Sihor
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Sihor
Shihor | |
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town | |
UTC+5:30 (IST) | |
PIN | 364240 |
Vehicle registration | GJ-04 |
Sihor (
Rajputs, surrounded by hills is situated about 20 km from Bhavnagar. It becomes Sihor by corrupting its name from Saraswatpur, Sinhalpur, Sinhpur, Sinhor, and Shihor.Regionally, Sihor is all-time famous and known for its hills, their rock pattern, Gautameshwar Mahadev & Lake, Sihor's Festivals, Navnath Pilgrimage (Navnath Yatra) of Shiva Temples, Brahma Kund, 'Sihori Rajwadi Penda' (Peda or chocolate cake), old town's ascends and descends, walled city and fort, narrow lanes, Nana Sahib Peshwa and the 1857 revolt, its food and delicacy, Copper-ware & Brass-ware, Pottery, snuff manufacturing factories, Rolling Mills and Industrial Plants.
Known as 'Saraswatpur' during
Etymology
According to Hasmukh Dhirajlal Sankalia, the name Sihor is derived from Siṁhapura, which is attested in inscriptions from the Maitraka and Chaulukya eras. The name is either a reference to the lion (siṁha), which is native to Gujarat, or to someone named Siṁha. The name underwent several sound changes over the centuries to reach its present form: the root siṁha became sīha, while the suffix -pura was shortened to -or.[1]: 71–2, 91
The name Sihor evolved from Saraswatpur, Sinhalpur, Sinhpur, Sinhor, and Shihor.
Mythology, progression and Saraswatpur
According to Hinduism, Saraswatpur the name itself may suggest and support to the active power and significance of this place, as a place of knowledge, scholarship and spirituality while deriving from Saraswati the name of Saraswatpur should have been bestowed upon by those responsible. There are references of Saraswatpur in Purana, its references and references of lord Krishna's visits are found in Mahabharata and peculiarly in the texts related to Krishna as Krishna spent the remaining half of his life at Dvārakā / Dwarka.[clarification needed]
Another remarkable reference is Gautameshwar Temple, its Swayambhu
. According to the legend and ancient inscription, Rishi Gautam's mention of tranquility, vibrations and holiness of this place, its old name as Saraswatpur and the detailed account of his stay, experiences and penance, are found. Even today, the Gautameshwar Mahadev Temple remains a frequently visited place for its tranquil space time, in and around Sihor and in Saurashtra / Gujarat.Transition and quest
Sinhpur and Sinhalpur are the next to come in picture. Period between Saraswatpur and Sinhpur is not thoroughly referred or documented, and the amount of historical information of this period is in scattered form, to be more precise the period between 5000 BC-3000 BC. Denoting the west coast of India and
Vedic, Buddhist and Maitraka periods
Periodic excavations and findings, along with few existing ruins and monuments, already ask for thorough validation of their age. Eventually a large portion of
Sihor is considered to be a prominent Buddhist circuit from about 5th-6th Centuries BC through
While efforts from historians and scholars for validating the research on
Lions the identity and, Sinhpur to Sihor
However, the presence of Lions in this region (Sihor hills) from olden times to very much till mid of 20th Century and therefore the gradual social transformation of this piece of civilization into Sinhpur or Sinhalpur may be understandable where the lion is called as 'Sinh' or 'Sinha' in a Sanskrit variant. Adding to the aesthetics of Sinhpur, King Sinhavarma is equally regarded for the Saraswatpur became Sinhpur. There is one more research task in asking toward bridging Sinhpur and Sinhalpur as both of these names have existed, either concurrently or at different points of time.
Over the time with varying pronunciations and dialects, it has been found corrupting itself as Sinhor - Shihor and finally Sihor. Interesting to note while Sinhpur becomes Sihor in a few thousand years and lions are returning again to the Sihor hills gradually since last couple of decades and increasing off late, as in the year of 2011.
Prince Vijaya, Sinhala, and the Sri Lanka and Buddhism
The first king of
This is how, Sihor offers some exciting chapters of its connection with
Confusion and issues still must be prevailing in settling Vijaya's origin either to North-East or North-West, a significant hindsight is Sinhabahu's who established the Kingdom of Sinhapura in Gujarat west coast, he (Sinhabahu) hailed from Eastern part of Indian subcontinent and thus two different and in fact real historical accounts must create confusion. However, scholars and historians have agreed and reckoned for the evidences to point to Vijaya having come from western coast. Let alone, locally in the present day Saurashtra and Gujarat region, there has been a long carrying telltale and story for several hundred years now about a local Prince called Vijaya to reach Sri Lanka with an army of 700, marry and settle there.
Two immigration events, one that is Sinhabahu coming and settling in Sinhapura, Kathiawar - Gujarat from North Eastern coast of India, and his son from Sinhapura, western coast, settling in Sri Lanka, these two different events, the mixed ancestry has influenced the fact of history.
Nana Sahib Peshwa, India's 1857 revolt and after that
A critical fact and secret remains intact, that is Nana Sahib's remnants in Sihor.[citation needed] Undocumented material also suggests Nana Sahib would keep changing his location between Sihor and interior Shatrunjaya Hills around Palitana periodically. However, references, mentions and evidences of Nana Sahib's consistent stay in Sihor have been more dominant and documented in regional records and articles at regular intervals since many decades, for he spent his rest of the life in Sihor, initially as a sage. There were some active freedom fighters and volunteers from Sihor during British rule, and one of them, had he been associated with Nana Sahib is often anticipated to have facilitated Nana Sahib's hideout and his group's safe passage to Sihor during early 60s (1860s), while he would leave Nepal and striving to settle out against British aggression in North India and Kanpur which became evident post 1857.
Sihor was a place still quiet, serene, surrounded by hills, with difficult passages and forests stretching up to
As per the records of Sihor history, Nana Sahib died in 1909 in Sihor, but curiosity, facts and revelations had started emerging peculiarly post 1947 across the region (Sihor) and Saurashtra, with some official efforts starting toward the 70s (1970s). Subsequently, opening of more links, correspondence, his writings, a few empirical archives, documents with the then state of Bhavnagar, few his rare photographs, some events, altogether a reasonable span of his stay of 45 years in Sihor, and Nana Sahib's local as well as national allies & revolutionaries found reference, nearly to establish without efforts in an unbiased manner, the most probable account of disappearance of this historical figure. Most critically when all these secrets were rather for keeping them as secret and not for the claims, either to prove a personality as Nana Sahib or reveal if it was Sihor which was marked by Nana Sahib's remainder of life, which almost carried along for 45–46 years.
Among the locals, very interesting piece of history referring the remainder, Nana Sahib's life in Sihor, his character, his thoughts and deeds, his subtle nature and identity, his local and general involvement, all these conveyed by those who were close to him directly or indirectly in Sihor, periodically got published in the region. Adding to that, some steps and initiatives taken by him, and the belongings & remnants, these all when acknowledged and realized later, post 1947, eventually to acknowledge they were just Nana Sahib, are all a serious subject of learning and retrospection. This account poses re-evaluation of an incomplete task, a structured approach and serious initiative in asking for the state government of Gujarat and the Central Government, India.
Presently, there is a house signified to Nana Sahib in old town of Sihor, remnants and materials, an old tomb as a tribute to him by the locals, a few existing connections/references and recently a recreational park named after Nana Sahib Peshwa in Sihor.
Sihor is a Chunval village, about twelve miles north of Viramgam, where, in 1825, were the well-marked remains of an old city. The line of walls could be clearly traced, bricks much larger than those now in use were found, and many bracelets and other ornaments were often dug up. Like Kangavati and Patan, Sihor is, about 300 years ago, said to have been overwhelmed in a storm of dust and sand from the Rann of Kutch. A ruined temple of a Mata bears the date Samvat 1625 (1569).[2]
Geography
Sihor is located at 21°25′31″N 71°34′25″E / 21.425277°N 71.573604°E.[3] It has an average elevation of 60 metres (196 feet).
Demographics
As of 2011[update] India census,[4] Sihor had a population of 26000. Males constitute 13000 of the population and females 13000. Sihor has an average literacy rate of 81.11%, higher than the national average of 74.04%: male literacy is 87.81%, and female literacy is 73.62%. In Sihor, 12.51% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Transportation
Air
The nearest airport to Sihor is Bhavnagar Airport which has direct flights to Mumbai.
Railway
Sihor is a railway junction.(SOJN)
Sihor is connected to major parts of Saurashtra, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and rest of India by rail. As a Railway Junction in Bhavnagar Division, Sihor got the first rail access (
There is direct connection from Sihor to Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Junagadh, Jamnagar, Somnath, Okha, Dwarka, Palitana, Botad, Mahuva, Ahmedabad, Surendranagar, Surat, Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Kakinada, Kochuveli and many intermediate stations. The line has been converted into
Road
By Road, Sihor is connected with all major cities of Gujarat with some direct routes connecting Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and with another access to Saurashtra's coastal route via Bhavnagar and access to Vadodara, Mumbai and South India via Dholera Highway. These routes extend and connect to distant places and big centers of Saurashtra and Gujarat.
As a popular approach for local and regional transport, people prefer road over rail as the mode of transportation to reach the town quickly. Private public transport is also available frequently to access nearby centers.
Places of Historical, Archaeological and Religious significance
A medium-sized town drawing a large number of historical and religious places and monuments, many of them religious structures and temples is something interesting and worth studies, it catches to surprise. It may have many reasons influenced by socio cultural transitions, some events and time periods of history and past.
These different religious places have in fact varying and unique aspects to present, and not only religion or religious rituals. Some places denote some major historical events, spiritual significance, archaeological significance, social and cultural landmarks, architecture, community works, philanthropy, astronomical significance and environmental message in the background.
Some of these places are famous and significant locally and a few are significant at larger level as well. Many of these places are instrumental and mediums for recreational activities for locals, different social works, educational activities, yoga, workshops and seminars, and civil works.
Major points of attraction in Sihor are the 12th century Brahma Kund (a stepped tank surrounded by idols of Hindu deities) - built by Raja Jayasimha Siddharaja, Gautameshwar Temple and Lake, Sihor's hills and treks, and the 17th century Vijay Vilas Palace of the Maharajahs, with fine paintings and wood carvings. Another archaeological ancient site of Saat Sheri (a mountaintop or a mound) along with some of the nine major Shiva temples spread around the town are an important pilgrimage worth visiting.
Other tourist interests in and around the town include the famous Khodiyar Mata Temple and the Sihori Mata Temple – which offers a panoramic view over Gautameshwar Lake and the whole town. The old fort of Sihor with its wall art is worth a visit.
Instant look
- Sihori Mata Mandir (Kuldevi(Goddess) of 'Jani', 'Joshi' and 'Audichya' Brahmins and regarded as Nagardevi(Goddess) as well)
- At least 20 prominent Hill ranges surrounding Sihor, locally called as "Dungar" each (entire range which boast of flora, fauna, herbs, minerals and metals.)
- Gautmeshwar Lake, Kund & Mandir (Pre historic, references of Lord Rama, Gautam Rishi, Ahalya and later with stay of Nanasaheb Peshwa (Nana Sahib) nearby this place)
Gotmeshwar Mahadev - Cave/Tunnel (Gufa) to Somnath(Pre historic and an example of engineering brilliance, now sealed)
- Navnath Mahadevs (Nine main Shivayalas - Shiva Temples, some temples and their surrounding area needing serious conservation)
- Hanuman Dhara (a rare example of community and collective efforts)
- Brahma Kund (a stepped tank surrounded by idols of Hindu deities)
- Monghiba and Koyaram Bapu Ni Jagya
- Panch Pir (Five Dargahs/Mosques of Pir/Fakir/Saints, such as Gareebshah Pir)
- Darbargarh & Paintings
- Sihor Fort, Wall and Darwajas in various directions (ancient, needing serious attention-revival)
- Saat Sheri (Pre-historic monument)
- Surka Gate (Surka No Delo) (ancient, needing revival)
- Jodnath Mahadev and Shirdi Sai Nath Baba Temple
What more explorable
- Some ancient trade/business practices, such as Copper, Brass, Bronze, Steel utensils, pottery, snuff and horticulture, etc.
- Architecture, lanes, temples of old Sihor, houses and town planning
- Archaeological Exploration and insights into almost under-surface pre-historic civilization
- Rocky mountain range/hills of Sihor and their unique rock pattern
- Remnants of Nana Sahib Peshwa, the Indian Rebellion of 1857, its legacy and some rare facts
- Secret Tunneled Trek from Sihor to Somnath(pre historic)
- Ancient Gateway, Trek to Shatrunjaya Hills from Old Sihor (Hills), the trek overlapped and covered now, although its idea and view of Shatrunjaya Hills can be had during clear weather
- Iron & Steel Rolling Mills
- Delicious and fresh food/fruits/vegetables, Laddu, Sihori-Rajwadi Penda, Namkins(Farsan) and taste of Sihor
- Sihor's typically easy, simple, leisure, introvert, hard-shelled, slow-medium paced lifestyle
- Festivals, Festivities and 'Mela' of Sihor, especially during the month of Shraavan
The Navnath Pilgrimage covers some ancient to very ancient Shiva temples of Sihor. These temples are built and/or renovated between 1000 AD - 1600 AD. This pilgrimage is believed to have more significance when undertaken in the month of Shraavan according to Hindu Calendar. There are faith and devotion attached among people in the region. However, devotees generally don't miss a chance to undertake this brief pilgrimage anytime during the year. Making this pilgrimage by foot is basically preferred and celebrated since old times, and those who are in hurry take up vehicle to cover it.
- Rajnath Mahadev (in the old town)
- Ramnath Mahadev (toward hills)
- Sukhnath Mahadev (close to Saat Sheri)
- Bhavnath Mahadev (en route Brahma Kund)
- Kamnath Mahadev (at Brahma Kund)
- Jodnath Mahadev & Shree Shirdi Sai Baba Temple (in the opposite direction of Brahma Kund)
- Bhootnath Mahadev (adjoining crematorium along the Gautami river)
- Dharnath Mahadev (opposite Bhootnath)
- Bhimnath Mahadev (opposite Pragateshwar or Pragatnath Mahadev)
The following places and temples fall on the way or off the track in Navnath Yatra. Some are close and a few are distant from the Navnath route. Depending on the capacity and convenience, many devotees still pay a visit to following.
- Brahma Kund (there are two approaches to Brahma Kund, one from Old Sihor road and one from Kansara Bazar)
- Hanuman Dhara and Radha Krishna Temple (not far from Brahma Kund)
- Gautmeshwar Mahadev (very ancient site)
- Vishwanath Mahadev (near Gautam Kund)
- Vishe anath Mahadev (near patel farm Society)
- Amareshwar Mahadev (near Gautameshwar Temple, rebuilt in 1916)
- Mukteshwar Mahadev (opposite Bhootnath, a nice temple complex with garden and recreational facilities)
- Pragatnath Mahadev (close to Bus Depot)
- Monghibha Ni Jagya (off Pragatnath Road)
- Panchmukha Mahadev (while entering the old town, a little before main gate 'Delo')
Other places
- Thakur Dwara
- Vaishnav Haveli
- Mahalakshmi Temple
- Mahakali Temple
- Dada Vav & Harihar Bapu - Darshan Das Bapu Ashram
- Originally a place with historical stepped well, which is now reclaimed and leveled up. There is no 'Vav' now. It had a dedicated section for Yoga and Library with some rare publications and books on Yoga, Meditation, Spirituality, Indian Philosophy, Ayurveda, Psychology, History, etc. This place has been named as 'Dada Vav' after Prince Dadbha Gohil. The 'Dada Ni Vav' remained a unique center of yoga and spiritual activities during the tenure of Swami U. N. Darshandasji, who was a scholar and very knowledgeable Sanyasi. Simultaneously it also served itself as Udasin Sant Kutir to the disciples of one of the Akharasand to Chandravanshi Sadhus till the early 1990s.
- Mukteshwar Mandir
- Mukteshwar Mandir is a nice temple complex covering large area with garden, lawns, children play area, recreational facilities. Mukteshwar Mahadev sits just opposite Surka Gate and Bhootnath Mahadev.
- Aanandkunj Ashram - Shri Dharmadas Bapu
- Ramdev Pir Mandir
- Tarshingda Khodiyar Mata Mandir
- Saagwadi (Agriculture & Farms)
- Rokadiya Hanuman Mandir
- A Jumma Masjid close to Jodnath Mahadev Temple campus. The mosque is managed by Tablighi disciple and descendant of caliph Umar Marhum Dawood Vali Mohammed Deraiya
Panch Pirs
- Gareebshah Pir
- Todashah Pir
- Yaqeenshah Pir
- Gebanshah Pir
- Ghoomadshah Pir
Notable individuals
Sihor hosts few notable rulers and many individuals from different sections of governance, society, industry, religion, art, literature, education, and social reforms. However, the revolutionary
External links
References
- ^ Sankalia, Hasmukh Dhirajlal (1949). Studies in the Historical and Cultural Geography and Ethnography of Gujarat. Pune: Deccan College. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
- ^ Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Ahmedabad (Public Domain text). Government Central Press. 1879. p. 353.
- ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Sihor
- ^ "Sihor City Population Census 2011". Census 2011 India. Retrieved 11 August 2017.