|
| |
AURANGABAD ATTRACTIONS |
| |
| CITY ATTRACTIONS |
 |
|
|
| AURANAGABAD EXCURSIONS |
 |
|
|
| RELIGIOUS PLACES |
 |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
AURANGABAD CITY ATTRACTIONS |
Top |
|
| Himroo Factory |
 |
|
This factory is situated in the old town near Zaffar Gate. It produces hand-woven traditional Himroo shawls from cotton, silk and silver threads. This art is considered to be a cheaper alternative to the prized brocades of silk and gold thread. Himroo shawls and saris are the best buys in Aurangabad. They can be found in many showrooms around the market area of Aurangabad.
The himroo fabric is prepared by silk and locally grown cotton.
Himroo art was brought to Aurangabad in the reign of Mohammad Tughlaq, when he had shifted his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, Aurangabad. The word Himroo originated from the Persian word Hum-ruh which means ‘Similar’. Himroo is the replication of the Kum-khwab which was woven by the pure golden and silver threads in olden days, it was meant for the royal families.
The designs for Himroo were Persian. Himroo weaving is very characteristic and distinctive in appeal. It is much in demand for their unique style and design. Now days there are very few weavers making Himroo shawls, Sarees, Dress Material & Bed Covers. The locale of the Himroo Factory is ideal. The factory is near Zaffar Gate in the old town. |
|
| Panchakki |
 |
|
Panchakki, meaning Water Wheel, is one major attraction of Aurangabad. It was built in 1695 by Malik Amber, the chief architect of Aurangabad. The mill is considered as an amazing wonder of engineering. A mountain spring, about eight kilometers away, is the water source for the running of the mill; a maze of underground earthen pipes cleverly channeled the water to move the blades of the grinding wheel. The water is made to enter the final reservoir through a series of earthen pipes. It is then raised by a siphon to the top of the rectangular masonry pillar. This channel is called ‘naher’. Underneath the reservoir of Panchakki there are spacious, cool chambers which are used during the summers by pilgrims. The water distribution system is a marvel of hydrology. A huge banyan tree on the southern margin of the reservoir provides shade and adds beauty to the whole scene. In the North-West corner, adjacent to the cistern is the water mill driven entirely by water power. It is said that in the olden days, grain could be ground by zero physical effort. There is also a garden and fountains with fish-filled tanks adding to the charm of the entire area.
Nearby is the shrine of a saint, Baba Shah Muzaffar, who was spiritual guide to Aurangzeb. |
|
| Bibi Ka Maqbara |
 |
|
Bearing a little resemblance to the Taj Mahal is the tomb of Begum Rabia-ud-Durani, wife of Emperor Aurangazeb. Hence called, “Poor Man’s Taj Mahal”. Bibi Ka Maqbara is a finest example of Persian Architecture, with excessively impressive look. Even though not compared to Taj, the monument has its own beauty and has been attracting tourist from all around. Bibi Ka Maqbara was built by Prince Azam Shah, son of Emperor Aurangzeb, in the late 17th century as a loving tribute to his mother, Dilras Bano Begam. The monument's name translates literally to 'Tomb of the Lady'. The tomb in itself represents the transition from the ostentatious architecture of Akbar and Shah Jahan to the simple architecture of the later Mughals. The comparison to the Taj Mahal has resulted in a general ignorance of the monument. |
|
| Daulatabad Fort |
 |
|
On a hill, 13 kms. from Aurangabad stands the proud fortress of Daulatabd, also known as Devgiri Fort. An impregnable defense in its day, the 'city of fortune' passed through several dynasties in the Deccan. Daulatabad is situated 13 km from Aurangabad. The fort stands on a pyramid shaped hill. It was previously known as Devgiri. Bhillama, the king of the Yadav dynasty built it in the 12th century. It was Mohammed Bin Tughlaq who gave the name Daulatabad which means city of fortune.
The fort of the city is built on top of a high hill. It is surrounded by thick walls and has transfixed gates. Steep slip ways and a deep ditch can also be seen. Curled network of secret, teasing and underground transitions can also be seen in the fort.
|
|
| Bani Begum Garden |
 |
|
Only 24 kms. from Aurangabad, you can find the tomb of Bani Begam - companion to one of Aurganzeb's sons. It lies amidst sprawling landscaped gardens, interspersed with fluted pillars, elegant domes and aesthetic fountains - showcasing the splendid architecture of the times. The tomb proper is again within an enclosure with four small minarets at the corners. Example of good jali work can be seen in the mausoleum. |
|
|
|
| |
AURANGABAD EXCURSIONS |
Top |
|
| Ajanta Caves |
 |
|
In 1819, 100 kms. from Aurangabad, a group of British officers stumbled upon a secret held by the Sahyadri Hills for centuries. The horseshoe-shaped gathering of the 30 rock-hewn caves of Ajanta. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, the exquisite legacy of paintings, sculptures, 'chaityas' (halls) and 'vihar as' (monasteries) took around 800 years to complete. The basic designs of the caves are called ‘Chaitya grihas’ and ‘Viharas’. Five caves are Buddhist cathedrals and the remaining 25 are monasteries.
The Chaityas are large, rectangular chambers separated by rows of pillars. They are decorated by sculptures and murals which depict the many incarnations of Buddha.
The Vhharas are rectangular shaped halls. They have series of small cells which are attached on both sides. Opposite to the entrance is an image of Buddha.
The caves also include a visual form of the life of Buddha and interesting stories from Jatakas. |
|
| Paithan |
 |
|
An important excavation site today, Paithan town, or Pratishthan (as known earlier) was once a booming trade center. The ancient city is 56km south of Aurangabad and was the seat of the Satvahana dynasty that ruled from 2nd century BC to 2nd century AD. Situated on the banks of the sacred river Godavari, the little town is famous for its Shrine of 'Sant Eknath' where people flock every year during the time of 'Paithan Yatra'. Paithan, which was once an important seat of learning, is also famous for its beautiful silk saris which sport intricately embroidered gold or silver borders called 'Paithani'. The town also provides easy access to the states largest garden Dhyaneshwar Udyan. |
|
| Shirdi |
 |
|
Shirdi is famous for the Shirdi Saibaba Temple, and attracts millions of devotees of all religions, castes and creed who come to pay homage to Shri Sai Baba. The temple is a beautiful shrine that was built over the Samadhi of Shri Sai Baba. Baba preached at Shirdi all his life and performed numerous miracles to convince people that God exists. He healed people's diseases, provided moral and material comfort to his devotees. Baba helped bring Unity and Harmony between all communities. He said that God is one, but called by different names. He said follow your own religion and seek the truth. |
|
| Aundha Nagnath |
 |
|
The twelve jyotirlingas are the most significant places of pilgrimage for Hindus in India. Five of them happen to be in Maharashtra. Shiva has been worshipped in these places for centuries. Aundha-Nagnath is one of them. Anudha Nagnath is in the Hingoli District. This pilgrim center is of great significance, since it is considered to be the Eighth (adya), of the 12 jyotirlingas. It is believed that Dharmraj (eldest of Pandav) has constructed this beautiful temple while they were expelled for 14 years from Hastinapur.The temple of Nagnath has exquisite carvings. The temple is of Hemadpanthi architecture and is situated in about 60,000 sq. ft area. Large number of pilgrims visit this temple on shivratri and Vijayadashmi.
|
|
| Ellora Caves |
 |
|
A mere 30 kms. from the city are the extremely impressive Ellora caves. What makes this group of 34 caves temples unique is that they are dedicated to 3 different religions - Hinduism, Buddhism & Jainism. Ellora represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture.The 34 "caves" – actually structures excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills – comprised of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temples and monasteries, were built between the 5th century and 10th century. The 12 Buddhist (caves 1-12), 17 Hindu (caves 13-29) and 5 Jain caves (caves 30-34), built in proximity, demonstrate the religious harmony prevalent during this period of Indian history. One of its key attractions is the monumental Kailas Temple - the largest single monolithic structure in the world. The Hindu caves were constructed in the 7th century - 8th century and represent a different style of creative vision and execution skills. Some were of such complexity that they required several generations of planning and coordination to complete. The early caves (caves 17-29) were constructed during the Kalachuri period, while the caves 15 and 16 were constructed during Rashtrakuta period. |
|
|
|
| |
RELIGIOUS PLACES IN AURANGABAD |
Top |
|
| Chauki Ki Masjid |
 |
|
The Chauki-ki-masjid is one of the masjids and dargahs that are scattered in and around the old city of Aurangabad. The Chauki-ki-Masjid was built by Aurangzeb’s uncle. It was built by Shayista Khan who was Aurangzeb’s uncle in 1665 A.D.
The Chauki-ki-masjid has five pointed arches in front. It is two arches deep. The arches are connected by eight pillars. They support five domes.
The central dome is elevated and has a metallic steeple. The other domes are hidden in the roof. Minarets at the corners can also be seen. The complete structure has a high basement which contains chambers. These chambers were used for shops and opens on the roadside. |
|
| Dargah of Pir Ismail |
 |
|
The Dargah of Pir Ismail was constructed in memory of Pir Ismail the tutor of the prince Auranzeb. The garden in the Dargah consists of many destroyed water tanks and fountains. The gate is magisterial and it has a large pointed archway. It forms sort of a portico. The actual entrance is by way of a small pointed arch which is at the extreme. The parapet is neatly decorated. The façade has 3 little windows with pointed arches. The corners of the terrace has a tower which is surmounted with a bulging dome and spire. The Dargah is square and has 5 pointed arches on each side. |
|
| Ghrishneshwar Temple |
 |
|
The Grihneshwar Temple, 30 km from Aurangabad near the Ellora caves, is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and sacred to Hindus. The Ghrishneshwar Temple was built during 1765 and 1795. The construction of the temple was done by Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. The temple is built of red volcanic rock and it delivers a characteristic appearance.
The most impressing feature of Ghrishneshwar Temple is the 5 tier shikara. The shikara rises in decreasing height. The height is then increased with the help of the high wall component of the sanctum. An unerect bull at each corner and monkey behind it is the crown of the Shikara.
The temple is of great importance as the presiding deity is a jyotirlinga. |
|
| Jama Masjid |
 |
|
The Jama Masjid is located near the Killa Arrak. It has 50 polygonal pillars. These pillars are arranged in 5 rows. They are connected by a system of arches. This divides the building into 27 equal compartments. Each compartment is covered by a small domical vault which is simple but elegantlly designed. Out of the 9 pointed arches in the front 5 were erected by Malik Ambar. A roomy court in front of the mosque, has open buildings on 3 sides for travellers. A water tank in the middle of the court, is provided with water from the Malik Ambar canal. |
|
| Shah Ganj Masjid |
 |
|
The Shah Ganj Masjid is one of the finest buildings to be seen in any part of India. The mosque is on a elevated platform. It has shops on 3 of the outer sides. The 4th is open and can be ascended through a flight of steps. The architecture style is Indo-Saracenic. The interior contain 24 pillars out of which 6 pillars are arranged in the form of a square.
The court-yard in the front comprises 2 large water tanks. The entrance is in the pattern of a little mosque and it has a pointed archway and two towers. |
|
|
|
|
|
