INDIA : Aurangabad : Paithan - Dnyaneshwar Garden

The ancient city of PRATHISHTHAN, known as PAITHAN, located at 56 kms of south of Aurangabad. It was the seat of SATVAHANA DYNASTY who ruled from 2nd century BC to 2nd century AD.

This beautiful and pleasent city is situated on the banks of the consecrated river GODAVARI.

This small town is famous for its shrine of "SANT EKNATH", which adds it special spiritual atmosphere.

Every year on NATHSHASHTI, which usually falls in the month of March, a big fair is held called 'PAITHAN YATRA' which last about 10 days. People from far and near come to pay their homage to SANT EKNATH.

Paithan, which was once an important seat of learning, is also famous for its beautiful SILK SARIS which sport elaborately embroidered gold or silver borders called 'PAITHANI'.

The GYANESHWAR GARDEN or UDYAN is a planned garden on the lines of BRIDAVAN GARDEN and the MOGHUL GARDEN in KASHMIR.

Over years the place has been a heaven for nature lovers.

INDIA : Aurangabad : Paithan - Jayakwadi Dam

This is an interesting site where one can see a number of resident and migratory birds. About 4 kms. North of Paithan town, an earthen dam on the river Godavari has been constructed and a large reservoir formed.

The lake formed is called `Nath Sagar', which is the main source for water in this region. One can enjoy the sight of a number of local and migratory birds.

Best season for which is between October and March. Over the years the place has been a heaven for nature lovers. The area around Jayakwadi and Paithan is being fast developed.

INDIA : Aurangabad - State Archaeology Museum, Sonehri Mahal

Sculpture and broken panels from archaeological sites in Paithan.

Timings: 1030 hrs to 1730hrs.

Closed on Sundays

INDIA : Aurangabad - Chand Minar

The most renowned structures at Daulatabad are the Chand Minar. The tapering 30-metre high tower of the Chand Minar is divided into four storeys, and was faced with glazed tiles and carved motifs. The Minar probably served as a prayer hall or a victory monument in its time. The palaces consist of spacious halls, pavilions and courtyards. The fort is open till 6 pm.

INDIA : Aurangabad : Daulatabad Fort

Daulatabad Fort is known as "DEVGIRI". It is the head quarters of the powerful Yadava rulers. In the 13th century, Mohammed bin Tughlak, the Sultan of Delhi, made it his capital and renamed it Daulatabad, i.e. City of Fortune. It is one of the world's best preserved forts of medieval times, surviving virtually unaltered. Daulatabad Fort still displays many of the internal appliances that made it unbeatable. A series of secret, teasing ulterior passages lie amongst the fort. Forts defense systems comprised munitions of double and even triple rows of monolithic walls. A fortress conquered only by perfidy. The most notable structures at Daulatabad are the Chand Minar, Jami Masjid and royal palaces.

INDIA : Aurangabad : Khultabad - Bhadra Maruti Temple

Rajarshi Bhadrsena, was built this temple. Saturday is an auspicious day to worship the Lord and whoever goes to this temple eleven times all his wishes will be fulfilled. Every year in the month of March, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated and for a whole week a number of rituals, ceremonies, vacations are organized at BHADRA MARUTI DEVSTHANA.

INDIA : Aurangabad - Ghrishneshwar Temple 02

The famous Ghrishneshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva stand only a short distance to the west of Kailash. One of the 12 JYOTIRLINGA this temple is built half in RED standstone and half in PLASTER.

This Jyotirlinga is said to be self oriented. According to historical records it was built by KING KRISHNADEO RAI of the RAKTRAKUT DYNASTY in 18th century A.D. Later in 18th century A.D. the Queen of Indore MAHARANI AHILYABAI HOLKAR with her mother-inlaw GAUTAM BAI renovated the entire temple and its complex. This patoness was also responsible for a large tank in nearby VERUL village which bears her name. Woshippers of Shiva flock to this temple which has a small entrance after passing which one can reach in the courtyard of the temple. The mandapa which adjoins the scantum on the westside is partly open.

It has entrances on three sides which project outwards and are flanked by high balconies which serve as seating with sloping backrests. Devotees are permitted to enter the spacious scantum but men must first remove their upper garments. The scantum contains a Shiva Linga infront of the marble image of goddess Parvati.

Among the additional structures with in the temple compound is a GANESHA shrine in the north and a Nandi shrine on the west. A big fair is held every year on MAHASHIVA RATRI, helds between February and March.