Ashtavinayakas in Vidarbha
Transcription
Ashtavinayakas in Vidarbha
Scan this QR Code to read the article on your Smartphone or Tab Ganesha Rules in Vidarbha too Chandrashekhar Gupta Photographs © Rahul Gupta, Assistance courtesy - Arun Kulkarni, Prof. Balpadwal and Pundalikrao Jaonjal Ashtavinayakas in Vidarbha n Ashtavinayakas in Vidarbha Contrary to general assumption, there are many Ashtavinayakas in Vidarbha too. Chandrashekhar Gupta therefore provides an account of all such locations that you can head toward The tradition of worship of Ashtavinayakas i.e. eight icons of Ganapati located in different places of Maharashtra state is quite popular. These Ashtavinayakas are located mostly in western Maharashtra, including a few in adjacent division e.g. Marathawada, but excluding Vidarbha totally. These selective Vinayakas are supposed to be of more significance and said to be more jagrat in nature. Naturally, these places attract more devotees and they swell in numbers on special occasions such as Angarak and Sankashti Chaturthis, etc. As stated earlier, in this list of Ashtavinayakas of Maharashtra, Vidarbha is conspicuous by its absence. This has moved some devotees of Ganapati in Vidarbha to search for significant icons of Ganesha in this region. And, they have come up with eight such selective Vinayakas. Vidarbha being a part of King Dandaka’s empire, which was subsequently turned into a great forest by the name Dandakaranya, has a hoary past both in history and archaeology. The mythical and factual data when reconciled properly has yielded better results. Historically, the worship of Ganesha originated through popular folk practice. Elephant-headed Yaksha and Yakshini, Kuber and Lakshmi are seen carved on an early Amaravathi (AP) stupa railing and a reference to a Yaksha (goblin) plaque bearing the figure of Ganapati is mentioned in Gatha Saptashati of the Satavahana period. In Vidarbha, the earliest representation of Ganapati belongs to the Vakataka period. It comes from Hamalapuri (old Yamalapuri, an extension of the capital Nandivardhana, Nandardhana-Nagaradhana, district Nagpur). A terracotta fragment of Ganesha ’s head was recently found reported from Paunar (ancient Pravarapura) in Wardha district. Among the Ashtavinayakas in Vidarbha, there may be some images belonging to the Vakataka period, but due to a heavy coat of vermillion, the details cannot be easily distinguished. They are described here in a little more detail. Varad Vinayak Tekadi Ganapati Nagpur Nagpur, the most significant and one of the richest heritage places in Vidarbha, is host to a good number of Ganesha temples, one of which is Varada Vinayaka Tekadi Ganapati Mandir worthy of being considered as one of the Ashtavinayakas. For this reason an attempt was made in the recent past to include it amongst the Ashtavinayakas of Nagpur region. Nagpur is known to have yielded pre and proto-historical archaeological evidences in the past. It is located at a significant site with abundant geo-mineral deposits, water bodies, and a rich flora and fauna domain. With such favourable conditions, it is not surprising that the area has been inhabited since pre-historic times. Apart from the stone and iron-age structures and material gathered through archaeological explorations and excavations (and accidental finds too), the land is evidenced to have had habitation during a millennium before the birth of Jesus Christ. However, the proper region of Nagpur was inhabited during the Vakataka period as proved by the finds of pot shards, a terracotta Bhairava figure and the existence of a locality named Jasapur, which is equated with Yashapur found mentioned in a Vakataka grant (Patna Museum copper plate). A Ganesha image was found from Hamalapuri near Nagardhan, the Vakataka capital, as stated above. The hands and proboscis of the image are broken but the other features show that it was a magnificent specimen of contemporary art. After this period, Kalachuri, Rashtrakutas, Paramaras, Chalukyas, Yadavas, Gonds, Bhonslas, etc. ruled over Nagpur. We don’t know if any Ganapati idol was made during the those ages as all the idols are covered with a thick coat of vermillion. 46 MAHARASHTRA UNLIMITED | Volume 4 | Issue 3 - 2015 Raghuji Bhonsla, after setting up his capital in Nagpur, built a magnificent palace on the embankments of the Jumma Talao (modern Gandhisagar). For this purpose, the black basalt stone was quarried from the eastern side of Sitabardi Ţekadí. After winning the battle of Sitabuldi fought between the Bhonslas and the English, the hill was converted into a fort and its eastern side ridge was chiseled out into a steep form, lest there should be any attempt of raid from the city side. In this reclaimed land the present Tekadi Ganesha alias Varada Vinayaka came into existence. It is said that the image of Ganesha was found buried along with the debris of an ancient temple built by Hemadri Pandit, a courtier of the Yadava kings in 12th century CE. It was said to be discovered in the early seventies of the 19th century while reclaiming land for laying out railway lines and the railway station. The idol is called swayambhu i.e. having emerged on its own. The earlier structure was a simple pointed roofed shed resting on a few poles and a dwarf parapet wall. In the centre was a tree having the upper part of Ganapati; the trunk was bent to his proper right, thereby making it the Siddhi Vinayaka type. It is interesting to note here that this icon or shrine is neither referred to in any early literary or gazetteer work. At present, an extensive area is associated with the temple. A huge concrete temple structure with several sub-shrines, paved premises, a torana dwar, office and management accommodations are available besides drinking water, toilets, footwear stand and vehicle stands, etc. Idols of Kala Bhairava, Hanuman, Shivalinga on a seated Nandi and a few more recent ones e.g. Mahalakshmi, Radha-Krishna also adorn the complex. Two medieval (11th century CE) Sanskrit stone epigraphs were found associated with the site of Sitabardi, which at present are housed in the Central Museum, Nagpur. They are of the Chalukya and Paramara periods. The temple is quite popular amongst the devotees and right from 4:30 in the morning, various religious practices are performed. Tuesdays and Saturdays are especially favoured by the devotees apart from daily visitors on other days. But on special days supposed to be pious to god Ganesha e.g., Ganesha Chaturthi, Angaraka Chaturthi, Tila (sesame) Samkranti, Bhadrapada Ganeshotsava, etc., people from far and near throng the shrine. The temple complex is a pleasant environmental area having trees of various types e.g. Pipal, Vada, Limba, etc. and thick vegetation shrubs. In the early dawn and dusky evenings, hundreds of parrots, sparrows and other local birds cover the www.maharashtratourism.gov.in whispering atmosphere with their chirping and whistling sirens. Travel Facts Where to stay: There is a wide choice of hotels within a radius of 2 kilometers of Nagpur Railway Station with tariff ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 3,000 per night. For example, Pal Palace, North View, Dwarka, President, Darshan Towers, Heritage 2000, etc. For those in favour of luxury hotels, there is a choice between Radisson Blue, Centre Point, Tuli International, Tuli Imperial, Pride, and others. Where to eat: There are a number of restaurants like Varhadi Thaat, Ganesha Sagar, Haldiram, Naivadyam, Arya Bhavan, Jagdish Saojee, Veera Swami, etc. Places to see: Central Museum (Ajab Bangla), Anthropological Museum, Narrow Gauge Rail Museum, Zero Mile Pillar, Maharajbagh Zoo, Satpuda Botanical Garden, Raman Science Centre, Kashibai Mandir, Gandhisagar Lake, Futala Lake, Traffic Park, Deeksha Bhoomi, Chhota Tajbag, Bada Tajbag, Kasturchand Park, monuments of Mahal area, Gorewada Zoo, Swaminarayan Mandir– Wathoda, All Saints Cathedral, Lourd Mata Mandir, Civil lines. Shami Vighnesha Ganesha Adasa Shami Vighnesha Ganesha is in Kalmeshvar taluka of Nagpur district in a north by west direction. Very close to the village Adasa, on a picturesque rocky surface, there is a group of temples enshrining Shiva, Ganesha, Bhairava, Hanuman and some other gods. The Mahadeva Mandir on the top is the oldest structure among the group, but several fragments of gigantic sculptures and architectural members viz pillars etc. and the chief idol of Ganesha with the epithet Shami Volume 4 | Issue 3 - 2015 | MAHARASHTRA UNLIMITED 47 n Ashtavinayakas in Vidarbha entrance leading to an extended terrace and the antarala (antechamber) and garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) are the main components of the temple. The shikhara tower is of the pyramidal type with diminishing flat bands. With the temple facing the northerly direction and proceeding towards the east after ascending a flight of steps, one can reach the higher terrace. Here we find a couple of water tanks and samadhis of Gosavis, supposed to be associated with temple worship and ownership. Some huge but fragmentary sculptures lie on the further right side, probably dating back to 7th century CE when this region was ruled by kings of the early Kalachuri dynasty. These fragments represent images of the gods (e.g. Bhairava) and architectural members (fragments of a shaft of a pillar, etc.) as well. On the further left side, the sarvatobhadra (open on all sides) temple of Mahadev having three shivalingas installed on a single argha is of a unique nature. Vighnesha are of an early date. The site has become an attractive tourist destination. This hillock is well-maintained by government officials as well as the temple management authority. Flight of steps, temple structure, railings to control masses swelling on special religious and festive occasions, utility provisions e.g. drinking water, toilets for men and women, arrangements for breaking the coconuts mechanically, separate space allotment for puja and prasada, edible items and local handicraft objects, etc. are all arranged properly. The main attraction of the site, the Shami-Vighnesha Mandir, is situated on the right side and can be reached by just ascending a few steps. It has undergone much renovation from time to time but the icon in the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) is the original one and majestic in appearance. It is about 4 meters high. Though it is heavily besmeared with a thick coat of vermillion, the study of the contours of the icon suggest that it was an Nritta Ganesha , i.e. Ganesha in the dancing posture. There are 12 jyotirlingas displayed here. According to a reference in the old Nagpur District Gazetteer (1908 CE), in the temple of Ganapati the image consists of a single stone setup so that worshippers may walk around it. This makes it clear that the present renovated one and the earlier one was of the sandhara type. A stepped 48 MAHARASHTRA UNLIMITED | Volume 4 | Issue 3 - 2015 This represents the Sadashiva aspect in symbolic form, probably inspired by the famous icon of the god also belonging to the early Kalachuri period in Cave No. 1 of Elephanta (Gharapuri) island. The origin of this Ganesha is said to be associated with the myth of his establishment by Vaman, incarnation of Vishnu from the roots of shami (Marathi - apta, Bauhinia racemosa) tree to liberate gods from the disturbances caused Travel Facts Nearby major cities: Nagpur Nearest railway station: Nagpur Nearest airport: Nagpur Bus stand: Frequent buses are available from Nagpur ST terminus to Adasa by the asuras. Adasa is called Adosha Kshetra in the Vaman Purana, Jaimini Ashwamedha, and Ganesha Purana, a sectorial canon belonging to the Ganapatya Sampradaya, cult of the followers of Ganapati. Interestingly, the popularity of this cult in Nagpur region during the Bhonsla period is evidenced through some loose folios of manuscripts belonging to this sect. Ashtadashabhuja Ganesha Ramtek Ramtek (ancient Ramagiri) is a famous heritage place to the northeast of Nagpur at a distance of 47 kilometers. It is known for being associated with footprints of Ram and water purified due to the bathing of Sita. Being located in the vicinity of the capital place, Nandivardhana of the political powers like the Vakatakas, Nalas, the early Kalachuris, the Rashtrakutas etc, Ramtek is also the birthplace of the world famous poem Meghadoot composed by the great poet Kalidas in circa 200 BCE. The picturesque and panoramic landscape of Ramtek makes every visitor spellbound due to the spread of the hilly Satpura ranges, heavy vegetation, a large number of tents, water bodies and temples, and other structural works like the fortification, the ghats and serpentine stairs leading to the top of the hills. The oldest temples are of the Vakataka period, others being of Paramaras, Chalukyas, Yadava, and Bhonsla periods. One of the temples here is enshrined in a unique icon of Ganesha and though not of much antiquity, it is worth mentioning as he has 18 hands. Therefore he is called Ashtadashabhuja Ganesha. The temple is in Gavalipura on way to Papadhupeshwara Tírth. The idol is about 1.5 meters in height. Ganesha is shown seated in padmasan and all the 18 hands are shown holding different ayudhas (tools) like gada (mace), ankusha, etc. His trunk is turned to his right in a very typical manner, thus making him a Siddhi Vinayaka. About 350 acres of land is attached to this temple. Travel Facts Nearby major cities: Nagpur Nearest railway station: Nagpur Nearest airport: Nagpur Bus stand: Frequent buses are available from Nagpur ST terminus to Ramtek Where to stay: Olive Aqua Resort at Khindsi Lake, 5 kilometers from Ramtek Where to eat: Where to stay: Roadside stalls in Ramtek market, restaurant at Khindsi Lake Accommodation facilities are available at Nagpur Where to eat: What to see: Roadside stalls Vakataka period temples, Bhonsla period temples, Kalidas Smarak, Shantinath Jain Mandir Atishaya kshetra, Ambala(Ambatitth of the Jatakas) Lake, Khindsey Lake(Sudarshan tadag of the Vakatakas), archaeological site at Mansar, Ramdham at Mansar, Nagardhan Fort, Pench Sillari National Park which is about 30 kilometers from Ramtek. What to see: Dhapewada, which is also known as ‘Pandharpur of Vidarbha’, is also famous for its Vitthal Mandir built by the Bhonsla rulers whereas Waki is famous for trekking and the Dargah of Tajuddin Baba. www.maharashtratourism.gov.in Volume 4 | Issue 3 - 2015 | MAHARASHTRA UNLIMITED 49 n Ashtavinayakas in Vidarbha Bhrushund Ganesha Mendha-Bhandara small temple, a garbhagriha and an open antarala (antechamber) built on a small platform. A small-domed shikhar was erected on a rectangular kapotaka resting on six pillars arranged in two rows of four and two. The pillars had the base in a faceted shaft and cushion and vase-shaped capitals. A shivalinga is installed in the antechamber in front of Ganesha and a Nandi faces it on a platform. The shrine was named as Shri Siddhi Ganesha Mandira then. Now, a majestic impressive structure has been built on this site. The burial shrine of Giri Gosavis associated with the shrine since generations are in the vicinity and the management is looked after by their family and Grama Joshis. Panchanan Vighnaraja Ganapati Pauni The Panchanan Ganesha Mandir is located in the heart of the Pauni town in a simple domestic type structure. After entering through the medieval stone-built Jawahar Gate, Pauni and reaching the residential area, one finds a house with a tiled roof, a door and flanking windows, which enshrine the Panchanan Ganesha idol. Five Ganesha figures are carved on a single piece of stone, thereby giving this nomenclature the adjective vighnaraja. This is very much the same as vighnakarta. He is therefore vighnaharta also. As stated above, Pauni has numerous temples. Amongst them, some worthy of mention are Vaijeshwar on the banks of the river Wainganga, Murlidhar belonging to Sardar Kalikar of Nagpur, Dattatreya, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Anusuya, Langada(lame) Maroti, Vyamkatesh-Ram, Ganesha Mandir of Kalikar, Dharanidhar Siddhi Vinayaka near Jawahar Gate, etc. A huge Buddhist complex, Samadhi Bhumi, has come into existence on the other bank of the river under the guidance of Bhante Sangharatna Manake. Interestingly, in some folios of the manuscripts acquired in Shanichara Bazar (scrap market) of Nagpur, a reference is found to the name of a muni called Bhrushund. A big icon of Hanuman is placed outside the temple. River Wainganga (ancient Vena/Bena) flows just 2 kilometers in the eastern direction. This river finds its reference in the Puranas and numerous heritage sites and monuments are located on its bank. During the Vakataka period the land on both the banks of this river formed an administrative division called Bennakata and Bennakatasthana, identified with Thana in Nagpur district, which was the main town. Mendha is a suburb of Bhandara, the district headquarter town at a distance of about 61 kilometers east of Nagpur on NH 6. The old name of Mendha is said to be Sthandila Grama. The actual meaning of Mendha is ‘ram’ and that of the Sthandila is a base but there appears to be no link between the two. There is one more tradition prevalent locally that the icon appears to resemble a ram i.e. mendha. This is due to heavy application of vermillion which looks like drooping hair, resembling the beard and moustache of rishi-munis or a woolly animal. The image is about 2.5 meters high and 1.5 meters in width. God is shown seated on his vehicle, the rat, in a vamalalitasana posture i.e. his left leg is bent and placed on the back of the animal and the right one is hanging down. His tusk is turned to the right side and in his four hands he holds varadamudra, ankusha, pasha and a bowl full of modakas being touched by his trunk. Though the details of the image are lost in a vermillion coat, the contours can be made out. Besides the details described, a canopy of five-hooded nagas can be made out on the head of the deity. Earlier, about 30 years ago, there was a 50 MAHARASHTRA UNLIMITED | Volume 4 | Issue 3 - 2015 Travel Facts Nearby major cities: Nagpur Nearest railway station: Nagpur Nearest airport: Nagpur Bus stand: Frequent buses are available from Nagpur ST terminus to Bhandara Where to stay: Accommodation facilities are available at Nagpur Where to eat: Roadside stalls, some eating facilities are available at Bhandara local market What to see: Nagzira National Park and Navegao Dam as well as a sanctuary 60 kilometers from Bhandara for a jungle safari. Accommodation and dining facilities provided at Nagzira by MTDC and private resorts. ence of a stupa built by Ashoka as described by Hiuen Tsang and the stupa excavated at Jagannath Tekadi go hand in hand. Pauni is situated south of Bhandara at a distance of 50 kilometers on the right bank of river Wainganga. The place can be approached at a distance of 87 kilometers southeast of Nagpur. It is described as one of the oldest historical sights of not only Vidarbha but also Maharashtra. Apart from the evidence of the proto-historic period in the form of Neolithic and Microlithic tools, several structures, sculptures, beads, potteries, numismatic and epigraphic material, and that too in sizeable amount, have been unearthed at this site. The fortified town defended by a moat connected with the river, stupas constructed at Jagannath Mandir and Chandakapur sites, funeral padukapatta erected at Hardolala Tekadi site, more than a dozen garudakhambas, chabutaras with numerous matamai (old-legged quern fragments), temples and wadas exhibit the grandeur of Pauni. The site tallies well with the description of the capital of Ki-o-sa-lo (ancient south Kosala that is present day Chhattisgarh found mentioned in the accounts of the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang). This was extended up to the banks of the river Varada (modern Wardha of Vidarbha), a tributary of Wainganga, as proved by contemporary archaeological evidence also. The pres- www.maharashtratourism.gov.in Travel Facts Nearby major cities: Nagpur Nearest railway station: Nagpur Nearest airport: Nagpur Bus stand: Frequent buses are available from Nagpur ST terminus to Pauni Where to stay: Accommodation facilities are available at Nagpur Where to eat: Roadside stalls. Pauni is famous for its water-melons (tarbuja), muskmelons (kharbuja), sweet water prawns etc. during summer What to see: Ambhora is another pilgrimage landmark where there is a temple of Shiva on the bank of river Wainganga with its confluence with other rivers.It is described in Vivekasindhu of Mukundaraj,the first known Marathi poet.His guru’s Samadhi is here. Volume 4 | Issue 3 - 2015 | MAHARASHTRA UNLIMITED 51 n Ashtavinayakas in Vidarbha Varada Vinayaka Gaurala Bhadravati, Chandrapur Bhadravatí (also known as Bhandak) is 130 kilometers from Nagpur in the south direction on national highway leading towards Chandrapur, which is about 20 kilometers ahead. Bhandak, the popular name of Bhadravati, is also connected by railway. Near the railway station is the village Gaurala, a suburb located to the south of Bhadravati. It has a small tank and a hillock about 20 meters high on the top of which is located the Varada Vinayaka Mandir. While ascending the hill one can see two ancient images. On the left is an idol of Vishnu and on the right is a magnificent figure of a yaksha standing on a raised pedestal. Both the images are defaced and quite old. Behind this is a small cavern dug out in the hill. There are eight matrices here which originally must have had idols fixed into it. On the exterior and interior walls of the cave are the figures of Ganesha and some incarnations of Vishnu viz. Trivikrama, Sheshashayin, etc. along with a high relief figure of Kevala Narasimha (similar to the Ramtek icons of about 2 meters height). On the basis of mode and style of execution, these belong to the Vakataka period. The temple has a 52 MAHARASHTRA UNLIMITED | Volume 4 | Issue 3 - 2015 big sabha mandapa (hall) comprising 16 pillars and two shrines attached to it. The first is on the left and dedicated to Mahadev, but interestingly it has a Uma Maheshwar sculpture and not the shivalinga. Travel Facts The main sanctum enshrines the Varada Vinayaka icon. It is close to this mandapa and at a lower level. Hence one has to descend a few steps in order to reach it. Several years ago, the temple collapsed and there was a cavity in the idol, at Ganesha’s belly. It was believed that this was brought about by treasure hunters. About three decades ago restoration work was undertaken by the owner of the land as this forms part of his property. A small-scale archaeological excavation of the habitation deposits on the hill lying to the west direction was undertaken by the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, Nagpur University but very little material culture was found. A huge head of Sankarashana (known locally as Balirama) made out of sandstone, pottery and architectural evidence was the only item found here. This suggests an exodus i.e. a planned shifting from the site as Bhandak Bhadravati was also a rich heritage site and probably a city state, as copper coins of the early Christian era with elephant and vedika vriksha devices with the name Bhaddavati (Skt Bhadravatí) indicated. Nearest railway station: This mandapa is called Yauvanashva cha Mahal by the locals and associated with the episode of Shyamakarna Ashva mentioned in canonical texts like Jaimini Ashvamedha etc. During the Satavahana and Vakataka periods, Bhadravati was an equally important centre as evidenced through the Vinjasani caves. These were initially carved out during the Satavahana period and it shows a crucified pattern unique in the range of rock-cut architecture. In the Vakataka period they were further cut out to carve life-size icons of Buddha seated in padmasan and dhyanamudra. This cave is described by the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang as Po-lo-mo-lo-ki-li i.e. Bhadravatigiri. Numerous images of Buddhist, Jaina, and Pauranik tradition have been found in addition to the stone temples. One of them is the 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanatha. Recently, restoration and renovation of this temple was completed. A statue of a devi within a cave, a fortress, several temples and sculptures of Vedic–Pauranic religious pantheons have also been discovered here. A unique figure of Lakulisha, Gajabhisheka Lakshmi, Nataraja, Shiva and others are under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India. Some sculptures have been shifted to the Central Museum, Nagpur. Nearby major cities: Nagpur, Wardha, Chandrapur be quite ancient and maybe of the Vakataka period. In the vicinity of the site are a good number of vital sites and monuments, e.g. Bhatala, Chandrapur, Markanda, Anandvan of Baba Amte, Pichdura, the Jurassic Park site, etc. Nagpur, Wardha, Chandrapur, Ballarshah Nearest airport: Nagpur Bus stand: Chintamani Ganesha Kalamb, Yavatmal MSRTC busses run frequently to Bhadravati from Nagpur, Chandrapur and Warora Where to stay: Accommodation facilities are available at Nagpur, Wardha and Chandrapur Where to eat: Roadside stalls, dining facilities are available at the local market, Warora and Chandrapur What to see: Tadoba National Park, 53 kilometers. Lot of accommodation options are available at Tadoba ranging from the MTDC resort to a number of private hotels. People can enjoy jungle safari in an open air Maruti Gypsy from October to June (Morning Timings: 6 am - 10 am / Evening Timings: 2:30 pm - 6 pm). From July to September people can go for the safari in the buffer zone. The MTDC resort is an ideal option for stay due to its location. Markandeshwar: These are a group of temples dedicated to Rishi Markandeya on the banks of the river Wainganga. The importance of this place is that the river becomes northbound from here. A good dharmashala is available for accommodation near the temple complex. The myth related with this place refers to Grutsamad Rishi who was very intelligent but was insulted by others for being the illegitimate son of Indra and a rishi kanya. So he performed hard penance and got the blessings of Ganesha. He further established the icon of Varada Vinayaka here. The story is fully described in Ganesha Purana. During that period Bhadravati was known as Bhadraka. The icon of Ganesha is about 2.5 meters in height and 1.10 centimeters in breadth. He is shown seated with his left leg folded and kept vertically near the toe of his right leg which is also folded but placed flat on the ground. Kalamb is a town situated on the Nagpur-Yavatmal MH State Highway No. 3 in the southwest at a distance of 135 kilometers. It is about 20 kilometers before Yavatmal, the district headquarters. The road further leads to Kolhapur-Ratnagiri via Nanded. Kalamb is said to be ancient Kadambapur, an important peeth amongst 21 Gaņapati kshetras. The image installed here is called Chintamani Ganesha, for he is said to give relief from all the chintas (worries) when worshipped. Surprisingly, he has two hands, both with bent elbows holding the modakapatra (bowls with sweet laddoos). The left bowl rests on the left knee and his trunk is turned to the right, touching it. A big halo is carved behind the head which is shown wearing a high crown. Thus, this icon appears to The temple of the god is quite typical and a mysterious event is related to it. There are also a few myths associated with this place. The location of the sanctum of the temple is open and at a depth of about 10 meters from the surface. Three flights of stairs are provided to reach the bottom. The www.maharashtratourism.gov.in Volume 4 | Issue 3 - 2015 | MAHARASHTRA UNLIMITED 53 n Ashtavinayakas in Vidarbha image has a thick coat of vermillion and the details are diffused. The prominent head, ears, eyes, trunk and torso contours can however be seen. There is a quadrangular well - a pavan kunda - in the centre, the water of which is believed to have curative properties for all kinds of skin diseases. There are some sub-soil water veins and it is said that once in 12 years’ cycle the water level rises and again recedes after touching the feet of the icon. Ekachakra Siddhi Vinayaka Keljhar In the sub-shrines, flanking the main sanctum is the installation of a shivalinga. On the upper level are a few idols and an interesting four-faceted stone carved with a figure of Ganesha on each side. It is a dhvajasthambha fragment originally mounted on the pillar erected in front of the temple. Rishi Kadamba is the mythical personality related with Kalamb, associated with other sages like Kaundinya, Vashishtha, Gautama, etc. This age was the dawn of agricultural activities and the development of cotton growth and textile weaving technology. Historically, Kaļamb may be identified with either Kadambasaraka or Kadambagirigrama found mentioned in the copper plate grants of the Vakataka king Pravarasena II and Nala king Bhavadattavarman respectively. A shrine housing the goddess Annapurna is quite close to this temple. A big annual fair (jatra) is held here for six days starting from Magha Sudhha Pratipada. from the village was required to provide a human prey to a giant named Bakasur, who used to live there. When it was the turn of the Brahmin family, Bhima agreed to replace the victim - the chosen member of the family - by presenting himself. He killed the demon and relieved the village from its curse. The demon was buried on the hill and a fair used to be held earlier in the month of Magha with the slaughter of a buffalo on the day of Dasshera. The practice of animal sacrifice has now been abandoned. There are some water bodies, e.g. bavadi (step well), pushkarnis (tanks) etc. in the village. The idol of Ganapati is said to have been installed by a sage called Vasishtha. There are other images also such as those of Vishnu, Lakshmi, Hanuman, etc. Old images and antiquities like coins are often found in the vicinity of the village. A good number of Jain Tirthankar images, Yaksha, Yakshini (Shasan Devis) have also been discovered here. The idol installed in the temple is about 1.25 meters high and is a Siddhi Vinayaka as his trunk is turned to its right. The other details have been defaced due to a heavy coat of the vermillion. The position of the legs suggests a dancing posture. Travel Facts Nearby major cities: Travel Facts Nearby major cities: Nagpur, Wardha, Amravati Nearest railway station: Nagpur, Wardha, Badnera, Amravati Nearest airport: Nagpur Bus stand: MSRTC buses run frequently to Kalamb from Nagpur, Yavatmal, and Wardha Where to stay: Accommodation facilities are available at Wardha and Nagpur Where to eat: Roadside stalls. Some eating facilities are available at the local market. 54 MAHARASHTRA UNLIMITED | Volume 4 | Issue 3 - 2015 On the way from Nagpur to Wardha on NH 3, a small but significant village called Keljhar (also spelt as Keljzar) is situated. It is in Wardha district, the headquarter town which is at a distance of about 30 kilometers. Keljhar occupied an important position during the medieval Mughal period. In 1637 CE, during the 10th year of Shah Jahan’s reign, his army commandant Khan Dauran invaded Nagpur to recover the revenue due from the Gond king Kokshah. Khan Dauran advanced towards Nagpur via Kulizar (Keljhar). It was a divisional headquarters of the then administrative division called tarf or paragana. Nagpur, Wardha, Amravati Keljhar is named after keli (Hindi: kela, English: banana) meaning the village of plantain trees, according to the old revised district gazetteer. The village has a hillock with a fortification now in a ruined condition. The temple of Ganesha is located within its premises. As per legends popular about the village, this was the Ekachakra or Chakranagar mentioned in the great epic Mahabharata. There it is said that during their exile days the Pandavas along with Kunti, their mother, were staying with a Brahmin family. As per the arrangements agreed upon, every day a family Where to eat: Nearest railway station: Nagpur, Wardha, Badnera, Amravati Nearest airport: Nagpur Bus stand: MSRTC busses run frequently to Kelzar from Nagpur, Yavatmal, and Wardha Where to stay: A wide choice of hotels including Hotel Ramakrishna and Hotel Centre Point with tariff ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 1,100 + taxes per night Roadside stalls. Some eating facilities are available at the local market. Better eating facilities are available at Wardha and Nagpur. What to see: Magan Sangrahalay, Bapu Kuti, Indo-Japan Maitri Stupa, Gopuri Gitai Mandir, Sewagram, about 9 kilometers from Wardha; Paunar, 10 kilometers from Wardha ,an archaeological site, Vakataka sculptures Vinoba Bhave Ashram, etc. Bordharan Tiger Reserve, Trailokyabhumi Stupa 60km from Nagpur. www.maharashtratourism.gov.in Other Vinayakas of Vidarbha Apart from these Vinayakas of Vidarbha, which are mainly from the eastern part, there are many more Ganesha shrines in the region. This is due to the popularity of the Ganapatya cult. Vinayakrao Aurangabadkar, the first historian of Nagpur Raj working under Richard Jenkins, then resident of Nagpur, made a survey of the history, monuments, culture, etc. of the Bhonsla Raj. He had noted five to six important Ganesha temples in Nagpur. These include Ganesha Bagh (Ganesha Peth), Bangaji Bhure Mandir (which is near the RSS headquarters), Upadhye’s Mandir (near Gadkari Wada and known as Kanvashram), Gujar’s Mandir (near Nanaji Pinjarkar’s house), etc. Besides, these there are a few more temples e.g. at Kelibagh, where a large size mushaka (rat, his vehicle) is placed in front of the sanctum, Dharmaji Bhonsle and Bhoot temples (Kotwal of Nagpur during the Gond period). The Mahaganapati of Bahiram near Paratwada in Amaravati district is worth mentioning. This image is also quite majestic and towers high. In posture also it is very similar to the Shami Vighnesha of Adasa, Nagpur district. The dancing posture, eight hands and some ayudhas can be made out. Bahiram (corrupt form of Bhairava) is very famous for its fair which is held in October for one whole month. People, merchants and artisans attend it from far and near. Generally the image of Ganapati having his trunk turned to his right is made for performing worship or for the fulfillment of a particular wish. This had tantrika affiliation too and was termed Siddhi Vinayaka Ganesha. This form was particularly popular in the Nagpur region as most of the images installed here during the Bhonsla period are of this type. Some of these are as described below. On the southeastern corner of Jumma / Sukravarí Talao (presently known as Gandhisagara), this temple was probably built by Raghuji I and was restored with the Vinayaka newly executed by Sena Dhurandhara in 1788 CE and again rebuilt by Haribhau Tamhankar in 1947 CE. His descendents still reside here and look after the rituals and management. Though the temple is recent and of modern architectural style, the original impressive icon and a mayura (peacock perched on the kalasha of the sikhara) is worthy of attention. An equally high sculpture of Panchamukhí Hanuman originally stood in front of this temple but was subsequently shifted to the Thadeshwarí Rama Mandir, which is just across the road to the east. This arrangement of building shrines of Siddhi Vinayaka and Hanuman is seen at a number of places in Nagpur e.g. Vishveshvara Mahadeva Mandir to the west of the tank which belongs to the Jaiswal family. There are temples on the eastern banks of Sakkardara, Sonegaon and Pardi tanks, Rajarajesvara Mandir adjacent to the Rukmini Mandir, Mahal, Nagpur among others. Besides the usual Ganeshotsava observed all over Maharashtra and other parts of the country, Nagpur also has an additional round of celebrations called Maskarya Ganapati which is held during the Pitrupaksha, the origin of which is now lost in time. It is said that Ganesha Purana was composed by Rishi Bhrugu who belonged to Vidarbha and was recited to the then ruling king of Gujarat. The work was written during the 8th century CE as is evident from the language. The places connected with the worship of Ganesha are compiled in this work. Adasa, Kalamba and Bhandaka are those from the Vidarbha region that have been included in this text. Volume 4 | Issue 3 - 2015 | MAHARASHTRA UNLIMITED 55