Siddhapur is a sacred town, situated on the banks of
River Saraswati. It is located in the Mehsana district of Gujarat. The
city even finds a reference in the Skanda Puran as Sristhala. It derives
its name from the great ruler of Gujarat, Siddhraj Jaisinh. He
constructed a magnificent Shiva Temple, Rudra Mahalay, in this town in
12th century AD. Siddhapur is a revered destination, flanked by temples,
kunds, ashrams and other sacred structures. People travel to Siddhapur
especially to perform the Matru Shraddh, (the ritual ceremony for
maternal spirits).
These ceremonies are presided over by the Brahmins, who are treated
with high regard. They are performed at Kapilamuni Ashram, where 3
sacred water kunds, Gyan Vapika, Alpa Sarovar and Bindu Sarovar, are
present. This has made Siddhapur an important city for Hindus. Even from
tourism point of view, Siddhapur is quite famous. An interesting
building, known as the Thali Building, is situated on the opposite bank
of the river. It was built by Ahalyabai Holkar, the Queen of Indore.
Rudra Mahalaya is one of the religiously significant temples situated
here.
It is adorned with excellent architectural elements and has a
three-story Shikhara, 1600 pillars, 12 entrance doors, central mandapa
and porches on east, north and south and sanctum in west to enhance its
glory. One can also see 11 shrines of Rudra around the temple. In the
late 13th or early 14th century, Ulugh Khan and Ahmed Shah of Ahmedabad
ruthlessly destroyed this Shiva shrine. Apart from this, the town also
holds importance for the Bohra Muslims, an affluent Muslim community
spread all over the world. They have contributed significantly to the
development of Siddhapur.
How to reach Siddhapur
By Air: The nearest airport is Ahmedabad, situated at a distance
of 111 km.
By Rail: Siddhapur is a railway station on Ahmedabad-New Delhi
railway line.
By Road: There are a number of buses available from Ahmedabad
and Mehsana.
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