Siddhapur,

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

              Offcourse I have been to that place with my parents

and my Guru  and it is really wonderfull to see and  to perform ritual who are

elgible to do so. Here is the Information which I have:

 

SIDDHPUR:     (MATRU GAYA)

 

Location:Near Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Famous For: Rudra Mahalaya.

Significance: Major Hindu Pilgrimage.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

How To Get There

Air: Nearest airport is Ahmedabad (111 km).

 

Rail: Siddhpur is a railway station on Ahmedabad-New Delhi railway line.

 

Road: It is connected with Ahmedabad and Mehsana by road route.

 

Local transport: non-metered auto rickshaws.

Where To Stay

One can find reasonable accommodation in local guesthouses and dharamshalas.

Nearby Cities : Ahmedabad: 111 kms,   Mehsana: 47 kms

Siddhapur Travel Information

 

Siddhapur is an ancient sacred town on the banks of the Saraswati river. It

finds mention in the Skanda Purana as Sristhala. Siddhapur derives its name from

the great ruler of Gujarat, Siddhraj Jaisinh, who constructed a magnificent

Shiva Temple in 12th century AD, Rudra Mahalay, at this town. The entire

townscape of Siddhapur is dotted with temples, kunds, ashrams and sacred

buildings along the banks of the Saraswati river.

 

The unique geographical feature of the Saraswati stream turning eastwards lends

special sanctity to this place. For all the Hindus, this is the place to perform

the Matru Shraddh (the ritual ceremony for maternal spirits). This significance

is the reason for the large population of Brahmins, who act as priests in such

ceremonies. These ceremonies are performed at Kapilamuni Ashram, where 3 sacred

water kunds exist Gyan Vapika, Alpa Sarovar and Bindu Sarovar. For anyone

interested in the Hindu religious ceremonies it is well worth a visit.

 

On the opposite bank of the Saraswati river, there is an architecturally

interesting building, known as Thali building, built by Ahalyabai Holkar, queen

of Indore a famous Maratha queen who patronized many such building projects in

all the important Hindu pilgrimage centers of India. In ancient times, the urban

structures of Siddhapur were influenced by two significant aspects the natural

features of the Saraswati river and the man made feature of the Rudra Mahalaya.

 

The ancient texts describe Rudra Mahalaya as a magnificent Shiva Temple with a

three-storied shikhara, 1600 pillars, 12 entrance doors, central mandapa and

porches on east, north and south and sanctum in west. Around the temple, there

were 11 shrines of Rudra. The eastern gate was adorned with beautifully carved

Torana, with a flight of steps leading to the Saraswati river. Ulugh Khan and

Ahmed Shah of Ahmedabad ruthlessly destroyed this magnificent Shiva Temple, in

the late 13th century or early 14th century. The cells on the surrounding walls

were converted into a mosque.

 

            Siddhapur is a major center of the Bohra Muslims from few

centuries. The Bohras are a rich and cultured community spread all over the

major cities of the world. They are deeply attached to their native town of

Siddhapur and regularly visit the town for important social ceremonies. About a

century ago, they built very beautiful mansions in a typical architectural

style, from the wealth earned abroad. The well laid out paved streets, service

lanes, mosques, perfect arrangement of row houses with profusely decorated

facades using a common architectural vocabulary is a direct outcome of the

collective vision of the Guilds of Bohra merchants. For any visitor, a visit to

the Bohravad is a must and it will be a wonderful experience to suddenly

discover such a perfect example of urban design in the middle of chaotic Indian

urbanization.

 

Vadnagar : (42 km from Siddhapur) Vadnagar finds mention in many Hindu Puranas

and in the travelogue of great Chinese traveller, Hieun-Tsing (7th century), as

a rich and flourishing town The inscription on Arjun Ban Gate confirms King

Kumarapla built the fortification of the city in 1152 AD.

 

The town sits on the high bank of Sharmistha Talav, with an overlooking

promenade, in a crescent and a series of steps leading to the tank. The

fortification and undulating skyline mirrored in the water of Sharmistha Talav,

lend a picturesque quality to the whole composition. Several temples, step

wells, old havelis, fort gates and inscriptions bear testimony to the glorious

past. Hatkeshwar Mahadev, located outside the town, is a Shiva Temple, about 500

years old, having a high shikhara and beautiful carvings, representing various

Hindu themes, like- Dasha Avatara, Pandavas.

 

 

with regards

KAMESH

 

 

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