Photo Feature o­n Solapur Division

Pandharpur

The nine centuries old abode of Vitthal and Rakhumai (Rukmini) in black basalt o­n the banks of Bhima, also known as Chandrabhaga (half the moon). The 2’6” NG line between Miraj-Kurduwadi-Latur has been converted in BG and, Pandharpur-Kurduwadi section was commissioned for passenger traffic in 2001. The new station building is in keeping with the religious and spiritual nature of Pandharpur. To cater to such a huge congregation during the fares, 12 additional UTS counters are opened in the station apart from the PRS and 3 UTS counters. Pandharpur is 428km from Mumbai, 52km from Kurduwadi. Direct trains from Mumbai, Nizamabad, Latur etc.

 

 

 

Tulja Bhavani

12th century temple at Tuljapur o­n Solapur-Osmanabad highway of Durga Bhavani, the ferocious aspect of Parvati, consort of Shiva, atop Yamunachala hill o­n the foothills of Western Ghat. Also known as Tulja Bhavani, o­ne of the 51 Shakti Peethas. o­n the Solapur-Usmanabad-Jalgaon proposed alignment. In a metre high granite with 8 arms holding arms and the head of Mahishasura whom she slew at Mysore as per tradition. Fare o­n Gudhi Padva, Makar Sankranti and Navratra. Legend has it that Bhavani herself appeared before Shivaji the Great and gave a sword which made him invincible.

 

Solapur

 

 

Barshi

 

Or, Barashiv. 35 km from Kurduwadi o­n Kurduwadi-Latur section. Barshi has o­ne of the o­nly two temples of Lord Bhagvant, ie, Vishnu, built in 1245 AD. Barshi was the original terminal of Barsi Light Railway.

 

Gulbarga

Originally Kalburgi. Hasan Gangu, a Tajik-Persian officer of Tughlaq rebelled, assumed the title of Alauddin Bahman Shah and, founded the breakaway capital of Bahmanid sultanate at Gulbarga in 1347. Gulbarga was then named Ahsanabad. The city has a historic fort with a characteristic moat. Also, relics

of several mosques including Jama Masjid. A medieval Sharana Basaveshwara temple and the tomb of Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz Gesu Daraz (1321-1422), a revered Sufi saint of Chishti Order. A magnificent Buddha-Vihar has been built by the local Siddharth Vihar Trust which was consecrated by Dalai Lama in December, 2008 and inaugurated by President in January, 2009.

 

 

Naldurg Fort, Osmanabad

 

The fort was built during the reign of Chalukyas of Kalyaniin 12th century. In 14th and 15th century, Bahmani Sultans and in 16th century, Adil Shah of Bijapur built massive fortifications. In 1613, Ibrahim Adilshah-II constructed a weir o­n river Bori and brought up Pani Mahal. The fort has 115 massive bastions.

 

 

Ujni Dam

 

On Bheema, an important tributary of Krishna, near Jeur, o­n Daund-Solapur section.

 

 

Ganagapur

 

Datta, or ‘given’ to Anasuya and Atri by the Trinity. Datta depicted often as the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, incarnate. Hence Dattatreya. Datta attained realization of the Absolute at Ganagapur o­n the confluence of Bhima and Amarja. Traditionally, he laid down “Tripura Rahasya” and handed it over to Parashurama. 86km from Solapur o­n Daund-Wadi section. Fare o­n Datt Jayanti.

 

Osmanabad Viaduct

Ramling Rest House

Ramling Rest House