Ancient port town : Sopara

Nestled in the Thane district of Maharashtra, Sopara is an ancient port town and the erstwhile capital of Aparanta (formerly Konkan), or the state’s western border. Named after the term Shoorparaka which combines two distinct words for brave city, this place is a treasure trove of history and was known for its trading skills with Egypt, Mesopotamia, Cochin, Eastern Africa, and Arabia.

Sopara. Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Currently, one of the most unpleasant suburbs in the ‘City of Dreams’, Sopara was once the seat of trading centers and bonded well with the Greeks, Romans, the Middle East, and Egyptians. Besides, it was believed to be the oldest evidence of Mumbai that reminiscences the Ashokan era, and is also known as a significant ‘teertha’.

Introduced by several religions, Sopara was mentioned in Brahmanical, Jain, and Buddhist texts as Parshuramtirtha, one of the 84 most respected tirthas, and the place where Buddha visited himself. Further, foreign travelers like Huen Tsang, Arab Al Idrisi, and its mention in the Hebrew text as Ophir, make Sopara a religious hotspot for ‘yatris’ across the globe.

As the Brahmanical writings unfold, Sopara is described as a holy spot that is surrounded by the Arabian sea to the west, the Vaitarna river to the north, the Ulhas river to the south, and the Sahyadri mountains to the east. Further, Sopara holds the Mahabharata connection and is home to 108 teerthas and several kunds. Similarly, tales of Lord Buddha, the Widow`s Stupa, the Ramayana, the Jataka tales, some mythical stories, and more establish the rich cultural heritage of Sopara.

Known for being one of the earliest civilizations in India, Sopara was reputed for trading in spices, precious metals, and textiles, and was the hub for the exchange of ideas between ancient India and other parts of the world. Now, Sopara is famous for its architectural monuments, temples, shrines, and other local and nearby visual treats. Additionally, its coastal location with the surrounding lush green hills attracts tourists who love outdoor activities like swimming, bird watching, and hiking.

One of the most popular spots in Sopara is the Sopara Stupa which is believed to have existed since the 2nd century BCE. Built by Ashoka the great, this stupa is a large stone structure that is believed to be the site of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhist followers. Amongst the treasures, it houses a stone coffer, some 8th and 9th-century bronze coins, caskets of crystal, silver, gold, and stones, plenty of gold flowers, thirteen pieces of an earthenware which is precisely a begging bowl, a silver coin of Gautamiputra Satakarni, and so on. Similarly, the Chakreshwar temple with its exquisite sculptures and early medieval artifacts also highlights the rich historical significance. Another important monument in Sopara is the Jivdani temple dedicated to the goddess herself. Located on a hilltop, this temple is known for its intricate carvings, beautiful architecture, and as an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Unearthed by archaeologist pandit Bhagvanlal Indraji, Sopara or Supraka is a not-so-famous tourist destination that is eroding day by day. However, the city is recently gaining popularity and certainly calls for restoration for the reflections of the nostalgic era.