Deo Sun Temple – Its Significant Is That Everyone Can See The Main God From The First Way In Of The Temple

SUN TEMPLE 

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AURANGABAD

Deo surya temple is located in the Aurangabad District of Bihar State of India.One of the few existing ancient sun temples, Deo, was built in 8th century CE by Chandravanshi King Bhairavendra Singh. This temple faces west which is a unique feature for any sun temple as the usual tradition of sun temples is to face east, towards the rising sun.

The main structure is a beautifully carved ornamental, pyramid shaped stone built shikhara. Dhshtikon archaeological importance of the temple spire 100 feet is Uco. It was square Alnkht Stone Wing has been added to the iron Klamp.

Nagara style of temple architecture, the temple western crafts and stone craft Adrabhut sample. Grbghh a prayer in front of the pavilion is made of monolithic support Stmbho. The top and base of the column, however, is not Ydpi Alnkht is shapely and Nanabhiram. Satdl pavilion roof in the middle of a lotus. O Sun God Sprup Grbghh Trikaal in three idol is installed as Brahma and Vishnu, Maheshwar.

In addition, outside the temple within a temple entrance disintegrates Suryamurthy fit almost five Boyi off the side of the statue of Ganesha idols before him, and so is the Uma Maheshwar. These idols made of black stone sculpture of Palkalin Utkhsht sample.

According to archaeological evidence and details of major Kitto records from Deb Samvat the 1,605th ( 1,548th E 0) is. According to another account, where he conducted by the Vikram Samvat Brahamno the 1293rd ( 1 236 e 0) is noted. Surya Kund temple is located five hundred meters.

According to legend and Kivdntio Puranik ancient temple and the temple of the sun caused the pit. King, who suffered from leprosy victims with the touch of the sun during the spring water, and he multiplied his Byadhi Fall Sun Temple built.

Uniqueness of the temple is that whole temple is encircled by the garland of Rudraksha, which is carved in its stone walls. One more significant thing is that all twelve temples of Sun God are represented here through carvings at the gate, on the walls and domes.

The top of the temple’s dome is in the shape of a lotus, above which a golden kalash is placed. The architecture of the temple is such that anyone can see the deity in the sanctum from the first entrance gate, which is though rather far. The first entrance is constructed in such a manner that devotees have to bow down before entering the temple as a gesture of respect.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Anugrah Narayan Road (About 20 k.m. from Deo)

By Bus

It is almost 160 k.m. from Patna. The route covers Bikram, Arwal, Daudnagar, Obra, Aurangabad. NH-98 covers from Patna to Aurangabad and NH-2 covers (G.T. Road) from Aurangabad to Patna.

Ajanta Caves – Monks Of Buddhist Are Spending An Amount Of Winter Times In This Caves

AJANTA CAVES 

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AURANGABAD

Ajanta caves  are located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state of India. The Ajanta caves are one of the places history and and culture enthusiasts will enjoy an excursion to. It is believed that several Buddhist monks spent a significant amount of time at the Ajanta caves during the monsoons as they were forbidden from travelling during that particular period of the year. This was the time when the monks put their creativity and time to use and painted the walls of the caves.

It was only in 1819, when Jon Smith, who belonged to the 28th Cavalry accidentally chanced upon the horse-shoe shaped rock while hunting a tiger in and around the Deccan Plateau region. The entrance to the cave like structures intrigued the British official enough to make them cross the Waghora River in the vicinity and reach the caves. Soon, archaeological experts excavated the sites and the news of discovery of these caves spread like wild fire making it an instant hit among European travelers.

Apart from the stunning paintings and sculptures, there were also huge Buddhist mounds like stupas built, massive pillars intricately detailed carvings on the ceilings and walls made big news, giving the Ajanta caves the status of a heritage site. 

It was soon studied that there were over 30 caves in the cave complex out of which one part of the complex was developed during the Satvahana period and the other was done during the Vakataka period. After closely studying several of these artefacts, historians and archaeologists speculated a connection between the Vakataka dynasty that ruled the region to the Gupta dynasty of north India!

During the first phase of construction, the sanctuaries known as the Chaitya-grihas were built in the canyons of the Waghora River. Caves 9, 10, 12 and 15 A were built in the first phase during the Satavahana dynasty. The second period of construction was carried out during the rule of Emperor Harishena of the Vakataka dynasty. Close to 20 cave temples were simultaneously built which resemble the modern day monasteries with a sanctum in the rear end of the structure.

Towards the end of the reign of Harisena, these caves were abandoned and eventually forgotten through the centuries. The dense forests were partly to be blamed for camouflaging these caves. The Ajanta caves are home to paintings and sculptures that depict heavy influence of Buddhist philosophy and religious teachings of the Buddha. Various incidents from the life of Gautam Buddha and the Jataka Tales are represented and recreated on the walls of these caves. Scenes from the royal court of the respective eras are also painted.

Through his life, Buddha was against the idea of sculpting and painting images of him. He  preached that life was a process through which one must overcome desire in order to attain salvation or nirvana. However, after Buddha’s death, his followers who wanted to worship him, decided to paint his images so that they had something to hold on to while spreading the faith and teachings of the Buddha.

At the entrance of the first of Ajanta caves, you will be greeted by a tall image of the Buddha. The doorway to the cave is decorated with auspicious motifs and the cave has numerous sculptures and paintings of Bodhisattvas Padmapani and Vajrapani; carvings of princesses, lovers, maids and dancing girls; scenes depicting the Persian Embassy, Golden Geese, Pink Elephants and Bull Fights. Though the caves are over 2,000 years old, the Buddha statues had been added close 600 years later.

By Air

Aurangabad is the nearest Air point for Ajanta. It can be reached from New Delhi and Mumbai (Bombay), international airport. Indian airlines as well as Jet Airways have daily flight to Aurangabad from New Delhi and Mumbai.

By Train

Jalgaon is the best place to drop in for Ajanta if you like Rail journey. It is centre point of all major railway stations of India and has Bhusaval (Just 28kms from Jalgaon) as Second largest depot of railways in entire Asia.

Daulatabad fort – It Is One Of The World’s Most Excellent Conserved Fort

DAULATABAD FORT

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AURANGABAD

Daulatabad Fort is 14 kilometer away from Aurangabad City of Maharastra State of India. It is magnificent 12th century fortress stands on a hill, Built by Raja Bhillamraj once known as 'Devgiri', Initially a Yadav stronghold, it passed through the hands of several dynasties in the Deccan. The ‘Daulatabad’ (city of fortune) name was give by Muhamad Tughlaq, Sultan of Delhi.

When Muhammad Tughlak ascended the Delhi throne, he was so taken by the fortress that he decided to move his court and capital there, renaming it Daulatabad, "the City of Fortune". He ordered the entire population of Delhi to move out en masse to the new capital.

Daulatabad Fort, a rock-hewn fortress dominating the landscape, from a 600 feet high mesa-like flat terrain, Daulatabad Fort is one of the world's best preserved Fort, survived without being altered. Daulatabad Fort is said to be only occupied by cheating. A series of secret, puzzled, endless passages lounge curved like a python amidst the fort.

Here blazing torches were push upon enemies. Or hot oil poured down his path, as he deliberated in the maze. The Fort itself lies in the body of an isolated hill; the steep hill - sides at the base falling so sharply to the moat that no aggressive troops could scale the height. The moat, 40 feet deep with mechanical drawbridges full with crocodiles.

The defenses were extended during Muhammad Tughlak, battlements and fortresses were built, mounted with huge bronze cannons, and several rings of walls with battlements guarded the approach. Several inner walls with heavy iron gates fitted with elephant spikes were encircled by a six kilometer outer wall.

Inside these walls is a 40 feet deep moat, with a drawbridge, leading to the original citadel. The plateau's solid rock sides were then scraped vertically flat to a height of 250 ft., for extra added unease of access.

A 5 kilometer strong wall, artificial scarping and a complicated series of defenses made Daulatabad Fort secure. The 30 meter high Chand Minar (Tower) built much later with 3 circular balconies had a defensive and religious role in the Fortress.

This circular tower with three balconies has similar features to Qutub Minar in Delhi. The lowest part of the minar is a square construction with arch-shaped openings, and 'mehrab' like niches inside. It may have functioned as a small mosque. In one corner of the construction, there is a Persian inscription. The base of the Chand Minar was built in the Tugluq period, whereas the central part is assumed to have been built by Ala ad-Din Hasan in 1346, to celebrate the conquer of Daulatabad Fort.

By Air

The nearest airport is at Aurangabad, 22 kms away from Daulatabad Fort. Aurangabad has a good national airport, which is well connected to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi & Hyderabad.

By Train

Aurangabad Railway station is nearest one to Daulatabad Fort, which is approximately 15 kms away. There are a plenty of private car services you can hire or you can avail the bus service from railway station to the fort.

By Bus

There are regular buses from Aurangabad to Daulatabad Fort. Alternative you can hire private car, there are plenty of tour operator you can avail service from. The drive from Aurangabad to Daulatabad Fort takes half hour.

Mhaismal Hill Station - Natural Beauties Are Making The Most Excellent Tourist Attraction In Aurangabad

MHAISMAL HILL STATION 

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AURANGABAD

Mhaismal, also known as Maheshmal, is a beautiful but small hill station in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. Located some 39 km to the north of Aurangabad City, this enchanting place is at a height of 1067 and is an important part of the famous Sahyadri Ranges. It is an offbeat tourist spot, that’s missed by most tourists because they are more focused on the more famous landmarks associated with Aurangabad.

Mhaismal is the kind of place where nature comes extremely close to mythology and creates an ambience that is unique and special in all respects. Most tourists head for this destination during the monsoon when the landscape turns a bright green.

Mhaismal is a part of the extreme eastern limits of the Sahyadari ranges with its unique mountain topography. The plateau of the hill-station is spread out evenly on protruding landforms in various directions.

The tarmac streaks the plateau in almost two equal halves and runs all throughout to the extreme dead-end north. About 37 kilometers from the urban centre of Aurangabad and 12 kilometers from the eternal town of Khuldabad is this temperate place of sheer indulgence - an engagement with nature.However, the real charm of this quaint little place is its monsoon mood.

Picturesque spaces, verdant valleys, serene atmosphere and sylvan surroundings are the intangible attributes that make Mhaismal one of the most visited hilly terrains of this part of Maharashtra. It’s no wonder then that it is colloquially known as the ‘Mahableshwar of Marathwada’.

Marathwada is the provincial division of Maharashtra comprising eight districts, with Aurangabad as its capital. Mhaismal is also a testimony to the remnants of an ancient temple dedicated to Shiva.

When it comes to landscape views of breathtaking proportions, Mhaismal should rank among the best in the state. The main view point overlooks a horizon of over 30 kilometers with neatly laid farms, hamlets and forest patches at regular intervals.

This is managed through the efforts of a joint forest management committee. The forest department of Maharashtra has had Mhaismal on its map as an ecotourism destination for long, and has put here on show their best model of the region.

As such, scenic sights all around make for a major tourist attraction of this hill-station. Do not miss, in particular, the ones near the gigantic TV tower, offering you a panoramic view of a sub-plateau level dotted with intermittent lakes and ponds.

By Air

The nearest airport is at Aurangabad.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Aurangabad.

By Road

Mhaismal is located at a distance of 37 Kms from Aurangabad, 262 Kms from Pune, 587 kms each from Nagpur and Hyderabad, 362kms from Solapur. Mhaismal is situated at an altitude of 1,067 meters. Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar Temple and Devgiri Fort are on the way while reaching Mhaismal.

Ministry Of External Affairs Decided To Host The Country's First SAARC Tourism Summit In Aurangabad

AURAGABAD

In a bid to explore opportunities in tourism promotion, the ministry of external affairs has decided to hold the country’s first SAARC Tourism Summit in Aurangabad, the tourism capital of Maharashtra in the second week of October.

The announcement of the two-day summit, also being aimed at tapping FDI under Make in India and Make in Maharashtra schemes was made by Smt. Valsa Nair Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture, Government of Maharashtra at the Sensitisation Session on Aurangabad Tourism Development Program organised by the State Government, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and the Confederation of Indian Industry in Aurangabad on Monday 4th July, 2016.

Highlighting the reasons behind the decision to host the summit in Aurangabad, Smt. Valsa Nair Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture, Government of Maharashtra said “The Ajanta-Ellora caves have always remained the biggest tourism attraction in the state among foreigners and Indians. 

The historical silk route and connect of the place with the Buddhist circuit across world, including China, is significant. Ajanta also has one of the world’s best visitors centre with several life size replicas of Padmapani (sculptures of Buddha). All these are reason enough for Aurangabad to be the preferred choice. The conference aims at promoting Aurangabad and other destinations of Maharashtra.”

“The Department of Tourism (DoT) is trying to seek appointment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the event. On the first day, officials from SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries, which include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, would attend the conference.

 On the second day, the ministers of tourism from these countries and from Indian states would participate.” said Smt. Valsa Nair Singh.

The Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture added “The coming two years are very important for the progress and prosperity of the tourism sector. The year 2017 will be celebrated as Visit Maharashtra Year and the year 2018 we will be celebrating completion of 200 years of the discovery of the world heritage Ajanta Caves by British officer John Smith.

 A campaign to promote tourism destinations of Maharashtra all over the world will be undertaken aggressively under Visit Maharashtra 2017. In 2018, many events will be hosted to attract international and domestic tourists to Ajanta and other destinations of the city.

 There is a huge scope to organise Food Festival and Handicraft Festival in the city, apart from Golf Tourism. A proposal to set up Buddhist Centre on MTDC’s 900 acres land at Ellora is under consideration.”

The announcement of providing financial assistance upto Rs 50 lakh to the desirous persons in the tourism business set up under Start Up scheme was also made.

The three-day Ellora-Ajanta Festival will be held with the help of the MTDC from October 14 to 16, said the principal secretary suggesting the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation to run an excursion bus to conduct City Tours connecting all the tourist places. 

She also underlined the need of enhancing the air connectivity of Aurangabad with cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Nagpur and Pune other than Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad.

Mentioning the need for hosting film shootings at Ellora, Ajanta and other important places in Aurangabad, Smt. Valsa Nair Singh commented “The countries like Switzerland and Spain witnessed a boom in tourism due to film shootings. 

A beeline was formed to see the tomb of Mastani due to Bajirao Mastani film. The shooting of one big budget film featuring big stars like Shah Rukh Khan in Aurangabad will give a major boost to the tourism sector.”

Kailasa Temple - The World’s Biggest Monolithic Structure And Carved Out Of A Single Rock

KAILASA TEMPLE

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ELLORA

The Kailasa temple, one of major tourist attraction in India located in Ellora, Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India is one of the largest rock-cut ancient Hindu temple.

The temple is one of the 34 temples and monasteries known collectively as the Ellora Caves built in the 8^th century by the Rashtrakuta King Krishna I as 

attested in Kannada inscriptions.

The Kailasa’s (cave 16) Striking proportion, elaborate workmanship, architectural content, and sculpture ornamentation of rock-cut architecture made under Dravidian architecture, which is a remarkable example.

The temple covers the wide area of 2 kms and were dug side by side in the wall of high basalt cliff in the complex located at Ellora. It took a long time to complete the temple.

Accurate time and year was unknown but it is said that it was commissioned and completed between 757-783 CE, when Krishna I ruled the Rashtrakuta dynasty. The temple is made of a large stone that forms a prehistoric monument with unique sculpture, inscription on it and designed to recall Mount Kailash, the home of Lord Shiva.

Kailasa Temple, the most impressive of all the temples of Ellora and one of the wonders of India. During the 8th and early 9th centuries, the greatest masters of rock sculpture produced this cave which is known as the Kailasa, the mountain dwelling place of Shiva.

 It is probably the world’s biggest monolithic structure, carved out of a single rock and its conception is simply breathtaking.

Starting at the top of a cliff, a horde of stone-cutters removed three million cubic feet of rock to form a vast pit measuring 107 feet deep, 276 feet long and 154 feet wide, leaving a block in the center which was to become a temple rising from the foot of what had been a hill.

But, despite its colossal proportions, this is all sculptured and its detail is worked as intricately as if it had been an ivory miniature.

This replica of the home of Shiva stands in an open country yard as three separate structures. The main temple rests on a base 25 feet high which appears to be supported by friezes of elephants.

This temple measures 150 by 100 feet under a gabled front and a tower in three tiers beneath a cupola. An over head bridge links the three buildings of Kailasa and its outer gateway.

By Air

Aurangabad airport is located at about 15 kms from the Kailasa temple and it is the closest airport to the Kailasa temple. Aurangabad airport is well connected to major cities of Maharashtra and India. One may fly to Aurangabad and reach Kailasa temple by any local transport.

By Train

Aurangabad is the nearest railway station to reach Kailasa temple which is situated around 30 kms from the temple. There are direct trains available from the major cities in Maharashtra; like Mumbai, Pune, Ahmednagar, Nashik etc. to reach Aurangabad.

By Bus

Aurangabad is the nearest city to Kailasa temple and it is well connected with them by road. From Aurangabad bus and taxi services available to reach Kailasa temple. Aurangabad is also well connected by state transport buses from major cities of Maharashtra like Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Satara, Kolhapur and Ahmednagar.

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