PARBHANI

Arvi Stepwell is a historical stepwell located in Arvi village in Parbhani. It is an example of Hemadpanthi architecture, a style that emerged during the Yadava dynasty of Devagiri in the 12th and 13th centuries. The style is named after Hemadpant, a minister in the Yadava court, who is traditionally credited with promoting the construction of buildings using locally available materials without the use of mortar.

While Hemadpanthi architecture is primarily associated with the construction of mandirs, it was also applied to utilitarian structures such as stepwells, known for their stone craftsmanship and functional design. The Arvi Stepwell reflects this tradition, featuring characteristic stone masonry and architectural elements attributed to Hemadri architects, artisans active during the Yadava period.

The Ashtabhuja Mata Mandir in New Mondha, Parbhani, is dedicated to the eight-armed form of the Devi known as Ashtabhuja. The Mandir is considered a local symbol of divine protection and resilience. Local stories say that this Mandir was established after a miraculous event during a time of crisis when residents of Parbhani faced significant challenges or threats.

The community was in distress due to the oppressive rule of a local tyrant or due to natural calamities that affected their lives and livelihoods. In their desperation, they prayed fervently for help and intervention from the Devi. It is believed that their sincere prayers were answered when they experienced a miraculous event that led to the tyrant's downfall or the resolution of their troubles. Her intervention inspired the construction of the Mandir in her honor, serving as a reminder of her protective power.

The Mandir becomes particularly active during Navratri, a festival dedicated to worshiping different forms of the devi over nine nights. During this time, pujaris engage in special prayers, garba, and rituals that celebrate feminine power and devotion. The festival attracts many visitors who come to participate in the celebrations and seek blessings from Ashtabhuja.

Charthana is a village in Parbhani district, with historical roots tracing back to the 9th century. Formerly known as Charukshetra Nagari after King Charudatta, the village has undergone name changes over time, including Charuthana. Still, many elements of its historical character remain.

The village was once known for its many mandirs, with local accounts suggesting that nearly 360 existed at its peak. Today, several are no longer visible, while others are in varying states of preservation. Notable mandirs include Ukandeshwar Mandir and Jod Mahadev Mandir, both associated with Bhagwaan Shiv.

Another significant structure is the Gokuleshwar Mandir, believed to date back to the 13th century during the Yadava period. Adjacent to it lies the Pushkarni Barav, a large water reservoir that adds to the historical setting.

Many of these mandirs face preservation challenges, and incidents of vandalism have occurred. The Archaeological Survey of India has taken steps to conserve the site, but ongoing efforts and community awareness remain important for their upkeep.

Located near Gangakhed, the Sant Janabai Smarak commemorates the Marathi saint-poet Janabai, known for her contributions to the Bhakti movement and Marathi literature. Her poetry is associated with themes of personal devotion and social equality, and she was a follower of Sant Namdev within the Varkari tradition.

In 1954, a committee raised funds to establish the memorial, honoring her literary and cultural contributions. The smarak, in many ways, remains as a local landmark and a reminder of her influence.

Located alongside the Jaam-Parwa Road in Parbhani, the Hazrat Turabul Haq Dargah is the resting place of Turabul Haq, also known as Turatpeer Baba, a revered Sufi saint. The dargah is over 100 years old and is sometimes referred to as the “Ajmer Sharif of Maharashtra” due to its prominence and appeal across communities.

The site hosts an annual fair from 2nd to 15th February, attracting thousands of visitors. In 2015, the event saw about 5,00,000 attendees, reflecting its wide significance.

The Kala Maruti Mandir is located near the railway station in Parbhani. Dedicated to Maruti (another form of Bhagwaan Hanuman), this Mandir is believed to date back to the 17th century.

The mandir features a raised platform, a flight of stairs leading to Maruti, and a 7-foot dome with decorative elements. Surrounding walls display marble artwork of various devis and devtas and animals, depicting episodes from the Ramayan.

Mrityunjaya Pardeshwar Mandir, located in Parbhani, is a prominent site dedicated to Bhagwaan Shiv. Established by Sri Swami Sachchidandji Saraswati, it serves as an important yatra site, attracting people from both within the state and across India.

Notably, the Mandir features a Shivling which is crafted from 250 kg of Parad (mercury). Known as Tejoling, this linga is among the largest of its kind in India. Its unique composition adds to the significance of the Mandir.

Mudgaleshwar Mandir is located on the banks of the Godavari River and is believed to date back to the 8th century, making it one of the ancient mandirs in the region. Historically, the site was referred to as Devbhoomi, meaning “land of God,” highlighting its longstanding cultural significance.

The setting of the Mandir is notable, as the rising waters of the Godavari River often surround the structure during the monsoon season, impacting accessibility and contributing to the site’s distinctive landscape. Constructed in the Hemadpanthi architectural style, the Mandir features stone masonry and has withstood environmental challenges over the centuries. It is primarily dedicated to Bhagwaan Shiv, but also includes devasthans for Narsimha, a form of Vishnu, and Bhagwaan Ganesh.

Navagad Jain Mandir is located in Navagad and was established in 1931 with the support of the Nizam administration. Although the structure itself is of relatively recent construction, it houses Jain Pratimas which are of considerable antiquity.

These murtis were relocated from a site in Ukhalad, likely due to flooding, and reinstalled at the current location. Very notably, the original site from which the Pratimas were relocated is referenced in Tirthavandana, a 17th-century text by the poet Jnanasagar, which describes it as a significant Jain yatra destination.

The central Pratima is of Tirthankar Neminath (the 21st Tirthankar), carved from black basalt and measuring approximately 5 by 3 ft. Based on its craftsmanship and material, it is dated to the 11th or 12th century CE. There is a well-known legend associated with this Pratima. According to the account, a philosopher’s stone was embedded in the toe of the image.

A priest is said to have used this stone to convert iron into gold to provide for his family. Before his death, he instructed his son to continue the practice with restraint. However, the son, overcome by greed, attracted the attention of local officials. When a district officer attempted to extract the stone from the Pratima, a loud sound was heard, and the stone fell into the Purna River. It is said that the stone left the Pratima of its own accord. The establishment of the Mandir in Navagad, in many ways, reflects an effort to preserve these Pratimas and maintain the continuity of their veneration.

Nemgiri is a Jain yatra site located in the Jintur range in Parbhani. It is classified as an Atishaya Kshetra, a category in Jainism denoting places where the icon, Mandir, or site is associated with extraordinary features. Nemgiri is one of the few sites in Maharashtra recognized under this classification and holds particular importance among Digambara Jains.

The site is noted for a large statue of Parshvanath, known as the Antariksha Parshvanatha. According to Jain tradition, the statue was once suspended above the ground and gradually settled onto its base, leaving a narrow gap between the statue and the pedestal.

Nemgiri, along with the neighboring Chandragiri hill, is home to multiple Jain mandirs, carvings, and the padukas (footprints) of monks regarded as significant within the tradition. These elements, in many ways, reflect the historical role of Nemgiri as a place of pilgrimage and its enduring association with Jain religious practice in the region.

Located in Charthana village, in the Jintur Taluka of the district, the Nrusinh Mandir is known for its rich historical and religious significance. Charthana is believed to have once been home to around 360 mandirs dedicated to Bhagwaan Mahadev (Shiv), some of which are said to be underground.

Among these is the Nrusinh Mandir, which houses devasthans of Mahadev and other devtas such as Shani (Saturn), Ganesh, etc.  Despite its name, the Mandir does not contain a murti of Nrusinh (Narsinh), the man-lion Avatar of Vishnu. Instead, the presence of a Shivling in the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) strongly suggests that the Mandir was primarily dedicated to Bhagwaan Shiv.

Today, the Mandir is in a dilapidated state. Of its original three shikhars (towers), two have collapsed, and large portions of the structure have eroded or disappeared. Only the foundations remain, encircling the existing sabhamandap (assembly hall) and garbhagriha. The Mandir has three entrances—a main entrance at the front and two side entrances, offering a glimpse into the architectural layout of what must have once been a grand spiritual center.

Shri Sai Janmasthan Mandir is located in the town of Pathri, which is traditionally regarded by many as the birthplace of Sai Baba of Shirdi. The Mandir was constructed at the site believed to be Sai Baba’s childhood home and has become a prominent place of pilgrimage.

Shri Narsimha Mandir is situated in Pokharni, approximately 18 km from Parbhani, Maharashtra. The Mandir is a significant religious site that draws numerous yatris, including visitors from neighboring states such as Andhra Pradesh. The Mandir’s origins are traditionally dated between 1000 BCE and 1300 BCE, making it one of the oldest sites in the region.

The structure of the Mandir is distinct in design. Notably, its sanctum (gabhara) is exceptionally small, measuring only 3 ft. by 4 ft., with a 3 ft. high entrance that requires devotees to squat to enter. This architectural feature is traditionally believed to symbolize that darshan in Kali Yuga requires humility and effort.

There is also an interesting account associated with the Mandir’s origins. According to tradition, a king prayed for the healing of his blind daughter, and Narasimhadeva appeared, restoring her sight. In gratitude, the king vowed to construct a Mandir in his honor.