Nagmati Mythology
Bherioji and Bhuajang
Among many myths floating around establishment of Jamnagar, a story of "Rangmati" and "Nagmati" river is much popular.
"Bherioji" was a prince of Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) and he was expert in snake art or "Naga Vidya". He was in deep love with Princess Sagai Sandhar of "Shesha", the princess demanded "Bhujang" (King of all Cobra Snakes) to be bought in order to marry her.
Bhujang knew that Bherioji has immense strength and skills in "Naga Vidya", hence Bhujang jumped from his mountain to a place (which is now called "Naghuna") and started fleeing towards Kutch. Bhujang was told that if Bherioji wil touch Sea, his half od skill will diminish, Bhujang lured Bherioji to Bhuj and the place where it entered Sea was named "Nagna" port or "Nagnesh" port. Later Bhujang tricked Bherioji by becoming a snake charmer’s stick, Bherioji get attracted by stick and placed it in his back, Bhujang Snake then bite Bherioji and killed him near Bhuj, and Princess became "Sati" after the dead prince.
Bhuj, Bhujio Mountain and Nagmati River
The name Bhujio Mountain was hence given to the mountain in the Kutch and city nearby was aptly named "Bhuj" after the Bhujang Snake, the place where Snake jumped and the reaches sea was later named as "Nagmati" river, Ranjit Sagar Dam was constructed on this river in 1938.
Rangmati River
Rangmati River got its name from use of the water, generally Nagmati river water was used for drinking and Rangmati river water was used for color dyeing industry.
Nagmati / Nagna Port History
In around 1540 A.D. Jam Rawal defeated King Nag Jethva, after defeating Nag Jethva (Jethva Clan) Jam Rawal restucture and improved business at Nagnesh port (Nagna), the port was on the bank of Nagmati river and was important center of City's business.
The Rangmati River in Jamnagar also helped in the various settlements in and around the city of today's Jamnagar, Initialy this river helped to strengthen the modes of communication in and around the city of Jamnagar. Though the river has dried up in the region today. However on the banks of river, till today, large and colorful fairs are held during the auspicious Hindu month of Shravana.