The dam is built on the river Kalwa at the foot of the hill from where it originates. It was built as a reservoir for drinking water for the people of Junagadh. It was named after Lord Willingdon, the then Governor of India. Near the dam, the steps go up to 2,779 feet (847 m) high to the famous shrine of Jamiyal shah Datar, where both Hindu and Muslim devotees share their faith.
