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Bidar is a taluk located in the
northeastern part of the state of Karnataka. Bidar is an important
historical town. It is located 2,200 feet above sea level on a plateau
overlooking the Manjira river valley. Bidar was a part of the Bahamani
Kingdom which comprised of Bijapur, Gulbarga, Bidar, Golconda, and
Birar. The ruler of Bidar was Barid Shah. Bidar was later ruled by the
Nizams of Hyderabad. Bidar witnessed the "RELIGIOUS REVOLUTION" under
the Lingayat Reformist Basavanna. Basavakalyan from where Shaivism
spread. A number of historical monuments dating back to 15th century can
be found here. Bidar was one of the most prosperous cities of south
India during the period of 11th century to 16th century. The name of
Bidar appears to be derived from 'BIDIRU' which means bamboo. The place
seems to have been known for bamboo clusters in the past, came to be
known as Bidaroor and then Bidare and now Bidar.
Papnash Shiva Temple at Bidar -
The
spring is sacred to the Hindus and as its name "PAPNASH", annihilator of
Sins, signifies, it is much resorted to as a place of pilgrimage by the
people of Bidar and even by those of distant places. It may be
approached by Bidar-Udgir Road and about 2 KM from Bus Station towards
west to the edge of the plateau and going down the valley by a well laid
road. At the ruins an ancient Shiva Temple a New Temple has been built
on the slops of the hill. At the foot of the temple is a cistern
measuring 16 feet by 14 feet. The cistern is continuously fed by the
natural spring. Towards north there is small tank most probably dates
back to Ramayana times.
Nanak Jhira Sahib -
The
Nanak Jhira Sahib with water spring nestles amidst serene and enchanting
surroundings is main attraction of Bidar town. It has became widely
famous as Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib with it’s recently constructed
sprawling and splendid Gurudwara complex. It is attracting numerous
pilgrims and visitors from all parts. A sarovar (Lake) and Amrut-Kunda
have been built. A number of suites and rooms have been provided for
lodging the pilgrims. There is a Guru-Ka-Langar where free food is
served irrespective of caste and creeds. As the place is associated with
the visit of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji to Bidar is it one of the sacred
place to Sikh devotees.
Narshimha Jhira Water
Cave Temple -
Narasimha
Zarna - The temple virtually runs into a cave water body and is one
of the unique in the world. The water in the cave will guide the
pilgrims to the idol. Narshimha Jhira Water Cave Temple At this
place the Powerful diety as per the belief here is situated in cave
of nealy 300 meters. One has to wade through water up to chest
height to have darshan of the diety. It will be thrilling experience
with bats and owls sitting on the roof top of cave but they will not
do any harm to the devotees.
Dev DeV Vana (Botanical Garden) -
An
Eco Tourism center 6 KM away from Bidar town on Bidar - Hyderbad
Highway. With more than 200 medicinal plants, this vana is believed
to be something of a unconventional temple of plants.
Veerbhadreshewar
Jatra's at Humnabad & Changlare: -
Two very ancient temples of Lord
Veerbhadreshwara in Humnabad Taluk one at Humnabad and one at
Changlara village attract lakhs of tourists in the Month of January
and November respectively for the yearly Jatra and cart pulling
Mohotsav's. The temple at Humnabad constructed in 1725 is famous for
its moving pillar.
Manik
Prabhu Temple - It attracts
lots of tourists in the Month of December at the time of Annual
Celebrations. On the same occasion every year a Night long Classical
Musical function will be held and till now the likes of Bhimsen
Joshi, Zakir hussain and many others have come here for this annual
jatra mahotsav. Bidar is famous for being the place where Bidriware,
a form of silver filigree art, originated. Bidriware is silver
filigree done in Islamic motifs and set against a dark background of
blackened zinc, tin, copper and lead to create the most striking
ashtrays, boxes, bangles and such.

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