Archive for the ‘Gwalior’ Category

Here are some more places to see in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus
tomb-of-mohd-ghaus.jpgGhaus’ tomb is built in the shape of a large square with hexagonal towers at its corners. The walls of the building have elaborate carved-stone latticework. The whole building is surmounted by a large dome, which was earlier covered with blue glazed tiles. The tomb of Mohammad Ghaus, a saint of the Islamic faith of the 16th century. Associating hardly any importance from a historical point of view, the tomb exudes sheer beauty. The stone carvings in the panels of screen work create a magical charm.

Memorial of Tansen
tansen-tomb.jpgNext to the tomb of Ghaus is located another small tomb – the Memorial of Tansen. This is the memorial built to commemorate Tansen, the great musician and one of the nine gems of Akbar’s court. It is here that the annual Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, a world-renowned music festival, is held. This pillar of Hindustani classical music is built in the early Mughal architectural style. More than a monument, the tomb is part of Gwalior’s living cultural heritage. It is the venue of the annual Tansen Music Festival.

Kala Vithika
Located near the Gwalior Railway Station, Kala Vithika bears a major part of the town’s history and culture. Kala Vithika is one of the treasure houses of arts in Gwalior. It remains closed on Sundays and public holidays. The tourists can get a glimpse of the history and culture of Gwalior at Kala Vithika. The museum offers a delightful experience to the tourists coming to Gwalior.

Surya Mandir
surya-mandir.jpgThe Surya Mandir (Sun Temple), a replica of the famed Sun Temple at Konark in Orissa is one of the important tourist attractions of Gwalior. It was built by G. D. Birla, the famous Indian industrialist. The Surya Mandir, Madhya Pradesh is one of the new entrants into the list of the places of interest in Gwalior. The temple is one of the architectural wonders and has a beautiful sculpture of Lord Surya in the temple premises.Surya Temple, Gwalior has captivating exteriors which has been built of red sand stone.The temple interior has white marble and this adds to the exotic beauty of this marvelous creation.


Teli-ka-Mandir
teli-ka-mandir1mp.jpgThe ninth century temple of Teli-ka-Mandir, built in Dravidian form, is believed to be the oldest in the fort. The sculptures are particularly North Indian. Devoted to Lord Vishnu, a figure of garuda (mythical bird) resides on top of the 10-metre-high doorway. A figure of Garuda crowns the high doorway, which is the highest structure in the fort.

 

 

Here are some places to visit in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

Gujari Mahal and Archaeological Museum
gujari-mahal1.jpgGujari Mahal Archaeological Museum is a place where you can find the rare and atypical antiquities. The most striking and prominent feature of Gujari Mahal is the precious stones and jewels in the crown.The place has wide collection of unique variety sculptures fitting in the 1st Century AD. It speaks of Man Singh’s love for his ninth Gujar wife, Mrignayni, in loving memory of whom this special palace was built. It now serves as a museum housing a large collection of stone carvings.

                                                                                                                                                               Suraj Kund 
suraj-kund.jpgConstructed in the 15th century, the Suraj Kund complex dates back to as early as AD 425. This is considered to be the place where Sage Gwalipa healed Suraj Sen of leprosy with the waters of this pool. The myth behind this legendary pond is very fascinating. It says that the chronic illness of Suraj Sen was cured after he had tasted the water of the pond. The king as a token of his gratitude towards the saint, who had cured his disease, built a tank and the mighty fort and named the city after the sage. The pond that can be seen in the fort drags the attention of the people because of its great historical value and sumptuousness.

Sas-Bahu Temples
sasbahu31.jpgThe temple has a rare quality of architectural skill displayed in it, it has all the qualities of a fabulous worship. There are two temples, which are conjointly known as the Sas Bahu Temple. One of the temples is bigger than the other, and perhaps for that reason, one is considered as the Mother-in Law whiles the other as the Daughter-in-Law. Graceful figures are in scripted on the wall of the temple and there are pillars that are also display architectural skills.

                                                                                                                                                            Man Mandir Palace
man-mandir.jpgBuilt by Man Singh Tomar between 1486 and 1516, the Man Mandir is a huge palace. It is supposedly the fort’s prized possession. Also known as the Chitra Mandir or the Palace of Paintings, it exhibits tiled and painted decorations of peacocks and several other birds. The only fascinating feature in this palace is the nicely carved stonewalls of the vast chambers. One among the important spot in this palace is the Jauhar Pond, where the Rajput ladies committed sati. The circular prison in the palace had witnessed the brutal murder of Murad by the hands of his own brother.
 

Gwalior is a city in Madhya Pradesh in India. It lies 122 km south of Agra with a population of 690,342. gwalior.jpgAt the heart of Gwalior is its fortress (Gwalior Fort), built by Raja Man Singh Tomar, of the Tomar dynasty. There are many impressive sculptures, which were defaced by Babur’s forces and renovated later. The images are in five main groups. Teli Ka Mandir has distinct pattern which integrates a Dravidian roof with Indo-Aryan decorations. Sculptures adorn the utmost part of temple. Man Singh Palace also known as the Chit Mandir or Painted Palace is ornated by paintings of ducks, peacocks and elephants. The other palaces are Karan Palace or Kirti Mandir, Jehangir Mahal and Shan Jahan Mahal. The palace has a large tank Jauhar Kund where the Rajput women of the harem carried out mass sati or self-immolation after the Raja was defeated in battle in 1232.

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