Siddhpur, on the banks of Saraswati River, is an ancient pilgrim town in
Patan District of
Gujarat and is 30 km west of
Patan.
The cityscape is dotted with numerous temples, 'kunds', 'ashrams' and sacred buildings. It was also once a major center of Bohra Muslims - the well laid-out and paved streets, service lanes, mosques and beautiful mansions that exudes a common architectural vocabulary tells one about the collective vision of the community.
Siddhpur derived its name from Siddhraj Jaisinh, a great ruler of Gujarat, who constructed the marvelous Rudra Mahalaya temple in the 12th century. In the Skanda Purana, the city has been referred to as ‘Sristhala’. The unique geographical feature of Saraswati, which turns eastward in the town, helped add an air of sanctity to Siddhpur. Hindus gather near the river shores to perform 'Matru Shraddha' (a ritual ceremony for maternal spirits), presided over by Brahmin priests – that is why the place has a large Brahmin population. Siddhpur is recommended for those who wish to have a closer look of the Hindu religious ceremonies.
Places of tourist interest include the Thali Building, Rudra Mahalaya and Mansions of Bohra Muslims. Vadnagar (42 km), Sharmishta Talav and Kirti Toran constitute nearby excursions. Accommodations for reasonable rates are available at local guesthouses and dharamsalas.
Siddhpur Railway Staton is on the Ahmedabad-Palanpur line. Closest airport is at Ahmedabad (111 km). Regular bus services connect the town with Mehsana (47 km) and Ahmedabad.
