MANDU OR MANDAV FORT @ DHAR, MADYA PRADESH.

MANDU FORT-MANDAV

Next day again I finished my work till lunch and pushed towards Mandu or Mandav fort. After visiting so may forts in Sahyadri region, Maharashtra egger to explore Mandu fort.

Now, I started inquiring how to reach Mandu fort. No direct bus Indore to Mandu fort so need to go Gangwal bus stand then Indore to Dhar and Dhar to Mandu fort.

My friend drop me to Gangwal bus stand from I got bus to Dhar (60 km fare 50Rs) and Dhar to Mandav (40 km fare 30 Rs).I reached Mandav fort @ 3:00 pm .

Now how to explore Mandu fort?

You need to hire taxi to explore Mandu fort because it’s divided into  three part, Total area 102 Sq Km.

So, I started bargain with taxi drivers as I am alone. They charged 500 Rs for Maruti Omni.

After all discussion he agrees for 400 Rs and guide for 250 Rs. And here we started to explore Mandu Fort.

We started our Mandu fort sightseeing around 3.30 pm and end around 6.30pm.

Bus for Dhar on stand immediately got into bus and started my return journey to Indore. Mandu-Dhar-Gangwal bus stand,Indore.

From gangwal bus stand to indore railway station shared auto charged 10 Rs. Reached Indore around 9.30 pm.

Dinner menu was Dal-Baphale.

Total Expense for day = 1000 Rs

Indore-Dhar-Mandu-Dhar-Indore=200 Rs (All public transport)

Taxi hire = 400 Rs

Guide charges = 250 Rs

Food = 100 Rs

(Group of three or more better hire car from Indore itself which cost around 2000 Rs)

(All below info copy paste from Wikipedia and MPTDC website)

1. THE ROYAL ENCLAVE

·        JAHAZ MAHAL

Situated between two artificial lakes, this two storied architectural marvel is so named as it appears as a ship floating in water. Built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji, it served as a harem for the sultan.

This 120 mt long "ship palace" built between the two artificial lakes, Munj Talao and Kapur Talao is an elegant two storeyed palace. Probably it was built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji for his large harem. With its open pavilions, balconies overhanging the water and open terrace, Jahaz Mahal are an imaginative recreation in stone of a royal pleasure craft. Viewed on moonlit nights from the adjoining Taveli Mahal, the silhouette of the building, with the tiny domes and turrets of the pavilion gracefully perched on the terrace, presents an unforgettable spectacle.

·      HINDOLA MAHAL

Hindola Mahal - meaning Swing palace is so named due to its sloping side walls. The Hindola Mahal might have been constructed during the reign of Hushang Shah about 1425 C.E. but may date to the end of the 15th century during the reign of Ghiyas al-Din. It is one of a set buildings making up the royal palace complex at Mandu, which consists of the Jahaz Mahal, the Hindola Mahal, the Tawili Mahal, and the Nahar Jharokha. The Hindola Mahal may have been used as an audience chamber. There are a number of other, undated structures surrounding the palace - an evidence of the rich and glorious past.Superb and innovative techniques are also evident in its ornamental facade, delicate trellis work in sand-stone and beautifully moulded columns. To the West of Hindola Mahal there are several unidentified buildings which still bear traces of their past grandeur. Amidst these is an elaborately constructed well called Champa Baoli which is connected with underground vaulted rooms where arrangements for cold and hot water were made. Other places of interest in this enclave are Dilawar Khan's Mosque, the Nahar Jharokha (tiger balcony), Taveli Mahal, the two large wells called the Ujali (bright) and Andheri (dark) Baolis and Gada Shah's Shop and House, all worth a visit.

 

2. THE CENTRAL GROUP

·        HOSHANG SHAH’S TOMB

India's first marble structure, it is one of the most refined examples of Afghan architecture. Its unique features are the magnificently proportioned dome, marble lattice work of remarkable delicacy and porticoed courts and towers to mark the four corners of the rectangle. It served as a template for the construction of Taj Mahal. Shah Jehan sent four of his great architects to study the design of and draw inspiration from the Tomb. Among them was Ustad Hamid, who was also associated with the construction of Taj Mahal.

·        JAMI MASJID

Jami Masjid Inspired by the great mosque of Damascus, this humongous structure is striking in both its simplicity and architectural style-with large courtyards and grand entrances.

The Jami Masjid was conceived on a grand scale, with a high plinth and a huge domed porch projecting in the centre, the background dominated by similar imposing domes with the intervening space filled up by innumerable domes.

One is struck by the huge proportions and the stern simplicity of its construction. The great court of the mosque is enclosed on all sides by huge colonnades with a rich and pleasing variety in the arrangement of arches, pillars, number of bays, and in the rows of domes above.

3. THE REWA KUND GROUP

 

·        REWA KUND

A reservoir constructed by Baz Bahadur for the purpose of supplying water to Rani Roopmati's Pavilion. The reservoir is situated below the pavilion and hence is considered an architectural marvel.Today, the pool is revered as a sacred spot.

·        BAZBAHADUR’S PALACE

 

Built by Baz Bahadur, this 16th-century. It is situated below Roopmati's Pavilion and can be seen from the pavilion.

The palace's unique features are its spacious courtyards surrounded by halls and high terraces which afford a superb view of the surrounding countryside

·        RANI ROOPMATI’S PAVILION

 

A large sandstone structure originally built as an army observation post it is known today as Roopmati's Pavilion. Rani Roopmati - the love interest of Baaz Bahadur lived here and is said to have gazed at the Baz Bahadur's Palace - situated below and also at Narmada river, flowing through the Nimar plains far below, a river which the queen revered.

The pavilion was originally built as an army observation post. From its hilltop perch, this graceful structure with its two pavilions was a retreat of the lovely queen.

OTHER MONUMENTS

·        NILKANTH

This sacred shiva shirine is sited in a magnificent setting, at the very edge of a steep gorge. In its tree-shaped courtyard, a sacred pond is fed by a stream, and pilgrims still gather to worship here.

·        NILKANTH MAHAL

Belonging to the Mughal era and close to the Nilkanth shrine, this palace was constructed by the Mughal governor, Shah Badgah Khan for Emperor Akbar's Hindu wife. On the walls here are some inscriptions of the time of Akbar referring to the futility of earthly pomp and glory. Hathi Mahal, Darya Khan's Tomb, Dai ka Mahal, Dai ki Chhotti Behan Ka Mahal, Malik Mughit's Mosque and Jali Mahal are some of the other fascinating monuments. There is also the Echo Point, the 'Delphic Oracle' of Mandu. A shout from here reverberates far below and is heard clearly back. The Lohani Caves and Temple Ruins, not far from the royal enclave area also merit a visit due to their association with Mandu's history and monuments. Sunset Point, in front of the caves affords a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside

The Darwazas/Gate

The 45 km parapets of walls that encircle Mandu are punctuated by 12 gateways. Most notable of these is Delhi Darwaza, the main entrance to the fortress city, for which the approach is through a series of gateways well-fortified with walled enclosures and strengthened by bastions such as the Alamgir and Bhangi Darwaza, through which the present road passes. Rampol Darwaza, Jehangir Gate and Tarapur Gate are some of the other main gateways.

Pls,Visit below link for photos.

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UJJAIN

              

             I used to visit Indore for my official work every time I visit I used to thought I should explore M.P.This time I got opportunity to explore Madhya Pradesh along with my official work.I started my journey to Indore by Avantika Express on Monday from Mumbai Central @ 7.05 pm and reached Indore @ 9.00 am and started searching for railway retiring room. On platform no 1 at inquiry counter I got one ac double room for 450.00 Rs and 24 hr check out for two days only and for second day need to extend it. Keep your ID card photocopy ready with you.

              After freshen up at room I reached to my work place and finish my work till lunch (coz I decided to visit Ujjain).My friend dropped me Sarvate bus stand near indore railway staion. Madhya Pradesh having very minimum government owned transport facility majorly its ruled by privet but operator. Buses are in good condition and fare is very economical. All part of Madhya Pradesh is well connected with bus services with very economical fare. Only problem in this kind of bus services is they take lots of stop to occupy seats because of this avg speed comes to 30-35KM/hr in small connections and 45-50KM/hr in long connections.  Road condition is very good at least all connecting to tourist places.

               I got bus at 1.30 pm for Ujjain from Sarvate bus stand which reached Ujjain at 3.00pm fare 30 Rs. Indore to ujjai 55 km.For Ujjain city sightseeing nagar nigam having bus services one tour in morning9.00am  and one in afternoon 1.30pm.

               I hired auto for 300 Rs for city tour which include

Entrance @ Ujjain

1)Sandipani Ashram

The fact that ancient Ujjain apart from its political and religious importance, enjoyed the reputation of being a great seat of learning as early as the Mahabharata period is borne out by the fact that, Lord Krishna and Sudama received regular instruction in the ashram of Guru Sandipani. The area near the ashram is known as Ankapata, popularly believed to have been the place used by Lord Krishna for washing his writing tablet. The numerals 1 to 100 found on a stone are believed to have been engraved by Guru Sandipani.
The Gomti Kunda referred to in the Puranas was the source of water supply to the ashram in the olden days. An image of Nandi, belonging to the Shunga period, is to be found near the tank. The followers of Vallabha sect regard this place as the 73rd seat of the 84 seats of Vallabhacharya where he delivered his discourses throughout India

2) Mangalnath Mandir (Temple of Mars)

Regarded as the birthplace of Mars according to the Skanda Purana, Mangalanath commands a panoramic view of the shipra. Mahadev is worshipped at the temple here.

3) Sidhawat Mandir

The enormous banyan tree on the banks of the Shipra has been vested with great sanctity.

4) Kaliadah Mahal

Situated on the banks of the Shipra, the island-like site immediately conjures up the natural beauty of ancient Ujjain which poets down the ages have waxed lyrical. The glorious landscape of the flowing river on both sides of the palace and the man-made tanks and channels, with water gurgling through them, provide a spectacular backdrop to the imposing building.
The central dome of the palace is a beautiful example of Persian architecture. Two Persian inscriptions found in one of the long corridors of the palace record the visits of Emperor Akbar and Jehangir to this palace.
The palace was broken down in the time of the Pindaris and was restored by Madhav Rao Scindia in 1920 to its present glory. The Sun Temple was also restored by the family.

5) Surya Mandir

6) Kalbhairav Mandir

The worship of Kal Bhairava is carried out here and the temple was noteworthy for its exquisite painting in the Malwa style, traces of which still remain. Close by is the village of Bhairogarh, famous for its ancient technique in cloth printing

7) Bhruthari Caves

These caves are situated just above the bank of the Shipra near the temple of Gadkalika. According to popular tradition, this is the spot where Bhartrihari, who is said to have been the step brother of Vikramaditya, lived and meditated after renouncing worldly life. He is believed to have been a great scholar and poet. His famous works, Shringarshatak, Vairagyashatak, and Nitishatak, are known for the exquisite use of the Sanskrit meter.

8) Gadkalika Mandir

The deity in this temple is believed to have worshipped by Kalidasa. Renovated in 7 AD by the Emperor Harshavardhana, it was restored yet again in the Parmar and, in modern times, by the erstwhile Gwalior State.

9) Ram Ghat

10) Vikramaditya Mandir

Established on the occasion of the second millennium of the Vikram era, as the cultural centre to perpetuate the memory of Vikramaditya, the Vikram Kirti Mandir houses the Scindia Oriental Research Institute, an archaeological museum, an art gallery and an auditorium. The Scindia Oriental Research Institute has an invaluable collection of 18,000 manuscripts on various subjects and runs a reference library of important oriental publications. Rare manuscripts in Prakrit, Arabic, Persian and other Indian languages cover a wide range of subjects from Vedic literature and philosophy to dance and music. Palm leaf and bark leaf (Bhurja Patra) manuscripts are also preserved in this institute. Apart from an illustrated manuscript of Shrimad Bhagavata in which actual gold and silver have been employed for the paintings, the Institute has a rich collection of old paintings in the Rajput and Mughal style. The museum also exhibits a rich array of images, inscriptions, copper plates and fossils discovered in the narmada valley.A huge skull of a primitive elephant is of special interest

11) Harsidhi Mandir

An important shrine with the image of Goddess Annapurna

12) Bade Ganeshjika Mandir

There is a sculptured image of Lord Ganesh in this temple, close to the tank near Mahakaleshwar.

13) Mahakaleshwar Mandir.

This temple of Lord Shiva with its lingam is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is also knows as the the shrine of Mahakaleshwara. The temple has an idol of Omkareshwars shiva, Ganesh, Parvati, Kartikeya and Shiva's Bull - Nandi.

Auto driver took stop at Madhya Pradesh Handicraft Shop for shopping. He insisted to buy toast from bakery shop according to him its best in world. I bought 1kg of toast its really good which was my breakfast while stay in Madhya Pradesh .

All this city tour end at Mahakaleshwar Mandir @ 6.00 pm after Mahakaleshwar darshan I started my return journey to Indore @ 7.00pm and reached Indore @ 8.30 pm fare 30 Rs.

 

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