DISTRICT COURT, AHMEDNAGAR



-: Geographical Location of Ahmednagar :-

Location


Area

Boundaries

The Ahmednagar town was founded in 1494 by Ahmed Nizam Shah on the site of more a more ancient city, Bhingar. With the breakup of the Bahmani Sultanate, Ahmed established a new sultanate in Ahmednagar.

Ahmednagar District is the Largest District in the State of Maharashtra having 5.66% of the area of the state. The district has historical heritage. The name of the District Ahmednagar has come from the name of the founder of the town Ahmednagar by Ahmed Shah Nizam Shah. The District place Ahmednagar has many places of Historical importance including Ahmednagar Fort where many national heroes of Indian Freedom Struggle including 'Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru' were detained during Indian freedom movement. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru wrote his famous book "Discovery Of India" in Ahmednagar Fort.



Ahmednagar is a drought-prone city in Ahmednagar District in the State of Maharashtra on the left bank of the 'Sina' river about 120 km. from Pune and around 110 km. from Aurangabad.

In todays context Ahmednagar is most advanced district having maximum number of sugar factories, perhaps to spread the message "rural prosperity through cooperation". The first cooperative sugar factory in Asia was established at Pravara Nagar. Role Model of water conservation work can be seen at Ralegan-Siddhi and Hivare Bazar which are also called ideal Villages. Ralegaon Siddhi is a village in the district that is considered a model of environmental conservation.

Map




Ahmednagar district consists of fourteen talukas (tahsils). These talukas are Akole, Jamkhed, Karjat, Kopergaon, Newasa, Nagar, Parner, Pathardi, Rahata, Rahuri, Sangamner, Shrirampur, Shevgaon and Shrigonda.

Ahmednagar Fort

Location :

Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra

Built By :

Husain Nizam Shah

Built In :

1559 AD



Ahmednagar Fort is one of the best designed forts in the entire state of Maharashtra. At the same time, it is also counted amongst the impregnable forts of India. The fort is situated in the Ahmednagar district and dates back to the year 1559, when it was built under the patronage of Husain Nizam Shah. Ahmednagar Fort stands surrounded by cantonment on all the sides and lies in the eastern part of the Ahmednagar city. Today, the fort forms one of the popular attractions of the region.





Ahmednagar Fort

Location:

Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra

Built By:

Husain Nizam Shah

Built In:

1559 AD



Ahmednagar Fort is one of the best designed forts in the entire state of Maharashtra. At the same time, it is also counted amongst the impregnable forts of India. The fort is situated in the Ahmednagar district and dates back to the year 1559, when it was built under the patronage of Husain Nizam Shah. Ahmednagar Fort stands surrounded by cantonment on all the sides and lies in the eastern part of the Ahmednagar city. Today, the fort forms one of the popular attractions of the region.

History
 Ahmednagar Fort is presently under the control of the military command of India. It has been the victim of invasion by the Mughal army in the year 1596. However, the fight put up by the Chandbibi forced them to beat a retreat after four months. The second attack by the Mughal army, led by Akbar in 1600, resulted in the annexation of the fort. It was only in the year 1759 that the Mughals lost the control of the Ahmednagar Fort, when they sold it to Sadashiv Bhau, the cousin of the third Peshwa.

Daulatrao Shinde gained control over the fort in 1797 and ultimately lost it to General Welleslay in August, 1803. Ultimately, the Treaty of Pune was signed in June 1817 and the rule of fort was handed to Bajirav Peshwa II. The history of Ahmednagar Fort tells us that it has been used as a royal prison a number of times. Amongst the glorious moments of the fort was the time when the entire Congress Working Committee was detained here during the Quit India Movement of 1942.

Interestingly, all the top leaders were imprisoned together on August 10, 1942 and with the exception of who were released on October 6, 1944, and May 20, 1944, respectively, all the others were only let off in 1945.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was released on August 28, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad and Sardar Vallabhai Patel on April 17, Pandit Govind Vallabh Pant, Pandit Harekrishna Mahtab, Acharya J.B. Kriplani, Acharya Narendra Deva in the period between March 27-29, Dr B Pattabhi Sitaramayya on April 5, Asaf Ali on April 3 and Shri Shankar Rao Dev on April 18, all in 1945. Dr Syed Mahmud and Dr P. C. Ghosh,


















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available






 All said and done, this historical fort is definitely a must-see place to be included in the itinerary of anyone visiting Nashik.
 India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru wrote a book 'Discovery Of India' (Bharat Ek Khoj) in this fort when he was detained by the British in 1942.

T
ank Museum

The Tank Museum established in 1994. This museum boasts of being the only one of its kind in Asia that exhibits nearly four dozen exhibits of vintage armoured fighting vehicles. Museum buffs in India might have heard of technological museums and Railway museums but only a few might have heard of the Cavalry Tank Museum of the Armoured Corps Centre and School, Ahmednagar, the first of its kind in Asia.


The museum has a rich collection of tanks used during different periods. Indeed, what the ship is to the Navy and the airplane is to the Air Force, tank is to the Army. Former Army Chief (late) Gen BC Joshi - a tankman himself inaugurated this museum in 1994.

Meher Baba's Samadhi. Meherabad (A'nagar)



Meher Baba (Devamagari : मेहेर बाबा ), (February 25, 1894), Merwan Sheriar Irani – January 31, 1969), was an Irani (Indian of Persian descent) born in Poona (now Pune), India, who became a spiritual master, and late in his life (1954 at age 60) publicly declared that he was the Avtar of this Age.

Educated at St. Vincent's High School in Pune, India, as well as Deccan College, he led a normal school life, showing no particular inclination towards spiritual matters. At the age of 19, during his second year of college, a short contact with an old Muslim holy woman Hazrat.

Meherabad is the Heard of all activities for the Pilgrims, as Meher Baba's physical body is kept inside His Samadhi on top of a Hill called Meherabad Hill. The Samadhi of Meher Baba is situated in Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra.



From July 10, 1925 until his death in 1969, Meher Baba was silent. He communicated first by using an alphabet board, and later by unique hand gestures which were interpreted and spoken out by one of his mandali, usually by his disciple Eruch Jessawala. Meher Baba said that his silence w
as not undertaken as a spiritual exercise but solely in connection with his universal work.
From 1925 until 1954 Meher Baba communicated by pointing to letters on an alphabet board.

The pilgrims may visit Beloved Meher Baba's Samadhi on all days of the years from 6.30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. every day. The Aarti is performed at 7 in the morning and 7 in the evening followed by a Bhajans singing by the Pilgrims for 30 minutes.

Chand Bibi Mahal

The huge monument located on a hilltop near the Pathardi road, it is easily sited from a long distance.
Commonly know as 'Chand Bibi Ka Mahal'. It is actually the tomb of Salabat Khan, Sardar during the Nizam empire. Built by the Sardar himself in 1580 A.D. The tombs of Salabat Khan and his wife are located in the basement . Salabat Khan died in 1589 A.D.

Farahbag


Farahbag was built in 1576 A.D during the rule of Murtuza Nizamshah. This huge & beautiful monument was a place of leisure & entertainment. Farahbag is close to the Nagar Solapur highway.

Bagroja

B
agroja, is the tomb of Ahmed Nizamshah & his wife, located on the banks of the Sina river. This beautiful monument is surrounded by a stone wall. Bagroja is a beautiful piece of art work.

Alamgir


 Alamgir as it is know, is the place where emperor Aurangzeb breath his last, situated near Bhingar on the Pathardi road. Aurangzeb died at the age of 91 at the very same place, his body was taken to Khultabad, near Aurangabad & cremated there. This historical place also in houses a Masjid & Baradari where meetings used to take place. The library near the masjid has rare Kurans, dating back to the time of emperor Aurangzeb. One of the Kuran here was written by the emperor himself.

Wadia Park Stadium


 Ahmednagar Sports Stadium wel-known as Wadia Park recently completed by cities leading construction Group M/s. M. R. Mutha is all set to be Maharashtra's biggest Cricket Stadium and on top of it is

centrally located and hence is set to be one of the most attractive location in Ahmednagar. The stadium is open for Visitors in Evening hours and early Morning Hours. This stadium can sit in 40,000 sports enthusiasts and this project is all set to bring new charm to city of Ahmednagar.



Vridheshwar


 The is a temple of Mahadeva in the beautiful deep valley. The place Vridheshwar is in the area of village Ghatsiras, Taluka Pathardi. There is a approach from village Devrai on Nagar Pathardi Road. The Yatras on the occasion of Ashadi Ekadashi, Shivratri are famous. The place is also famous for Aurvedic Plants.







Harishchandragad




Harishchandragad is a hill fort in the Ahmednagar region of India. Its history is linked with that of Malshej Ghat, and it has played a major role in guarding the surrounding region.

History : The fort is quite ancient. Remnants of Microlithic man have been discovered here. The various Puranas (ancient scriptures) like Matsyapurana, Agnipurana and Skandapurana include many references about Harishchandragad. Its origin is said to have been in 6th century, during the rule of Kalchuri dynasty. The citadel was built during this era. The various caves probably have been carved out in the 11th century. In these caves are idols of Lord Vishnu. Though the cliffs are named Taramati and Rohidas, they are not related to Ayodhya. Great sage Changdev (one who created the epic “Tatvasaar”), used to meditate here in 14th century. The caves are from the same period. The various constructions on the fort and those existing the surrounding region point to the existence of diverse cultures here. The carvings on the temples of Nageshwar (in Khireshwar village), in the Harishchandreshwar temple and in the cave of Kedareshwar indicate that the fort belongs to the medieval period, since it is related to Shaiva, Shakta or Naath. Later the fort was under the control of Moguls. The Marathas captured it in 1747.

Ratangad




Ratangad (Marathi : रतनगढ़ ) is a fort overlooking the picturesque locale of Bhandardara, one of the oldest artificial catchment area. The fort is about 400 years old. Ratangad at the top, has a natural rock peak with a cavity in it which is called 'Nedhe' or 'Eye of the Needle'; formed by natural erosion, it is big enough to accommodate a group of 10 people & the view of the entire region from here is absolutely amazing.

Ratangad was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle and was one of his favorites. The base village Ratanwadi has a beautiful Amruteshwar temple which is famous for its carvings. The fort is origin for the river Pravara/ Amrutvahini . The Bhandardara dam is built on this river.

Main attraction at Ratanwadi, one can take in the beauty of the Amruteshwar temple dating back to the Hemadpanti Era Roughly from the 8th Century.

How to reach Ratangad Fort: Nearest railway station is Igatpuri. From Igatpuri, we have to go to Shendi village. There is a bus around 5-5:30AM from Igatpuri to Shendi. I'm not sure about other timings. Shendi and Bhandardara are two villages separated by Bhandardara Lake. From Shendi to Bhandardara village, we can go by boat. It takes around 30 minutes. From Bhandardara, we have to go by walk for around 45min.-1hour to reach base village, Ratanwadi. Amruteshwar temple at this village is good. Another way, it is about 67Km from Sangamner city which is on NH-50 Pune to Nasik, nearest city & people refer it for there routine work, This route is known as State highway Kolhar-Ghoti.

From here, we have to start trek to Ratangad Fort. It takes around 4 hrs. in worst case to reach the top of fort. We have two caves on top of hill/fort. Small cave doesn't have any grill to close the opening of cave and it can accommodate around 5 people. Big cave have grill to close the cave in nights and it can accommodate 25 people. Night stay can be done. No fear of animals, except monkeys. Rain water(collected in the tank on hill) is good enough to have mouth-wash and refreshments in the morning.

Kalsubai



 Kalsubai (Marathi: कळसुबाई ) is the highest peak of the Sahyadris in Maharashtra Highest point in Maharashtra at 5400 feet.

To reach the summit there are various trekking routes and animal tracks. The main route starts from the village of Bari which is about six km from Bhandardara. To reach Bari, one has to travel to Igatpuri on the Mumbai Nasik route. From Igatpuri take the early morning bus (at around 5.30 am from the Igatpuri Bus Stand) going towards Pune and alight at Bari.


It usually takes three hours to reach the top from Bari. Soon after leaving Bari, a small stream is crossed followed soon after by a Hanuman temple. The route from behind this temple takes the hiker straight to the summit. There are three iron ladders along this route. There is a well near the last iron ladder as one approaches the top but the water is not potable during the summer. The rest of the route is without water, so it is best to fill water bottles in Bari. It is an easy hike, but parts of it are quite steep in places.

Kalsubai Shikhar


At the summit is a small temple of Kalsubai, which can seat just three people. The vastly spread out backwaters of Bhandardara attracts ones attention from the top. To the north of the mountain range forts such as Ramsej, Harihar, Brahmagiri, Anjaneri, Ghargad, Bahula, Tringalwadi, Kavnai can be seen. To the east one can spot Aundha, Vishramgad, Bitangad, to the west Alang, Madan, Kulang, Ratangad (south west) and to the south Pabhargad, Ghanchakkar, Harishchandragad can be seen.

Shirdi




From Pune - 207 km.

From Nashik - 96 km.

From Aurangabad - 144 km.

The nearest railway station is Kopargaon 15 kilometers on Manmad - Daund section of Central Railways.



The Schedule of Daily Aartis :

04.30 a.m. - Kakad Aarti. 12.00 noon - Noon Aarti

At Sunset - Dhuparti 10.30 p.m. - Shejarati

Shirdi, a small hamlet situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, is renowned for once being the abode of Shri Sai Baba. Thronged by devotees throughout the year, the town contributed majorly to the travel and tourism industry of India. The exact geographical location of the town is 19°45 North and 74°25 East and it lies at a distance of around 266 km from Mumbai and 207 km from Pune. People come to Shirdi from various corners of the world to pay obeisance at the Shirdi Sai Temple.

Sai Baba was basically a Fakir, who was held in regard and honor by Hindus and Muslims alike. He went to temples as well as mosques and believed in both 'Bhagwan' and 'Allah'. Infact, Sai Baba preached others to forget communal differences and live in harmony with each other. Baba is said to have first come to the village of Shirdi, as a sixteen years old boy. During the time, he took refuge in the Khandoba Temple and started living there. It was then only that a villager (Mahalsapathi) started calling him by the name of Sai (saint).

Amongst the places of deep belief and faith in India, falls Shirdi – the place of Saint Sai Baba. The devotees and followers of Sai Baba are spread all over the world and hence the place has attained importance. A small village in Ahmednagar district Shirdi, has acquired a lot of fame & followers for Sant Shree Sai Baba. Sai Baba attained samadhi on Dassera day in 1918. Sai Baba preached at Shirdi all his life & renewned people's faith in God. Devotees from every faith throng here all year round to pay their respects to his memory. Khandoba Mandir, Samadhi of Shree Sai Baba, Dwarkamai mosque, Mhasoba temple all these places are within a periphery of 1km & can be covered on foot.

Holy places for Darshan at Shirdi - (1) Khandoba Mandir (2) Gurusthan (3) Samadhi Mandir (4) Dwarkamai (5) Museum Hall (6) Lendi Baug (7) Chavadi

Shri Siddhi Vinayak, Siddhatek




The Temple is situated of the Pune-Solapur highway about 48 km from the town of Shrigonda in Ahmednagar district. The temple is situated next to Bhima river. On Pune-Solapur railway, Daund Railway station is 18 km from here.

The temple is North-facing and is on a small hillock. The main road towards the temple was believed to built by Peshwa's general Haripant Phadake. The inner sanctum, 15 feet high and 10 feet wide is built by Punyashloka Ahilyabai Holkar. The idol is 3 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide. The idol faces North-direction. The stomach of the idol is not wide, but Riddhi and Siddhi idols are sitting on one thigh. This idol's trunk is turning to the right. The right-sided-trunk Ganesha is supposed to be very strict for the devotees. To make one round (pradakshina) around the temple one has to make the round trip of the hillock. This takes about 30 minutes with moderate speed.

Peshwa General Haripant Phadake lost his General's position and did 21 Pradakshina around the temple. On the 21st day Peshwa's court-man came and took him to the court with royal honor. Haripant promised the God that he w
ill bring the stones of the castle which he will win from the first war he will fight as the General. The stone pathway is built from the Badami-Castle which was attacked by Haripant soon after he became the General.

Devgad Tal. Newasa.


 To the east of Shaneshwar there is a village called Devgad Phata it is famous for Shri Datta temple at Devgad Tal. Newasa. Around the temple there is park with lots of tree. Pravara river behind the temple and boating is also available. Devgad Phata is on Nagar Aurangbad Road about 70 Km away from Ahmednagar.


 A trust has been formed by the locals to provide all the materials and utensils free of charge to devotees, who want to give Annadan (distribution of free food). A Dharamashala (a place of free shelter and food) is also available more than 150 people can have lunch.

T
he trust plans to start a religious library, a hospital and a pilgrim school. The temple is open for the visitors for 24 hours.



Madhi, Tal. Pathardi



 Samadhi place (grave) of Shri Kanifnatha one of the nine great nath persons. The Samadhi is in beautiful stones. The Yatra (pilgrimage) is observed during the festival of Holi to Gudhipadva. The nomadic tribe-Gopal has enjoys the honour of firing the sacred Holi at this place. The community courts of the tribes administered justice and solve the family disputes. The Bazar of Donkeys is held during the yatra. The Place Madhi is 51 Km away from Ahmednagar towards east. We can reach to Madhi from Nivdunge village on Nagar Pathardi road.

The tomb of the saint has approaches from three different directions. A flight of about 200 steps leads to the tomb. The tomb of the saint is made of stone in the shape of a turbat. At the four corners of the tomb there are minarets with a small-sized dome at the top of each. Over the tomb is a gold-plated pinnacle of brass. The shrine in which the tomb of the saint is located is a lofty building surrounded by a wall with twelve doors. There are also a few tombs of the disciples of the saint. A horse of brass is placed before the tomb of the saint.

Shani Shinganapur


 Shani Shinganapur Temple is situated in Ahmednagar District the Nagar Aurangabad Highway at a distance of 40 kms. We have here a Swayambhoo idol of Shanidev.

The Temple is without any roof. Here the houses do not have any doors. In spite of this there are no instances of any theft or pilferage Bhaktas from Maharashtra and outside states flock here and line up to have Darshan of Shanidev Temple.

It is said that long long age there were floods and
one idol came floating in the flood. It was struck to a Bari tree. The cowboys went to the bank of Panas Canal at a distance of 100/150 meters in order to feed these cattle, soon after the flood had subsided and saw this idol. One of the boys picked up a stick and pricked into the idol with a force. The stick got pierced in the idol and it was a great wonder to see blood oozing from the wound.

You can see the mark of the wound on the idol even today at Shinganapur. On hearing this all the people of all ages rushed to the site of the idol to see the miracle with their own eyes. One of the Bhaktas who had seen this miracle had a dream where in he heard Shani Maharaj saying, "The place where you saw the miracle of my physical manifestation is where you take me and establish me." He reported his dream to others in the village. There after everybody went to the site in their bullock carts and tried to lit the idol but in vain. The idol refused to move from its place.


The interesting feature of the village SHINGANAPUR is, there are no door frames, window frames and locks on the houses for the safety purpose. But in fact it is not required here. All the people residing here are believe that, it is only the BLESSINGS of the God Shaneshwar. Due to blessings of god, no law-breaking things are happened in this village till date. It's really AMAZING!!!.


The people of the village thus returned disappointed. The devotee on the next day again dreamt in which he was told, “The persons who are related should take me carrying on two black bullocks who are also related as mama bhacha so that I shall come with pleasure. My establishment also should be performed by mama bhacha only”. Therefore with two Black-bullocks

every- body by anybody went along with mama bhacha. The idol, which was not lifted earlier by mama bhacha as per dream, was easily lifted and brought.

Mohta Devi


 There is a holy place called Shri Kshetra Mohata Devi God to the 9 kms east away from Pathardi, Dist.Ahmednagar. The Goddess Shri Kulswamani Jagadambadevi Mohata Devi & Called Mother at the Whole World. According to this Shloka how much we praise Her greatness is limit lees. After all She is the Mother, always it is Her greatness. A Mother is a still Mother.

The holiest thing alive. Shri Bhagwan
Vrudheshwar (Mhatardeo) was main disciple of Bhagwan Machindra His (Machhindra) revival self immolation is in Savargao Shri Bhagwan Kaniphnath`s revival-self immolation is in Madhi, (Shri Kshetra Kaniphnathgad) Long long ago in this holy statare (Place) Shri Bhagwan Navnath did an oblation (Yandnga) for the divine illumination of Sabari vidya.


They worshiped Mahashakti Shri Jagadamba Devi. They invited many holy sages for this purpose all the gods and goddesses delighted by this at the same time the tamine spread all over.



Sant Dnyneshwar, Newasa


 Sant Dnyaneshwar/Sant Puyaneshwar/Sant Jnaneshwar (1275-1296) (ज्ञानेश्वर in Marathi) (also known as Jnanadeva- ज्ञानदेव ) was a 13th century saint-poet born in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra state, West India. He was a yogi born in a socially outcast high-caste family. He was the first noteworthy proponent of Bhagawat dharma, a sect of bhakti (devotional worship) tradition in Hinduism. Dnyaneshwar composed Bhavartha deepika or Dnyaneshwari (ज्ञानेश्वरी) to explain sacred knowledge of the holy book

Bhagavad Gita to the masses. Sant Dnyaneshwar wrote Dnyaneshwari in Newasa town of Ahmednagar district. He took sanjeevan Samadhi, a yogic path to salvation by giving up life at the young age of 21.

Sant Dnyaneshwar was born in a

Sant Dnyaneshwar Pillar Temple at Newase. This is the place where Shri Sant Dnyaneshwar wrote "Dnyaneshwari"


Deshastha Brahmin family to Vitthal Pant Kulkarni and Rukmini Bai, at Apegaon in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. His elder brother was Nivruttinath, and younger brother was Sopandev and his sister was Muktabai. Pasaydaan is considered to be the prayer without any reference to any religion for entire mankind and entire world. It is possibly one of the greatest prayers in Indian heritage.


BHANDARDARA DAM


 A big dam is constructed across the river Pravara at Bhandardara. Near by are Randha falls. Bhandardara is hill station. It is in Taluka Akole Near about 170 km from Ahmednagar.


T
o reach - From Ahmednagar you have to go to Sangamner which is 110 Km and then from Sangamner to Akole which is near about 40 Km and from Akole towards Rajur which is near about 20 km. Bhandardara is well known for the Wilson Dam which was built in 1910 on the Pravara River and is almost 492 ft above sea level. The Umbrella Falls are also in the vicinity. Besides being a scenic spot and offering some breathtaking views this water body is also used for hydro-electric power generation.

This place being in the interiors of Maharashtra, experiences extreme variations in the pattern of the climate. The summers are considerably hot here and the winters are quite cold. During the summer season the temperature goes almost as high as 40’C while during the winters the height of Bhandardara makes the temperature fall almost as low to 10’C. The rainy season is quite enjoyable and exciting in Bhandardara. The rains fill the lake which in turn propagates the falls. The falls come into the full bloom and the whole scene becomes quite stunning. The rainy season increases the beauty of the Bhandardara town and the rainy season is quite favorable to come to Bhandardara.


Umbrella Fall


There is beautiful Umbrella Fall near the dam. It is formed by the water of the Pravara River.





MULA DAM



The biggest Dam in Ahmednagar city. It is named as "Dnyaneshwarsagar Dam" Dam is constructed on the river 'Mula'. The storage Capacity of Dam is 26 TMC.


Drinking Water to Ahmednagar City comes through this Dam. The Command area of this dam is Rahuri, Newasa, Shevgaon & Pathardi taluka of Ahmednagar District. It is very near to Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidhyapeeth. Near the Dam there is a beautiful rest House. Many tourist visit Dam site during the period of rainy season.