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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.
