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.
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