SHANKHESHWAR

An ancient place of Jain pilgrimage, the village is recorded as a lease-grant by Emperor Shah Jahan to the Nagarsheth of Ahmedabad, named Sheth Shantidas. A fair is held here on Chaitra and Kartik full moon day and Margashirsha Vad 10. The temple ranks next only to Palitana in importance for the Jains.

SIDDHPUR

Known for the massive ruins of Rudra Mahalaya, the town is believed to be the only place for the propitiation of the maternal manes, matru shraddha. This is performed at the hermitage of Kapil, Kapilashram, where there are three sacred sources of water - Gnanavapika, Alpa Sarovar and Bindu sarovar. Rudra Mahalaya supposedly rested on 1600 pillars with 12 entrance doors and covered almost half of the total area of Sidhpur. The temple was ravaged by Ulugh Khan and subsequently by Ahmad Shah. The town is also known for beautiful Bohra houses, famous for its period style of architecture. Situated on the bank of river Saraswati, it is also famous as a pilgrimage centre of Hindus.

Places of Interest

Rudra Mahalaya, Bindu Sarovar, Kapilashram, Govind Mahadev Temple, Haveli’s of Vora Community wherein marvellous carvings & glass paintings can be seen.

How to get there
Air Nearest airport is Ahmedabad.

Rail Linked with Ahmedabad, Agra.

Road State transport buses and private luxury coaches connects various centres of Gujarat. It is situated 115 Kms from Ahmedabad.

UNJHA

The seat of Kadva Patels, an influential division of Patel community, the town has its origin in antiquity. It has the temple of Umia Mata, the family deity of Kadwa Patels. The temple was constructed in 1858 and is surrounded by a lofty brick enclosure. Large fairs are held here on Maha Sud 5 and Vaisakh Sud 15. The town is also known for its Ayurvedic Pharmacy engaged in the manufacture of Ayurvedic medicines. The market yard of Unjha is the biggest in the district where a large transaction of jeera (cumin), variyali (fennel seed) and isabgul (fleawort seed) is carried out.

34 kms northeast of Mehsana, Vadnagar is one of the most ancient towns of Gujarat with its first reference in Skanda Puran. An important reference is found in the Vadnagar Prasasti. An inscription in 46 lines commemorating the building of the walls by Kumarpala Solanki. It traces the history of Solanki dynasty and refers to the special position of Nagar Brahmins inhabiting this town. Family deity of Nagar Brahmins is located at Hatkeshwar Mahadev, a profusely carved temple who's shivling is believed to have self-emerged. Of the older remains of Vadnagar are two magnificent Kirti-Stambh (triumphal arches) that should have formed a part of the gateway to some great temple whose remains are not traceable. Built of red and yellow sandstone without mortar or other cementing material, the structure derives its stability from dimensions. Considered as one of the best specimens of Indian sculpture, the arch (torana) springs from the bracket capitals of the pillars. An important centre of education in the past, the town is credited with for authoring Kalpasutra by Jain muni named Bhadrabahu. Yet another legend relates it to Tana and Riri, two sisters, who sang Malhar, to relieve Tansen from the burning sensation that he had developed from singing `Dipak'.