Punitha Yatra

Yatra to Kashi - A Journey which draws people to the River Ganges, with an
ingrated belief that these waters can absolve the sins of many generations. This
Blog of mine is an attempt to Unfloding and Celebrating the Ritual Contact with
the Holy Ganges. This Blog is also a guide to performing the Hindu Rites in the
Right way.Let us go on a pilgrimage to the holy city within Banaras called "Kashi"
- The City of Light...
Holy Kshetram of Mathru Gaya
Recently a friend of mine had an opportunity to visit Mathru Gaya Kshetram to perform
sacred rites for his Mother. Besides this, many of my associates have been enquiring about this
Holy Kshetram. For the benefit of all those who would like to know more on this, I give below
the details of this Holy Kshetram, which I am sure will be of great help to one and all who wish
to perform the rites for their Mother.
About the Holy Kshetram - Mathru Gaya in Siddhpur:

Bindu Sarovara

In Hindu Philosophy several holy places have come up on the banks of sacred rivers and lakes
which are religiously known as Theerthas. Most prominent and ancient among these several
holy lakes five of them are known as Pancha Sarovar. They are,

 ManasaSarovara [Tibet]
 Pushkara Sarovara [Rajasthan]
 Bindu Sarovara [Siddhpur - Gujarat]
 Narayana Sarovara [Kutch, Gujarat]
 Pampa Sarovara [Near Hampi - Karnataka]
 A view of the people performing rites in
Mathru Gaya - Siddhpur
Bindu Sarovar is glorified with the incarnation of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu as Sri Kapila
Mahamuni on its banks, sanctified as the Tapo Bhoomi of Sage Kardhama Prajapathi,
the holy place where Sri Kapilaacharya had preached Moksha Gnana [Saankhya
philosophy] to his Mother, and celestial place where Devahuti attained salvation.
Literally Bindu means a drop and Sarovar means a lake. It was known as a Lake of
Drops [Bindu Sarovar] where tears of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu are believed to have
fallen in this lake. Bindu Sarovar is considered as holy as Triveni Sangam at
Allahabad. There are three sacred water ponds around here known as Gnana Vapi, Alpa
river and Bindu Sarovar. Generally we find people taking bath in Bindu Sarovar before
performing the sacred rites which is considered as highly meritorious.
 Another view of Mathru Gaya - Siddhpur
Along the shore of the Bindu Sarovar we find the temples of Sri Kapila Mahamuni, Sage
Kardhama Prajapathi, Devahuti, where earlier existed their hermitages. We also
find a temple of Gaya Gadhadhara in the same line. On the opposite side we find a temple
of Lord Shiva and also other temples of Hindu Deities. On the banks of Bindu Sarovara
near the Moksha Peepal Tree we find an image of Lord Parashuram offering Pinda
Daan to his Mother. Since then it is believed to have become a tradition to perform sacred
rites to a Mother at this place.

Known to be famous as Mathru Gaya Kshethram, Bindu Sarovar at Siddhpur has acquired
lot of religious and spiritual significance with Hindus from across the country visiting this place
to perform sacred rites to their departed Mothers. It is the only place in India where we
find Hindus performing Mathru Shraaddha exclusively by offering Pinda
Pradhanam.
 Parasuramar offering Pinda Daan-
Mathru Gaya
Certain positions in the Nature have surfaced a point of level that can never be encroached upon
and have to be recognized with due respect without any compromise. One such position is that
of a Mother and Father, next comes the Guru. Prime importance is given to the worship of
parents across the world in any religion or philosophy and more so in Hindu Dharma. The
famous sloka Mathru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Aacharya Devo Bhava and
Athithi Devo Bhava, is just an example of how much significance is given to these
four elements of human life whose worship is considered as equivalent to the
worship of God. We have many examples in our Hindu philosophy where several sages,
devotees, great personalities, and even the incarnations of Lord Sri ManNarayana have glorified
the significance of this dictum which has not changed over ages. Lord Sri Rama is quoted as the
best example of putting into practice this Sanatana Dharma Sutra.

In this order a Mother is given the first and the foremost prominence, a unique and sacred
place that can never be filled by any other element. A Mother is depicted as an epitome of
benevolence, love and affection. She, with all her struggles bears a child in her womb for nine
months before he/she is blessed with life in this world. She is considered as the first Guru
[teacher] of a child and the one who introduces the father to a child. Hindu Dharma has given
highest prominence to the role of a Mother and Father and prescribes worship of parents even
after they leave this world by performing Pitru Yagna [performing sacred rites to the departed
souls] by their descendants.

The uniqueness and significance of Siddhpur known as Mathru Gaya:

It is a pious place located on the banks of mythological holy river Saraswathi and the sacred lake
Bindu Sarovar. It is a sacred place where Sage Kardhama did severe penance for 10000 divine
years and had the darshanof Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. It is a holy place where Divine parents Sage
Kardhama also known as Kardhama Prajapathi and his wife Devahuti livedand performed
penance for several years. It is a place of adoration whereSri Kapilaacharya also known as Sri
Kapila Bhagavan a philosophicincarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu was born to the Divine parents
SageKardhama Prajapathi and Devahuti.

It is a virtuous place where Sri Kapila Bhagavantha the founder and exponent of Saankhya
Philosophy hadpreached Divine Knowledge to his Mother Devahuti. It is a Divine place where
Devahuti attained Siddhi and Salvation and thenceforth the place came to be known as
Siddhipada which in course of time referred as Siddhpur. It is also said to be the place where
Lord Sri Parashurama the dynamic avathara of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu, performed sacred rites to
his Mother.

With so much of holiness associated with the Divine Mother, the place popularly came to be
known as Mathru Gaya, the Siddhi Kshetram the place which has given Siddhi and
Salvation [Moksha] to a Mother. Lot of significance lies behind performing sacred rites
exclusively to a Mother at this place. It is one of the holiest places in North Gujarat which is
frequented most often by Hindus.
 The Moksha Peepal Tree - Mathru Gaya
As a part of getting discharged from Pitru Rina [that also includes Mathru Rina] it is
incumbent on the part of every Hindu to perform Pitru Yagna. Apart from performing these
sacred rituals to the departed souls at periodical intervals on a regular basis, performing them at
certain specified places has acquired lot of significance in Pitru Yagna and is considered as
highly meritorious. In the process of performing such sacred rites at prominent places we find
people visiting places like Kasi, Gaya, Prayag, Rameswaram etc. and perform sacred rites
to their forefathers that also include maternal spirits.
Sri Kapilaacharya:

Lord Sri Maha Vishnu had undertaken several incarnations out of which, 21 are considered
to be the most important. Sri Kapilaacharya also known as Sri Kapila Muni or Sri Kapila
Bhagavan was one of those 21 incarnations of Lord Sri ManNarayana. This incarnation
took place during the Vedic period in Krita Yuga also known as Sathya Yuga. He was born to
Sage Kardhamaand his wife Devahuti daughter of Swayambhuva Manuvu. It was a philosophic
avathara meant for the purpose of giving Siddhi [DivineKnowledge] to his Mother. The
Divine knowledge [Aatma Gnana], the path of self-realization preached by Sri Kapila Maha
Muni to his Mother Devahutiis known as Saankhya philosophy. After inducting the Divine
knowledge to his Mother, Sri Kapilaacharya left his hermitage at Bindu Sarovar having
fulfilled his mission
 Temple of Sri Kapila Bhagavan - Mathru Gaya

Sri Kapila Maha Muni is indirectly responsible for the descending of the Holyriver Ganges to
the Earth due to a curse given by him to the sons of Sagarathat eventually led to the severe
penance performed by Bhageeratha for thedescent of holy River Ganges. Kapila Theertham at
the foothills of Tirumalais also associated with Sri Kapilaacharya and it is said that the Sri Kapila
Mahamuni lived at this place and performed penance. The holy lake formed at this place came
to be known as Kapila Theertham. Pilgrims visiting Tirumala make it a point to visit Sri Kapila
Theertham before visiting Tirumala temple. The place is also sanctified by the presence of Lord
Shiva known here as Sri Kapileshwara

Sage Kardhama and Devahuti:

Sage Kardhama was one of the greatest sages hailing from the early periodof creation and was
also known as Kardhama Prajapathi. He was Brahma Manasa Puthra [mind born son]. He did
severe penance for 10000 divineyears on the banks of holy river Saraswati and had the darshan
of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. As per the Lord’s direction Sage Kardhama married Devahuti the
daughter of Swayambhuva Manuvu and Satharoopa Devi. The sage couple had initially nine
female children and Sri Kapila Mahamuni was born as the 10th child. After the birth of Sri
Kapila Mahamuni and after getting his daughters married, Sage Kardhama left his hermitage on
the banks of Bindu Sarovar for renunciation. After initiation into the Tatva Gnana by his Divine
son Sage Sri Kapila Mahamuni, Devahuti started practicing Saankhya Yoga and ultimately
attained salvation on the banks of holy Lake Bindu Sarovar.

This is one such place which is exclusively dedicated to performing sacred rites to a Mother -
which is Siddhpur in Gujarat State, also known as Mathru Gaya Kshetram.

It is said that you perform the rites on the same Thithi or on any day which is convenient to
you. You may find the contact details of the Pandits who will be of help to you in performing
these rites at the end of my Posting.

From Chennai you have to reach Ahmadabad from where you have trains/buses to go to
Siddhpur. If you are passing through Bangalore you have a direct train from Bangalore to
Jodhpur via Siddupur. For more details you may refer to www.irctc.co.in

Mathru Gaya [Siddhpur] - Location:

Mathru Gaya famously known as Siddhpur [Bindu Sarovar] is located in the historical
town of Siddhpur on the banks of Vedic river Saraswathi in the Patan district of North
Gujarat on the Ahmadabad – Delhi route on the National Highway # 8B. The place is well
known for cultivation of Jeera and Isabgol. The place Siddhpur is one of the most attractive
tourism, religious, spiritual and heritage sites of Gujarat State. It is located at a distance of about
115 km to the Northwest of Ahmadabad and 27 km to the east of its district head quarters Patan.

Historically Siddhpur was under the rule of Solanki Empire later destroyed by the Muslim
rulers. The place is also famously known for historical temple called Rudra Mahalaya which was
damaged during Muslim invasion and only ruins are available now still attracting the tourists.
The tourist value of Siddhpur is enhanced not only by its religious and spiritual significance but
also by virtue of its heritage and culture.

How to reach Siddhpur

By Road
Distances from Ahmadabad
Siddhpur [115 km] - Patan [140 km] – Modhera [119 km] Mehsana [70 km]

Distances from Siddhpur to nearby places

Mehsana [45 km] - Unjha [30 km] - Patan [27 km]

Siddhpur is well connected by road from all important major town and cities of Gujarat. Regular
bus services are available from Ahmadabad and Mehsana to Siddhpur. One can also reach
Siddhpur by taxi/cab from Ahmadabad in about two hour journey.

By Rail
Siddhpur is on the railway map of India on the Ahmadabad – New Delhi railway line connecting
major cities and towns a journey of about 3 hours from Ahmadabad.

By Air
Nearest airport is Ahmadabad 120 km from Siddhpur which is well connected by air with all the
major cities in India.

On Where to Stay

It is a small town with a population of about 20000 where Dharmashalas and guest houses are
available in Siddhpur. Since it is nearer to Ahmadabad [about 2 hours drive] one can easily get
back to the city after a days visit to Siddhpur. Nearest towns available for stay are Mehsana,
Patan and Modhera.

On What to do

Siddhpur is the only place in India where Mathru-Shraaddha is performed exclusively. Generally
lots of people visit this place during the Lunar month of Kartheeka Masam to perform Mathru
ceremonies. These sacred rites are performed on the banks of Bindu Sarovara. Purohits/Priests
are available at Bindu Sarovar and one can engage them according to their philosophy and faith
for performing the sacred rites.

For the followers of Madhwa philosophy there is availability of Uttaradhi Mutt within the
vicinity of Bindu Sarovar where good infrastructure facilities are available for stay [dormitories]
and also for performance of rituals.

Contact details:

Sri Uttaradhi Mutt

Sri Kapila Madhwa Bhavan
Bindu Sarovar road
Teen Darvaza, Siddhpur -384151 [NG]
Gujarat State (India)
Contact Person: Sri Sameera Acharya Kouligi
Contact # 098258-79729 & 099139-77247
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