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SIDDHAPUR - Beautiful mansions of merchants, in a scared town.

Siddhapur is an ancient sacred town on the banks of the Saraswati river. It finds mention in the Skanda Puran as Sristhala. Siddhapur derives its name from the great ruler of Gujarat, Siddhraj Jaisinh, who constructed a magnificent Shiva Temple in 12 th 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 beautiful carved Torana, with the flight of steps leading to the Saraswati river. Ulugh Khan and Ahmed Shah of Ahmedabad ruthlessly destroyed this magnificent Shiva Temple, in the late 13 th century or early 14 th 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, services 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 Boharavad is a must and it will be a wonderful experience to suddenly discover such perfect example of urban design in the middle of chaotic Indian urbanization.