Raisen fort under the hegemony of various rulers

A person who has interest in historical monuments must visit raisen fort. Raisen Fort is an assortment of the reign of Hindu, Rajput and Muslim rulers. it’s a historical mansion placed atop a hill captivating a vast water reservoir, palaces and a few temples within the fort. The 800-year-old fort has nine gateways, fortifications, domes and the remains of several buildings from the early medieval period. It’s now a dwelling to gazillion number of bats.

About the Fort

Raisen fort is also a shrine of a Muslim saint Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba. There is a say that the shrine can fulfil the desires of the pilgrims. Until the 16th century, the fort was under the hegemony of the Rajputs and other Hindu rulers. Although the nawabs of Bhopal initially captured the fort, it is presently under the custody of ASI.

Architecture of Raisen Fort

The magnificent fort stands on an outlier of a rock which has a massive stone wall pierced with nine gateways. it looks mesmerizing It drowns in a wilderness and a thick undergrowth of lush green grasses and wild long grass. Adorned with a large courtyard and a beautiful pool in the middle. This gives the additional beauty to this fort.

History of Raisen Fort

Raisen fort was under the control of Hindu rulers including Rajputs till 16th century. In 1543, the fort was captured by Sher Shah Suri and later by Nawab of Bhopal in 1760. Raisen fort was then under the control of princely state of Bhopal till Indian Independence (1947).

Origin of the Raisen Fort

The origin of the Raisen fort dates back to the 1200 AD. With four palaces (Badal Mahal, Rohini Mahal, Itradaan Mahal & Hawa Mahal) within its boundaries, the mighty fort also houses a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The doors of the temple open every year on the occasion of Shivratri. Many people gather here to take blessings of the lord shiva.

Raisen Dargah
The most visited place in Raisen is the Shrine of Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba who was a well known Muslim saint.The shrine of Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba, is one of the most popular shrines of the Raisen region. Many devotees come here to seek the blessings of the well known Muslim saint, Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba. There is a belief that the wishes of the devotees will be fulfilled with the blessings of Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba.

Address and Timings

Address: Raisen fort near Umar masjid, Madhya pradesh

India

Timings: 10 am to 5 pm

This Mosque has been built by first female ruler of Bhopal

Bhopal is well known for its monuments, minarets, historic places, palaces and lakes. This metropolitan city has been through ample of stages i.e., ancient, medieval and modern. Most of the tourist get confuse related to Jama Masjid. Let me clear you that Taj-ul-Masjid officially known as Jama Masjid of Bhopal because it resembles as Jama Masjid of Delhi, but in reality, Jama masjid of Bhopal is located near chowk bazaar. Every monuments have its own uniqueness and quality.

About Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid of Bhopal consist one of the finest art in Bhopal which impose two minarets that can be observed from long distance also. this giant mosque has been situated in purana Bhopal and many visitors or tourist do visit at this sacred monument.

History of Jama Masjid

The mosque constructed by Qudisiya Begum in 1837 which reflects the deftness of Islamic culture in Bhopal. Mughal architecture has its own appealing. its mesmerizing and fine art allure many tourists towards it. This divine place has been visited every year by gazillion number of Muslims.

Architecture of Jama Masjid

This mosque is an outstanding example of the marvelous of Islamic architecture in India. The mosque consists three bulbous, cupolas, interior decorations which gives the best resemblance of Islamic culture in India. The gold spear crowning the crouch minarets of the Jama Masjid by Bhopal’s first female ruler, Qudisiya Begum shine peacefully at the top of the head caps which can be easily seen by bare eyes from the long distance.

Courtyard

As it indulges in the Islamic culture they always construct a wide courtyard in front of the mosque so that people could come here and can read there namaz without any disturbance. This masjid was accomplished in 24 years. This gorgeous mosque has gold spikes in the minarets.

Address and Timings

Address: Jama masjid, Subhash Chowk, Chowk Bazaar Road,

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (India)

Timings: 6.60 AM to 7.00 PM (all days open)

The giant Taj-ul-Masjid resembles the fine art of Mughals period in Bhopal

City of lakes i.e., Bhopal is often called the city of mosques due to the presence of a number of historical mosques and monuments within its turf. Jama Masjid of Bhopal is officially known as Taj-ul-Masjid. One such mosque, located in the realm of Bhopal not less important is the Taj-ul-Masjid. The beautiful Taj-ul-Masjid is an important historical landmark of the Muslims in Bhopal. The architectural design of the Taj-ul-Masjid gives us the glimpse of the Muslim reign in Bhopal.

History of Taj-Ul- Masjid

The construction of the Mosque was initiated during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar by Nawab Shah Jahan Begum (1844–1860 and 1868–1901) of Bhopal (Wife of Baqi Mohammad Khan) and continued to be built by her daughter Sultan Jahan Begum, till her lifetime. The mosque was not completed due to lack of funds, and after a long lay-off after the War of 1857, construction was restart in 1971 by great efforts of Allama Mohammad Imran Khan Nadwi Azhari and Maulana Sayed Hashmat Ali Sahab of Bhopal.

This year construction has been completed

The construction was completed by 1985 and the entrance (eastern) gate was renovated grandly using ancient motifs from circa 1250 Syrian mosques by the contribution of the Emir of Kuwait to commemorate the memory of his departed wife.

Art and Architecture of Taj-ul-Masjid

The Mosque has a pink facade topped by two 18-storey high octagonal minarets with marble domes. The Mosque also has three huge bulbous domes, an impressive main hallway with attractive pillars and marble flooring resembling Mughal architecture the likes of Jama Masjid in Delhi and the huge Badshahi Mosque of Lahore.

Courtyard of Taj-ul-Masjid

It has a courtyard with a large tank in the center. It has a double-storied gateway with four recessed archways and nine cusped multifold openings in the main prayer hall. The Quibla wall in the prayer hall is carved with eleven recessed arches and has fine screens of trellis work. The massive pillars in the hall hold 27 ceilings through squinted arches of which 16 ceilings are decorated with ornate petaled designs.

Madarsa inside Taj-ul-Masjid

Inside the mosque Madarsa conduct to teach children. Gazillion number of students come to take the blessings of the Allah and to gain knowledge about the world. It creates very positive aura and solace the mind and soul of the students.

Address and Timings

Address: NH 12, Kohefiza, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Timings: 6 am to 7pm

Peer gate road of Bhopal would show you the mystic powers of Sant Kamali

Bhopal city is the amalgam of scenic beauty and old historic places. It is situated on the site of an 11th century city Bhojpal which is founded by Raja Bhoj. The present city was planned and established by an Afghan soldier, Dost Mohammed (1707 -1740). His descendants build Bhopal into a mesmerizing place.

Rulers of the place

The city of Bhopal has witnessed many changes since it was found by the Afghan soldier Dost Mohammed in the year 1708 for the Gond queen, Kamlapati. Kamlapati palace is also one of the famous palace in Bhopal. The power then went transferred to the Afghans and their descendants. The old city still gives you the glimpse of past glory of the rulers, among them succession of powerful Begums who ruled Bhopal from 1819 to 1926. The city has been through many phases, turbulent as well as disastrous.

Sant Kamali Maharaj at Hanuman Mandir

There was a Sant by name Kamali also christened as Kamaldas during the reign of Begum Shahjahan. The Sant was an ardent devotee of Lord Hanuman. He was living under a peepal tree in the then garden maintained by Begum Shahjahan.

Jagratha

Many people use to visit him to have dharshan of the Sant and take his blessings. Every day there use to be a bhajan in the praise of Lord Ram and Hanuman and on finishing of the bhajan the Sant use to blow the conch for long. For many days jagrathra use to performed ie, bhajan throughout the night and will come to an end only in the dawn.

Encounter of Sant Kamali

Begum Shahjahan took objection to the blowing of the couch especially during the wee hours. She ordered his soldiers to find out as to who is responsible for this. The soldiers reported back stating that Sant Kamali is performing bhajan and he is blowing the couch. The Begum ordered that the playing of conch will be treated as offence. When the message was carried by the soldiers to the Sant, in reply Sant told them that he would neither stop the bhajan or playing of conch till his death. Begum ordered killing of the Sant to the soldiers for his disobedience of the royal order.

Orphic powers of the Sant Kamali

The soldiers when went to execute the Sant, they got astonished as found the Sant was lying dead under the peepal tree. The matter was reported to the Begum Shahjahan. But the next day early morning again the couch was played. Begum was annoyed and asked the soldiers to find out whether the Sant is really dead. She asked the commandant to behead the Sant and take apart the hands and legs. When went to the peepal tree to execute the royal orders, the commandant found that the Sant Maharaj cut into peaces and laying there. The commandant went back to the Begum and reported the matter.

Begum visited the place

Again next day Begum heard the sound of the couch. Stunned Begum went personally to see as to what is happening in her garden. She could hear the couch blowing but could see the couch but not the Sant Kamali. She realised that the Sant is genuine and apologised for her act. Sant Kamali Maharaj appeared from nowhere and told her that he will be performing his duty till the Lord calls him.

Begum Khurishia

During the reign of Begum Khurishia Sant Kamali was donated eight acares of land for construction of the temple. It all begun when the Begum lost her loved necklace, even after long search in the Mahal there was no trace of it anywhere. On a quick thought she approached Sant Kamali Maharaj to help her trace her necklace. When she went to him for the same, even without uttering of a word by her Sant told her as to why she came upto this place when she should have recovered the necklace wrapped in a red cloth in her under bed. She ordered her trusted commandant to recheck and verify the bedroom. The commandant came back with the necklace wrapped in the red cloth and told Begum the he found it under the bed tucked between layers.

Temple built by Begum Khurishia

Impressed, Begum Khurishia donated eight acres of land and asked her force to help construction of the temple as desired by the Sant Kamali Maharaj. Because of the Sant Kamali and the temple built by him for Lord Hanuman this entire area had come known as Hanumanganj. This kshethra is so sacred one fells blessed to have visited the site where Sant had performed pooja and nama sangeerthan to the Lord Hanuman.

About the temple

The temple had been built where Sant Kamali Maharaj had worshiped Lord Hanuman. The temple is south facing and all the murthis are facing south. The temple is a scenic beauty, housing three ardh shila and one is around nine feet height, the other is around three feet height, and third is around two feet height.

Statue of Sant Kamali

Even today you can see the Lord Hanuman worshiped by the Sant Kamali which is about two feet height under the peepal tree. There is a large statue installed for the Sant Kamali near by. You can see the conch blown by the Sant Kamil there.

Address and Timings

Address: Kamali Mandir Rd, Ghora Nakkas, Peer Gate Area,

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001

Timings: 6.00 am to 8.00 pm

Feel connected with the environment by visiting at this museum

Bhopal is a branch of the National Museum of Natural History, New Delhi, which is christened as Regional Museum of natural history, Bhopal. It is the center of an informal environment education, whose main purpose is to make people aware of environmental protection through various internal and external activities. The horrifying Bhopal gas tragedy (1984) made everyone alert towards the environment and mankind. after which minister introduced disaster management institute and environment institute in Bhopal. National Museum of Natural History gives us the glance of the environment.

Location

It is located in the Environment Complex in Bhopal. The museum was inaugurated in the year 29 September 1997, by the then Minister of Environment and Forests of India, Saifuddin Soz. The program was chaired by the then Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Digvijaya Singh.

About the Museum

The museum offers a unique opportunity to understand the biodiversity of Central India and the complex natural make-up surrounding it. In the galleries located in the museum, the exhibition has been displayed in collaboration with transcripts, translate and visual audio. Dioramas and phenomena are presented in the order of selected subjects.

Exhibition Site

It also has a biology, computer and a research room meant for children to acquire knowledge in a fun way. A temporary exhibition site is also made in premises which exhibit organized displays on various subjects from time to time. Upon entry to the museum, the exhibition of the family of Dinosaur, called Triceratops, is visible.

Purpose of Museum

To develop the exhibits with the flora, fauna and geological information of central India. Explain the importance of plants, animals and human interaction and their protection through performance and educational activities. Organizing exhibitions and activities that enrich the school curriculum of geology and biology to make masses aware about the environment.

Displayed Galleries

The subject of the present gallery is biodiversity in which the interconnection of various components of nature, besides the information of the vegetation and the rivers of the vegetation of Madhya Pradesh, has been shown in connection with the protection and relationship of human and environment.

Image result for Regional Museum of Natural History, Bhopal

Address and Timings

Address: E-5, Link Rd Number 3, Near Bittan Market,

Arera Colony, Shahpura, Bhopal,

Madhya Pradesh 462016

Timings: 10 AM TO 6 PM

Monday closed

One can see the glimpse of Nawab Era by visiting at this monument

Very few people have heard about Golghar museum in Bhopal. If you have interest in art and handicrafts of nawabs era then visit at this place. Golghar Museum showcases variety of arts, handicraft and social life from the Nawab-era. The museum was inaugurated in April 2013 by Culture Minister Laxmikant Sharma. this museum has been developed at ‘Golghar’ monument. This monument is situated near Bab-e-Ali ground, Shahjahanabad, Bhopal.

About Golghar Monument

The round building was constructed near Pari Park in Shahjahanabad locality of Bhopal. It was christened as Gulshan-e-Alam but came to be popularly known as Golghar. This building was constructed during the regime of Nawab Shahjahan Begum (1868-1901). The round-shape building has 12 doors. Its staircase is also in round shape leading to the dome.

Structure

Its pillars are cylindrical and doors are decorated. The dome has been painted with flowers of purple, yellow, orange, red, brown and green colors. There is a round-shape balcony on the upper story, which is covered with tin shade supported by wooden pillars. Originally, the building had also a Persian style park known as Jannat Bagh.

Monument

First, the building housed the office of Shahjahan Begum. Later, it was used as aviary where various kinds of birds were kept. It is said that in the times of Nawab Shahjahan Begum, threads of gold and silver were kept in the aviary from which birds used to knit their nests. The Nawab had presented some of these to Queen Victoria. In Nawab-era band was played daily in the evening here for amusement.

Buildings constructed by Shahjahan Begum

After taking reins of Bhopal State on November 16, 1868, Shahjahan Begum had built a number of buildings including City Hospital, Taj Mahal, Noor Masjid, Noor Mahal, Benazir Palace, Nishat Manzil, Nawab Manzil, Aami Manzil, Taj-ul-Masajid, Jail Khana (prison), Lal Kothi etc.

Address and Timings

Address- Aali Manzil Rd, Pari Bazar, Near of Babe Ali Stadium,

Niyamatpura, Idgah Hills, Bhopal,

Madhya Pradesh 462001

Timings- 10.30 am to 5.30 pm

Monday closed

Best acupressure park of Bhopal, Gayatri Temple

A magnificent temple of Gayatri-Mata and idols of Sapt-Rishis (Ancient seven eminent saints) are one of the auspicious places in Shantikunj. Visit to the divine spiritual abodes of deity’s pilgrimage centers is an important part of spiritual life style which takes to the world of peace and solacement. The main purpose of these visits is to derive continuous inspiration for imbibing the divine virtues symbolized by the deity in one’s life as well as to seek blessings and guidance.

Gayatri Temple

The best thing that can be requested from God is righteous intellect. If a person gains righteous wisdom and intellect then he will automatically start moving on the righteous path and will be able to perceive happiness and contentment in every situation. These divine inspirations are actively propagated by the temple of Mother Gayatri.

This what Vedas and Upanishads tell us

Our own life is that true deity, which needs to be controlled in order to arouse the divine capabilities and inculcate righteous virtues. This is the summary of all the teachings of spirituality. Vedas and Upanishads also tell the same thing.Here you also find cows , where you could feed them with grasses and you also get some books also of gayatri parivar .

Acupressure Park

Modern society and technology is playing a great role in evacuating human being far from nature. In our body there are some acupressure points which are important to be get pressed. But because of our cozy and comfort lifestyle it doesn’t get pressed. This temple provides you an acupressure path where you can heal all your diseases.

Juice Centre

Just think about any juice and it is available here. Yes, karela , sweet aawla , aawla , Aloevera juice(Dhritkumari),Juar juice ,coconut milk , Nimbu Pani with honey .You also get fresh sprouts here to eat . What else would be the best combination, going out daily at the temple in the morning and walking on the acupressure path after that having a healthy juice. Indeed, your pain and frustration would definitely get vanish from your life.

Address
Address: Near Meda Mill, Infront Of Reserve Bank, Indira Press
Complex, Zone-I, Maharana Pratap Nagar, Bhopal,
Madhya Pradesh 462011

Shaukat Mahal would truly give you the glimpse of the reign of begums in Bhopal

Located in the vicinity of the ‘Gohar Mahal’ is the 180 years old architectural marvel of Bhopal, ‘Shaukat Mahal’. These two royal buildings are situated at the entrance to the Chowk area in the heart of the walled city. This place would give you the glimpse of Mughal era in bhopal.

History

Built in 19th century during the reign of Sikander Begum, daughter of Gohar Begum, the mahal is famous for its distinctive design that showcases a unique blend of Indo-Islamic and European styles of architecture. In a city that was primarily dominated by Mughal styled monuments and buildings, the ‘Shaukat Mahal’ at that time came as a fresh breeze of air, breaking the monotony of the typical architecture and design concepts.

Image result for shaukat mahal and sadar manzil address

Art and Architecture

Conceived and designed by a French architect who perfectly combined Post-Renaissance and medieval Gothic styles with an effortless ease in its construction, no wonder, the palace in those times, became a cynosure for art & architecture patrons.

Material

The aesthetical appeal of the palace, complete with heavy use of white alabaster and featuring a series of intricate triangular shaped arches on its ceiling, was further enhanced by exquisite exteriors adorned with delicate floral patterns providing it an eco-friendly appearance. Even after two centuries, the grandeur and splendour of this historical monument remains unmatched in the city.

Famous among Tourist

Tourists visiting the site are sure to be left completely awe-struck with its enchanting beauty and artistic appeal. When visiting ‘Shaukat Mahal’, do take a trip to the flamboyant red brick building ‘Sadar Manzil’ that surrounds the palace.

Sadar Manzil

The bright red of ‘Sadar Manzil’ perfectly complements the milky white construction of ‘Shaukat Mahal’ and the lush gardens here further add that touch of greenery to the postcard perfect setting of these two beautiful buildings.

Events

Many a times, special qawwali programmes are also organized in the gardens during evenings. The backdrop of beautifully lit ‘Shaukat Mahal’ provides that magical feel to the whole atmosphere. If you get a chance, do attend this musical performance and soak your souls in the Nawabi spirits of Bhopal.

Would like to see the first mosque in Bhopal, then visit Dhai seedhi ki Masjid

Bhopal is not only home to Asia’s largest mosque, but to the oldest and tiniest mosque in the entire world as well! Situated inside the grounds of Hamidia Hospital, opposite to Taj-ul-Masajid, Dhai Seedhi ki Masjid is just four big steps by four big steps in area, making it about 16 sq m. acreage. Built on top of an old fort, this mosque has a watchtower of its own. According to locals, this is the first mosque in Bhopal. This mosque came up as a makeshift mosque while the fort was being built and has continued to remain a place of worship ever since.

The viewers view

Dhai seedhi ki masjid is Been build in only 16 Sq meter and was perched on top of an overgrown stone turret, which formed a corner of an old ruined fortress wall. Hamidiya hospital, it turns out, was built inside the grounds of the 18th century Fatehgarh Fort, so that soldiers deployed as guards could perform their daily prayers. The mosque is plain inside, the two and half steps leading to prayer hall is distinctive and gives the monument its name (2 and half stairs mosque).

Attractions

The mosque building is really old and from the top one could get the view of the city. It’s space from inside is really less made for only few people to pray, as told by the locals it was for the soldiers of that time. There are holes in the turret walls for pistoning guns which was a constant reminder for the danger and it was for the reason so that some could guard and some should pray.

Rani Kamlapati Palace reflect the glorious past of Bhopal.

Rani Kamlapati Palace is the commemoration of the glorious past of Bhopal. The residence of Rani Kamlapati is a historical palace situated at the heart of the Kamla park. Queen Kamlapati was the wife of a Hindu Gond Tribe warlord – Nawal Shah. Bhopal was the territory of Gond tribes who owned the palace overlooking the Upper Lake and Lower Lake. Raja Bhoj built the palace over the massive wall of the dam separating the two lakes. Rani Kamlapati Palace is a secular architecture of the 18th century built of Lakhauri bricks, cusped arches over crumpled pillars. The merlons are shaped as water lotuses honoring the name of the Queen. According to the history of the palace, queen kamlapati committed suicide by jumping into the lake in 1723.

The viewers view

Kamalapati Palace lies on the eastern side of the ancient embankment known as Bhojpal, built by the Parmara King Bhoj (AD 1010-1055) from which the present name Bhopal is derived. The existing structure is a part of the palace which was constructed by Rani Kamlapati, the widow of Nizam Shah, General Chief of Ginnogarh in AD 1722. On the Western side of this palace are the remains of Fatehgarh Fort on the hill which was built by Sardar Dost Mohammad of Bhopal (AD 1708-1726) who laid the foundation of modern Bhopal.

Attraction

Kamlapati palace is an example of contemporary secular architecture of the early eighteenth century and the earliest extant example in the Bhopal Town. This double storied building is constructed of lakhauri bricks having a facade with cusped arches supported on the fluted pillars, merlons having the shape of lotus petals and brackets supporting the Chhajjas.This monument was declared protected by the Government of India in 1989 and since then Archaeological Survey of India remains the custodian.

More about Kamla pati mahal

Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had announced installation of a statue of the Gond queen in 2016, soon after inaugurating the new cable stay bridge. But the problem was finding a likeness of her. Just like Parmar ruler Raja Bhoj, whose statue watches over Upper Lake, no sketch or image of the Gond Queen has ever been found.

Sources say an image of Rani Kamlapati has now been finalized. “A high-level government committee has finalized a statue of the Gond Queen sitting on a throne and overlooking Upper Lake,” said an official, refusing to give any more details.

Food Park Restaurant

After wandering and excursion of this beautiful and mesmerizing palace you can have scrumptious food or snacks in the food park restaurant.

View Points

Smaller lake backside of the palace
Masajid and Dargah
Galleries inside the palace
Statues and photos inside the palace
Kamla park
Food point
Backside park