Solapur and Akkalkot

Solapur

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Solapur (Marathi: सोलापूर))), is a city and a municipal corporation in south eastern Maharashtra, India near the Karnataka border and is the administrative headquarters of Solapur District. It is an important junction on the north-south railway line. Solapur is a town with an array of small and medium scale industries. Solapur is a leading center for cotton mills and power looms. Solapur bed-sheets ('chaddars') have earned fame and reputation for their novel designs and durability. The chief deity of the city is Shri Siddeshwar. The "Nandidhwaj" procession on Makar Sankranti fair is attended by millions of devotees.
Solapur District leads Maharashtra in beedi production. The Martyrs’ Memorial here is saluted daily by thousands of visitors. Kudalsangam, Karmala and Barshi have adopted the path of development through industry and education. Akkalkot is the site of Akkalkot Swami Maharaj Math, visited yearly by huge number of people from Maharashtra and neighbouring Karnataka. Also a annual fair is held in the month of January wherein huge croud comes from various parts of country, which is called as Gadda Fair in vernacular language. The very famous and most following almanac दाते पंचांग *[1] is also published from Solapur.

It is an ancient historical and religious place with Shri Siddharameshwar as its "Gramadaiwata". Shri Siddharameshwar was a historical figure of the 12th century whose "Karmayoga" on his own native land-Solapur, turned him into a God-figure over the course of time.
Siddharama was a great conributor to Lingayata religion and he is considered as one of the six prophets of Lingayat religion. He had gained the "Siddhi". As Solapur was a drought prone area, Shri Siddharameshwar dug a lake with the help of 4000 "Sharanas" to solve the problem of potable water. He entombed himself alive (Shivyogsamadhi) at Solapur.

Akkalkot (35 KMs from Solapur)

Akkalkoth is widely known for its association with Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj [1]held by some to be a reincarnation of Lord Dattatreya. Swami Maharaj lived for over two decades at Akkalkoth, mainly at the residence, where his Samadhi and shrine are now located. The shrine complex, The Vatavriksh Mandir , which also encloses the famous banyan tree beneath which the Swami would preach his message, is the hub of devotions for his followers; free accommodation and meals are provided to pilgrims by Shri Swami Samarth Annachhatra Mandal also.The other shrine is of Samadhi of Akkalkoth Swami located at some distance from the main shrine but in the city limits.

Koodalasangama - Aikya linga of Lord Basaveshwara

Koodalasangama

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kudalasangama/Koodalasangama (also written Kudala Sangama in India is an important center of pilgrimage for people of the Lingayat faith. It is located about 15 km from the Almatti dam site in Bagalkot district of Karnataka state. The Krishna and Ghataprabha rivers merge here and flow towards Srisaila (another pilgrim center) of Andra Pradesh. The Aikya Mantapa or the holy Samadhi of Basavanna, the founder of the Lingayat faith along with Linga, which is believed to be self-born (Swayambhu), is situated here. The Kudala Sangama Development Board takes care of the maintenance and development of this place.

Basava (also known as Basaveshwara (Kannada:ಬಸವೇಶ್ವರ) or Basavanna(ಬಸವಣ್ಣ) 1134–1196) was a philosopher and a social reformer. He fought against practice of caste system and rituals in Hinduism. He is also called as "Vishwa-guru". His teachings and preachings go beyond all boundaries and are universal and eternal. He was a great humanitarian. Basava advocated a new way of life wherein the divine experience was the center of life giving equal opportunity to all aspirants regardless of the gender, caste, and social status. The cornerstone behind his movement was the firm belief in a universal concept of God. Basava has a proponent of monotheistic concept of formless God.

He believed in the principle Kaayakave Kailasa one step ahead of Ravindranath Tagore's 'work is worship'. It was at this time that the Vachanas, simple and easy-to-understand poetic writings which contained essential teachings, were written. Below are couple of the thousands of Vachanas that were produced:

The power of knowledge destroys ignorance;

The power of light dissipates darkness;

The power of truth is foe of all untruth;

The sharana's experience of god is the sole cure of worldliness; - Lord Kudala Sangamadeva

ullavaru shivalaya maaduvaru naanena maadali badavanayya,
enna kaale kamba dehave degula shirave honna kalashavayya
Koodala Sangama Deva kelayya sthavarakkalivuntu jangamakalivilla

transliterated as
The rich will make temples for Shiva. What shall I, a poor man, do?
My legs are pillars, The body the shrine, The head a cupola of gold.
Listen, O lord of the meeting rivers, Things standing shall fall, But the moving ever shall stay.

The Lord of meeting rivers - his insignia of all his vachanas - Kudalasangamadeva in Kannada.

Read more about Basavanna at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basavanna

http://www.shivayoga.net/literature/sharanas/basava.html

Bijapur_23 Dec 2007

Bijapur

Bijapur (Kannada: ವಿಜಾಪುರ) is a district headquarters of the Bijapur District in the state of Karnataka. Bijapur city is well known for the great architectures of histrorical importance built during the Adil Shahi dynasty. Bijapur City is the head quarters of the district and is located 530 km northwest of Bangalore. The city is about 550 km from Mumbai (Maharashtra)
The city established in the 10th-11th centuries by the Chalukyas of Kalyani was referred as Vijayapura (City of victory). The city came under the influence of the Khilji Sultanate in Delhi by the late 13th century. In 1347, the area was conquered by the Bahmani Sultanate of Gulbarga. By this time the city was being referred as Vijapur or Bijapur
Bijapur is rich in historical attractions, mainly related to Islamic architecture.

Gol Gumbaz: This is the most famous monument in Bijapur. It is the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah (ruled 1627-1657). It is the second largest dome ever built, next in size only to St Peter's Basilica in Rome. A particular attraction in this monument is the central chamber, where every sound is echoed seven times. Another attraction at the Gol Gumbaz is the Whispering Gallery, where even minute sounds can be heard clearly 37 metres away. Gol Gumbaz complex includes a mosque, a Naqqar Khana (a hall for the trumpeters) (Now it is used as museum) and the ruins of guest houses.

Ibrahim Rauza: This is the tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah II (ruled 1580-1627), the fifth king of the dynasty and, like the Mughal emperor Akbar, known for religious tolerance. Built on a single rock bed, it is noted for the symmetry of its features. It is said that the design for the Ibrahim Rauza served as an inspiration for that of the famous Taj Mahal.

Malik-e-Maidan (The Monarch of the Plains) the largest medieval cannon in the world. Being 4 m long, 1,5 m in diameter and weighing 55 tons, this gun was brought back from Ahmadnagar in the 17th century as a trophy of war by 400 oxen, 10 elephants and tens of men. It was placed on the Sherza Burj (Lion Gate) on a platform especially built for it. The cannon's nozzle is fashioned into the shape of a lion's head with open jaws & between the carved fangs is depicted an elephant being crushed to death. It is said that after igniting the cannon, the gunner would remain underwater in a tank of water on the platform to avoid the deafening explosion. The cannon remains cool even in strong sunlight and if tapped, tinkles like a bell. In 1854 the cannon was auctioned for Rs. 150 but the sale was cancelled in the end.

Upri Buruj, Built around 1584 by Hyder Khan, is an 80 ft high tower standing to the north of Dakhani Idgah in Bijapur. This is a spherical structure with stone steps winding round the outside. Top of the tower offers a commanding view of the city. This is also known as ;Hyder Burj", "Upli Burj". On top of Upli Burj there are two guns of huge size. The parafeet this tower which was used for monitoring purposes has been fenced now. One needs to climb the circular stairs to reach the top. However except for this tower there is very little evidence of the citadel wall in this area due to rampant construction.

Chand Bawdi, Ali Adil Shah (1557-1580) built this tank near eastern boundary of Bijapur. When there was large influx of people into Bijapur after the fall of the Vijayanagar empire, and new settlements came up within the walled city raising the need for better infrastructure and providing water supply. This has a storage capacity of 20 million litres. Later it became a model for many other tanks constructed in the city. A grandeur complex came up around it, which was mainly used to house the maintenance staff though members of the royal family occasionally used it for recreation. He named this after his wife "Chand Bibi".

The incomplete masolueum of Adil Shah, Barakaman(Ali Roza-II), India, which means twelve arches in Urdu. Ali Adil Shah of the Adil Shahi dynasty wanted to build a masoleum of unmatched quality of architecture. As per the plan tweleve arches will be placed vertically as well as horizontally surrounding the tomb of Ali Adil Shah. However due to unknown reason the work on the structure was left incomplete and only two arches were raised vertically. However still, the remains of the tweleve arches placed horizontally can be seen. The site is managed by The Archeological Survey of India.

Here are few photos of our trip:

Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole-The rock cut temples of Chalukyas_22-24Dec07

Badami
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Badami (Kannada: ಬದಾಮಿ), formerly known as Vatapi, is a panchayat town in the Bagalkot District of Karnataka, India. It was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD. It is famous for rock cut and other structural temples. It is located in a ravine at the foot of a rugged, red sandstone outcrop that surrounds Agastya lake.
Badami was the capital of the Early Chalukyas, who ruled much of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh between the 6th and 8th centuries. It was founded in 540 A.D. by Pulakesi I(535-566 AD), an early ruler of the Chalukyas. His sons Kirthivarman (567-598 AD) and his brother Mangalesha I (598-610 AD) constructed the cave temples. The greatest among them was Pulakeshi II (610-642 AD) who defeated many kings including Pallava king Mahendra Verman I and extended the kingdom.
It is located 128 kilometers from Bijapur, 132 kilometers from Hubli, 46 kilometers from Aihole, another ancient town, and 500 kilometers from Bangalore, the state capital.

Pattadakal

Pattadakal (Kannada - ಪಟ್ಟದಕಲ್) is a town in the Indian state of Karnataka famous for its group of monuments that are the culmination of earliest experiments in vesara style of Hindu temple architecture. The temples were built in the 8th century CE. The uniqueness of this place derives from the presence of both the Dravidian or the Southern and the Nagara or the Northern (Indo-Aryan) styles of temple architecture!!
Pattadakal is 22 km from Badami, the capital of the Chalukya dynasty of Southern India, who built the temples in the seventh and eighth centuries. There are ten temples including a Jain sanctuary sourrounded by numerous small shrines and plinths. Four temples were built in Dravidian style, four in nagara style of Northern India and the Papanatha temple in mixed style.
The group of mounuments in Pattadakal was designated a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Aihole

Aihole (Kannada ಐಹೊಳೆ) is a town in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. Early inscriptions call this town "Ayyavole" and "Aryapura". Aihole has its own historical significance and is called as cradle of Hindu rock architecture. Many temples and caves of historical importance can be found at Aihole. It is a very popular tourist spot in north Karnataka.
Aihole was the first capital of the early Chalukyas. Here they built over 125 temples in various styles and is said to be a laboratory of experiments in rock cut architecture. Aihole is to the east of Pattadakal, along the Malaprabha River, while Badami is to the west of both. Pulakesi I, one of the greatest rulers of this dynasty, moved the capital to Badami nearby. Badami was then known as Vatapi. It is from these temples that the Chalukyas gained their experience and went on to build the great temples of Pattadakal. The first phase of temple building in Aihole dates back to the 6th century CE, the second phase up to the 12th century CE. Some temples were even built as early as the 5th century CE.

For further information visit

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badami
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattadakal

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aihole

http://kstdc.nic.in/

My friends Kiran and Girish Udupa were visiting Bagalkote during christmas holidays. I joined them from Pune and we planned to stay in Kiran's relative's house at Bagalkote and visit Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole, Banashankari, Bijapur, Koodalasangama and other places of interest around that area. Here are few pictures from our trip.....Bijapur and Koodalasangama are updated as different posts.

Tikona fort and Pavana Dam_24 Nov 2007

Tikona - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tikona (also known as Vitandgad) is the dominant hill fort in Maval in western India. It is located near Kamshet around 60 km from Pune The village nearest the fort is called Tikona-Peth. The 3500 ft high hill is pyramidal in shape and the name Tikona means "triangle".[1]
The fort is a trekking destination noted for the large doors, the temple of 'Trimbakeshwar Mahadev', a water tank and some Satvahan caves. Trek organisers also commend the the views of Pawna dam and the nearby forts of Tung, Lohagad and Visapur.[2] There is a lake at the summit.[3]

Malik Ahmed Nizamshah of the Nizam dynasty conquered the fort in 1585 and aanexed it to the Nizam territory. In 1657 Shivaji brought the whole of Konkan, which had been Nizam territory, under his control when he conquered Tikona along with the forts of Karnala, Lohgad, Mahuli, Songad, Tala, and Visapur. This fort was a strategic nexus: the centre of control for the entire Pawana Mawal region. In 1660, Netaji Palkar was charged with ensuring the security of fort Tikona. Jaysingh invaded the regionn in 1665 and the local villages were by Dilerkhan but the forts held out. Tikona fort was surrendered to the Mughal warrior Kubadkhan, who had attacked the region together with Halalkhan and others, according to the Treaty of Purandar signed on 12 June 1665. Kubadkhan took over the fort on 18 June but it was later recaptured by the Marathas.[4]
The fort can be reached using the routes.
1. Pune > Kamshet > Pawananagar > Tikona-Peth
2. Pune > Paud > Tikona-Peth
3. Pune > Somatane-Phata > Pawananagar > Tikona-Peth


I took the first route. Reached Kamshet by Pune-Lonavala local train and there are jeeps available on sharing basis till Kale Colony. Reach Kale colony and change to other jeeps which goes towards Tikonapeth. (They take Rs10 from Kamshet to Kale Colony and Rs. 6 to Tikonapeth from Kale Colony). Once reaching Tikonapeth one can take the road leading towards the fort and there is a way on right to go up the fort. It takes approximately 30-40 mins to reach the summit. This is a small fort and can be seen in an hour. There is a Shiva temple on top and also a big Hanuman statue. the view of the whole mawal region from the top is too good..Below is a collage of few snaps I took on my trek to Tikona and Pavana Dam.

I met two other trekkers from Pune (Amit and Sameer) on way to Tikona and we climbed the fort together. After decent from Tikona, we went to Pavana dam and sat by the river for some time and looking at the villagers fishing. I was swimming and my friends Amit and Sameer were busy bird watching. There is a restaurant nearby the Dam where we had lunch and got a bus back to Kamshet and then the local train towards Pune.

Tikona and Tung fort can be covered in a day, but, due to non-availability of launch to reach base of Tung we decided to go to Pavana dam. Tikona is a small fort, but worth visiting for beautiful view of the Pawana dam, and the whole region of maval.

Anil

Bhaje Caves, Lohgad and Visapur Fort - 17 Nov 2007

Bhaje Caves

Bhaja Caves, near the Karla Caves, are a group of 18 rock-cut caves dating back to 200 BC. located near Lonavala, a hill station, and Karli in the western state of Maharashtra between the cities of Mumbai and Pune in India. It is on a major trade route that runs from the Arabian Sea eastward, into the Deccan in a region that is the division between North India and South India..[1] Viharas make up ten caves, and one is a chaitya, stylistically similar to the Karla Caves. There is also group of 14 stupas, five inside and nine outside the caves. One of the caves has some fine sculptures. Near the last cave is a waterfall which, during the monsoon season, has water that falls into a small pool at the bottom

Lohagad - The Iron Fort

Lohagad ("the Iron fort") is one of the many hill forts of Chatrapati Shivaji. It is situated 52 km from Pune in western India. Lohagad is at an elevation of 3,450 feet (1,052 m).

It divides the basins of the Indrayani and Pavna rivers and is situated on a side range of the Sahyadris. Another fort called Visapur is located close to Lohagad, on its eastern side. The four large gates of Lohagad are still in good condition and reasonably intact. Historical records show that in the later Peshwa period, Nana Phadnavis (1742-1800 AD) built several structures in the fort such as a big tank and a step-well (bawali).

On the west side, there is a long and narrow wall-like fortified spur called Vinchukata in Marathi (scorpion sting) because of its natural shape.

Visapur Fort (from http://trekshitiz.com/)

The forts of Lohgad and Visapur have played an important role in guarding the ancient trade routes and being the savior of Bhaje and Bedse caves. Among them, Lohgad is related to many significant historical events. Much of it is known. Unlike that, much less is known about Visapur. In spite of being a very big fort, protected by a highly impregnable fortification and presence of a large plateau, less is written about it, or much less records could have added to information about it.

Lohgad and Visapur lay in Nane Maval. This region came under Nizamshahi after dissolution of Bahmani rule. It went into the hands of Mughals in the treaty of Mahuli, between Shahajiraje and Mughals. Seeing that the Mughals were not able to keep a control over the region, Shivaji Maharaj captured almost all the forts here till 1660. However, he lost the fort again to Mughals in the treaty of Purandar in 1665. However Aurangzeb broke the treaty. In 1682, Shahbuddin, a Mughal Sardar invaded the region, and killed 60 Marathas in an anguish. However Marathas escaped to Visapur. They were chased, but moved in time to the village of Kusapur. On 4th march 1818 Colonel Prother captured Visapur, and the next day Lohgad fell into his hands.The mountain of Visapur is significant, as Bhaje caves have been carved out in the same mountain. The destruction caused by Mughals and English is clearly evident from the injuries on the Bhaje caves. These beautiful caves could have been bombarded by cannon balls, because much of their part has been broken.

The above information is taken from http://trekshitiz.com/ visit this site for more details, maps and photos of forts in Maharastra. They also conduct treks and the website provides good information and history of many forts in Maharastra.

Further information
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhaja_Caves
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lohgad
http://trekshitiz.com/ (search for information on Lohgad and Visapur on this page)

One can start early and can finish the trek to Lohgad and Visapur in a day. Many visit the Lohgad fort, but very few visit the nearby Visapur fort which is very big and has a wide plateu compared to Lohgad.

I started from Pune by Pune-Lonavala local train and reached Malvali station around 7AM. From this station one can take the bridge crossing over the pune-Mumbai expressway and walk towards Bhaje village. Bhaje caves are very close to the village and in in the same range of hills on which Visapur fort is built. There is a ASI post near the caves and a entry fees also (very nominal) to see the caves. I was too early there, hence could not get a very closer look at the caves, as the caretaker was not yet there. May be they open gates around 9AM.

From Bhaje village there is a jeep track which goes till Lohagaon, the village at the base of Lohgad fort. As you approach near the Lohgad fort, there is a small deviation of tracks to Lohgad and Visapur, this place is called Gomukh Khind. Visapur is to your left and you see Lohgad in front of you from this place. All four entrences to Lohgad are in good condition and one can see two large tanks, a tomb, dargah of Haz. Umar and also Vinchu Kaata.

Returning from Lohgad to Gomukh khind and taking a right takes us to the base of Visapur fort and one can climb up the fort following the waterway on left, which goes dry after monsoon. Visapur is a very huge fort and similar to Lohgad has good fortification and water fecility. One can see a big canon (may be 10ft long) on the fort with impression of 'A1780' on it. May be a British canon used in those days to capture Lohgad. The canon also directs the way down to Bhaje village. While coming down, we see a hanuman temple and rock cut caves nearby. I reached Bhaje village by 7PM and from there till Malvali by 7:45PM (after a tea break) to catch the local train back towards Pune.

Views from both these forts are very good and best season would be during monsoon till 15Oct. After mid October, the vegetation goes dry, but still beautiful to watch.

Below are collages of few photos took during this trek....Anil

A Kannada play in Pune - 'Girija Kalyana'

As part of Amol Palekar's Rang-Sangeet Mahotsav-2007, 'SPANDANA', the theatre group run by B Jayashri (daughter of G V Malathamma and grand daughter of Gubbi Veeranna) presented 4 Kannada plays at Pune.

Lakshapati, Karimaee, Chitrapata & Girija Kalyana were played during Rang-Sangeet Mahotsav. The first 3 plays were staged on October 11th, 12th & 13th at Y B Chavan auditorium, Kothrud (Pune). 'Girija Kalyana' was staged at the Balagandharva Rangamandira on 14th Oct. The play reminded of the good old days of the Kannada musical theatre tradition and soulful acting. I don't know how many Kannadigas staying at Pune used this opportunity to watch this play. I was there the whole day and had a chance to see and talk to great performers like G V Malathamma (Gubbi Veeranna's daughter), Enagi Balappa (remember the role of Basaveshwara he used to play!) - these two are in their late eighties or ninties and going strong!. During Rang-Sangeet Mahotsav, Balappa and Malathamma were felicitated by another great name from Karnataka - Gangubai Hangal.

Below is a collage of few snaps that I took during performance of Girija Kalyana. The play tells the story of a young couple revolving around the theme of serial suicides of farmers in Karnataka and Maharastra due to famine, crop failures, debts etc. Play is written by B Sureesha and is directed by B Jayashri....as always B Jayashri was at her best during this play with her singing, acting and vachanas, also very well supported by the whole team.

Anil

Rajgad - 30Sep & 01Oct2007

Rajgad- the king of forts
Rajgad literally means King of forts is one of the most glorious forts of Maharashtra. Situated in Pune district of Maharashtra, India this fort is approximately 4250 feet above sea level. Formerly known as Murumdev, it was capital of the Maratha Kingdom (Hindavi Swarajya) ruled by Chhatrapati Shivaji for almost 26 years, after which he moved to Raigad. Treasure found on adjacent Torna was used to fortify this hill.

I started to climb the fort around evening, as I arrived very late at the base. It takes around 1.5 to 2hrs to reach the top. I had decided to stay on top of the fort in temple, but had not taken bedding etc. with me. I met with another group of professional trekkers on top, who accomodated me with them.

The next day, we all climbed up to Balekilla and the other team started decent. I went to Suvela Machi and other places and came down the fort around evening. While returning back to Pune, one can also visit the Balaji temple very near to the Satara highway, which is a very well maintained temple and laddu prasad tasting very similar to the one from Tirupati.

For more information on Rajgad, visit links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajgad
http://amitkulkarni.info/pics/rajgad-fort/
http://trekshitiz.com/

2nd Trek to Rajgad_25Dec2007

Second trek to Rajgad was with my friend Girish Udupa. Girish, his cousin Satyanarayana Bhat working @ Pune and myself did this trek from Gunjavane village at the base of the fort. Collage of the trek

Nane Ghat - 22 & 23 Sep 2007

Trek to Nane Ghat

Naneghat is a mountain pass in the Western Ghats range near Junnar in Pune district of Maharashtra, India. During the reign of the Satavahana (200 BCE–190 CE), the pass was extensively used as a trade route between Kalyan and Junnar. Literally, the name nane means "coin" and ghat means "pass". The name is given because this path was used as a tollbooth to collect toll from traders crossing the hills (in picture, you see that toll collection pot carved out of rock!! and the pass)

We were a group of 30+ and enjoyed a lot with more treks, visit to the nearby falls, climbing on to that cliff you see in the pictures...rappelling etc.

For more information about Nane Ghat visit link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naneghat
http://www.spaceapple.com/treks/nane_ghat.htm

Few more photos clicked by Alok (he organised this trek)
http://picasaweb.google.com/alok.hawaldar/NaneghatTrek210907To230907
http://picasaweb.google.com/trek.sujit.007

Thanks to my room-mate Karan because of whom I landed there!! Find few collages below of the whole trek.....
Anil.