Siddi Sayed's Mosque - Ahmedabad

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The mosque is entirely arched and has ten screen windows (jalis) on the side and rear arches. The twin windows of pierced stone are carved in style of a tree with palm leaves and curved tendrils. These screens are framed in ten semi-circular windows. This mosque is a superb and peerless example of delicate carving that transforms stone into filigree. The beautiful carved stone windows depict the intricate intertwining of the branches of a tree. This intricately carved stone window is called the Sidi Saiyyed Jali. Wooden models of these windows, which are a fine example of Indo-Sarcenic architecture, are kept in the New York and Kensington museums.

The rear wall of the Sidi Sayiad’s Mosque Ahmedabad is filled with square stone pierced panels in geometrical designs. The two bays flanking the central aisle have reticulated stone slabs carved again in designs of intertwined trees and foliage of the Kalpa tree, a Hindu motif; a palm and parasite motif. This mosque was once part of the city wall, and is now close to the river end of Relief Rd.

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Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza:
Built in the year 1411 A.D. the Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza, Ahmedabad is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Ahmedabad. Built by Shah Alam the Bhadra Fort houses a beautiful temple which is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. This gives the fort the name Bhadra.Nestled amidst 44 acres of greenery the Bhadra Fort in Ahmedabad has beautiful gardens and pavilions inside. The beautiful and ancient fort with its intricate designs and latticed windows attracts tourists from all over. The arches of the Bhadra Fort have excellent inscriptions carved on them.In the Bhadra Fort one can also see the Teen Darwaza or the Triple Gateway that is a royal entrance. Used during the medieval period this gate was the entrance to the Royal Square inside the fort premises.

Mata Bhavani’s Well:
Mata Bhavani’s Well, Ahmedabad is one of the important tourist attractions of Ahmedabad. The Mata Bhavani’s Well, Ahmedabad is one of the longest wells that ends projecting towards and east and west. On the eastern side there is an entrance. The staircase to the Mata Bhavani’s Well, Ahmedabad descends to the east end and there is a circular shaft. In the earlier times, water in the shaft was brought up by the cows and used for irrigation.Mata Bhavani’s Well, Ahmedabad was built in form of stairs as the water level changed depending on the different seasons. In Gujarat these step wells were built in order to serve the utilitarian needs as well the religious needs of the community. So Mata Bhavani’s Well, Ahmedabad is considered to be one of the sacred step wells in Gujarat.

Shaking Minarets:
The Shaking Minarets, Ahmedabad is one of the most interesting tourist attractions of Ahmedabad which you can see on your tour to Gujarat. Each of the minarets is 3 storeyed tall and they have intricate designs carved on them with stone balconies that are around 21.34 meters high. If any one of the minarets is shaken then the other minaret even vibrates. However the most surprising fact about the Shaking Minarets in Ahmedabad in India is their connecting passage which remains free of any kind of vibration. From intricate designs to the exquisite artwork the Shaking Minarets, Ahmedabad are one of the major tourist attractions in Gujrat.It is also said that Britishers in order to learn the mystery of the Shaking Minarets, Ahmedabad destroyed one of the minarets in the Raj Bibi mosque.

Dada Hari Vav:
The Dada Hari Vav, Ahmedabad is a uniquely designed octagonal shaped step well in Ahmedabad. The interiors and the underground of the Dada Hari Vav, Ahmedabad has been intricately designed. Each year tourists from all over are allured to visit this unique step well which is one of the major tourist attractions of Gujarat. One of the beautiful monuments in Ahmedabad every aspect of the Dada Hari Vav is beautifully decorated. From sculptured floral patterns to the shapely figurines everything is intricately done in order to beautify the Dada Hari Vav, Ahmedabad.In Gujarat these step wells were built in order to serve the utilitarian needs as well the religious needs.

Sabarmati Ashram:
Mahatma Gandhi lived in the Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad. One of the important tourist attractions of Ahmedabad it has still preserved important anecdotes, collectibles and letters of that period. On your tour to Gujarat you can get a glimpse of the important documents and memorabilia of that period in the Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad.From here Gandhiji started his Satyagraha movement and he was joined by a number of followers. The famous Dandi March during the independence movement also started from the Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad and Gandhiji had even taken a vow that he will not return to Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad unless India is freed from the shackles of the British rule. The Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad gives an example of the simple lifestyle of one of the greatest political leaders of this world. Gandhiji also wrote his autobiography” My Experiments with Truth” in the Sabarmati Ashram,

Tomb of Ahmed Shah:
The Tomb of Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad is one of the most important tourist attractions of Ahmedabad. The tomb is square shaped with latticed stone windows. The women are not allowed in the central chamber in the Tomb of Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad. Just across the main road is the Rani-no Hajiro where you can get to see the tombs of Ahmed Shah’s queens. Though the Tomb of Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad is in quite good shape yet the tombs of Ahmed Shah’s wives are not in quite good shape.One of the most beautiful architectural marvels is the Tomb of Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad.

Calico Museum:
Located in the palatial Sarabhai House, Calico Museum of Textiles, Ahmedabad is one of the finest museums nestled amidst acres of sprawling greenery. The Calico Museum of Textiles, Ahmedabad looks like a palatial Haveli which exudes vintage charm and aura. As you enter into the Calico Museum of Textiles, Ahmedabad you can get to see the best of fabrics of India which was woven, spun and painted here. The collection dates back to over five centuries and gives you an insight into the history of Indian textiles.You can see the exquisite designs and artwork in various kalamkaris, silks, pichhwais, patolas, bandhnis, floor spreads, tent canopies and precious brocades.The Calico Museum of Textiles, Ahmedabad also has icons and busts made of bronze and sandstone in the Jain Gallery of the museum. The guides and the catalogues will help you to get a detailed overview of the Calico Museum of Textiles, Ahmedabad.

Kite Museum:
From miniature paintings of Radha Krishna to the intricately crafted sequences of garba dances, mirror work and block prints, the kites in Kite Museum, Ahmedabad are of different varieties and attract tourists specially the kids. The kites are made from different materials as well. The materials include polythene, spinacle nylon, cotton and paper.One of the most lavishly designed and decorated kites in the Kite Museum, Ahmedabad are the hexagonal Rokoku which are beautiful Japanese kites. On your tour to Ahmedabad do not miss the Japanese kites in the Kite Museum, Ahmedabad. In Ahmedabad in Gujarat in India the Kite Museum is quite famous.Besides this you can get to see a kite where a sequence from Garba is depicted while Krishna and Radha's Raas Lila was also painted in one of the kites in Kite Museum,

City Museum:
The City Museum, Ahmedabad is a result of the efforts made by the Vastu Shilpa Foundation. It is located in Sanskar Kendra which was built in the year 1954 by well known French architect Le Corbusier. Before the City Museum, Ahmedabad was built Sanskar Kendra was mainly used as an exhibition hall.If you are keen to know more about the art, history and culture of Gujarat then, City Museum, Ahmedabad is the perfect destination. This is one of the finest museums in Ahmedabad that gives you a greater insight into the history, art and cultural heritage of Ahmed Shah’s Ahmedabad.In the City Museum,

Shreyas Folk Museum:
The Shreyas Folk Museum, Ahmedabad has an exclusive collection of folk arts and objects which reflect the colorful and traditional heritage of Gujarat. Governed by a private trust the Shreyas Folk Museum, Ahmedabad gives you an insight into the traditional crafts and technology.In the Shreyas Folk Museum, Ahmedabad the folk art of many of the traditional and rural communities has been studied. These communities belong to different villages of Gujarat and in this museum you can get a glimpse of their exquisite artwork. The communities whose culture and folk art are being researched in the Shreyas Folk Museum, Ahmedabad are kathi, rabari, charan, ahir, brahmins, banias, meghvals, bharvad, kanbi, koli, mer, Bhansali, rajputs, khojas, vohras, memons and the Miyanas.

Hathee Singh Temple:
The Hathee Singh Temple Ahmedabad is built outside Delhi Gate and is the best known of Ahmedabad's many ornate Jain Temples. Built of pure white marble, the temple has a paved courtyard surrounded by an imposing row of cloisters containing 52 shrines, each with an image of a Tirthankara, adorned with rich delicate carvings, one containing the marble image of the 15th Tirthankar. The temple is a two-storied structure; it has elaborate porches on three sides and a front porch crowned by a large dome. A flight of stairs leads you to the pillared hall, which again leads to the sanctum sanctorum.

Ahmed Shah’s Mosque:
Ahmedabad is the largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat, the most industrialized state in India. The Ahmedabad city is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River. Ahmedabad was founded in 1411 to serve as the capital of the Sultanate of Gujarat, Sultan Ahmed Shah who also gave his name to the city. Ahmed Shah’s Mosque, Ahmedabad is one of the most famous holy places in Ahmedabad. Ahmed Shah was a sultan of Gujarat's ruling Muzaffarid dynasty. He ruled from 1411 until his death in 1442 and founded the city of Ahmedabad and established it as his capital.

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ISKCON Temple:
The ISKCON temple in Ahmedabad is located close to the Gujarat Samachar Press. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. It is also known as the Hare Krishna temple. ISKCON stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The society was established in 1966 by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and is also known as the Hare Krishna movement. It has more than 350 centres, 60 rural communities, 50 schools and 60 restaurants worldwide.

The temple has huge halls which are illuminated with grand looking chandeliers. The interiors are quite spacious and as regards the exteriors, the campus is filled with large number of flowering trees and plants. The temple has a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere and the devotees who come to the temple are supposed to maintain the silent and peaceful atmosphere of the temple premises. Prayer sessions are held here in the mornings and evenings. The prayer ceremonies are accompanied with chanting of religious songs called 'kirtans'. The temple hosts two main festivals- Janmashtami (birthday of Lord Krishna) and Nand Mahotsav (the day following Krishna's birthday). On Janmashtami Day, the entire temple is illuminated and lavishly decorated. 'Mangal Aarti' is held in the evening which is attended by a large number of people. Flowers, fruits, incense and sweets are offered to the deities on this day and there are discourses from the Bhagvad Gita- the holy book of the Hindus. Nand Mahotsav is celebrated the day after Janmashtami. On this day thousands of devotees throng the temple premises to offer their prayers. The temple arranges for lunch for the devotees on this auspicious occasion.

Mahaveer Swami Temple:
Mahaveer Swami temple is a highly revered Jain temple located in Ahmedabad. The presiding deity of the temple is Bhagwan Mahaveer. Besides there are metal idols of twenty three Tirthankaras of the Jains. This ancient temple is assumed to be of a period earlier than the year 1619. The temple possesses a large dome, then there are sculptural carvings of Goddesses in the open square. A bluish crystal idol of Bhagwan Shantinath and a silver coated carved fort of Ashtapadji are the other attractions. A marble built model of Pavapuri, the place at which Mahaveer attained nirvana can be seen on the terrace. There is complete absence of electric bulbs in the temple and the illumination inside the temple comes from the lamps burnt with coconut oil. Devotees visit the temple on the first day of the bright half of the month of Kartik (March-April) and on the first day of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapad (mid of September to mid of October) as it is considered auspicious.

Gheekanta Shankeshwar Teerth:
Gheekanta Shankeshwar Teerth is a famous Jain pilgrim centre located in the Gheekanta locality in Ahmedabad city. The presiding deity is Parikaryukta Bhagwan Shankeshwar Parshwanath in the Padmasana posture. It is a 53cm high white coloured idol. The temple has a simple and low-built structure without any ancient workmanship. People come to this temple for worship on the first and fifteenth day of the month and also on Sundays. Other deities worshipped here include Adinath, Bhagwan Shantinath, Parshva Yaksh and Padmavathi Devi.

Sri Karnavati Teerth:
Sri Karnavati Teerth is an important Jain pilgrim centre located in Ahmedabad city. It is dedicated to Sri Dharmanath Bhagwan. The idol is a white coloured one in the 'padmasana' posture.
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Jagannath Temple:
Jagannath temple is an ancient Vaishnavite temple located in the Jamalpur area of Ahmedabad district. The presiding deity is Lord Krishna. The other deities worshipped are Balram and Subhadra. The highlight of this temple is the annual rath yatra. Every year in the month of June/July a massive procession is taken out from the Jagannath temple. It is known as 'Rath Yatra' and is similar to the one at Puri Jagannath temple. Chariots, carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath (Krishna), Balram and Subhadra are the main attraction of the procession which starts in the morning. The chariots are decorated and adorned with garlands. Decorated elephants, gymnasts, acrobats, saints and devotees, all form part of the procession.

Param Dham:
Param Dham is located on top of a hillock at Bhavnirjar in Ahmedabad. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Krishna who presides here as Sri Venu Gopal who is the main deity. The idol of the main deity is flanked by the idol of Lord Ganesha in 'narthana' pose and Hanuman as Veer Maruti. The highlight of the temple is its unique architectural style.

Manav Mandir:
Manav Mandir is a lotus shaped, pink temple erected by the Ashirvad society and is located at Cinema Road. It is also known as Kamal Mandir. The presiding deity of the temple is Mataji also known as Ambaji - the source of Shakti-Spiritual energy. Darshan is open to visitors from morning 6.00am to 12.30 noon and from 3.00pm to 9.30pm. The Arti timings are 7.00am and 7.00pm. During the Navaratri festival (September-October) special prayer programmes and yagna are performed.

Sri Mahalakshmiji Temple:
Sri Mahalakshmiji Temple is an ancient shrine located at Ahmedabad. The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Lakshmi. The area where the temple is situated is known as Mahalakshmi - Ni-Pole.

Vageshwari Mataji Temple:
Vageshwari Mataji Temple is an ancient shrine located at Ahmedabad and was established about 550 years ago. It lies in the Vageshwari-ni-Pole area and is dedicated to Vageshwari Mataji, the family deity of Shrimali Sonis.
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Jama MasjidJama Masjid:
Jama Masjid is located in the centre of the old city beside the Mahatma Gandhi road and to the east of Teen Darwaza. It was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1423 and is one of the biggest and oldest mosques of India. Jama Masjid combines the best of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture and is built in yellow sandstone. The mosque has 260 pillars supporting 15 domes (cupolas) arranged symmetrically. It has entrances on three sides- west, south and north. The Muluk-Khana or Royal Gallery is the special feature of the mosque. It is a platform standing on pillars and enclosed upto the roof with beautiful stone work. The court has a large marble courtyard with a long rectangular ablution tank in the centre. The prayer hall of the mosque is a rectangular area with five symmetrical domes. The central Mihrab (position indicating the direction of the Holy Mecca ) of the mosque has inscriptions commemorating its completion in 1424 by Sultan Ahmed Shah I. The masjid also had tall minarates which were destroyed in an earthquake.

Rani Rupmati's Mosque:
Rani Rupmati's mosque is located on the northern side of the Ahmedabad city. The mosque was established by Sultan Mahmud Beghara and was named after his wife Rani Rupmati. The special features of this mosque are its impressive domes, carved galleries and tall minarates. The prayer hall consists of exquisite carvings. The three domes are duly supported by pillars and the one in the central position illuminates the mosque with natural light. Small domes located in the front, rear and at the centre rise in crescent like shape.The architecture of the mosque is a combination of both Hindu and Muslim styles. The minarates of the mosque were lost in earthquake. The tomb of Rani Rupmati is located next to the main mosque. Also located close to the mosque are the mosque of muhafiz Khan and Saiyad Usman Mausoleum.

Rani Sipri's Mosque:
Rani Sipri's Mosque is yet another combination of Hindu and Muslim Architecture. It was built by Rani Sipri, wife of Mahmud Beghara who executed their son for a minor misdemeanour. It is a small mosque but outshines Rani Rupmati's mosque with its intricately carved decoration, jali screens with flowering plant and tree forms and the building's elegant design.It is also known as the Masjid-e-Nagira (Jewel of a Mosque) because of its extremely graceful and well-executed design. It has a separate area of worship, upstairs, for women called 'Jenana'. After the death of Rani Sipri, she was buried in the premises of the mosque.

Jhulta Minara:
Jhulta Minara or 'Swaying Minarates' as they are known in English are one of the most ancient structures of Ahmedabad city and are actually a part of the Sidi Bashir mosque. Each minarate has three storeys, girdled by carved stone balconies. The special feature of these minarates which gets them their name is that when one of the minarates is shaken the other one also rocks in tandem. This feature of the minarates is believed to be a protection against earthquakes. An example of superb craftsmanship the secret behind the swaying minarates still remains a mystery to even the trained minds of architects and engineers. The minarates have stood the test of time. Being situated close to the railway station they have withstood the pressure of fast moving trains and also dismantling at the hands of humans. It is believed that an Englishman once made an attempt to demolish one of the minarates unravel the mystery behind their swaying. However he was unable to find out the theory behind the swaying minarates and could not replace the dismantled parts either.
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Ahmed Shah'Mosque:
Ahmed Shah's mosque is located on the Sardar Patel Road. It lies to the south-west of the Bhadra fort. It was built in the year 1414 AD by Sultan Ahmed Shah, the founder of Ahmedabad city. It is one of the oldest mosques in the city. The prayer halls (Mehrabs) have been intricately designed using black and white marbles. Towards the north-east corner lies the separate prayer room for women which is known as 'Zenana'. The mosque initially was meant only for royal class but nowdays it has become a popular tourist destination.

Raj Babri Mosque:
Raj Babri mosque is located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, near the suburb of Gomtipur. It is an ancient shrine believed to have been built in the 15th century and also has its share of fame in the form of its shaking minarates. The minarates were damaged during the Gujarat earthquake and the government has since been trying to restore them. Like most of the other mosques in Ahmedabad, Raj Babri's mosque also exhibits a combination of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles.

Bai Harir Mosque:
Bai Harir mosque is a highly revered shrine in Ahmedabad. It is believed to have been built by Bai Harir Sultani who was the superintendent of th eharem of Sultan Beghara. The central mirhab or prayer area of the mosque shows inscriptions. The sculptural work int he centre of the prayer room and upper part of the walls depict features of Gujarati architecture. The courtyard of the mosque has a few sealed passages that are possibly connected to the nearby stepwell or with some spacious underground alcoves. Near the mosque are located Dada Hari Vav (step well) and Bai Harir's tomb.

Bai Harir tomb is located on the north-eastern part of Bai Harir mosque. The entrance of the tomb faces towards the south. the mausoleum has a tomb chamber with a huge semi circular dome. This is surrounded by low corridors with four small domes. Plant sculptures and geometric patterns resembling Gujarati art decorate the basement of corridors and the bottom of the mausoleum.

Bibi ki Masjid:
Bibi ki Masjid is an ancient mosque located at Ahmedabad in Gujarat. It was built by Makhduma-I-Jahan, mother of Sultan Ahmed Shah II sometime in 1454 AD. The mosque has a royal gallery enclosed by a carved dome with a luxuriant spiral pendant and is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Another feature of the mosque is the presence of shaking minarates here too.

Badshah-no-Hajiro:
The tomb of Ahmed Shah the founder of Ahmedabad is called Badshah-no-Hajiro.It is located just outside the east gate of Jama Masjid. It is square in shape with porticos on each side and has perforated stone windows. Women are not allowed into the central chamber of the structure. The tomb also has cenotaphs of Ahmed Shahs son and grandson. Opposite the Hajiro and across the main gate lies the Rani-no-Hajiro where the queens of subsequent sultans were buried.

Roza of Shah Alam:
Roza of Shah Alam is a monument built in the memory of Muslim saint Shah Alam. It is believed that the roza was built by the brother of the Mughal Empress NoorJahan. The complex of the roza is believed to contain the footprints of the Prophet in marble. The tomb is supported by 12 columns and the brass doors are set in carved marble frames and the floors are tiled in black and white marble. The annual Shah Alam fair is held here in the month of March/April and is attended by thousands of devotees from far and near.

Kutbi Mazar:
Kutbi Mazar in Ahmedabad is a colossal monument built in memory of Syedna Qutubuddin Shaheed, the high priest of Bohra community.

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Panchavati Petrol Pump:Panchavati, Ahmedabad,Gujrat,India

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Fortune Hotel: Ashram Road ,Ahmedabad,Gujarat,India

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