Aurangabad
NAMED AFTER AURANGZEB. THE MUGHAL EMPEROR, AURANGABAD IS
KNOWN FOR ITS CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC HISTORY. HOME OF THE AJANTA AND ELLORA
CAVES - THE FAMOUS TREASURE HOUSE OF INDIAN ART AND SCULPTURE, THE DISTRICT is
SURROUNDED BY THE HILLS OF THE VINDHYA RANGES AND IS WATERED BY THE RIVER KHAM.
AURANGABAD IS ALSO FAMOUS FOR ITS SILK TEXTILES AND EXQUISITE HAND-WOVEN
BROCADES OF SILVER AND GOLD FABRICS. AURANGABAD TOWN is THE DISTRICT
HEADQUARTERS.
Places of Interest:
AURANGABAD CAVES:
Located just 2 km north of the Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad
Caves are ten Buddhist caves carved out of the hillside around the 6th or 7th century.
Caves 1 to 5 are in the western group and the remaining caves, a kilometre
away, are in the eastern group.
WESTERN GROUP:
The caves are viharas (abodes), except the fourth one. The fourth,
which is the oldest cave, at Aurangabad, is a Hinayana chaitya with a ribbed
roof and is fronted by a pillar. Cave 3 is square in shape and is supported by
12 ornate columns.
EASTERN GROUP:
The sculptures of women at Cave 6 are notable for their exotic
hairstyles and ornamentation. The most interesting of the Aurangabad caves is
Cave 7 because of its sculptures. There is a huge Bodhisattva to the left of
cave 7. Prayers are held to free from the eight dangers such as fire, the sword
of the enemy, chains, shipwreck, lions, snakes, mad elephants, and a demon (representing
death).
BIBI KA MAQBARA (5 KM):
BIBI KA MAQBARA was built by the Prince Azam Shah in 1678 in the memory
of his mother Rabia Durani. It is the replica of the Taj
Mahal (Agra). Its quiet similar to the famous Taj Mahal, somehow the architecture fails to produce the magic of the Taj.
Hence, it is considered to be a poor imitation of the Taj Mahal.
CHAUK MASJID:
It is another splendid mosque situated in Aurangabad. Built by
Shayista Khan, the uncle of Emperor Aurangzeb, in the year 1665, this masjid is
embellished with five beautifuldomes.
HIMROO FACTORY:
A workshop in Aurangabad’s Zaffar gate is continuing the conventional
style of Himroo hand weaving. The workshop also maintains a showroom to
showcase these products. Here, one can see and shop Himroo Shawls and sarees.
Bold patterns and colours are the special features of Mashru fabrics. It is
said that Marco Polo was gifted a fabric woven in silk and gold threads.
LAL MASJID:
Located in the old Aurangabad, the mosque is a basalt
building painted red, which dates back to the year 1655.
PANCHAKKI:
The word Panchakki literally means water mill. The Panchakki
is a historic water-powered flourmill built in the 17th century. The water is
pumped from a reservoir 6 km away into a tank, that today houses entire Shoals
of khol fish. The shrine of a saint, Baba Shah Musafir is located here. The
place also has a garden and fountains with fish-filled tanks enhancing the
beauty of the entire area.
REGIONAL MUSEUM:
Housed within the Soneri Mahal, Regional Museum dis- plays
glass paintings and wood works. A library is also attached to the museum. The museum
is open from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM on all days except Mondays.
SHAH GANJ MOSQUE:
lt is located in the market square of the old city of Aurangabad.
Built in 1720, it is an interesting monument in Maharashtra. There are many
shops on its three sides.
EXCURSIONS:
AJANTA CAVES (99 KM):
It is one of the greatest historical monuments in world, Ajanta Caves
is a UNESCO certified World Heritage Site. This group of 30 caves, carved out of
the sides of a steep ravine, belongs to a period ranging from 200 BC to 250 AD.
Among them, cave number 9, 10, 26 and 29 are chaityagrihas (prayer halls)
while the rest are viharas (monasteries). The detailed sculptures and
beautiful paintings. The paintings are executed in the tempera technique on a ground
of mud-plaster. All the paintings show great religious influence and are centered
on Buddha, Bodhisattvas, incidents from the life of Buddha and the jataka tales.
Cave timings are between 09.00 AM and 5.30 PM.
ANTUR FORT (50 KM):
Around 2,700 ft. high, built by the Marathas in the 15th
century, the fort is noted for its fortification remains, doorways and a dargah
with an arched structure. It also carries a carved inscription dating back to
the period of Nizamshan.
BANI BEGUM GARDEN (24 KM):
The garden is known for its lush green appearance and
comforting atmosphere. It got its name from the tomb of Bani Begum who is the
wife of Aurangzeb’s son, which is located in the middle of this garden. The
garden is constructed in various styles. Massive domes, fountains and fluted
pillars can be seen in the garden. The garden is an example of the Mughal style
and .architecture of the departed period.
DAULATABAD (15 KM):
Literally meaning ‘the city of fortunes', it was formerly
known as Devagiri, which was the 12th century fortress capital of
Hindu kings of Deccan. A pyramid-shaped fortress constructed here by Bhillama,
a general of Yadav dynasty is surrounded by thick walls, spiked gates, steep
graveled slide ways and a deep moat. A 5 km gigantic wall, artificial scarping,
dungeons and a complicated defense system are the unique features of Daulatabad.
Situated opposite the fortress is a unique structure it was originally a
temple, which was converted into a mosque by the Sultan of Delhi in 1318.
Post-independence, the mosque was converted into Bharatmata (Mother India)
Temple. A large stone- lined elephant tank, which was once a central component
in the fort’s extensive water supply system, is located nearby. The fort also
has a 30 ft. tall victory tower named Chand Minar. It was constructed by
Ala-ud-din Bhamani in 1435 to com memorate his conquest of this fort. Chinese
Palace (Chini Mahal) and Baradi, the residence of Yadavi queen are located
nearby. The best time to visit is between July and December.
GRISHNESHWAR TEMPLE (11 KM FROM DAULATABAD):
Situated at Verul, near Ellora caves, it is one of the 12
Jyotirlingas and is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus. lluilt by Ahilyabhai
Holkar in 1768, it is dedicated to Shiva. It is noted for the carvings on the
pillars. The temple stands majestically upon a 4 ft. high platform. A golden
spire or a kalasham tops the temple this is cubicle shaped shrine has a
pillared hall and three porches. It also houses the idol of Goddess Parvati.
The temple tank is another attraction. The deity faces east whereas all the
other 11 Jyotirlingas face towards the north. Another specialty is the holy
water, which flows from inside the temple. The temple celebrates the annual
festival during Shivratri. Ellora Yatra, the annual fair, also held here during
the festival draws thousands of people.
ELLORA CAVES (30 KM):
Ellora caves are 34 in number. They are carved into the
sides of a hill. The caves remain as the finest example of cave-temple
architecture. They have elaborate porticos and beautifully decorated interiors.
These structures belonging to 350-700 AD, represent the three faiths of
Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. An important feature is the Kailasa temple,
which has been carved out of a single block of stone. It is the world’s largest
monolith and the gateway, pavilion, assembly hall, sanctum and tower are carved
out of a single rock. There is the Dumar Lena cave, which is similar to the
famous cave temple at Elephanta that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Jain caves
are situated about a mile from the Kailasa temple. There is a cave which has a
beautiful shrine decorated with fine carvings of a lotus flower on the roof,
and a yakshi on a lion under a mango tree. There are also some caves with the
grand statues of Parasnath. The other Jain caves contain the images of
Tirthankars, and one of them, has a seated figure of Mahavir.
MHAISMAL (40 KM):
Also spelt as Maheshmal, this is a small hill station,
situated at an altitude of 1,067 ft. on the way to Ellora caves, An ancient
temple of Giriiamata, a beautiful lake and a 300 ft TV tower that can broadcast
to a 150 km range and an exact copy Balaji Temple of Tirupati are tlie otlier
major tourist attraction of this place.
PETI-IAN TEMPLE (50 KM SOUTH):
Located on the banks of the Godavari River, it is one of the
renowned Jain temples in Maharashtra. This temple was famous as Parthisthan
Pethan and is one of the few Digambar Jain Atishay temples in India. Dedicated
to Lord Munisuvrata, the twentieth Tirthankar, Pethan Temple draws a large number
of devotees. The chief deity, the black colored idol, is built of sandstone.
Accommodation facilities are available at dharamshalas nearby.
PITHALKORA (78 KM):
Nestling within the Satmala range of the Western Ghats,
Pithalkora is a group of 13 caves. These caves dating back to 2nd century BC,
with additions in the fifth and sixth centuries, is situated on the ancient
trade route linking Ajanta and Ellora, progressing to the coast. Of all the 13
caves, cave 4 features some intricate carvings on its sculptured facade. The
relief work in Pithalkora is richer and more elaborate, and features exquisite
carving.
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