Bidar General information
Bidar in the state of Karnataka was the ancient capital of the Bahmani rulers during the 15th century and is located at 2,200 feet above sea level on a plateau overlooking the Manjira river valley. Bidar also has several religious centres including Nanak Jheera - the largest Sikh temple in Karnataka.
Bidar History
Bidar was the capital of the Bahmani kings from 1428 till it later passed into the hands of the Barid Shahi dynasty. There are some beautiful specimens of typical Muslim art and architecture here. Bidar is famous for being the place where Bidriware, a form of silver filigree art, originated. Bidriware is silver filigree done in Islamic motifs and set against a dark background of blackened zinc, tin, copper and lead to create the most striking ashtrays, boxes, bangles and such. Near Bidar is the town of Gulbarga, which was the Bahmani capital before the honour shifted to Bidar. The old fort at Gulbarga still stands, as do some beautiful mausoleums and mosques.
Bidar Geography
Bidar Climates
Bidar - What to see
Guru Nank Jhira, Bidar - is one of Holiest Place for Sikhs. Every Year this place attracts people from all parts of the country particularly during the months of November and March. Legend has it that Saint Guru Nanak visited the place while the land was in the grip of a famine and performed a miracle at the request of the locals and a spring of water from the laterite rock mountain burst out.
Papnash Shiva Temple - As per the local saying, the Shiva Linga idol in this temple was installed by Shri Ram during his return from Lanka. Every year at the time of Shivrathri festival, this place is full of devotees. A natural spring flows into a pond in front of the temple which is called 'Papnasha'
Narshimha Jhira Water Cave Temple - At this place the Powerful diety as per the belief here is situated in cave of nealy 300 meters. One has to wade through water upto chest height to have darshan of the diety.
Dev Vana (Botanical Garden) - An Eco Tourism center 6 KM away from Bidar town on Bidar - Hyderbad Highway. With more than 200 medicinal plants, this vana is believed to be something of a unconventional temple of plants.
Veerbhadreshewar Jatra's at Humnabad & Changlare - Two very ancient temples of Lord Veerbhadreshwara one at Humnabad and one at Changlara village attract thousands of devotees in the Month of January and November respectively for the yearly Jatra and cart pulling Mohotsav's. The temple at Humnabad constructed in 1725 is famous for its moving pillar.
Manik Prabhu Temple at Humnabad - It attracts tourists in the Month of December at the time of Annual Celebrations along with a Night long Classical Musical function.
Bidar Fort - The Bidar Fort built in the 8th century was renovated in the 14th century. One can still see the ruins of the bastions and gates, royal baths and kitchens, audience halls, and pleasure pavilions.
Bidar - How To Reach
By Plane
By Train