Delightful Diu
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This tiny island in the Arabian Sea, with its long stretches of sand and ancient monuments is a delight for tourists.
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Fort De Marr.
The tiny island of Diu in the Arabian Sea about 30 kms from the Saurastra coast of Gujarat, which remained, little known is an exotic yet quaint holiday retreat. Vast expanses of beaches, relics and monuments that speak of an age gone by, palm trees, narrow alleys and above all the hospitable and friendly Diuans. Here you find a harmonious blend of Portuguese and Gujarat.
Diu is derived from the Sanskrit work `dweep' meaning island. It is believed that the Pandavas stayed here during their 14 years in wilderness. They are supposed to have build five Shiva idols (Shiva lingas) during their sojourn stay, which even exists today. The famous Gangheswar mandir situated on the seashore near Fudam village three kms away from the town is the most popular among these five shrines. The near natural structure of this cave temple is without a roof and waves come up to the idol every time is sacred sight.
Legend has it that Diu was once ruled by the demon king Jalandhar and was known as Jallandhar Kshetra. Among the 110 places of worship in this small region the Jallandhar shrine located on a hillock close to the sea is an important one. A stretch of the seashore is also known as the Jallandhar beach. This asura king would harass the gods until finally Lord Vishnu killed him with his `sudharsana chakra'. The place where the Lord left his `chakra' is known as the `Chakrathirth'. Today Chakrathrith is a beautiful secluded beach.
The long stretches of beaches are the best place in Diu. The horseshoe shaped Nagoa is the longest of all beaches and the main tourist spot. Camel rides are enjoyable.
Being strategically located this small port was attacked several times by the Portuguese between 1518 and 1535. On October 5, 1535 Diu was given to them as a reward for their help in defending the attack of the Mughal emperor Humayun. However the final transfer took place only on November 10, 1540 and this island became a Portuguese colony.
The majestic fort on the seashore with canals on three sides and a light house atop was the result of a joint endeavour between Sultan Bahadur Shah, the ruler of Diu and the Portuguese governor Nuno De Combus on a war alliance against the Mughals.
On December 19, 1961, Operation Vijay liberated Diu. A Martyr memorial built near the new Collectorate building is in memory of those who laid down their lives for the liberation of Diu. The population now is around 50,000.
The St. Paul's church, built in 1610 is considered one of the most elaborate of all Portuguese churches in India in the matter of exquisite wood works and magnificent carvings. The statue of Mother Mary's idol is truly a masterpiece.
The historical museum founded in 1992 has many antique statues and other splendid pieces of architectural importance both in wood and metal. The museum is inside the St. Thomas church, which is a huge edifice of gothic architecture constructed in 1598.
Forte De Marr, popularly known as Pani Kotha built in the sea on the mouth of the creek between the Arabian Sea and the gulf of Diu-Damman is an interesting sight especially when illuminated with sodium lights. When the Portuguese were in power this water fort was used as a jail
P. KRISHNAN
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