Sihor
Encyclopedia
Sihor is an ancient, historical medium sized town, a municipality
in Bhavnagar district
in the India
n state
of Gujarat. Placed along the river Gautami, this erstwhile capital of the Gohil
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.
Sihor finds its references since Bronze Age
and Indus Civilization, a medium sized yet unique ancient town is a year round destination, but best time to visit and enjoy this place is from July through February. Buzzing with various activities, industries and traffic, it's a busy yet peaceful place. Significantly famous for its Education, Philanthropy, Food, Entrepreneurship, Trades and Socialism, Sihor at present, is poised at transitional space of time, with many of its relics struggling.
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 Mahabharata
period and 'Sinhpur'/'Sinhalpur' after that, locally in Gujarat, it is often regarded as 'Chhote Kashi' (sub-version or model of Kashi - Varanasi
- Banaras) also.
Major points of attraction in Sihor are the 12th century Brahma Kund
(a stepped tank surrounded by idols of Hindu deities) - built by Raja Siddharaj Jaisinh, Gautameshwar Temple & Lake, Sihor's hills and treks, and the 17th century Vijay Vilas Palace of the Maharajahs, with fine paintings and wood carvings. The another archaeological ancient site of Saat Sheri (a mountaintop or a mound) along with some of the 9 (Nine) major Shiva temples are an important pilgrimage worth visiting. Other tourists interest in and around the town include the famous Khodiyar
Mata Temple and the Sihori Mata Temple – which offers panoramic view over Gautameshwar Lake and the whole town. The old fort of Sihor with its wall art is worth a visit.
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
.
Another remarkable reference is Gautameshwar Temple, its Swayambhu Shivling in the cave, a proclaimed secret tunneled trek to Somnath
from Gautameshwar, inscription and the legend of Gautama Maharishi
, Ahalya
and lord Rama
. 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.
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 Kathiawar
peninsula, the obvious influence of Indus Civilization on this region can be mapped through further archaeological explorations and insights, and, processing existing archaeological and geological data of Sihor region along with a prime focus on study of Vallabhi
and Maitraka
era, exploration, survey and excavations targeting the submerged city of Vallabhi which has been critically responsible for Aryan Colonization across the continent with significance of Buddhism and Jainism during that period.
Periodic excavations and findings, along with few existing ruins and monuments, already ask for thorough validation of their age. Eventually a large portion of Bhavnagar
district falling under tectonically unstable zone, possibility of a major natural calamity in form of earthquake, tsunami or volcanic eruption can not be ruled out too. And therefore, the relics and old Vedic civilization may have been a matter of disappearance especially when the Vallabhi
and Maitraka
dynasty struggled to exist further, either a natural calamity or attacks by barbarians and/or later the known and frequent attacks by Mongols and Turks have to be the reasons behind the diminishing of a flourishing era of this region.
Sihor is considered to be a prominent Buddhist circuit from about 5th-6th Centuries BC through Maitraka
dynasty (till 8th century). Geologists are of opinion that rocks and the pattern of Sihor hills are unique and the age of this region would be older than that of Himalayas
mountain range. The hill range is often observed as an outcome of volcanic activity.
While efforts from historians and scholars for validating the research on Vijaya of Sri Lanka and his origin for his voyage to Ceylon in 543BC, the kingdom and dominance of Sinhapur need a greater attention. Its significance and mentions come out evident since early Vedic Period
and Gupta empire
through Maitraka
dynasty during the peak of Vallabhi
with its significance as Sinhapur, it should be the period post 6th century, the name Sinhapur would have transformed into Shihor / 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.
, Vijaya the Conqueror, may have been born in ancient Sihor as a prince before being ousted and banished from the region. Other sources however claim he was from Bengal
, but after some rectification and cross-verification of all research works covering, Buddhism, Pali/Sanskrit Language, many linguistic-traditional references and connections, Vallabhi
, Vijaya's documented route, Geo-political evidences and, documentation & references post Vijaya's settlement in Sri Lanka, all these almost establish that he hailed from Sihor. Period somewhere 600-500BCE through Maitraka
dynasty in Vallabhi
represents the peak of Buddhism along with Jainism in the region of Sihor and Vallabhi
where the rulers were following Vedas and Hinduism but these philosophies co-existed and rather flourished, to the extent, to cross the shores and borders across Indian sub-continent.
This is how, Sihor offers some exciting chapters of its connection with Sri Lanka
, Sri Lanka's early history and Sinhala
people/culture. Sihor while significantly claiming the credits, as Prince Vijaya (later known as Vijaya of Sri Lanka ) exiled from Sihor settled in Lanka, reaching there via sea-route and became medium for introduction of Aryan/Vedic culture and Buddhism
in Lanka. This thriving, periodically accomplished research and ancient, popular story is often termed as "Lanka Ni Laadi Ne Ghogha No Var" meaning "Bride of Lanka and the Groom from Ghogha
in local culture and literature since very old times. There are couple of films also made on this subject as the title itself and there are few songs woven in folklore depicting the story of Prince Vijay and his succeeding march to Lanka. Ghogha, an all-weather port near Sihor-Bhavnagar, from where prince Vijay set off with his army to Lanka, after he was exiled by his father King Sinhavarma / Sinhabahu from Sinhpur.
. 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 60's (1860's), 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 Girnar
range. Religiously to interview the land and region of Kathiawar
or the Saurashtra (region), this province often known for its nobility, bravery, sacrifice and spirituality, the place of Sihor in Bhavnagar, Kathiawar, its dormant hills and the jungle surrounding the town may have been a better option and success for Nana Sahib and his allies to settle out there post 1857 revolt and after leaving Nepal. Also with the fact Sihor and its people had continuing connections with Mumbai and various parts of now Maharashtra, which in turn seemed to have helped Nana Sahib to keep a regular touch with few his allies down in Mumbai and Maharashtra. This may be seen from the correspondence, people who kept coming to meet him in Sihor.
As per the records of Sihor history, Nana Sahib passed away 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 70's (1970's). 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 had a population of 46,943. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Sihor has an average literacy rate of 66%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 74%, and female literacy is 58%. In Sihor, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.
) in form of Bhavnagar State Railway
in year 1880 after the Princely state of Bhavnagar became the first in the province and third (after Baroda and Hyderabad) in the country to construct their own railway line. There is direct connection from Sihor to Rajkot, Junagadh, Somnath, Okha, Dwarka, Palitana, Botad, Mahuva, Ahmedabad, Surendranagar, Surat, Mumbai, Kakinada, and many intermediate stations, and the line has been converted into Broad gauge
now.
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.
service between Bhavnagar and Surat started in the 1990's remained operational for some time. This served specifically Surat bound travelers from the region a good option.
At present, a proposed project which is already under development with the initiative of Gujarat Government and Gujarat Maritime Board, is going to resume this ferry service which will connect Bhavnagar to Bharuch - Surat and therefore, a large number of travelers to-and-from Sihor will have this option available again during 2011-12. This will reduce the travel-distance and save the time between Bhavnagar/Southern Saurashtra and Surat/Mumbai/South India at least by 6-7 hours.
Peshwa who made Sihor his home for rest of his life, post 1857 revolt. The list may include all noble Gohil rulers and some rare personalities of Kapols, Brahmins (along with natives - Janis, Pandyas, Daves), Brahmabhatts, Kansaras, Modh - merchant community, Jains, Patels, and many others who helped Sihor to retain its original glory to a good extent against the currents of time.
The Bhutas of Sihor
Shri Mehraj Jitho Mehta has also been one of them. They were a successful merchant and trader from the city of Sihor. He lived with his family in Sihor from the year 1420 to 1480. Shri Mehraj Jitho Mehta built a Shiva Temple & Water Lake in Loliana near Vallabhipur. The descendants of Laxmidas, son of Shri Mehraj Mehta, are known as "Bhuta". Bhuta family (Kapol Vania/Baniya)has donated significant amount of money for the development of various institutions in and around Sihor. The Bhutas initially stayed at Sihor but later moved to other villages in Bhavanagar district. The descendant of Laxmidas Bhuta was Harji Bhuta. He moved to the town of Bhumbhali in Gujarat. Harji Bhuta helped many people in Sihor and he also took large number of people for religious pilgrimage.
Municipality
A municipality is essentially an urban administrative division having corporate status and usually powers of self-government. It can also be used to mean the governing body of a municipality. A municipality is a general-purpose administrative subdivision, as opposed to a special-purpose district...
in Bhavnagar district
Bhavnagar district
Bhavnagar is a peninsular district of South-Eastern Gujarat. Bhavnagar city is the administrative headquarters of the district. It had a population of 2,469,630 of which 37.86% were urban as of 2001. It covers an area of over 9940 km²...
in the India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
n state
States and territories of India
India is a federal union of states comprising twenty-eight states and seven union territories. The states and territories are further subdivided into districts and so on.-List of states and territories:...
of Gujarat. Placed along the river Gautami, this erstwhile capital of the Gohil
Gohil
Gohils are Suryavanshi Rajputs who have descended from the Guhilots of Mewar. As per the Sikarwar Khyat, Prince Shiladitya was born on Jesth Sudhi Chaturdashi of V.S 543 . He was the son of Emperor Aditya Sen and Queen Subhaga Devi. Though born at Chitor he was educated at Vallabhi...
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.
Sihor finds its references since Bronze Age
Bronze Age
The Bronze Age is a period characterized by the use of copper and its alloy bronze as the chief hard materials in the manufacture of some implements and weapons. Chronologically, it stands between the Stone Age and Iron Age...
and Indus Civilization, a medium sized yet unique ancient town is a year round destination, but best time to visit and enjoy this place is from July through February. Buzzing with various activities, industries and traffic, it's a busy yet peaceful place. Significantly famous for its Education, Philanthropy, Food, Entrepreneurship, Trades and Socialism, Sihor at present, is poised at transitional space of time, with many of its relics struggling.
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
Brahma Kund
Pronounced as 'Brahmkund', 'Brahm Kund' and 'Brahma Kund', the Brahma Kund at Sihor is a stepped tank surrounded by idols of Hindu deities. Brahma Kund exhibits some fine sculptures and architecture, located in Sihor city in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. There are a few places or monuments called...
, 'Sihori Rajwadi Penda' (Peda or Chocolate Cake
Peda
Peda, Pheda or Pera is a sweet from the Indian subcontinent, usually prepared in thick, semi-soft pieces. The main ingredients are khoa, sugar and traditional flavorings, including cardamom seeds, pistachio nuts and saffron. The color varies from a creamy white to a caramel colour...
), 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 Mahabharata
Mahabharata
The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India and Nepal, the other being the Ramayana. The epic is part of itihasa....
period and 'Sinhpur'/'Sinhalpur' after that, locally in Gujarat, it is often regarded as 'Chhote Kashi' (sub-version or model of Kashi - Varanasi
Varanasi
-Etymology:The name Varanasi has its origin possibly from the names of the two rivers Varuna and Assi, for the old city lies in the north shores of the Ganga bounded by its two tributaries, the Varuna and the Asi, with the Ganges being to its south...
- Banaras) also.
Major points of attraction in Sihor are the 12th century Brahma Kund
Brahma Kund
Pronounced as 'Brahmkund', 'Brahm Kund' and 'Brahma Kund', the Brahma Kund at Sihor is a stepped tank surrounded by idols of Hindu deities. Brahma Kund exhibits some fine sculptures and architecture, located in Sihor city in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. There are a few places or monuments called...
(a stepped tank surrounded by idols of Hindu deities) - built by Raja Siddharaj Jaisinh, Gautameshwar Temple & Lake, Sihor's hills and treks, and the 17th century Vijay Vilas Palace of the Maharajahs, with fine paintings and wood carvings. The another archaeological ancient site of Saat Sheri (a mountaintop or a mound) along with some of the 9 (Nine) major Shiva temples are an important pilgrimage worth visiting. Other tourists interest in and around the town include the famous Khodiyar
Khodiyar
Khodiyar Maa is the Hindu goddess who appeared in the story of Mamaniya Gadhvi in about AD 700.Mamaniya Gadhvi had a superb relationship with the then ruler - Maharaj Shilbhadra. The ruler's ministers envied this exceptional relationship and prepared a way to get rid of Mamaniya Gadhvi...
Mata Temple and the Sihori Mata Temple – which offers panoramic view over Gautameshwar Lake and the whole town. The old fort of Sihor with its wall art is worth a visit.
Etymolgy
Sihor becomes Sihor by corrupting its name from Saraswatpur, Sinhalpur, Sinhpur, Sinhor, and, Shihor. Purana, Rishis, Sages and Scholars regarded this place as Pavitra Kshetra attributed by the presence of scholarship and spirituality, such class of society and places out there.Mythology, progression and Saraswatpur
According to Hinduism
Hinduism
Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
, 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
Saraswati
In Hinduism Saraswati , is the goddess of knowledge, music, arts, science and technology. She is the consort of Brahma, also revered as His Shakti....
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
Krishna
Krishna is a central figure of Hinduism and is traditionally attributed the authorship of the Bhagavad Gita. He is the supreme Being and considered in some monotheistic traditions as an Avatar of Vishnu...
's visits are found in Mahabharata
Mahabharata
The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India and Nepal, the other being the Ramayana. The epic is part of itihasa....
and peculiarly in the texts related to Krishna
Krishna
Krishna is a central figure of Hinduism and is traditionally attributed the authorship of the Bhagavad Gita. He is the supreme Being and considered in some monotheistic traditions as an Avatar of Vishnu...
as Krishna spent the remaining half of his life at Dvārakā / Dwarka
Dwarka
Dwarka also spelled Dvarka, Dwaraka, and Dvaraka, is a city and a municipality of Jamnagar district in the Gujarat state in India. Dwarka , also known as Dwarawati in Sanskrit literature is rated as one of the seven most ancient cities in the country...
.
Another remarkable reference is Gautameshwar Temple, its Swayambhu Shivling in the cave, a proclaimed secret tunneled trek to Somnath
Somnath
The Somnath Temple located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat, India, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of the God Shiva. Somnath means "The Protector of Moon God". The Somnath Temple is known as "the Shrine Eternal", having been destroyed...
from Gautameshwar, inscription and the legend of Gautama Maharishi
Gautama Maharishi
Gautama Maharishi is one of the Saptarishis Gautama Maharishi is one of the Saptarishis Gautama Maharishi is one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages Rishi of the current Manvantara (seventh). He was one of the Maharishis of Vedic times, known to have been the discoverer of Mantras --...
, Ahalya
Ahalya
In Hinduism, Ahalya , also known as Ahilya, is the wife of the sage Gautama, primarily known for her sexual encounter with the god-king Indra, the resultant curse by her husband and her subsequent liberation by Rama – an avatar of the god Vishnu...
and lord Rama
Rama
Rama or full name Ramachandra is considered to be the seventh avatar of Vishnu in Hinduism, and a king of Ayodhya in ancient Indian...
. 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 Kathiawar
Kathiawar
Kathiawar or Kathiawad is a peninsula in western India, which is part of the Saurashtra region on the Arabian Sea coast of Gujarat state. It is bounded on the north by the great wetland of the Rann of Kutch, on the northwest by the Gulf of Kutch, on the west and south by the Arabian Sea, and on...
peninsula, the obvious influence of Indus Civilization on this region can be mapped through further archaeological explorations and insights, and, processing existing archaeological and geological data of Sihor region along with a prime focus on study of Vallabhi
Vallabhi
Vallabhi is an ancient city located in Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat, in western India, near Bhavnagar. Also known as Vallabhipura, it was the capital of the ancient Maitraka dynasty.- Origins and history :...
and Maitraka
Maitraka
The Maitraka dynasty ruled Gujarat in western India from c. 475 to 767. The founder of the dynasty, Senapati Bhatarka, was a military governor of Saurashtra peninsula under Gupta Empire, who had established himself as the independent ruler of Gujarat approximately in the last quarter of 5th century...
era, exploration, survey and excavations targeting the submerged city of Vallabhi which has been critically responsible for Aryan Colonization across the continent with significance of Buddhism and Jainism during that period.
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 Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar
-Topography:Bhavnagar is a coastal city in the eastern coast of Saurashtra, also known as Kathiawar, located at . It has an average elevation of 24 metres . It occupies area of 53.30 km². General slope dips in the northeasterly direction at the apex of Gulf of Khambhat...
district falling under tectonically unstable zone, possibility of a major natural calamity in form of earthquake, tsunami or volcanic eruption can not be ruled out too. And therefore, the relics and old Vedic civilization may have been a matter of disappearance especially when the Vallabhi
Vallabhi
Vallabhi is an ancient city located in Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat, in western India, near Bhavnagar. Also known as Vallabhipura, it was the capital of the ancient Maitraka dynasty.- Origins and history :...
and Maitraka
Maitraka
The Maitraka dynasty ruled Gujarat in western India from c. 475 to 767. The founder of the dynasty, Senapati Bhatarka, was a military governor of Saurashtra peninsula under Gupta Empire, who had established himself as the independent ruler of Gujarat approximately in the last quarter of 5th century...
dynasty struggled to exist further, either a natural calamity or attacks by barbarians and/or later the known and frequent attacks by Mongols and Turks have to be the reasons behind the diminishing of a flourishing era of this region.
Sihor is considered to be a prominent Buddhist circuit from about 5th-6th Centuries BC through Maitraka
Maitraka
The Maitraka dynasty ruled Gujarat in western India from c. 475 to 767. The founder of the dynasty, Senapati Bhatarka, was a military governor of Saurashtra peninsula under Gupta Empire, who had established himself as the independent ruler of Gujarat approximately in the last quarter of 5th century...
dynasty (till 8th century). Geologists are of opinion that rocks and the pattern of Sihor hills are unique and the age of this region would be older than that of Himalayas
Himalayas
The Himalaya Range or Himalaya Mountains Sanskrit: Devanagari: हिमालय, literally "abode of snow"), usually called the Himalayas or Himalaya for short, is a mountain range in Asia, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau...
mountain range. The hill range is often observed as an outcome of volcanic activity.
While efforts from historians and scholars for validating the research on Vijaya of Sri Lanka and his origin for his voyage to Ceylon in 543BC, the kingdom and dominance of Sinhapur need a greater attention. Its significance and mentions come out evident since early Vedic Period
Vedic period
The Vedic period was a period in history during which the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, were composed. The time span of the period is uncertain. Philological and linguistic evidence indicates that the Rigveda, the oldest of the Vedas, was composed roughly between 1700–1100 BCE, also...
and Gupta empire
Gupta Empire
The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire which existed approximately from 320 to 550 CE and covered much of the Indian Subcontinent. Founded by Maharaja Sri-Gupta, the dynasty was the model of a classical civilization. The peace and prosperity created under leadership of Guptas enabled the...
through Maitraka
Maitraka
The Maitraka dynasty ruled Gujarat in western India from c. 475 to 767. The founder of the dynasty, Senapati Bhatarka, was a military governor of Saurashtra peninsula under Gupta Empire, who had established himself as the independent ruler of Gujarat approximately in the last quarter of 5th century...
dynasty during the peak of Vallabhi
Vallabhi
Vallabhi is an ancient city located in Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat, in western India, near Bhavnagar. Also known as Vallabhipura, it was the capital of the ancient Maitraka dynasty.- Origins and history :...
with its significance as Sinhapur, it should be the period post 6th century, the name Sinhapur would have transformed into Shihor / Sihor.
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 & Buddhism
The first king of Sri LankaSri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
, Vijaya the Conqueror, may have been born in ancient Sihor as a prince before being ousted and banished from the region. Other sources however claim he was from Bengal
Bengal
Bengal is a historical and geographical region in the northeast region of the Indian Subcontinent at the apex of the Bay of Bengal. Today, it is mainly divided between the sovereign land of People's Republic of Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal, although some regions of the previous...
, but after some rectification and cross-verification of all research works covering, Buddhism, Pali/Sanskrit Language, many linguistic-traditional references and connections, Vallabhi
Vallabhi
Vallabhi is an ancient city located in Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat, in western India, near Bhavnagar. Also known as Vallabhipura, it was the capital of the ancient Maitraka dynasty.- Origins and history :...
, Vijaya's documented route, Geo-political evidences and, documentation & references post Vijaya's settlement in Sri Lanka, all these almost establish that he hailed from Sihor. Period somewhere 600-500BCE through Maitraka
Maitraka
The Maitraka dynasty ruled Gujarat in western India from c. 475 to 767. The founder of the dynasty, Senapati Bhatarka, was a military governor of Saurashtra peninsula under Gupta Empire, who had established himself as the independent ruler of Gujarat approximately in the last quarter of 5th century...
dynasty in Vallabhi
Vallabhi
Vallabhi is an ancient city located in Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat, in western India, near Bhavnagar. Also known as Vallabhipura, it was the capital of the ancient Maitraka dynasty.- Origins and history :...
represents the peak of Buddhism along with Jainism in the region of Sihor and Vallabhi
Vallabhi
Vallabhi is an ancient city located in Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat, in western India, near Bhavnagar. Also known as Vallabhipura, it was the capital of the ancient Maitraka dynasty.- Origins and history :...
where the rulers were following Vedas and Hinduism but these philosophies co-existed and rather flourished, to the extent, to cross the shores and borders across Indian sub-continent.
This is how, Sihor offers some exciting chapters of its connection with Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
, Sri Lanka's early history and Sinhala
Sinhalese people
The Sinhalese are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group,forming the majority of Sri Lanka,constituting 74% of the Sri Lankan population.They number approximately 15 million worldwide.The Sinhalese identity is based on language, heritage and religion. The Sinhalese speak Sinhala, an Indo-Aryan language and the...
people/culture. Sihor while significantly claiming the credits, as Prince Vijaya (later known as Vijaya of Sri Lanka ) exiled from Sihor settled in Lanka, reaching there via sea-route and became medium for introduction of Aryan/Vedic culture and Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
in Lanka. This thriving, periodically accomplished research and ancient, popular story is often termed as "Lanka Ni Laadi Ne Ghogha No Var" meaning "Bride of Lanka and the Groom from Ghogha
Ghogha
Ghogha is a census town in Bhavnagar district in the state of Gujarat, India.informational about ghoghaGhogha is located at . It has an average elevation of around sea level....
in local culture and literature since very old times. There are couple of films also made on this subject as the title itself and there are few songs woven in folklore depicting the story of Prince Vijay and his succeeding march to Lanka. Ghogha, an all-weather port near Sihor-Bhavnagar, from where prince Vijay set off with his army to Lanka, after he was exiled by his father King Sinhavarma / Sinhabahu from Sinhpur.
Nana Sahib Peshwa, India's 1857 revolt and after that
A critical fact and secret remains intact, that is Nana Sahib's remnants in SihorSihor
Sihor is an ancient, historical medium sized town, a municipality in Bhavnagar district in the Indian state of Gujarat. Placed along the river Gautami, this erstwhile capital of the Gohil Rajputs, surrounded by hills is situated about 20 km from Bhavnagar...
. Undocumented material also suggests Nana Sahib would keep changing his location between Sihor and interior Shatrunjaya
Shatrunjaya
The Palitana Temples of Jainism on Mount Satrunjaya, Palitana, Gujarat are considered the holiest of all pilgrimage places by the Svetambara Jain community. There are 863 temples exquisitely carved in marble located on the hills. This temple-city has been built as an abode for the divine; hence,...
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 60's (1860's), 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 Girnar
Girnar
Girnar is a collection of mountains in the Junagadh District of Gujarat, India, situated near Junagadh at a distance of 327 km from Ahmedabad. It is a holy place and an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Jains. There are a number of temples located here. Amidst the lush green Gir...
range. Religiously to interview the land and region of Kathiawar
Kathiawar
Kathiawar or Kathiawad is a peninsula in western India, which is part of the Saurashtra region on the Arabian Sea coast of Gujarat state. It is bounded on the north by the great wetland of the Rann of Kutch, on the northwest by the Gulf of Kutch, on the west and south by the Arabian Sea, and on...
or the Saurashtra (region), this province often known for its nobility, bravery, sacrifice and spirituality, the place of Sihor in Bhavnagar, Kathiawar, its dormant hills and the jungle surrounding the town may have been a better option and success for Nana Sahib and his allies to settle out there post 1857 revolt and after leaving Nepal. Also with the fact Sihor and its people had continuing connections with Mumbai and various parts of now Maharashtra, which in turn seemed to have helped Nana Sahib to keep a regular touch with few his allies down in Mumbai and Maharashtra. This may be seen from the correspondence, people who kept coming to meet him in Sihor.
As per the records of Sihor history, Nana Sahib passed away in 1909 in Sihor, but curiosity, facts and revelations had started emerging peculiarly post 1947 across the region (Sihor) and Saurashtra
Saurashtra
Saurashtra is a region of western India, located on the Arabian Sea coast of Gujarat state. It is a peninsula also called Kathiawar after the Kathi Darbar who ruled part of the region once. The Peninsula is shared with the Kachchh region which occupies the north, Saurashtra or Sorath forming the...
, with some official efforts starting toward the 70's (1970's). Subsequently, opening of more links, correspondence, his writings, a few empirical archives, documents with the then state of Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar
-Topography:Bhavnagar is a coastal city in the eastern coast of Saurashtra, also known as Kathiawar, located at . It has an average elevation of 24 metres . It occupies area of 53.30 km². General slope dips in the northeasterly direction at the apex of Gulf of Khambhat...
, 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
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
.
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.
Geography
Sihor is located at 21.425277°N 71.573604°E. It has an average elevation of 60 metres (196 feet).Demographics
India censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
, Sihor had a population of 46,943. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Sihor has an average literacy rate of 66%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 74%, and female literacy is 58%. In Sihor, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Railway
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 (Metre gaugeMetre gauge
Metre gauge refers to narrow gauge railways and tramways with a track gauge of . In some African, American and Asian countries it is the main gauge. In Europe it has been used for local railways in France, Germany, and Belgium, most of which were closed down in mid 20th century. Only in Switzerland...
) in form of Bhavnagar State Railway
Bhavnagar State Railway
Bhavnagar State Railway was a metre gauge railway line that was started by Bhavnagar State in year 1880.In November 1878, on the instance of Maharaja Takthasinhji of Bhavnagar State, the Governor of Bombay Sir Richard Temple sanctioned the extension of meter gauge railway line from Wadhwan to...
in year 1880 after the Princely state of Bhavnagar became the first in the province and third (after Baroda and Hyderabad) in the country to construct their own railway line. There is direct connection from Sihor to Rajkot, Junagadh, Somnath, Okha, Dwarka, Palitana, Botad, Mahuva, Ahmedabad, Surendranagar, Surat, Mumbai, Kakinada, and many intermediate stations, and the line has been converted into Broad gauge
Broad gauge
Broad-gauge railways use a track gauge greater than the standard gauge of .- List :For list see: List of broad gauges, by gauge and country- History :...
now.
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.
By Sea
This mode of transport was in frequent use when Ghogha and few other ports were used to travel by sea to reach distant coastal places and regions of India and foreign countries in olden times. However, a FerryFerry
A ferry is a form of transportation, usually a boat, but sometimes a ship, used to carry primarily passengers, and sometimes vehicles and cargo as well, across a body of water. Most ferries operate on regular, frequent, return services...
service between Bhavnagar and Surat started in the 1990's remained operational for some time. This served specifically Surat bound travelers from the region a good option.
At present, a proposed project which is already under development with the initiative of Gujarat Government and Gujarat Maritime Board, is going to resume this ferry service which will connect Bhavnagar to Bharuch - Surat and therefore, a large number of travelers to-and-from Sihor will have this option available again during 2011-12. This will reduce the travel-distance and save the time between Bhavnagar/Southern Saurashtra and Surat/Mumbai/South India at least by 6-7 hours.
Instant Look
- Sihori Mata Mandir (Kuldevi(Goddess) of 'Jani' 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 SahibNana SahibNana Sahib , born as Dhondu Pant, was an Indian leader during the Rebellion of 1857. As the adopted son of the exiled Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao II, he sought to restore the Maratha confederacy and the Peshwa tradition....
) nearby this place) - Cave/Tunnel (Gufa) to GirnarGirnarGirnar is a collection of mountains in the Junagadh District of Gujarat, India, situated near Junagadh at a distance of 327 km from Ahmedabad. It is a holy place and an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Jains. There are a number of temples located here. Amidst the lush green Gir...
and SomnathSomnathThe Somnath Temple located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat, India, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of the God Shiva. Somnath means "The Protector of Moon God". The Somnath Temple is known as "the Shrine Eternal", having been destroyed...
(Pre historic and an example of engineering brilliance, now sealed) - Small Trails & Treks, and wildlife in the surrounding hills (Lions, Leopards, Panthers inhabited this region since pre-historic times)
- 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)
- Vijay Vilas Palace
- 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)
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 SahibNana SahibNana Sahib , born as Dhondu Pant, was an Indian leader during the Rebellion of 1857. As the adopted son of the exiled Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao II, he sought to restore the Maratha confederacy and the Peshwa tradition....
Peshwa, the Indian Rebellion of 1857Indian Rebellion of 1857The Indian Rebellion of 1857 began as a mutiny of sepoys of the British East India Company's army on 10 May 1857, in the town of Meerut, and soon escalated into other mutinies and civilian rebellions largely in the upper Gangetic plain and central India, with the major hostilities confined to...
, its legacy and some rare facts - Secret Tunneled Trek from Sihor to GirnarGirnarGirnar is a collection of mountains in the Junagadh District of Gujarat, India, situated near Junagadh at a distance of 327 km from Ahmedabad. It is a holy place and an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Jains. There are a number of temples located here. Amidst the lush green Gir...
- SomnathSomnathThe Somnath Temple located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat, India, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of the God Shiva. Somnath means "The Protector of Moon God". The Somnath Temple is known as "the Shrine Eternal", having been destroyed...
(pre historic) - Ancient Gateway, Trek to ShatrunjayaShatrunjayaThe Palitana Temples of Jainism on Mount Satrunjaya, Palitana, Gujarat are considered the holiest of all pilgrimage places by the Svetambara Jain community. There are 863 temples exquisitely carved in marble located on the hills. This temple-city has been built as an abode for the divine; hence,...
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
Navnath Mahadevs and other significant landmarks
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.The Standard Navnath itinerary
- 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 & 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)
Temples generally attended by many devotees during Navnath Pilgrimage
The following places/temples fall on the way, or off the track. 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)
- 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 significant places
- Thakur Dwara
- 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 AkharaAkharaIn Hinduism, Akhara is an organization of the different sects of Sadhus Vairaghis yogis or Hindu Renunciates....
s and to Chandravanshi Sadhus till early 1990's.- Vaishnav Haveli
Panch Pirs
- Gareebshah Pir
- Todashah Pir
- Yaqeenshah Pir
- Gebanshah Pir
- Ghoomadshah Pir
Other places
- Aanandkunj Ashram - Shri Dharmadas Bapu
- Mukteshwar Mandir
- Ramdev Pir Mandir
- Tarshingda Khodiyar Mata Mandir
- Saagwadi (Agriculture & Farms)
Notable Individuals
There are a number of people and lineages among few communities in Sihor who have been noble, notable and philanthropic, who contributed not only to the land and people of Sihor, but also marked the significance of good deeds, development, community, spiritualism, bravery and socialism beyond horizons. Where the facts and data could be extracted and validated focusing just past 600–700 years, there is an elaborate list of some of the great souls who are worth a great value with lasting impact on people's minds, let alone the revolutionary Nana SahibNana Sahib
Nana Sahib , born as Dhondu Pant, was an Indian leader during the Rebellion of 1857. As the adopted son of the exiled Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao II, he sought to restore the Maratha confederacy and the Peshwa tradition....
Peshwa who made Sihor his home for rest of his life, post 1857 revolt. The list may include all noble Gohil rulers and some rare personalities of Kapols, Brahmins (along with natives - Janis, Pandyas, Daves), Brahmabhatts, Kansaras, Modh - merchant community, Jains, Patels, and many others who helped Sihor to retain its original glory to a good extent against the currents of time.
The Bhutas of Sihor
Shri Mehraj Jitho Mehta has also been one of them. They were a successful merchant and trader from the city of Sihor. He lived with his family in Sihor from the year 1420 to 1480. Shri Mehraj Jitho Mehta built a Shiva Temple & Water Lake in Loliana near Vallabhipur. The descendants of Laxmidas, son of Shri Mehraj Mehta, are known as "Bhuta". Bhuta family (Kapol Vania/Baniya)has donated significant amount of money for the development of various institutions in and around Sihor. The Bhutas initially stayed at Sihor but later moved to other villages in Bhavanagar district. The descendant of Laxmidas Bhuta was Harji Bhuta. He moved to the town of Bhumbhali in Gujarat. Harji Bhuta helped many people in Sihor and he also took large number of people for religious pilgrimage.
Sihor websites
- Major source for Sihor Wiki through: http://www.sihor.net/ http://www.sihor.net/
- Monghiba Ni Jagya - Sihor | Saint Shree Jinaram Bapu