रामलिंग-Yedashi

Ramling        Osmanabad         Ter          Naldurg          Paranda        Kunthalgiri        sonari

About Yedshi:-
Yedshi has a population of 5,511 souls as per the Census of 1971. It has a telegraph office and a Government rest-house. Wells form the main source of water-supply. The educational facilities are provided by the primary schools conducted by the Zilla Parishad and a high school known as the Janata Vidyalaya. A weekly market is held at Yedshi on every Monday.

About Ramling:-

Situated in the Balaghat range of the Sahyadris adjoining the Barshi taluka of Sholapur district and Osmanabad and other districts of the Marathwada region, Yedshi is considered to be the Matheran of the district of Osmanabad.
Being situated at a high altitude it is thickly wooded in contrast to the other parts of the district and hence Yedshi is considered as a possible hill station-cum-health resort.

The only object of interest nearby is the temple of Ramling. Situated at a distance of about two miles from Yedshi, Ramling is also a railway station on the Miraj-Latur narrow gauge section of the South-Central Railway.

About Temple:-

The temple is located in a ravine and is to such a depth that the spire of the temple is not visible from a distance and also after reaching the entrance gate of the temple.
To reach the temple one has to descend a number of steps down below. The temple has an open courtyard with a sabhamandap and a pindi of Shankar is placed in an inner chamberIn the temple of Ramling is also a shrine of Jatayu.
The place is also revered as it is considered to be the spot where Jatayu attacked Ravana, the king of Lanka, while he was carrying away Sita by force. Jatayu lost the battle and died at the hands of Ravana.

Fairs:-
. Many devotees throng the temple on every Monday in the month of Shravana. An annual fair is held in honour of Shri Ramling on Margashirsha Shuddha 4 and 5 (November-December).

Biodiversity:
Flora:
The area has dry deciduous forest with stunted tree growth and mainly thorny species. Major tree species are Dhawda, Salai, Babuldhaman, Apta, Sitaphal, Hiwar, Bor, Khair etc.Shrubs include Karwand, Lantana etc. Also trees like Arjun, Teak, Sandal, Bel, Dikamals are found. Grasses include shedya, mavvel, Kusali etc.


Fauna:
Chinkara, Hyena, Wolf, Wild bear, Fox, Black duck, Hares, Peacock has major dominance in number. So far more than 100 species of birds have been recorded.

Tourist Information:

Nearest Airport: Aurangabad

Best time to visit: October to June.

By Rail: Yedshi is the railway station on the way to Miraj. Later narrow gauge rail line passes through region.

By Road: Latur-Barshi road, Yedshi-Sonegaon-Bhanasgaon road passes through sanctuary.

Ramling        Osmanabad         Ter          Naldurg          Paranda        Kunthalgiri        sonari

Ter

Ramling        Osmanabad         Ter          Naldurg          Paranda        Kunthalgiri        sonari

TER:-

Ter, settled along both the banks of the Terna is an historically important village in Osmanabad district lying some 32.19 km (20 miles) from the tahsils headquarters. Its antiquity can be traced as far back as the Puranas wherein it is referred to as Satyapuri and in the ancient period of our history as Tagarnagar. It has been mentioned in the Periplus of the Erythream Sea as one of the two pre-eminent centres, the other being Pratisthana, modern Paithan in Aurangabad district. The Periplus states that all kinds of mercantile goods throughout Deccan were brought to Tagara and from there Conveyed in carts to Broach. It traded with the outside world especially Greece and Rome and some Roman coins recently discovered here lend testimony to this fact. It reached the height of its commercial prosperity during the Satavahana period. Ter was the capital of one of the branches of the Silaharas, many of whose seals and coins depicting an elephant giving bath to Mahalaksmi, the family deity of the silaharas, have been unearthed here. In the same way objects like potsherds, beads, garlands, combs, dolls, conch shells, old bricks and many ivory objects uncovered in the excavations undertaken at Ter and its environs throw valuable light not only on the history of the village but also on the cultural, architectural and various other aspects and accomplishments of the people who inhabited the region in ancient times. Deeper excavations are being carried in the hills around Ter, which are yielding valuable material. The remains discovered so far, point out to a rich cultural heritage. Dr. Hiralal Jain in his Karandakacaritra, a Jain book, refers to caves near Osmanabad as Ter caves, as they are nearer to this village. In the mediaeval period the village shot into prominence as a centre of religious propagation. The well-known saint of Maharastra. Gora Kumbhar, a contemporary of Saint Jnyanesvar was a resident of this village and in his days it was frequently the scene of gatherings of saintly personages. Scholars of Saint literature are of the opinion that Ter had its own share in the propagation of Bhagvat dharma.
Ter has many temples, a description of few of which is given below :
Objects.

Trivikrama Temple:-

We have still at Ter some Buddhist remains that go back to the age of the Satavahanas. The most noteworthy of these is the ancient Buddhist Caitya built of brick, which has since been turned into a Vaisnava temple dedicated to Trivikrama. In form it is just the structural counterpart of rock cut Caityas with a barrel or wagon vaulted roof and an apsidal back. This is one of the few structural Caityas discovered in South India. Trivikrama temple is important because it is said that Saint Namdev had delivered a kirtan in this temple. In the outer mandap of this shrine, supported on four wooden pillars, a place has been conserved and pointed out to be the one where the Saint had stood. Daily offerings of flowers are made on this spot. An idol of Kartik Svami shown as sitting on a peacock is installed to the left in the middle chamber. Beyond this is the semi-circula, darkish vestibule wherein is the main idol. It is the Vamana incarnation of Visnu delineated in the act of placing his foot on the head of Bali, when the latter asked him to do so. Bv the side are figures of Bali's wife and Sukracarya, the sage. There is also it much broken and defaced idol. The most attractive object of all in this shrine is the excellently carved and ornamented crown worn by the main idol. From the state of the temple and its architectural style it appears to be nearly 1,500 years old.
 
Uttaresvar Temple:-

The Uttaresvar temple is in utter ruins except for the vestibule housing the linga and the wooden door-frame of the outer entrance which has now been taken possession of by the Archaelogical Department of the Government of India. With its unrivalled creeper patterns, animal and human figures, the door frame is a rare specimen of a high degree of craftsmanship and wood-work. While on the right side entrance musicians are depicted as playing on musical instruments, the left represents devotees at worship. Some swan figures decorate its lower part. Historians opine that it is an excellent specimen of the skill in wood-work in the entire Marathvada region. Outside there is an idol of Suryanarayan. In a ruined temple in the vicinity is an idol of a goddess.
 
Siddhesvar Temple:-
The Siddhesvar shrine is to the south-west of the village and has a vestibule; a middle chamber and an outer mandap. Supported on four pillars, the mandap with its exquisitely ornamented entrance door is 6.10 x 6.10 metres (20' x 2O’). Adorned by a small dome-like sikhar, the vestibule houses a linga symbol. Outside the temple a nandi statue has been installed.

Kalesvar and Gora Kumbhar Temple:-
On the banks of the Terna, across which a dam has now been constructed to harness its waters for irrigation, are situated in a 24.39 x 24.39 metres (80' x 80') enclosed compound, temples of Kalesvar and Gora Kumbhar the famous poet saint. Entered through a lofty gate surmounted by a nagarkhana or the music gallery, the visitor first comes across a samadhi of some saintly personage beyond which is the Kalesvar temple. More or less Hemadpanti in style its outer mandap has four open pillars and a few more embedded in the side walls forming some lovely arches in between. Beyond the mandap are two gabharas arranged one behind the other, the last one containing the phallus symbol of Kalesvar. It is crowned by a small sikhar. To the right of this is the temple of Vitthal Rakhumai housing the samadhi of Gora Kumbhar. That part of the temple which houses the samadhi and the idol is reported to have been built some one and a half centuries back by the disciples of Gora Kumbhar; but the outer mandap hall of 12.19 x 10.36 metres (40' x 34') dimensions, supported on two rows of pillars and having three arch formations in the front is of recent construction. A few corridors have been provided in the courtyard. From CaitraVadya Ekadasi to Amavasya a large fair is held in honour of Gora Kumbhar. Another object of interest is the house of Gora Kumbhar in front of which under the shade of a neem tree he used to prepare clay for the manufacture of earthen vessels. Though the tree has died its trunk can still be seen. There is also a fine little Jain shrine containing a 1.828 x 1.219 metres idol of Mahavira in a sitting posture.
A mention must also be made of a collection made by Sri Ramlingappa Lambture, a resident of Ter. Important among his collections are objects of ivory, dolls, bangles, coins and such Other articles which throw valuable light on the reconstruction of the history of the region. Attention is particularly attracted by an excellent idol in his possession, the coiffure, dress and other general features of which bear the impress of Greco-Roman art and which indicates that the Greeks and Romans had some intercourse with Ter.
Saint Goroba Kaka Temple
Saint Goroba was born in Ter (Dhoki) in the year 1267. Hence the village is popular & known as Goroba Ter. The temple of Saint Goroba is also one of the attraction for Tourist & pilgrimage visiting to Osmanabad district. The temple was built in 13th century after the death of Saint Goroba in 1317. This square shaped temple is constructed fully with stone & is one of the best model in architecture. They have also constructed one Sabha Mandap to perform religious & cultural activities. Mostly the pilgrimage those are from rural area & are offenly visiting to Pandharpur and Tulajapur visit here on their return journey.

Ramling        Osmanabad         Ter          Naldurg          Paranda        Kunthalgiri        sonari

Tulajapur

Tuljabhavani Live Darshan

             

About Tulajapur:-

Location : Near Osmanabad, Maharashtra

Presiding Deity: Bhavani The Goddess Of Shakti Also Known As Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita And Amba.Built By: Shivaaji Maharaj 1661
Tuljapur is a city and a municipal council in Osmanabad district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the administrative seat of Tuljapur taluka. The town is home to a famous temple, Tulja Bhavani Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Bhavani. The town received much importance in past centuries, since the temple enjoys a special association with the Bhonsale clan to which Chhatrapati Shivaji belonged. Goddess Bhavani was the family deity of the Bhonsale clan. The temple-town of Pandharapura, the Dharashiv caves, and the fort of Naldurg all lie within easy reach. As the Goddess Bhavani is the deity of many people from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh they come walking in Dasera Festival to worship Goddess Bhavani. Tulja Bhavani Mata mandir is in Tuljapur taluka of osmanabad district in Maharashtra state. The region usually refered to as Marathawada region. The temple of Tuljabhawani is looked aftar by a trust of which district Collector is a Presedent. Tuljapur is one of the 3.5 Pitha. Located in Yamunachal ranges of Balaghat. • Tuljapur at 250meter above sea level on the Badoda NH NO. 109. 45kM North -East of Solapur, 19km South of Osmanabad & 269 South of Aurangabad


• Nearest Railway Station, Solapur 45Km the lne is Pune-Solapur-Hyadrabad • Mearage-Latur Narrow Guage gate down at Barshi 35Km or Yedshi 33Km from Tuljapur.


• Nearest Airports, Pune 274 Km & Aurangabad 269Km
• Transportation by road,Tuljapur is connected to all District by S.T.&Private Luxary buses are available from Mumbai,Pune,Nagpur,Aurngabad,Hydrabad,Gulbarga daily services.


History:-

The second among the 'Shaktipeeths' is Tulja Bhavani of Tuljapur. It was the family deity of the Bhosale kings. Shivaji always visited the temple to seek her blessings. It is believed that the Goddess gifted him a sword - 'the Bhawani sword' - for success in his expeditions. The history of the temple has been mentioned in the "skanda puran". There was a sage known as "Kardam" After his death his wife "Anubuti" had performed a penance at the banks of river "mandakini " for Bhavani mata to look after her infant child. While performing the penance the demon known "Kukur" tried to disturb her penance during which Mata Bhavani came to the aid of "Anubuti" and killed the demon "Kukur". From that day onwards the Goddess Bhavani came to be known as Tulja Bhavani. The temple is located on the hill of "Bala ghat". The same place is today known as Tuljapur.

Shree Tuljabhavani Temple

This is a temple town which rose to prominence during the Maratha regime and the goddess was a family deity of the Bhosle rulers. Chhatrapati Shivaji used to take her blessings for success in his military campaigns. It is believed that the Tulja Bhavani presented Shivaji with the Bhavani sword.

Tuljapur is one of the holy place in Maharashtra in Osmanabad district. This place comes under the Marathwada region located 270 meter above sea level on the hills called as Balaghat. The name of this town was Chinchpur as this place is full of Tamarind trees, but, later on changed to Tuljapur after the name of Shree Tulja Bhavani. Now it is considered one of the main holy places in India. Lakhs of devotees from all over the country visit this place. The place has religious significance during the period of Navratra festival.

Main Temple
Mahadwar

There are two main entrances to get into the temple. One is called as Raja Shahaji mahadwar, and the other as Rajmata Jijavu main gate.
In the first floor of these two main gates there are two libraries named as "Shree Santh Dnyaneshwar Dharmik" Library and "Shree Tukaram Dharmik" Library. Along with these two libraries there is a guest room called "Shree Samarth Vishesh" guest room, going through the main gates you will find the STB Trusts main office and Raja Sahu Prashaskiya sadan and State Bank along with a sub post office.

After stepping down the stairs we get Gomukh Theerth on right side and Kalakh also known as "Kallol Theerth" on left side. Before going to Darshan devotees take holy bath in these Theerth's. Also there are Amruth Kund and Duth Temple in these premises. There is a Siddi Vinayak Temple on the left side of main entrance gate, and on the right there is Aadishakti, Aadimata Matangidevi temple. In the same place there is goddess Annapurna temple.
The Main gate: Shree Tulja Bhavani temples main gate is named as 'Sardar Nimbalkar pravesh dwar". Going through this door on the right there is Markandeya Rishi's temple, after getting down through these stairs then comes the main Tulja Bhavani Temple. The "yagna kund" is in front of this temple.

The Idol

The image of Bhavani is three foot high made of granite. The idol worshipped has eight arms holding weapons, bearing the head of the slain. This image is supposed to be swayambhu'-selfborn, created without the medium of human agency. The lowermost right hand holds a trident, the next one a dagger, the one above this an arrow and the uppermost right hand wields the chakra. In the uppermost left hand is a shankh, next is a bow, the third one carries a bowl and the lower most left band holds the knot of bair on the head of the asur. The right leg is planted firmly on the body of Mahishasur, the left one is on the ground, between the two is the head of the asur gripped by the lower left arm.
The vahan of the Devi is a lion, and on the backrest are carved the sun and the moon on the left and right sides of the Devi. To her left is an image of a tapasvin; head touching the ground and legs pointing towards the sky. This is a representation of Anubhuti, a woman tapasvini who was responsible for bringing Tvarita devi on this Yamunachal. On the headrests a crown that has a yoni and ling carved on it. Ornaments like earrings, kundalas, necklaces etc. are, carved on the image. Services are offered four times each day.

Places To Visit
Bharti Baba's Matha: This Matha is Located near the temple premises. This Matha was started by bharti baba. After the death of the baba the matha is maintained by his family members. It is believed that Shree Tulja Bhavani used to talk with baba in person due to baba's tapasya. There is a secret passage in this matha from where the king Shivaji used to visit the temple.

Khashi Kund: There is another matha located behind the Bharti baba's matha and is known as Khashi kund. There is a small idol of Lord Shiva. It is said that on every Monday or Amavasya the holy water from river Ganges comes into the kund in the midnight and it is said that the water is boiling at high temperatures.
Mahanth Bakoji Baba's Matha: This matha is located in the south of temple premises. At the back side of the temple there is a door called Shivaji Mahadwar and a passage to the right side of this door leads to the Mahanth Bakoji Baba's Matha. The keys of the temple are kept in this matha.
Aranya Govardhan Matha Samsthan : This matha is located in the east of the Tuljapur in Shukravarpeth. This Matha is Established about 1200 years back by the disciple of the Shankaracharya.

Ramavardhayani Kund: There is a Ramavardhayani Devi idol located in this Matha. It is said that Lord Rama has spent some time here. It is believed that the kund is formed due to the Lord Rama's arrow. As he was thirsty he used an arrow to pierce the earth forming the Ramavardhayani Kund.
Annual Programmes:
Chaitra Poornima Utsav: Every year on the day of Poornima in the month of Chaitra this Utsav is held. In the same Month a Mela is held at Shikhar-Shingnapur in the honour of Shambu Mahadev. While returning from that place the tourists visit Tuljapur in the night of Poornima.
Shakambhari Navaratri utsav: Every year in the month of Paush this utsav is held in the honour of the Shakambhari Devi of Bijapur of Karnataka.
Sharadiya Navaratri Utsav: Every Year in the month of Ashwin this utsav is held.

Submit ExpressOpt-in Email Advertising

Tuljabhavani Live Darshan

Naldurg Fort

Naldurg Fort:-

Naldurg which was formerly a district headquarter is situated about 50 Kms. southeast of Osmanabad. The fort which is an interesting place has enclosed a surface of a knoll or plantain of basalt rock which is jutted out into the valley or raving of the small river Bori. Along the rest of the cliff on three sides ran fortifications. Bastion firmly built out are large enough to carry heavy guns. The entire circumference is about a mile and a half. The interior portion is covered with ruined walls and a wide road running up to the centre. The fort has many bastions amongst which are upli Buruj, which is the height point in the fort. Paranda Buruj , nagar Buruj, Sangam Burug, Sangram Buruj, Bands Buruj, poone Buruj are the other bastions.
History:-

The Naldurg fort is one of the important ground forts in the Marathawada region. It represents a fine example of the medieval architectural style.
It it believed that the fort was built by Nalaraja (The King Nala). The fort and the city is named after him. The fort was built in the period of the Later from A.D. 1351 to A.D. 1480 in the period of the kings and in A.D. 1558, the Adil Shahi rulers constructed the massive fortification wall of the fort. In A.D. 1613, Ibrahim Adilshah II built the weir on the river Bori and constructed Pani Mahal.
The main entrance gate of the fort is known as Hulmukh Darwaza. The protective walls have 115 massive bastions. The chief bastions are named Paranda, Upli, Sangram and Nav Buruj. Upli Burug is the highest place in the fort. Cannons are also placed on these bastions till today.
These cannons have figures of elephants and crocodiles and are therefore called Hathi Thop and Magar Thop. There are some old buildings still standing in good condition.
Inside fort:-

Inside the fort there are remains of the walls and some of the building such as Barood kotha, Baradari, Ambarkhana, Rangaan mahal, Jali etc. Though the buildings are in ruins the remains give a impression that there might have been at one time the specious buildings. There are two tanks in the fort known as machali guns amongst which important are the hathi toph and magar Toph, The hathi Darwaza and the hurmukh darwaza are the main gates of the fort.
Panimahal:-

The most interesting building which connects the fort and the Ranmandala is the dam constructed across the bori river, the dam and the pani mahal, which is built underaatched and in the middle of the dam were, constructed. During the reign of Ibrahim Adil shah II. The fort is said to have been originally built by a Hindu Raja who was a vassal of the Chalukya kings of kalyani. It was latter included in the dominions of the Bahamanis and was subsequently taken over by the Adil shahi kings of bijapur, from whom it passed in the hands of mughalain the year 1686.A.D.
Temples:-
Khandoba Mandir
Shree 1008 Bhagwan Adhinath Mandir
Ambabai Mandir
Rokdya Maruti Mandir
Ganesh Mandir
Vithal Rukumini Mandir
Mahadev Mandir

PARANDA

About paranda:-

Parenda, the headquarters town of the tahsil situated on the interfluve between the Sina and its tributary, the Dudna. There are also a few tanks in its neighbourhood. The town is connected by a fine tar road with Barsi in Solapur district, a distance of 27.36 km (17 miles) and there is a regular bus service plying between these two towns. The earliest possible reference to the place is found in the Puranas wherein it is referred to as Paramdhampur subsequently changed to Pracandpur, so-called perhaps because of the large size of the town then. It is difficult to state as to when the nomenclature was changed to Parenda.
The city is located around the historical fort.. This is oldest municipal council in the Osmanabad district. there are total 97 villages in the Paranda taluka.
There is an ancient historical FORTE in Paranda town. Paranda has great historical background. Paranda is also known as a Taluka of Temples and Mosques

Regarding Fort at Paranda:-



The fort was is probably 800+ Year Old. The Fort is surrounded by trench from all the sites.
There is a Mosque and Hindu Temple inside the Fort.. The authorities should take proper care to preserve this monument This fort has not faced any battle in past 400 years and it was used for storage of material only
The fort is one of the many forts erected by the Bahamani kings and is a fine spicemen of military Architecture and engineering. The gates defended by traversals and redoubts and the Ramparts. These are of the out and dressed stones with round bastions fitted for the heavy guns of the period. Around the fort there is a moat, which was always kept filled with water. Inside the fort there are 26 bastions amongst which the note-worthy are” MAHAKAL BURUJ” “BURUJ MAHAKAL,” BULAND BURUJ,” CHANCHAL BURUJ,” and shah mathkal ,” and NASSA YEED BURUJ” on the some of the bastions there are old guns the most important of which are” Malike maiden”, and Azda Paikar” The great bronze gund viz. Malika Maiden” now at Bijapur, is side to have been original mounted here. At present inside the fort there are the mosque, Narsimaha Mandir” and wall called “ RAMTIRTH” but there are also remains of the building like BARADARI, TAIKHANA, ZANANA MAKAN, etc. The remains of the walls and the dilapidated remains give an impression that at one time there might have been spacious and exquisites constructions.

Mankeshwar

About MANKESHWAR:-




Mankeshwar, with 3,073 inhabitants is a village in Parenda tahsils lying 2.41 km (one and a half miles) to the east of Varadvadi-kunthalgiri road.The village, however, is known for the temple of Mankesvar, from which it seems to have derived its name.
About Temple:-
It is one of the finest specimen of Hemadpanti style of construction and can be considered to be one of the best in the district. Literally each and every stone-slab employed in its construction, both on the inside and the outside, is ornamented with human, divine and animal figurines and many other enthralling patterns and designs. Many of these are depicted in dancing, wrestling and such other poses.
The temple standing on a 1.219 metres (4 ft.) high dais on the banks of the Visvakarma rivulet has a sabhamandap supported on twenty richly ornamented pillars. The designs are absolutely symmetrical. This part has two small chambers on either side.
The mandap, and the vestibule are
connected by a small and narrow passage with niches sunk in its side walls. The vestibule containing a large linga symbol of Mankesvar is much below the level of the mandap floor, it being necessary to descend down a few steps to have access to the vestibule. It is crowned by a small sikhar. In the environs of the temple broken idols and other fragments are to be found. Closeby is a temple dedicated to Satavai Devi..
Mankesvar has also the dargah of Sayyad Hussain Qadri a local avaliya with a mosque attached to it. An annual urus is held in honour of Sayyad Hussain Qadri.

Bhoom

About Bhoom:-
Bhoom is a Taluka in Osmanabad district, Maharashtra, India. Bhoom is small town situated in idyllic valley of Banashankar hill ranges of Sahyadri. It is situated on the banks of river Banaganga which eventually flows into Bhima. Population of Bhoom is around 12,000 with majority of people engaged in agriculture or related activities. Milk is a substantial side business for farmers and non-farmers here. Bhoom also being sub-division of Osmanabad district houses large number of Govt offices thereby it is home of large number of Govt employees.

Religion:-
Majority of People follow Hinduism and Buddhism whereas largest minority is Muslim. Inter-religious relations in Bhoom have been marked by remarkable peace and this town has been hallmark of a communal harmony in this region. Bhoom practically never faced any communal riots in its entire history. AllamPrabhu which is sort of composite deity for both Hindu and Muslim communities, also have acted as a place where both communities pray together and freely extremely mingle. Kunthalgiri is the Jain Religions ancient famous temple very near from Bhoom @ 10 km to North of Bhoom ie 3 km to south from NH-211. Kunthalgiri also famous for "Pedha" a sweet.

Education:-
Though this is a small place, many students from this area have been successful in their careers and have reached top posts in India and abroad. Bhoom boasts of some good education institutes and good teachers. S. P. College is a senior college which is a gift to students from rural areas who want to pursue higher education.

Geography:-
Bhoom is divided between two areas kasba and peth by Banganga river. Kasba is more traditional village type area with most of the people related with farming occupation whereas peth is more cosmopolitan where people of various professions live together. Bhoom has further grown in more white collar samarth nagar and new colonies near college whereas slum like suburb shivaji nagar in the south.
Mr. Rahul (Bhaiyaa) Mote is elected (Oct-09) as MLA from Bhoom-Pranda-Washi constituenc

Kuntalgiri

About Kuntalgiri:-

• Kuntalgiri is the great holy place of the Digamber Jains and famous for Digamberpanthi Jain Temple of south india.

• It is the land of Kulbhushan & Deshbhushan saints who place his soul on this holy land

• During the period of twentieth Tirthakar Munisuvratnath, two brother Kulbhushan & Deshbhushan had
offer continuous prayer (Tapashcharya) for transformation of soul towards the almighty & made this holy place.

• Temple is situated about 19 kms. from Bhoom on Bhoom-Osmanabad road and occupying the top of a hillock.

• Among other objects of interest on the hillcock is a round pillar of stone called 'Manasa Stambha"
rising to a height of nearly 13.11 meters.
Its capital is adorned by four identical images of Sauvratnath in a mediative pose.

• The temple was jointly built in 1931 by Venichand Mulchand Indorkar and Haribhai Gandhi of Solapur.

• The black stone idols of Deshbhushan and Kalabhushan are in a standingposture.
There were small images of 24 jain Tirthankars which is a visual feature of Jain temple.

• Thousands of peoples belonging to Jain Pantha from all over India visit this holy temple.
The temple is not only the place of worship but is the faith centre to obtain the peace of mind.

Shantisagar:-

Acharya Shri Shantisagar Maharaj, Charitra Chakravarti (आचार्य श्री शांतिसागर चरित्र चक्रवर्ती) was the first Digambar Jain Acharya of the 20th century, and the first Digambar Jain monk to wander in North India after several centuries.
Padmanabh Jaini writes in the first paragraph of "The Path of Purification"
"It is August, 1955. On the holy mount of Kunthalagiri, in the state of Maharashtra in India, an old man called Santisagara (Ocean of peace) is ritually fasting to death. He is the acarya (spiritual leader) of the Digambara Jaina community; now, after thirty-five years as a mendicant, he is attaining his mortal end in the holy manner prescribed by the great saint Mahavira almost 2,500 years earlier. Santisagara has owned nothing, not even a loincloth, since 1920. He has wandered on foot over the length and breadth of India, receiving food offerings but once a day. and then with only his bare hands for a bowl; he has spoken little during daylight hours and not at all after sunset. From August 14 until September 7 he takes only water; then, unable to drink without help, he ceases even that. At last, fully conscious and chanting the Jain a litany, he dies in the early morning of September 18. The holiness and propriety of his life and of the manner of his death are widely known and admired by Jainas throughout India"

Tradition:-
He belonged to the lineage of Sena Gana[2], made famous by Acharya Jinasena and his pupils in the Rashtrakuta period. His initiator Devendrakirti belonged to this lineage. The Sena Gana itself was a branch of the Pancha-stupa lineage.

Sonari

Ramling        Osmanabad         Ter          Naldurg          Paranda        Kunthalgiri        sonari

About Sonari:-

Sonari is largely an agricultural village in Parenda tahsil. The village however is known for an antique shrine dedicated to Bhairavnath.
History:-

It is said and testified to by the Puranas also that Sankar appeared in Bhairava incarnation in order to put an end to the menace of the demons who were destroying the yajnyas and killing Brahmanas.. Suvarnasur was destined to die at the hands of a married person only, Bhairavnath decided to marry a maidan from Ambejogai in Bid district. The marriage, however, did not consummate and hence Bhairavnath married a Ses Kanya from Muganv, a village some where in the vicinity of Sonari and then killed Suvarnasur with the help of Kalbhairav Devi. A victory pillar or ranastambha was erected on the spot where the demon lay dead and it is said that the present temple was constructed on the same spot in much later times. Bhairavnath also succeeded in destroying the other demons. Nearby are two well constructed tirtha kundas known as Lahabai or Loha Tirtha and Suvarna Tirtha
About Temple:-
The temple is encompassed by a compound wall with two solid entrances, the one on the eastern side being surmounted by a nagarkhana or drum chamber. In the wall of this entrance gate an illegible inscription is to be seen. Immediately inside there are four stone masonry well designed dipmals or lamp-pillars illuminated only on festival occasions and cloisters to accommodate the pilgrims.
The temple can be divided into three parts, the outer and inner sabha mandaps and the vestibule. Whereas the outer sabha mandap is practically in ruins with half its roof having been collapsed, the inner one supported on twelve teak-wood pillars is in good order.
The vestibule crowned with a 13.716 metre (45 ft.) high sikhar contains the black stone idol of Bhairavnath and has a broad circumambulatory passage around. Two fairs, one in Karttik commemorating the incarnation day of Bhairavnath and the other in Caitra celebrating his marriage and the killing of Suvarnasur demon are held annually. On both the occasions a huge ratha or chariot of Bhairavnath is drawn, followed by a large procession, to the accompaniment of cymbals and other musical instruments. Devotees from all over Maharastra as well as from North India gather on the occasion.
In the vicinity of this temple there is a math or a monastery whose head priest is elected every twelve years at Kasi at the time of the Kumbha Mela.

Yermala.

About YERMALA:-

Yermala, is an agricultural village in Kalam tahsil situated on the road from Barsi. Occupying the crest of a hillock, lying nearly two kilometres south of the village, is an old temple of Yedesvari, otherwise known as Yedai. It is built in honour of Parvati.

History:-
It is said that while Rama was in search of Sita, Parvati, in spite of Shankar’s advice to the contrary, appeared before Rama in the guise of Sita with the intention of pleasing him. But recognizing her, Rama said "Tu ka Ayi (why, you mother?) Parvati did not give up her efforts and appeared a second time when Rama said "tu yedai" and hence the temple established here came to be called as Yedai or Yedesvari.

About Temple:-
Hemadpanti in style, the temple has two entrance doors, in front of the principal one of which are three dipmals or lamp pillars, the central one being a little taller than the flanking ones. Supported on two rows of solid pillars, the 9.l4x9.l4 metres (30' x 30') mandap has two rooms at one end of it, with the vesti-bule at the other end. The vestibule is 2.438 x 2.438 metres (8' x 8') and contains an idol of the goddess with a brass prabhaval around and a small linga symbol nearby.

Fairs:-
In honour of this goddess fairs are held on Caitra Suddha Paurnima and Sravan Paurnima. At the time of the first one of these nearly 80,000 people gather and on the second occasion nearly 15,000. People also gather on the Simolanghan day.
Yermala has a high school, a post office and a civil dispensary. The weekly bazar is held on Wednesdays.

Osmanabad.

Ramling        Osmanabad         Ter          Naldurg          Paranda        Kunthalgiri        sonari

About Osmanabad:-

Osmanabad district is located in the southern part of the state of Maharashtra. Most of the area of the district is surrounded by Small Mountain called "Balaghat". Bhoom, Washi, Kalamb, Osmanabad & Tuljapur Tahsil lie in the range of this Balaghat Mountain. The district is surrounded by Solapur to the south-east, Ahmednagar to the North-West, Beed to the North, Latur district to the East and Bidar & Gulbarga districts of Karnataka to the South.
Osmanabad along with the other four districts of the Marathwada region was formerly a part of the Nizam’s State. After India got its freedom in 1947 the reorganisation of various princely states was carried out. In 1956 the Marathwada region was included in the then Bombay State into Maharashtra and Gujarat. In 1960, Osmanabad along with the other districts of Marathwada became an integral part of Maharashtra. Today Osmanabad is a full fledged district of Maharashtra playing significant role in various aspects of the state.

Tehsils in Osmanabad district:-

• Osmanabad
• Tuljapur
• Omerga
• Paranda
• Bhoom
• Kalamb
• Vashi
• Lohara

DHARASHIV CAVES:-
________________________________________
The dharashiv caves are situated 8 km away from Osmanabad city in Balaghat Mountains.
There are total 7 caves in the Balaghat Mountain lane.
The first cave is without any statue with small open space .
The second cave consists of a statue with Artistic work on right side of statue.
The art work is of gandharva era.

The fourth cave is with open space without any statue inside.
The statue in the sixth cave is damaged while the seventh cave has no statue
These caves were originally Buddhist, but were later converted into monuments of the Jain religion and fresh caves were also excavated nearby.
There are some more Buddhist caves excavated in the hills, about 8 miles from Dharashiva.

The earlier of them are referred by Burgess to the middle of the 7th century A. D. Cave No. II is modeled on the plan of the Vakataka caves at Ajanta. It has a central hall measuring 80 feet by 80 feet, with 14 cells for the residence of the Bhiksus and garbhagraha with a colossal image of the Buddha in Padmasana.



Another cave (No. III) has a hall of 59’ by 59’, closely resembling Cave No I.
Later some Jain caves (No. V and VI) were excavated on the same hill. They are described in the Prakrt work Karakandacariu as excavated by the king Karakanda, who came to know about the earlier caves from the prince Siva of Terapura (Tagara).
The Karakandacariu is a work of the 11th century A. D. so these later caves were probably excavated in the 9th or 10th century A. D. during the age of Rastrakutas.


Khvaja Samsuddin dargah:-
The other object of interest is the dargah of Khvaja Samsuddin at which a largely attended urus is held in the month of Rajab.



A Persian inscription in the dargah gives the, date of Khvaja's death as 720 Hijri. Said to have been erected during the period of Muhammad-bin-Tughluq, the dargah stands in the midst of an encompassed courtyard having entrances on three of its sides. The main edifice of solid masonry crowned with a huge vaulted dome is 12.19 x 12.19 metres (40' x 40') and contains two tombs one of which is that of Samsuddin.

It has an arch-shaped entrance with similar arches on the other three sides also. The top corners are also adorned with minars. Within the same compound and exactly opposite Samsuddin's dargah is the tomb of his son, Tajuddin, housed under a canopy of twelve columns. Its top is also decorated with minars, but of smaller size. The dargah looks majestic and is an excellent specimen of mediaeval Muhammedan sculpture.



Dhrtarastra Nagesvar Temple:-
The principal mosque and the ruins of an old fort or gadhi lie to the southern extremity of the town. Of the many Hindu shrines that of Dhrtarastra Nagesvar claims antiquity as well as religious importance. Situated on the banks of the Bhogavati, it is said to be the 108th and the last tirth or holy place along the Bhogavati from its source somewhere in the hills at Dharasiv.