|
| |
AURANGABAD
SIGHTSEEING
|
| |
|
AURANGABAD CAVES |
|
Nestled amidst the hills are 12 Buddhist caves probably dating back to the 1
A.D. Of particular interest are the Tantric influences evident in the
iconography and architectural designs of the caves. There are twelve caves in
all, a major chunk of which are viharas, of which Caves 3 and 7, are the most
fascinating. Cave 3 stands supported by 12 finely carved columns, and sports
sculptures portraying scenes from the Jataka tales. Cave 7 houses an imposing
sculpture of a Boddhisattva, praying for deliverance. Some of the chaitya halls
here are constructed on a mandala plan for the circumambulation of the Buddha
who is depicted here seated on an intricately carved throne.One is also treated
to a panoramic view of the city as well as the imposing Maqbara from this point. |
| |
| |
|
BIBI KA MAQBARA |
|
It is the tomb of Begum Rabia Durani, wife of Emperor Aurangzeb. Due to its
similar design, it is popularly known as the mini Taj of the Deccan. Inspired
the Taj Mahal, it was built as the final resting place of Begum Rabi’a Daurani.
Close to the begum’s tomb is the unmarked grave of her devoted nurse. it was
designed and built by Ata Ullah whose name is engraved on its door. The Maqbara
stands in the middle of a spacious and formally planned Mughal garden with axial
ponds, fountains, water channels, broad pathways and pavilions. Frequent
visitors are flights of chattering parrots. |
|
|
|
|
|
PANCHAKKI |
|
The word Panchakki literally means water mill. The Panchakki is
an interesting 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. It lies in the same complex as a memorial to the Sufi saint
Baba Shah, who was spiritual adviser to Aurangzeb. The place also has a garden
and fountains with fish-filled tanks enhancing the beauty of the entire area. |
|
|
|
|
|
KHULDABAD |
|
At the holy village of Khuldabad is located the tomb of the last great Moghul
Emperor Aurangzeb. His simple tomb remains an eloquent testament to the staunch
faith and spartan lifestyle of this pious Muslim ruler. As per his instructions,
the tomb was built only with the few rupees he had earned by stitching cloth
caps! On his tombstone is inscribed in elegant Persian calligraphy : "No
marble sheets should shield me from the sky as I lie there one with the
earth." |
|
|
|
|
|
GHRISHNESHWAR TEMPLE |
|
Ghrishneshwar was built in the 18th century of spotted red sandstone.
Decorative friezes and sculpture depict a pantheon of Indian gods including
Bhrama, Vishnu, Ganesh, the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, celestial beings, and
even Maratha heroes. Worshippers of Shiva flock to the Ghrishneshwar Temple, of
particular importance since it enshrines a jyotirlinga. This particular aspect
of the god’s luminous energy is manifested in only 12 temples. |
|
|
|
|
|
ELLORA |
|
Ellora can be divided into three groups and roughly
three periods: Buddhist, Hindu and Jain. In the seventh century A.D. the focus
shifted to Ellora, some seventy-five miles away, where another set of caves was
created from living rock. Here, not only Buddhism, but Hinduism and the Jain
faith inspired the four centuries of arduous labors needed to create these
elaborate excavations.. The Buddhist and Jain caves are ornately carved, but are
relatively calm, while the Hindu caves seem to burst with divine energy. |
|
|
|
|
|
AJANTA |
|
Famous for its caves, Ajanta is one of the few historical and architectural
marvels of India. Recognised as the World Heritage site today, it was discovered
during the 19th century by a group of British officers who were on a tiger hunt.
The Ajanta group of caves, located deep within the Sahyadri hills above the
Waghora, depict the story of Buddhism that prevailed here during 200 BC to 650
AD. |
|
|
|
|
|
DAULATABAD FORT |
|
Daulatabad fort is located just 13 kilometres from Aurangabad en route Ellora.
Made the capital of the Delhi Sultanate a 100 years later by Tughlaq, it was the
prime fortress of many successive dynasties in the Deccan. Daulatabad is famous
for it’s series of trick defences, secret escape routes. it was an old Hindu
stronghold, finally captured and plundered by deceit in the 13th
century. Easily accessible from the major towns nearby, the fort was built
during the 12th century. Due to its uncommon location on a pyramid shaped hill,
this impressive fortress attracts the attention of all. the Daulatabad fortress
was earlier known as 'Devgiri'. It was built by king Bhillama of Yadav dynasty.
Later the name of the entire place was changed to Daulatabad by Mohammed Bin
Tughlaq, Sultan of Delhi. |
|
|
|
|
|
LONAR |
|
At Lonar is one of the world’s 5 largest craters, formed by the impact of a
meteorite nearly 50,000 years ago. The surface diameter of the crater is nearly
1.75 kms, and its depth is nearly 132 metres. Its base has formed a beautiful
lake . On the shores of the lake are temples built in the 12th – 13th
century. Probably from the meteorite make the lake water very salty while
freshwater springs abound at the crater’s edge. |
|
|
|
|
|
SHIRDI |
|
Approximately 144 kilometres from Aurangabad,
Shirdi is a tourist destination considered holy by the Hindus. A large number of
tourists come here all through the year to visit the shrine of Sidhi Sai Baba.
Moreover, there are some more holy shrines closely related to Sai Baba here.
Easily accessible from the nearby towns, Shirdi is an important excursion
destination from Aurangabad.
|
|
