Aura of Alamgir in Aurangabad

The Ajanta Caves are a series of 29 Buddhist cave temples in Ajanta, India, some of which date from the 2nd century BC. Encompassing both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions, the Ajanta caves preserve some of the best masterpieces of Buddhist art in India.

Would you believe if one were to tell you that India is the proud home of not one but two Taj Mahals? Probably not! But it is a fact that a monument identical to the Taj stands in Aurangabad in Maharashtra and it is lovingly called the Mini Taj of the Deccan. The monument is Bibi Ka Maqbara built by Aurangzeb’s son, Azam Shah, in 1660 as a loving tribute to his mother, Dilras Bano Begam. Interestingly, while the Begum nestles in the magnificent structure, the austere Moghal emperor chose to be laid in and commemorated with touching simplicity. Aurangzeb’s tomb is also in Aurangabad at Khuldabad en route Daulatabad Fort. It is a simple latticed enclosure with whitewashed walls, a small marble railing, erected 200 years later, and a tomb marked by the white cotton sheet spread over it to delimit the modesty of his desires.

This city is named after Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. It was called Fatehpur before it took its present name. This city is gateway to the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora caves. Developed as a modern city, Aurangabad provides all comforts and modern facilities.

Panchakki (water mill) takes its name from the mill which used to grind grain for the pilgrims. This monument located in Aurangabad, displays the scientific thought process put in medieval Indian architecture. The complex of Panchakki had been a place of external abode of the great Sufi Saints who gathered to India in 12th Cent A.D. The Panchakki, is a calm and peaceful place that visualizes the life that existed in the medieval period. Visitors having sensitive imagination may hear the beats of drum and the humming noise of the people moving around the complex. The water flows down through clay pipes based on the Siphon System from the distance of 11 km. This marvelous water mill wax designated to generate energy to turn the large grinding stone, serving as a flour mill. The Panchakki with all its glories and enchantments has a unique place in the history.In fact it was the residance of populer saint “Baba Shah Musafir ". The panchakki has its own underground water channel, having the source some where towards the North of the city about 8 Kms. away in the mountains. The construction of this water channel from the main source to the Panchakki was started during the life time of saint “Baba Shah Musafir " some time in the year 1624 A.D. The complete water channel is made up of earthen pipes finely lined up and at appropriate distances, masonry pillars are erected which serve as natural suction pumps to make the water flow through the pipes with force through the distance of 8 Kms. Finely, the water rises " syhonically " to a huge elevated masonry pillar from where it falls down into the main tank to make an attractive "Water Fall".

“Blessed by VerulNagar, there is no other place like it on this earth, where Lord Grishneswara resides, the best palce on this earth.” – Madhwamunishwar On this holy pilgrimage of the JyotirLingas of Lord Shankara, the last one, with out which the pilgrimage will not be considered as complete, is the twelfth JyotirLinga, of Grishneshwar. About 30 km towards the west side of Aurangabad, there is a village called Verul. In this village there is a place of pilgrimage called Shivalay, when the great Holy Trilinga of Ghrishneshwar is located. The stories associated with Verul, Shivalay and Ghrishneswar are like this: This was originally a settlement of the Naga tribes. The place of the Nagas is Bambi, which is known as “Varul” in Marathi “Varul” gradually changed into “Verul” and is known by this name only. River Yelaganga flows here. The name “Verul” is derived from Yelaganga, on whose banks the village is located. There was a king by the name “Yela” here. The capital of his kingdom was Yelapar, or Yelur or Verul.

The Ellora Caves are an impressive complex of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temples built between the 6th and 10th centuries AD near the ancient Indian village of Ellora. The caves have a slightly less dramatic setting than those at Ajanta, but more exquisite sculptures. Ellora is a World Heritage Site and the most visited ancient monument in Maharashtra State.

Once known as 'Devgiri', this magnificent 12th century fortress stands on a hill just 13 kms from Aurangabad. It was given the name Daulatabad, the 'city of fortune', by Muhammad Tughlaq, Sultan of Delhi. Initially a Yadav stronghold, it passed through the hands of several dynasties in the Deccan. One of the world's best preserved fort of medieval times, surviving virtually unaltered, Daulatabad yet displays the character that made it invincible

Mhaismal, a small and charming hill station, is 39 kilometers north of Aurangabad City is nearest from Khuldabad or Ellora Caves. It is at the height of 1067 meters in the Sahyadri ranges. Girija Bhavani Temple here is very famous and the devotees in thousands throng here regularly.

The important structures in and around Khultabad are Aurangazeb’s Tomb, Tombs of Azam Shah and his wife, Zain-ud-din’s Dargah, Burhan-ud-din’s mausoleum, Tombs of Asaf Jah and Nasir Jang, Bani Begum’s maqbara, Khan Jahan’s Lal Bagh, Dargah of Malik Ambar, Tombs of Tana Shah, Zar Zari Baksh, and other miscellaneous tombs.