Sihor is a 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. 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 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. 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 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.
- Country – India
- State – Gujarat
- Region – Saurashtra (region)
- District – Bhavnagar
- Elevation – 60 m (200 ft)
- Population (2010) – 52,603
- Official Languages – Gujarati, Hindi
- PIN – 364240
