Rudra Mahalaya Temple, Siddhpur – Legends

Rudra Mahalaya Temple, Siddhpur – Legends

Construction of the Temple:

As per legend, Samanta Simha was the maternal uncle of King Mularaja, the founder of the Chaulukya Dynasty. His uncle was a drunkard and often appoint Mularaja as the king when drunk and depose him when he became sober. Mularaja was really upset over his uncle behaviour. Once, his uncle again appointed him as the king, taking the opportunity, killed his uncle, and announced himself as the king. 

His crime of killing his uncle and usurpation of the kingdom came to haunt during elder age. He made several pilgrimages and offered gifts to the brahmins to get relief from the sin. He decided to build a temple for Lord Shiva in Sristhal (Siddhpur) for relief. Mularaja died before its completion. The temple was lost subsequently and covered with bushes.

Later, two Parmars from Malwa, named Govind Das and Madhav Das, found the foundations of a temple and Shiva Linga and noticed the divine beings at night. They reported their sightings to the then King Jayasimha Siddharaja. The king decided to complete the construction of the temple started by his forefather and consecrated in 1140 CE.

Sage Dadhici donated his bones to Indra here:

As per legend, it is believed that Sage Dadhici donated his bones to Indra in Siddhpur.

Pandavas visited Siddhpur during their exile:

As per legend, the Pandavas of Mahabharata visited Siddhpur during their exile.