Ganjgolai One of the major attractions in the district lies in the city of Latur located here. This city has a historical background. King 'Amoghvarsha' of the Rashtrakutas dynasty developed this city. Latur city has the famous 'Ganjgolai' as the central place of the city. The town planner Shri Faiyajuddin prepared the plan for the 'Ganjgolai Chowk'. The main building of the Golai is a huge two-storied structure which was constructed around the year 1917. In the middle of the circular structure is the temple of Goddess Ambabai. There are 16 roads connecting to this Golai and along these roads are separate markets selling all kinds of traditional local ware such as gold ornaments to footwear and food items from chilli to jaggery. Thus, the 'Ganjgolai' has become the main commercial and trade centre of this city. Latur city also has the beautiful Siddheswar temple built by King Tamradwaj. The temples of Ramlingeswar, Bhuteswar, Keshavraj, Ram, Dutta add to the ancientcultural heritage of the city. The Darga of Surat Shahvalli and temples of Astavinayak and Parshavanath also deserve mention as the beautiful monuments of the city. Ashram of Namanand Maharaj The Ashram is located at Mahapur , just 8 km away from Latur city. Every year thousands of pilgrims are visiting for darshana of the Samadhi of maharaj. The Manjara river flows close to the Ashram or Math. There is an island within the river, and the temple of Datta is situated on this island. The river and the green surrounding make the area pleasant and attractive. Udgir Udgir is one of the most important towns of Latur district. Udgir has great historical significance. It has witnessed the war between the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad which took place in 1761. The Marathas led by Sadashivrao Bhau defeated the Nizam and the treaty of Udgir was signed. The fort of Udgir stands here in all its glory, speaking volumes about Indian history and Indian culture. The fort is bounded by a 40 feet deep trench as the fort is built at the ground level. In the fort are seen several palaces, Durbar halls and most importantly the Samadhi of Udaygir Maharaj which is 60 feet under the normal ground level. The fort has some rare inscriptions written in Arabic and Persian. Hattibet-Devarjan This is a beautiful place near Udgir. On a small hill is the Samadhi of Gangaram Maharaj. The place is also famous for cave carvings. The place has given birth to several freedom fighters who lost their lives in the Hyderabad freedom struggle. Ausa Ausa also has an old historical fort which today is in ruins. The pace has a huge temple of Virnath Maharaj, built by his son Mallinath Maharaj about 300 years ago. Kharosa This is a small village 45 kilometres from Latur city. The place is well known for its caves. The beautiful sculptures of Narsimha, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Kartikeya, and Ravana are the examples of the cultural heritage of this land. According to the historians these caves were built in the 6th century during the Gupta period. Kasarshirshi It is a small town with historical significance. Ancient inscriptions dated around 696-697 A.D. have been found here. Ahmedpur It is a taluka headquarter known for the Akkalkot Swami Samarth Maharaj Temple. This is the samadhi of the Guru of Swami Samartha of Akkalkot. The town has beautiful temple of the Renukadevi Goddess of Mahur, Mahadeo, Datta and Balaji. Nilanga This is a taluka headquarter well-known for the magnificently sculpted temple of Nilkanteswar. Nilanga got its name from the name of Nilkanteshwar, Gramdaivat of this place. Shirur Anatpal This is a newly formed taluka place well know for the temple of Lord Shiva. Another well known and famous temple of Lord Shiva is situated at Hippalgaon village 12 km away from here, and 26 Km from Latur city. The temple has been built in the 11th century. The linga of Lord Shiva and the statue of Devi Mahishasur is finely sculptured in black stone. The sides and corners are full of carved statues of different gods and goddesses. Approximately 2.5 lac pilgrims visit this place for Darshan every year and a big utsava or holy ritual is performed on every Chaitra Ekadashi and Dwadashi (Marathi Calender). These are the various places of tourism offered by the district of Latur to its various visitors. |
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