Rudra Mahalaya Temple

Overview

Sidhpur is in Patan district in Gujarat. It is located on the bank of Sarasvati River, considered to be the branch of lost Saraswati River. It is a sacred town and is a revered destination, flanked by temples, kunds, ashrams and other sacred structures. Around the 10th century, under the Solanki rulers, this town was at the pinnacle of prominence and glory. It derived its name from the great ruler of Gujarat, Siddhraj Jaisinh from the Solanki dynasty.
The Rudra Mahalaya Temple is a ruined temple complex at Siddhpur in the Patan district of Gujarat, India. Its construction started in 943 AD by Mularaja and ended in 1140 AD by Siddharaj Jaisinh, the rulers of the Solanki dynasty. The temple was destroyed by Allauddin Khilji, and later Ahmed Shah I(1410–44) desecrated and substantially demolished this temple, and also converted part of it into the congregational mosque (Jami Masjid) of the city. Two torans (porches) and four pillars of the former central structure still stand along with western part of the complex used as mosque.

About the Temple

The original temple consisted of a roof measuring 32 feet (9.8 m), much larger than the Abu temple. Its overall dimensions were 300 by 230 feet (91 m × 70 m) with the central building 150 feet (46 m) in length. It was a triple storied temple with 1,600 pillars, 12 entrance doors, and 11 shrines of Rudra positioned around it. The sanctum was on the west and there was also a 'mandapa' or hall which had porches on the eastern, northern, and southern wings. Today there are only two "torans" (porches) and four pillars. One "toran" is elaborately ornamented; the eastern gate which leads to the Saraswati River still stands; the remaining pillars have highly ornamented carvings. Kirti Stambh of North has survived. The western part of complex converted into the congregation area.

About The Deity

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva called as the ‘Rudra Mahalaya’.

History of the Temple

In the tenth century (943 AD) Mularaja, the founder of the Solanki dynasty of Gujarat, started the erection of the Rudra Mahalay temple. In his youth, Muladev had slain his maternal uncle, usurped his throne, and murdered the whole of his mother's kindred; and in old age his crimes hung heavily on his mind. He made pilgrimages and courted the favour of Brahmins from far and near. To a band of them he gave Sristhal, and committing the kingdom to his son Chamundaraja, he retired there to end his days in their company (996 AD). But the Rudra Mahalay was still incomplete, nor was it finished till 1140 AD. It was during the 12th century, in 1140 AD, that Siddharaj Jaisinh (1094–1144) consecrated the temple complex and it became the principal temple complex of Siddhpur. According to another legend, two Parmars from Malwa, named Govinddas and Madhavdas, took up their haunt among the rush grass that covered the neighbourhood of the Rudra Mahalaya, and lived by plunder. There they found the foundations of a temple and Shiva linga, and said that in the night they had seen heavenly beings. This was told to Siddharaj and led to the erection or completion of the temple.

Accessibility

There are no regular flights from other major cities of the country to Siddhpur. Nearest airport is Ahmedabad Airport. Siddhpur is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular trains. The broad gauge railway line connecting Mumbai to Delhi passes through Siddhpur. One can easily get regular buses to Siddhpur from other major cities of the country.

Temple Address

Rudra Mahalaya Temple,
Ambavadi, Siddhpur, Patan district,
Gujarat, India, Pincode – 384151.