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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 Rabia Daurani.
Close to the begums 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 gods luminous energy is manifested in only 12 temples.
Travel Links For
Aurangabad
News Papers Links For
Aurangabad
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Sightseeing
