji Bagh in Vadodara also has a planetarium named after the Indian freedom fighter Sardar Patel.

EME Temple:
This fascinating temple attracts a large number of tourists from the different parts of India by its splendid architecture and concept. This excellent geodesic structure is enveloped with the aluminum sheets. It is one of its kind in the whole of India and is unique in its appeal.The temple houses an idol of Lord Dakshinamurth also known as “Jagadguru.” The idol faces the south and is believed to impart his teachings to the world, facing that direction. A large number of tourists and devotees flock into this temple to pay the offering and also to catch a glimpse of this lovely piece of architecture. The first time visitors of this temple are sure to get awe-struck by the beauty and appeal of this temple.

Narmada river:
The Narmada River flowing through marble rocks near Jabalpur in central India. The British Raj called it the Nerbudda or Narbada is a river in central India and the fifth largest river in the Indian subcontinent. Narmada is a Sanskrit word meaning 'the Giver of Pleasure'[3]. It forms the traditional boundary between North India and South India and flows westwards over a length of 1,312 km (815.2 mi) before draining through the Gulf of Cambey (Khambat) into the Arabian Sea,30 km (18.6 mi)west of Bharuch city of Gujarat.[4] It is one of only three major rivers in pensinsular India that runs from east to west (largest west flowing river) along with the Tapti River and the Mahi River. It is the only river in India that flows in a rift valley flowing west between the Satpura and Vindhya ranges. It flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh (1,077 km (669.2 mi)), Maharashtra, (74 km (46.0 mi))–(35 km (21.7 mi)), border between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra and (39 km (24.2 mi) border between Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat and in Gujarat (161 km (100.0 mi)).

Champaner:
The famous Muslim king of Gujarat, Muhammad Begada captured the fort in late 15th century after a long siege against the Khichi Chauhan Rajputs. Champaner is an ancient fort located at the foothills of Pavagadh. The town derives its name from the Champa tree or from Champaraj founder of the town, a contemporary of King Vanraj Chavda of Anhilwada.Muhammad Begada decided to establish the new capital of Gujarat at this place in 1484 AD and changed the name of the town to Muhammadabad. It took 23 years to built the town and had a meteoric rise and attained glory as a great town of western India. Many edifices were constructed during these years : bazaars,town squares, Royal Gardens and water structures, including mosques. It also became a major trading center producing fine silk, woven and dyed textile and sword manufacturing.

Tuwa:
Tuwa is known for its natural hot water springs, containing sulphur. Near the springs there is an ancient Shiva temple, built in the Orissi style.

Dabhoi Fort:
It is famous for a beautifully carved gate called 'Hirabhago'. There is a Malika Temple in the fort with a profusion of fine carvings. The town is considered to be the birthplace of the Gujarat style of architecture.

Anand:
Here one can see Asia's largest milk co-operative, the Amul Dairy. This milk co-operative produces around 10 lakh tonnes of milk everyday and 70% of the milk produced are sent to various cities. Milk products are produced in the most modern complex. It is the finest example of co-operative ventures in the country, which has put India on the world map as a major producer of milk & milk products, in addition to transforming the life of farmers in the region.

Halol:
Halol was a suburb of Champaner, containing beautiful gardens during the Muslim regime. There is a dargah here, of Sikander Shah, a general of Mohammed Begara. Sikander Shah was murdered in the palace of Champaner by the Umrao Imad-Ub-Mulk in 1526 and his body was buried at Halol. Over his tomb, there is a huge beautiful stone structure which is partly broken today.

Malsar:
Situated on the banks of the Narmada river. The sacred shrines of Mangaleshwar Mahadeo, and Angareshwar Mahadeo and a Satyanarayana temple are situated in the village. It is said that the Pandavas had stayed for some time in the nearby forest, where there are temples of Pandeshwar and Bhimeshwar Mahadeo.

Sankheda:
Sankheda, named after the demon Sankhsen is a town with an old fort. Historical facts reveal that the fort at Sankheda was built by Sultan Ahmedshah-I in A.D.1419. It is also a religious centre famous for its Jwalamukhi Mata Temple and Dharmananda Mahadev Temple. There are two mosques in the town.
Today Sankheda enjoys world wide reputation for its attractive lacquer furniture, which comes in bright shades of red, maroon and ochre and makes very good bedsteads, coffee tables, low chairs, swings, divans and a wide range of furniture, which look delicate but have an astonishingly long life.

Chandod:
A place of great sanctity, due to the confluence of the Narmada, Osrang and the mythological Saraswati. The Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple here is believed to be of great antiquity.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Ghelani Petrol Pum:Baroda,Vadodara,Gujarat,India,Ph:0265 2780781

 

Harish Petrol Pump:Ajwa Main Road,Vadodara,Gujrat,India,Ph:0265 2519911

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Yuvraj:Sayajigunj,Vadodara,Gujarat,India,Ph:0265 2794439

 

Surya Hotel:Sayajigunj,Baroda, Gujarat,India,MO:09327227818

Comfort Residency:Alkapuri,Vadodara,Gujarat,India,Ph:0265 3088888

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:
Nearest Hospital:
Kesha Hospital:Behind Alkapuri Shopping Centre,Vadodara,Gujarat,India,ph:0265 2338099
Adarsh General Hospital:Race Course,Vadodara,Gujarat,India,Ph:0265 2331894
Society/Community Phone Number
Links:www.gujaratplus.com

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Nearest Attraction

Laxmi Vilas Palace
Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara is one of the famous monuments in Vadodara that is high on tourist value. People visiting Vadodara make it a point to visit Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara. A wonderful exemplification of the Indo-Sarcenic architectural style, the palace is a majestic structure that warrants a special visit if you wish to marvel at the detailed and exquisite work from the close quarters. Indianholiday.com is your indispensable e-travelogue that provides you with all you needed to know on Vadodara Laxmi Vilas Palace....more
Citadel of Mahmud Beghada
Tour to Gujarat is not only incomplete but an arid experience of vacationing if Champaner is not visited. It is a historical hill town located 47 kms to the north-west of Vadodara. Dotted with impressive mosques like Juma Masjid and Shah-ki-Masjid, this attractive town is charted by several tourists every year. It is lying at the foot of Pavagarh Fort and the feature that distinguishes it from rest of the places of tourist interest is the enchanting reflection of the ruins of palaces and mosques in the lake. On arriving at this place however the one site that will hold your attention unwavering is the Citadel of Mahmud Beghada in Champaner.Champaner Citadel of Mahmud Beghada is a rectangular shaped stunning structure. It is very expansive and measures around three-quarters of a mile in length and 280 yards in breadth. This is indeed the quintessential example of the forts and monuments in Gujarat....more
Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum
Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, Vadodara Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum is located on the Laxmi Vilas Palace grounds at Vadodara, Gujrat.In 1961 the building of a school for the children, built by the Maharaja was converted into the museum. The museum exhibits outstanding painting collection of 19th and 20th century. Maharaja Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad III mostly collected the paintings. European paintings of old masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo, modern Western paintings and Indian miniature paintings, paintings of Raja Ravi Varma are worth mentioning.Vadodara Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum houses the remarkably huge number of works of art of the royal family. Maharaja Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad III during his several visits out of India collected works of art and stored them here....more
Watson Museum
Located in the Jubilee Gardens, the Museum commemorating Colonel John Watson is a good introduction to Saurashtra's cultural heritage. Important exhibits are copies of artifacts from Mohenjodaro, 13th century carvings, silverware, natural history exhibits and textiles. A huge 19th century marble statue of queen Victoria is fascinating. There are many splendid portraits and photographs of royal princes of Saurashtra and European dignitaries, handicrafts, pottery and princely relics.The Watson Museum of Rajkot is a memorial of Colonel James Watson, a political agent of Saurashtra. The Watson Museum at Rajkot is known for housing a huge collection of ancient and traditional artefacts. The museum of Rajkot exhibits the cultural heritage of Saurashtra. Among the exhibits of the Watson Museum in Rajkot....more

 

Narmada Dam
The Narmada is Bifurcating Bharuch and Vadodara districts, this Narmada district came into existence during the year 1997. This place is located between the banks of the rivers Narmada and the Karjan at the southern parts of Gujarat state. The circumference of this district is 2,755 sq.km. and Rajpipla is the district headquarters. The places of tourist visit are Sardar Sarovar, the largest dam projects of South Asia the Karjan Dam, Vijayraj Palace dates up 1912, Shoolpaneshwar sanctuary and Malsamot Waterfalls. There are important shrines and holy sites around such as Garudeshwar,Chandod, Shuklatirth and Nareshwar, and temples of Harisiddhi Mata, Hanuman and Gayatri Mata......more
Sardar Sarrovar Dam
The Sardar Sarovar Dam is on the Narmada River in Gujarat state, 170 kilometres (106 miles) upstream from where the river flows into the Gulf of Khambhat in the Arabian Sea. The Narmada is the largest westward flowing river in India. A few kilometres downstream from the dam site on the north bank is Kevadia Colony, the town built to house the construction workers and related bureaucracy. Vadgam, the first village behind the dam, starts around one kilometre from the dam site and stretches out for several more kilometres along the north bank. About 15 km upstream on the south bank a small tributary running into the Narmada forms the Gujarat-Maharashtra border. On the eastern (Maharashtra) side of the creek is the village of Manibeli, a focus of resistance to the project where the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA -- Save the Narmada Movement) maintains an office......more
Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary has vast, undulating terrain, ever pervading greenery, tall inspiring canopy, deep awesome valleys, somberly silent rocks, gentle youthful streams, majestic waterfalls, breathtaking landscapes, culminating at the congregation of Vindhyan Satpura hill ranges. The sanctuary was first created in 1982 over an area of 150.87 sq. km. As Dumkhal Sanctuary an important home for sloth bears. Subsequently, in 1987 and 1989, the area of the sanctuary was enlarged to 607.71sq. Km. and it was renamed as Shoolpaneshwar Sanctuary.The forest area rated as one of the best and thickest in the state, is spread over an area, which includes a major watershed feeding two major reservoirs with the Rajpipla hills as backdrop. The thick vegetative ground cover not only provides endless greenery and habitat and home to a variety of life forms, but also conserves the soil and water....more
Sayaji Bagh
One of the major tourist attractions in Vadodara is the Sayaji Bagh in Vadodara, the large green park whose main entrance is on the Tilak Road. The Sayaji Bagh contains a planetarium that offers a 35 minutes show daily, except on Thursday.This garden also known as the garden of Sayaji, is an extensive park sprawling over more than a hundred acres with a mini rail track around the periphery. Cheerful kids can be seen enjoying a joy ride on the toy train. Elders may also join the fun after a little coaxing of the guard.Sayaji Bagh Vadodara is one of the major attractions in the city. Also known as the garden of Sayaji, it is an extensive park that contains a mini rail track. Sayaji Bagh of Vadodara was built in 1879 by Sayajirao on the banks of river Vishvamitri. The Bagh is known for its splendid gardens, which are adorned with beautiful pavilions and fountains. The gardens of the Sayaji Bagh in Vadodara serve as pristine retreat amid the hustle and bustle of the city life......more
Narmada River
Whatever we tell you, however detailed a description we give, it won't do justice to the body of water that flows from the Amarkantak plateau to Arabian sea, the river we call Narmada. Hinduism sees it as one of the seven most sacred rivers in India, and in fact, most wisdom traditions around the world draw inspiration from rivers and their behavior.The Narmada Periplus Maris Erythraei calls it the Nammadus. The British Raj called it the Nerbudda or Narbada is a river in central India and the fifth largest river in the Indian subcontinent.Narmada is a Sanskrit word meaning 'the Giver of Pleasure. It forms the traditional boundary between North India and South India and flows westwards over before draining through the Gulf of Cambey Khambat into the Arabian Sea,30 km 18.6 mi west of Bharuch city of Gujarat....more
Archaeological Park
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Narmada Waterfall
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Akota Gardens
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