With a powerful place in history and mythology, Sidhpur is a sleepy little town in North Gujarat. Making Sidhpur a sacred pilgrimage among Hindu devotees honoring their maternal ancestors, it was here on the banks of the Saraswati River that the great warrior Parasurama performed the last rites of his mother. Sidhpur has its special place in collective Hindu consciousness and it is often deemed as the “Kashi or Varanasi of the West.”
Named after the lauded king Siddhraj Jaisingh of the Solanki Dynasty, the town rose to prominence during his rule and became the capital of the state. Today, Sidhpur’s crowning glory is the European-styled architecture that was built more than 100 years ago in the Muslim neighborhood of Najampura.
Best Time To Visit Sidhpur
The weather conditions in Sidhpur remain pleasant from January to May and October to December. As a traveler, you can consider these time periods to be the best time to visit sidhpur gujarat to enjoy the breathtaking adventure sports and outdoor activities.
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History Of Sidhpur
Referring to the 10th century Solanki ruler Siddhraj Jaisingh, Sidhpur literally means “Siddhraj’s town.” It is said that the town was flourishing at its peak under his rule. Rudra Mahalaya, a temple dedicated to Shiva, was built by Siddhraj Jaisingh, which is now in ruins. On his way to Somnath, Mohammed Ghori destroyed Sidhpur in the 12th century and the Solanki dynasty ended with it.
Places To Visit In Sidhpur
Sidhpur is among the best places to visit in Gujarat. If you are traveling here, then do explore these nearby tourist places in Sidhpur.
1. Patan Patola Heritage Museum
This purpose-built museum is an excellent place to see Patola silk weaving in action, which is being run by the multiple-award-winning Salvi family. Their ancestors brought double-ikat weaving from Southeast Asia with them in the 11th century and since then, the family has specialized in it. You can compare the family’s craft with beautifully displayed single-ikat textiles from Uzbekistan and northern Thailand to Holland.
2. Panchasara Parshwanath Jain Derasar
With exquisite domes and sacred carvings on the walls, more than 100 Jain temples are located in Patan. The most famous of them are Panchasara Derasar and Mahavir Swami Derasar in Dhandherwad. These temples remind the strong presence of the Jain people during the reign of the Solanki Dynasty. The delicate marble carvings and the signature marble flooring of Jain temples can be seen here. The Panchasara Parshwanath Temple is 180 feet large and 90 feet wide, which is also known as the Jinalaya Vanraj Vihar. The beautiful sculptures cover the mandaps, ceilings, pillars, walls, and other parts of the temple. An idol made of white marble idol of Bhagwan Panchasara Parshwanath is situated in the main sanctum of the temple in the Padmasana posture.
3. Modhera Sun Temple
One constantly stumbles across architectural legacies of the 'Solanki' rule as one traverses the length and breadth of Gujarat. Offering an eclectic glimpse of the artistic and ingenious beauty that makes this exotically state vibrant, you keep coming across living spaces and monuments of another time.
Just 25 kilometers of soothing drive amidst green farmlands away from Mehsana, Modhera is home to the temples of goddess Bahucharaji. The famed Sun Temple of Modhera is set along with the backdrop of Pushpavati River, which is surrounded by a garden of flowering trees and songs of birds.
4. Rani Ki Vav
Situated on the banks of the goddess Bahucharaji in the town of Patan in Gujarat, Rani-ki-Vav is an 11th-century stepwell. Around 1050 AD, Udaymati, the widowed Queen of Bhimdev I, built this stepwell in memory of the king. Bhimdev I was the son of the founder of the Solanki dynasty, Mularaja. Flooded by the Saraswati River and silted over, it was excavated by archaeologists in the late 1980s. Surprisingly, the stepwell’s magnificent carvings were still in pristine condition.
5. Rudra Mahalay
Located in one of the most ancient cities of Gujarat, Rudra Mahalaya temple is also known as Rudrmal, and it is situated on the bank of River Saraswati at Siddhpur. Probably the most important temple of Gujarat at that time of the Chalukya dynasty, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Completed around the 12th century by King Jaysimha Siddharaja, the construction of Rudra Mahalay was started in the 10th century by King Mulraja.
How To Reach Sidhpur
Sidhpur is located in the Patan district of Gujarat, which is not very far from the state capital, Ahmedabad. There are several options to commute to Sidhpur. Here’s how you can reach Sidhpur in Gujarat.
- Nearest metropolitan city - Delhi
- Nearest airbase - Ahmedabad Airport
- Nearest railhead - Mehsana Railway Station
- Distance from Delhi - 825 Kms
By Road
Patan district of Gujarat is well-connected by a wide network of roads and intercity buses. You can find shared jeeps running towards your destination frequently.
By Train
There is no dedicated railway station in Sidhpur. The nearest one is in Mehsana. From there, you can find shared jeeps, buses, and taxis to cover the remaining distance.
- Distance from Mehsana Railway Station - 40 Kms
By Air
Same as the railway station, there is no dedicated airbase in sidhpur gujarat. The nearest airport is in Ahmedabad. The Ahmedabad airport is well-connected with Indian and international cities. The remaining distance can be covered with taxis and buses after deboarding at the airport.
- Distance from Ahmedabad Airport - 113 Kms
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available To Reach Sidhpur
Frequently Asked Questions About Sidhpur
Q1. On which river’s bank Sidhpur is situated?
Ans - The town of Sidhpur is located on the bank of the Saraswati River where the great warrior Parasurama performed the last rites of his mother.
Q2. What is the old name of Sidhpur?
Ans - The old name of Sidhpur was Sristhal, which means “a pious place”.
Q3. What is Sidhpur famous for?
Ans - Sidhpur is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. It is particularly famous for its beautifully carved wooden mansions, known as havelis, which showcase exquisite craftsmanship and architectural marvels from the bygone era.
Q4. What are the top things to do in Siddhpur?
Ans - Siddhpur offers a range of activities for visitors to immerse themselves in its rich cultural heritage. Explore the intricately carved havelis of the Bohra Muslim community, witness the architectural marvels of Rudra Mahalaya Temple, and take a serene stroll along the sacred Ghats of the Saraswati River.
