Ahmednagar
A DISTRICT WITH A GLORIOUS HISTORY, AHMEDNAGAR HAS ITS
HEADQUARTERS IN AHMEDNAGAR TOWN. FOUNDED IN 1494 BY MALIK AHMAD, THE TOWN HAS
BEEN FAMOUS SINCE MEDIEVAL TIMES. CHATRAPATHI SHIVAJI WAS BORN HERE AND LATER, THE
TOWN WAS ALSO THE CAPITAL OF THE NIZAMSHAHI KINGDOM.
PLACES OF INTEREST
AHMEDNAGAR FORT (1 KM EAST):
Built in 1490 AD, this 500 years old fort is one of the
best-designed forts in the entire state of Maharashtra and at the same time, it
is also counted amongst the impregnable forts of India. It has the second largest
display of military tanks in the world, is oval in shape and has a circumference
of around 1.70 km. Forming a part of the defence system of the fort are its 24
citadels and a moat that is 30 m wide and 4 to 6 m deep. The huge and strong
cut stonewalls of the fort reach to a height of 25 m, from the bottom of the
ditch. There are two entrances to the fort, which can be reached only after one
goes over the moat, through the suspension drawn bridges. The first Prime
Minister of free India, Pandit Nehru wrote 'Discovery of India’ when he was
imprisoned in this fort in 1944, and many leaders of freedom struggle were
imprisoned from 1942-45. Now the Indian army occupies the fort, and entry into
the fort is allowed by signing at the gate. Photography is not allowed inside
the fort.
AHMEDNAGAR MUSEUM:
The Museum started functioning with two halls in May 1960.
Today, it displays coins of ancient currency, thousands of materials in hand written
texts, weapons, sculptures, and artifacts. The 'Sita Swayamwar’ ring, portrait
of Sambhaji, horoscope measuring 66 m, and map of India printed in London in
1816 are some of the peculiar collections of the museum. The museum is open on
all days except Thursdays.
BHURANNAGAR TEMPLE:
Built in 1913, this temple is located at Bhurannagar, near
Bhingar on the Pathardi road. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Tuljabhavani.
It is believed that the goddess gave Shivaji a sword. Thousands of devotees throng
during the Navratri festival, which is celebrated annually at the temple.
FARAHBAG:
A luxurious palace built during the rule of Murtuza
Nizamshah in 1576, it was designed as an opulent haven where wine flowed and
even the air would be scented. The palace, octagonal in shape, is situated in
the middle of a square lake. In the days of imperial rule, the central hall of
the palace witnessed many languorous evenings of song, dance and merrymaking.
Scented water from special tanks was sprinkled all over by fountains. Several
great personalities of ancient India are recorded to have come here for fun and
relaxation.
THE IRON BRIDGE:
Located on the Sina River near the railway station, this bridge
is more than 100 years old.
TANK MUSEUM:
The first of its kind in Asia, the museum has on display a variety
of Indian and foreign tanks used during different periods. The museum is open
from 8.00 AM to 12.00 PM and 1.00 PM to 6.00 PM.
EXCURSIONS:
AJOBA:
A hill for trekking in the Malshej Ghat region of
Maharashtra, it is situated near Kalyan railway station. There are caves and
temples on top of the hill. The best season to visit the place is from July to
February.
BHANDARDARA (HILL STATION):
The most beautiful holiday resorts on the hills and is an
ideal place for trekkers. A perfect stopover on the way to or from Shirdi, it
is a charming little picnic spot. Amidst the dense green forest, lies the most
splendid lake of the country Arthur Lake. It is formed by the dammed waters of
the Pravara River. Legend has it that Shri Agasti Rishi meditated continuously for
a year, living only on water and air. Pleased with his tremendous devotion the
Lord came down to earth. He blessed Shri Agasti Rishi and left leaving behind a
stream of Ganga - now known as Pravara River. Bhandardara is easily among the most
beautiful holiday resorts.
PLACES OF INTEREST (In St around Bhandardara)
AMRITESHWAR:
This temple dates back to 1100 AD. Built in a distinct
Hemadpanti style, the intricately carved temple still stands proud.
AGASTI RISHI ASI-IRAM:
Situated on the bank of the Pravara River, this legendary dwelling
finds a place in the scripts of the Ramayan. It is said that Lord Ram, Laxman and
Sita visited Agasti Rishi. The Rishi had then given Lord Rama a miraculous
arrow, which was used to kill the devil, Ravana, in order to rescue Sita.The
ashram, manages to attract crowds from all over.
BHANDARDARA DAM:
Built in 1926, Bhandardara Dam, noted for its vantage points
for nature watching, lies across the Arthur Lake. It is one of the oldest dams
in Asia, situated at a height of 750 m from mean sea level.
LAKE ARTHUR HILL (BHANDARDARALAKE):
The Lake lies on a part of the Deccan plateau at a height of
750 m. It was created when Wilson Dam was constructed across Pravara River. It
is an ideal picnic spot.
MOUNT KALSUBAI:
Overlooking Bhandardara, one can see Mt. Kalsubai, the highest
peak (1,646 m) in the Sahyadri range. During the Maratha rule, this peak point served
as the Watchtower. It is an ideal place for those who enjoy trekking, as are
the surrounding hills. There is a small temple at the top, with an old well in
its backyard. Legend has it that the level of the well water never drops below
3 ft.
RATANGAD:
The fort can be found a few kilometers away from the MTDC resort.
It was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and was one of his favourites. The
fort has a breathtaking view and provides ample grounds for trekkers. The
Amruteshwar temple is an added attraction here.
THE UMBRELLA FALLS:
Located in the vicinity, these picturesque falls are enjoyed
only during the monsoons when the water level in the lake is considerably high.
Streamlets from the lake cascade down 45 m at the Randha Falls an ideal place
to relax and enjoy nature. Besides being a scenic spot, these falls are also
used for hydropower generation.
WILSON DAM:
A lovely site for picnicking, built in 1910 on the Pravara
River, the dam is almost 150 m above the sea level and attracts crowds from all
over the country. The cool placid waters of the river run by the miles.
BAGROJA:
Located on the banks of the Sina River is the tomb of Ahmed
Nizamshah and his wife. This attractive monument is enclosed within a stone
wall.
DWARKAMAI:
Situated on the right side of the entrance of the Samadhi
Mandir, in Shirdi, this mosque is regarded as a holy landmark of all religions
in the world. The mosque has a nimbar (a niche) in the west wall, which Muslims
use for prayer and there are bells hanging from its ceiling, resembling a Hindu
temple. Another important feature is that it acts as a place for curing many
fatal diseases and all kinds of sufferings through Udi (sacredash) collected
from the dhuni (fire place) the perpetual sacred fire burning here. The mosque
also has beautiful oil paintings of the sage. Ram Navami, celebrated here,
attracts large number of people irrespective of caste, creed and religion.
GURUSTHAN:
Shirdi Sai Baba was first seen in the form of a Bal Yogi (a
child ascetic) at Gurusthan in Shirdi. He was seen seated under a Neem tree.
This place was later referred as Gurusthan - 'the place of the guru’. There is
a small shrine of Baba here. There is a big portrait of Baba on an elevated
platform and a marble statue of Baba on one side. A Shivling and Nandi are seen
in front of the portrait. Photos of 12 Jyotirlingas are kept in the temple.
GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:
It is spread over two districts of Ahmednagar and Solapur in
Maharashtra. The most common species found here are Great Indian bustard, blackbuck,
wolf, Indian fox, hyena and common mongoose. August to January is the ideal
time to visit the sanctuary.
JAGDAMBA TEMPLE:
Situated at Kokamthan, the temple belongs to the later phase
of the Hernadpanthi style. It was built around the 13th century. The temple is
dedicated to the goddess Jagadamba (mother of the Hindu universe).
KULANGGAD (FORT AT KULANG):
A hill fort in the Jgatpuri region of Maharashtra, it is at
an altitude of 4,820 ft above sea level. There are caves at the top that offer
natural shelter. The panorama offered from the top of Kulang is one of the best
in Sahyadris. The best season to visit Kulanggad is from November to February.
KUNJARGAD:
A hill fort in the Malshej region, it is situated at an
altitude of 4,500 above sea level. The other attractions on this hill are the
cave and nedhe (natural hole). This hole which can be crossed by crawling on
hands and knees and the unexplored caves invite lovers of adventure.
KALASUBAI HARISCHANDRAGAD WILD LIFE SANCTUARY:
Located at Akole Taluk, this area, a part of Sahyadri hill
ranges, is covered by semi evergreen forest and semi deciduous shrub savanna.
The inhabitants of the sanctuary include the leopard, jungle cat, palm civet,
mongoose, hyena, wolf, jackal, fox, Indian giant squirrel, porcupine, monitor
lizard, fan-throated lizard, turtles, white necked storks and black ibis. The
best time to visit Kalasubai Harischandragad Wildlife Sanctuary is from August
to December.
LENDI BAUG:
A beautiful garden, situated at some distance from
Gurusthan, in Shirdi. The garden made of dense shrubs and bushes is the place
where Shirdi Sai Baba used to stroll daily. Lendi Baug derived its name from
‘Nalla’ (adrain), which used to flow here. Baba used to come here daily in the
morning and afternoon and take rest under a Neem tree. He dug a pit under the
Neem tree and kept a light in that pit. Nanda Deep, an octagonal Deepgriha
(light-house), has been built in marble stone in memory of this place. It
constantly burns in a glass box. Nanda Deep is flanked by a Peepal tree and a
Neem tree. At some distance away from Lendi Baug is the Datta Mandir, below an Audumbar
tree.
MULA DAM:
Also known as Dnyanesh-warsagar Dam, it lies at Rahuri
Taluka. Constructed in 1974, this darn is the biggest dam in Ahmednagar. The
Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidhyapeeth is nearby. There is also a beautiful rest
house close to the dam. It is an ideal picnic spot.
REHEKURI BLACKBUCK SANCTUARY:
It is situated at Karjat taluka, it spans over 2 sq. km of
dry deciduous scrub forest. Mainly established to preserve blackbuck, this sanctuary
also supports chinkara, wolf and Indian fox. The best time to visit is from
August to january.
SECLUSION HILL (20 KM):
Formerly Milled Lower Tembi Hill, this beautiful hillock
offers a holy atmosphere for visitors. Meherazad is a famous spiritual centre located
at the foot of the hill. Traces of the foundation of two cabins, built for
Meher Baba, remain at the top of the hill. Pilgrims can climb the hill after obtaining
permission from the resident trustee of Avatar Meher Baba Trust.
SHIRDI:
Situated in Rahata Taluk, it is on the Ahmednagar-Manmad
Highway. A popular pilgrim destination for the followers of Shirdi Sai Baba,
the headquarters of the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan is located here. Shirdi was the
house of the saint Sai Baba, who lived here for 80 years and shed his mortal
coils over eighty years ago. The streets of Shirdi are lined with shops,
selling Sai Baba’s memorabilia. The Sansthan does a lot of welfare work here.
Sai Baba Bhakti Niwas accommodates about 3,500 devotees, a Shri Sainath Hospital,
which is well equipped with the latest technology and provides free treatment
and a Prasadalaya, which provides hygienic prasada to 1,000 devotees at a time.
A large number of devotees throng the place especially on Thursdays, which is a
special day in Sai Baba worship. Sakori, home to the Upasini Maharaj, is just 5
km from Shirdi. Datta Mandir and Khandoba Temple are the other worth visiting
pilgrim spots. Best time to visit Shirdi is from September to April. Sarnadhi
Mandir, the place where the mortal remnants of Shirdi Sai Baba are placed in a
tomb, is situated at Shirdi. The samadhi is built in white marble with ornamental
borders. There is a magnificent idol of Baba carved out in Italian marble. Samadhi
Mandir is a double storied building; the first floor has pictures depicting the
life of Baba. The temple has a conference hall, which can accommodate about 600
devotees. The temple is open from 5.00 AM until 10.00 PM. All the formal
worship including the sacred bath and Aartis are offered in the temple.
VISHWATMAK JANGLI MAHARAJASHRAM (7 KM FROM SHIRDI):
Also known as Kokamthan Ashram, it is located on
Shirdi-Kopargaon road. The ashram runs under the guidance of Vishwatmak Gurudev
janglidas Maharaj. This spiritual cum socio-educational centre aims to teach,
preach, guide and experience the soul (Atma). The ashram conducts various
projects in religious and educational fields. Meditation camps are conducted
occasionally. The ashram also runs Gurukuls. A special programme called
Anugraha/Namdan (Mantra-Diksha) Programme is held on the day before the full
moon day when a holy meeting is arranged throughout the night in the presence
of Sadguru janglidas Maharaj.
TALIKOT BATTLE MEMORIAL:
Located near Bagroja, it was constructed by the Ahmed
Nizamshah in memory of the elephant Gulam Ali, who had turned away a near
defeat in 1565 AD war with Vijaynagar Empire. This attractive monument is noted
for beautiful carvings.
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