VI.

Renuka Devi Temple (Renapur):

Renapur is the newly created tahsil in Latur District. And Renapur town is taluka place. Renapur is a small town. Renapur is separated from Latur taluka. Renapur town is located on the Latur - Ambajogai road. Renapur is 18 km. north to Latur town. It is situated on the bank of the Rena River, so the town is named after this river. Previously, this region was included in the Beed District. It was included in the Latur District while creating the new Latur District.

The population of Renapur tahsil is 122161, out of which 63019 are male and 59148 are female. The majority of the people live in rural areas, and the sex ratio in the tahsil is 939 females per thousand males. Renapur has the highest area under forest in Latur District, i.e., 1624 hectares, which is 2.48 % of the total area. In 2002, the average rainfall was recorded as 733 mm. The literacy rate of the taluka is 66.6%, which is the lowest in the district. The density of population is 214 per Sq.km. in this taluka. Renapur is an important town in Renapur Tahsil. The area of Renapur town is 4238.65 hectares. This town is situated on a plateau. The soil is black here, and therefore, the main crop is sugarcane. And there is the important temple in this town is the temple of Renuka Devi.

Renapur, Vitthal Katke Renapur has a historical heritage of 800 years ago, the Hemadpanti, a magnificent stone-built divine temple of the village deity Shri Renukadevi. Shri Renuka Mata, who comes running to the call of devotees and fulfills their wishes, is a great place of worship for millions of devotees. It is not possible to say for sure when the temple of the village deity Adishakti Shri Renuka Devi was established. However, this Shri Renukadevi temple is mentioned in the Saint Namdev saga as follows.

Renuka of Renapur, Jamadagnisi met, see! From her womb the world-famous star Parashuram was born!! "

When there was no Charachar! Then there was Pandharpur, and even before that, Renapur! "

This temple is said to be more than 800 years old. It is said that Renapur was previously known as Bhingri, and after the arrival of Shri Renuka Mata, Renapur may have been named after her. 800 years ago, the idol of Shri Renuka Devi was consecrated by the village of Patal. It is mentioned in the Markandeya Purana that Shri Renuka Mata and Jamadagni Rishi lived in Renapur, a village in the Dandakarana region. For 400 years, the descendants of the priest Bapu Dharmadhikari have been worshipping this idol.

The Shri Renuka Devi temple was built in the 17th century by Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar. She built the idol's chamber and the hall with Hemandapanti stone. During the 1950s, a stone hall in front of the temple was built by the Halkude family of the same village. In 1960, Shri Renuka The work of worshipping the goddess was done under the control of the Gurus. Even today, the religious authorities and the Guru family are performing all the worships of Shri Renuka Devi. For the past four hundred years, the Datta Gondhali family has been playing the Sambhal during the aarti of the goddess every day. Similarly, the Ghadse family regularly plays the Chaughada every day at twelve o'clock in the afternoon.

Renuka Devi Temple was built during the period of the Peshwas. The ceiling, walls, and pillars of the temple are built of stone. The temple has a beautiful summit over the core. The 'Sabhamandap' and the 'Ardhmandap of the temple is based on the pillars in front of the temple. There are two Deepmala (pyramid-like structures on which lamps are lit) in front of the temple. It is said that one of the two 'Depmala' is mobile. The other Deepmala has the balcony (pulpit). The images of the God Maruti and Ganapati are carved on this Deepmala. There is a 'tandala' of the Goddess Renukadevi in the 'Sabhamandap'. The ancient monuments of stone are found on the campus of the temple, one of which is like the idol of Bhagwan Mahavir.

Moving Deepmala

The 50-foot-tall hexagonal "Halati Deepmala," built of stone bricks, is the specialty of this temple. There is a replica of the three lions at the top, and to move the Deepmala, one has to climb on the Deepmala. The person moving the Deepmala holds tightly to both the iron rings at the top and moves the Deepmala easily. There is no information available about how Deepmala moves or why it moves

Renapur town is located on the State Highway No. 169. It is well connected to Latur town There is a tar road to Renapur. The buses from Latur to Parali, Beed, Ambajogai go via Renapur. The city bus facility is also available to Renapur from Latur. Also,. some mini travels, jeeps, and auto rickshaw commute from Latur to Renapur.

Water is supplied through taps and hand pumps in Renapur town.

But in summer, the town faces water scarcity. The town has open surface drains. But due to the lack of proper management, the town is full of filth and dirt. The town has primary and secondary schools, and the Junior and senior colleges are also there. The town also has a primary health care centre and some private clinics. The town has a post office and the facilities of telephones. A weekly bazaar is held on Friday in Renapur.

Renapur is well connected to other cities by buses. But the bus stand in the city is very small. The campus around the bus stand is dirty. There is no facility of parking. The electricity is supplied to all the factories and the houses of the city.

There is a problem of accommodation for the travellers in the city. There is no 'Matha' or 'dharmashalas' in the town. There are three - four lodges in the town but the facilities there are of a low level. These facilities need improvement. There are 10 - 20 hotels in Renapur town, out of which only three -four hotels provide a good quality meal to the travellers.. In other hotels only tea and breakfast are available.

There are no recreational and entertainment facilities in the town. There is no garden, no cinema theatre in the town.

The government should concentrate on providing all the facilities to the travellers. Besides this, the recreational facilities like sports, cinema, garden, and entertainment facilities should be provided here in future. If these facilities are provided, the travellers will like and prefer to live here

 V.

Anantpal Temple (Shirur Anantpal):

Shirur Anantpal is the newly created tahsil in Latur District. This tahsil is seperated from Nilanga tahsil. Its population is 74067, out of which 38205 are male (51.58%) and 35862 (48.42%) are female. This means that the set ratio in this tahsil is 939 females per thousand males. The literacy rate of this tahsil is 72. 18% (45389). The density of this tahsil is 228 per sq km.

In 2002, the rainfall was recorded as 711.7 mm in this tahsil. No land is under forest in this tahsil. Two important rivers that flow through this tahsil are Manjara and Dharni. Shirur Anantpal town is tahsil place in this tahsil. It is located on the west bank of the Dharni River. The area of the town is 3705.55 hectares. It is 40 km away from Nilanga taluka. Shirur Anantpal is situated between the fertile regions of the two rivers, Dharani and Manjara

The city is named after the Anantpal temple. The Anantpal temple of Shirur Anantpal is beautiful, like its name. It is a Hemadpanthi temple. The modern architects will also wonder at this beautiful piece of architecture.

The Sabhamandap of the temple is based on the engraved stone pillars. This temple is evidence of the ancient revered techniques of architecture. The idol of 'Nandi' in front of the temple is the attention getter. The idol of 'Nandi' is also in a small Hemadpanthi temple. This temple has a main mulcn mandap, a Sabha mandap, and three Gabharas. Out of these, two Gabharas have the idols of Shiv and Parvati, and there is a big Shiv Pind in the main Gobarha 'Shiv Pind'. There are six stone pillars in the Sabha mandap. The ceiling of the temple is beautifully engraved with pictures and zombr. There is an idol of Lord Vishnu posed on a 'Shesh Nag in the Sabha mandap. This is the deity of this village. The 'Bhajan' and 'Kirtan' are arranged on Shivratri and the 'Bhandara' on the next day. The temple has the citadel. There are some small rooms in this citadel. There is an inscription in this temple which is in Kannada script. Outside the main temple, there is the temple of 'Karpureshwar. Here, there is an idol of 'Ananta' behind the 'Shiv pind'.

The engravings and the structure of the temple is very beautiful.

This town is well connected to other cities by roads. It is located 2 km. away from Maharashtra State Highway No. 168. There is a tar road to this town. The buses, luxuries, and taxis from Latur, Nilanga, and Udgir transport the travellers. The water is supplied through taps and hand pumps. Through the Dharni river flows near this town, the town faces water scarcity every summer because the river is temporary flowing only in the rainy season. The Government should concentrate on taking the needed efforts for the travellers.

There are good communication facilities in Shirur Anantpal. There are facilities for STD, ISD, and Telegram also. Electricity supply is provided in each place in the town. Transport facilities like Buses, Jeeps, Tum-tums, are also available to reach this town. Tap water is provided to the people in this town, but in some years hand pump is used for drinking water. But in the Summer drinking water problem is a major problem in front of residents of this town. Local government should try to solve this problem by making some proper arrangements.

The primary and secondary, and higher education is available in the town, e.g. Lokjagruti Vidyalaya, Swami Kanya Vidyalaya. The bus stand is very small in the city, and the campus around it is full of filth and dirt. The campus around the bus should be kept clean. There is a primary health care centre and a dispensary in the city. There is the problem of accommodation for the travellers. There are some hotels in the town. It is necessary to provide the same facilities as hotels and lodges. The Government should take steps to provide all the facilities for all the travellers.

VITTHAL MANDIR PANGAON

 

Vitthal Mandir, (Pangaon):

Pangaon is an ancient village in Renapur taluka. It is located 16-18 Km. north to Renapur Town. The area of this village is 3177 51 HR It is 35 km away from Latur. The village is 600 m above sea level

and It is believed that Pangaon is located in a big lake Previously there was a lake around this Vitthal temple The lake was covered by trees, bushes Pan Vanaspati So many snakes are wondered in this region In Marathi, snake is also called as Pan' Therefore the village is named as Pangaon The Mahadev temple is also named as 'Pannageshwar There are so many temples in this village but Vitthal musical instrumentsMandir is the main temple

Vitthal Mandir is in the Hemadpanthi style. This mandir has Mukhmandap, Sabhamandap, Antaral, and the Core. It is believed that previously the temple was very big. The queue of elephants is engraved on the external side of the wall. The images of dancing women and women playing a musical instruments are engraved on the 'Pattika'. The engraving in the temple is very beautiful, but now in ruined condition. Some forty years before the summit was built, some images of 'Apsara' were carved on the pillars. Gemini sculptures are also engraved in this temple. There is a skeleton of the same temple in front of this temple, when Afzalkhan came here from Vijapur to attack Shivaji. he ruined the temple, which caused damage to its beauty of the temple. A scorpion on the thigh of a dancing girl is shown in an engraving.

There are the idols of Nrisinha, Badrinarayan, and Varah in the external corner of the temple. The idols of Apsara, nearly 3 feet in height are engraved outside the temple. An idol shows a Rishi, an Apsara, and a dog. That dog is symbolic of Vishwamitra in the mythological episode between Vishwamitra and Menka. Ten maidservants are engraved on the entrance gate. The idols of God Vitthal and Rukmini are also engraved.

Pangaon is in the north direction of Renapur tahsil. It is located on State Highway No. 169 (Latur - Renapur - Parali). There is a, tar road to this village. The buses via Renapur and Latur are available to this village. It means that in the case of transport, the village is well connected to other cities. Another important means of transport is the railway. There is the Parali - Hydrabad broad gauge railway, one kilometer from the village. The visitors can use this means of transport.

The facilities of the telegraph and post office are available here. Telephone facilities are also available. The village has a telephone exchange office. The education facilities are good in this village, viz. Rajiv Gandhi Vidyalaya, Tirupati Vidyalaya etc. The village has a Public Health Care Center. The medical facilities are supplied through this center to this village and nearly all villages. The problem of drinking water is the main issue in this village. The water is supplied through taps. Hand pumps are also used for this purpose. But water should be supplied, especially in summer. The bazaar is held on Saturday. People from nearly all villages visit the bazaar.

Sewage water is managed through the open drainage system. The uncleanliness of these drainages causes damage to the roads. Therefore, the village is full of filth and dust. Especially, the atmosphere around the temple is full of dirt. The drainages should be cleaned and maintained well. The village has 33 KV. MSEB office, which supplies the electricity to all the houses in the village. The village has no bus stand, which should be constructed. There is no facility for a canteen or a lavatory. The canteen and the lavatory should be provided. It should be well-maintained and cleaned.

The village has the problem of accomodation for the visitors. The lodge matha or an in should be built for the visitors. Because of this problem, most of the visitors prefer to return their places.

The village lacks in recreational facilities like garden, theatre or ceremony hall. A garden or a ceremony hall should be built for the visitors which will provide the recreational facilities.

The village administration should concentrate to provide these facilities, then and then only it can develop as a potential tourist center.

SANJIVANI VANASPATI BET OF WADWAL NAGANATH

 L

Vanaspati Bet (Wadval-Nagnath):

Wadval Nagnath village is in Chakur tahil, which was newly established. The area of this village is 23.27 hectares. Vanaspati Bet is found in Wadval Nagnath village of Chakur tahsil. This place (Bet) is 2 to 3 kilometers away from the Chakur town. This bet is famous for the trees which are having a medical quality. The Hilly and mountainous area is very small in the Latur district. Among some of the hills, this is one, and it is called 'bet' in Marathi.

It is the faith of the people that if one wanders on this hill for some days and eats the leaves of the trees which cames in front of you when you are wandering on this hill, all kind of diseases in the body will be cured. This is mentioned that there are somany trees on this hill which having the medical qualities and because of this all diseases are cured.

Vanaspati bet is part of the Balaghat Plateau. This hill is made up of purple coloured stones, which are generally found in the Konkan region. The Rocks around this hill one structured like the 'Buruj of Forts. The step topography is found around the hill. The slope of the hill is the same in all directions. This hill originated at the time when the Deccan plateau and Balaghat ranges originated. The hill is covered with some trees. These trees are scattered on the hill. The rapids, stones, and soil flow towards the bottom of the hill with the water in rainy season.

The two myths are told about the medical trees and the origin of this hill. The first is that long years ago, the war between Nagnath and Machindranath took place. Lord Datta stopped this war. He called all the Nagnathas here and ordered them to make nine trees which are having a medical quality by the use of their knowledge. According to it all the Navnathas had done this job well and made nine trees having medical qualities in them. This work was done during the time of 'Uttarayan'. So that people visit this place during the time of 'Uttara Nakshtra', and they eat the leaves of the trees. People don't know those nine medical trees made by the Nathas. So they eat the leaves of all the trees. And it wonders that these leaves don't have any bad effect.

Another myth is that Lakshaamana was injured by an arrow while fighting in the war in Lanka. A Rushi advised Rama that there is a hill in India, which has a medical tree on it, and the leaves of one of those trees will cure Lakshaamana. This task was left to Hanuman. When Hanuman reached the 'hill'. He could not identify those particular trees. As a solution to the confusion, he lifted the mountain on his palm and marched towards Lanka. While going, some parts of this monument fell down. It is mentioned that this 'bet' (Hill) is one of those parts of the mountains that falls down. This part of the mountain is known as the 'Vanspati Bet'. But these two are myths only. This hill is part of the Balaghat plateau range.

The atmosphere here is hot and dry in summer. The humidity increases during the rainy season. The average temperature is 25°c to 40°c here, during the winter season it is below 15°c. The atmosphere and campus around the hill become green and salubrious.

It looks so beautiful that the hill has worn the green 'Shalu'. There were so many thick trees a hundred years ago around this hill. Now the number of trees is becoming less and less. But so many visitors visit this place. 

         There is a small temple of Maruti on this hill. There is an idol of the god Vitthal beside the idol of the god Maruti. The temple is very simple. The wireless station is built on this hill. The people gathered on this hill during the period of Uttara Nakshatra. The visitors, school students and the diseased people visit this place. Some schools,, colleges also organise tours to this hill.

This hill is well known for the 'Aushadhi' Vanespaties (Planet), but it can be developed well as a natural tourist centre. To reach the hill, one has to come to Chakur or Latur road and then a tar road to reach the bottom of the hill. One has to go on foot to the top. There are so many buses that go to Chakur and Latur Road. From Latur town, there is a Parali-Hyderabad broad gauge railway passing through Latur road. The people from another district can use this railway route to reach this place, but one has to use the road from Latur Road and Chakur to reach this place.

The facility for drinking water for the visitor is good. people use the water from tankers and Bore wells. The campus near this place has become dirty to some extent because people throw their carry bags, leftover food, and waste around the campus on the hill. The electricity supply here is not so good because it is disturbed so many times during the day and night. People eat the leaves of the trees here, so the existence of these trees is in danger. The electricity is not supplied all over the hill. The telephone facility is available on this hill, and STD and ISD facilities are also available in the village. The luxury buses are available to come to Chakur or Latur Road. But from here, transport facilities are not sufficient to reach the hill. One has to use Jeeps or auto rickshaws to reach the hill. The charge is very high for the visitors. The accommodation facilities are not sufficient it should be provided here by the local administration. There is no hotel on the hill. The varieties of trees should be planted to beautify the campus of this hill. These trees should be protected. The road to the hill should be enlarged and maintained well. Drinking water facilities should be managed well. There is no bus stand near this hill; it should be constructed and facilities like a hotel, canteen, Lavotory should be provided here. This bet is in Wadval Nagnath village. It is an important station on the Parali-Hyderabad broad-gauge railway line. Visitors can use it. This railway station is not big, but it is well-maintained. Recreational facilities should be provided here.

Ganj Golai

      Ganjgolai is the main market place of latur town. It is famous for its particular (round shape, sphericity) construction. Roads from the diffrent parts of the city meets in Golai. So, it has got special importance. There is a Jagdamba devi Mandir inside the main building. It is situated in the centre of a building. Since 1968, Jagdamba devi navratra mohatsav and her festival is being celebrated in Ganjgolai. A statue of goddess Jagdamba is inside the temple. Before some years, few people were paying attention towards this. But some devotees took interest in rebuilding the temple. They are inspired by the sharad utsav. Which is celebrated in this temple. After some years, at the centre of Ganjgolai, new building was constructed, And in 6th october 1989, the beautiful idol of the goddess jagdamba mata was established here. she is in shape of Mahishasur Mardini. she has eight hands and she holding various weapons in it. Her face is towards the west. Total height of the idol is 8 fit.

Sai Nandanvanam Mandir

 A big Shivalaya is erected near chakur town. It is known as Sai Nandanvanam. This Temple is situated in Chakur taluka, which is in Linga form. In the ancient time Chakur town was established by Chakradhar raja. Because of him, it was named as Chakrapur. Afterwards it is known as Chakur. Previously, Chakur was the important town in Ahmadpur tahsil. But after bifurcation of Ahmadpur tahsil, Chakur Tahsil was newly created. Chakur town is the main place of Chakur tahsil. Total area of the Chakur tahsil is 2548 hectare. It is situated on the Latur Nanded state highway which is 34 km from Latur town.

          A big Shivalaya is erected near chakur town. It is known as Sai Nandanvanam. The campus of shivalaya is ornamented by various trees , small temples and water fountains. The main idol was established in 16 jullay 2001, by the hands of satya saibaba. Therefore, it is known as Sai nandanvanam. Main building is in the form of Shivling. The sabhamandap of this mandir is twenty five feet in height. Total area of this temple is 33 acres. Shivling carved in black marble, is placed in temple. The shivling is 9 feet in length, and its weight is about 9 tons. There are idols of Shri krishna and Satya Saiababa beside the shivling. Sabhamandap is very decorative and the sight seen from here is also beautiful. The pradakshina marg is spherical. Idols of Lord Ganesha and Kartikay is placed at temple door. In front of Mandir There is a tree with golden leaves. In the campus area of Mandir  twenty to thirty thousand trees are planted.

        There is a water park in campus area. Here, the Boating facility is provided. Hill type structure is found here.  Many trees are planted here. A garden and a restaurant is formed here. A small railway track is found in Mandir campus, it provides darshan facility to the tourists. Presently, a new Saint Garden is being formed here. In this garden the murals of the great saints of the nation shall be established. Musical fountain is found in campus area. It dances on the music. The accommodation facilities provided here are so good. This place is became a excellent picnic spot in Latur district.

Hatti Bet Dewarjan

Hatti bet is the another cave place in Latur district. This place is located near DevarjanVillage in udgirTahsil. this place is 3 km away from the village. It is very ancient place. There is a road available to reach the hill. There is a big campus. There were so many trees on the hill. There are three caves on the hill. These caves are kept very clean by the temple management. 

  There are so many historical places on this hill......

1)Shri Datta Sansthan:-

There is a cave a beautiful place, known as shree Datta sansthan. The slates and tiles are fixed in the cave. Beautiful makar is made by these tiles. It is very decorative. A marble idol of lord Datta is erected on big platform. Various types of pictures are formed in this cave. There is a nice temple of lord Hanuman outside of this cave.

 

2)Samadhi Of Gangagiri Maharaj:-

  There is a samadhi ( tomb ) of Shri Gangagiri Maharaj in one of the caves of Hatti Bet. This place is very old and beautiful. Gangagiri Maharaj is the disciple (bhakt) of lord Balaji. It is said that lord Balaji came here and blessed him. The idol of Gangagiri Maharaj placed in the cave is very simple. It is in a sitting pose. And it is covered with a bhagva cloth. The Rambuwa family worships this samadhi regularly, but now his sons are worshiping here. The Rambuwa family has 30 acres of land, which was donated to this samadhi.

3) The Place Of Dharmapuri Rushi.

  The place of Dharmapuri Rishi is shown on this hill. The village is named after the name of this rishi. This place was called as 'Gargure Darbar' Hanuman Ded. There was a big Gargoti Rock here. An idol of Lord Hanuman was established on this big Gargoti stone. But after words it is told that a turbat was built on it.

4) Caves Of Hattibet.

 There are some caves behind this hill. There is an idol of lord Vishnu in one of these caves. It has a beautiful facial plaque (mask). Next to this, there is a cave lane of Lord Rama, Laxmana, and Sita are sculpted. These idols are in a standing position. These idols are obscure and have fewer engravings. It is because of the rock found on this hill. This stone is not strong. The stone is purple colour. This cave is similar to the caves of Panhala Caves in Konkan. Outside of this cave, there is a big Shivpind in a square shape. It is known as Vishweshwar long because at the time of Gajendra Moksha, lord ShivShankar visited here. 

5) Big Rock (Pashan) looks like an Elephant (Hatti).

 There is a big Rock found bottom of Hatti Bet. Which is known as Hattis  Pashan  (elephant's rock). It is mentioned that there is a big lake away from this place. But it does not exist today. The myth is told about this, is that there is a crocodile that caught the leg of an elephant in this lake. The elephant prayed the lord Vishnu, Lord Vishnu revealed the elephant from the crocodile and offered him Moksha at the bottom of this hill. This mythological story is known as the Gajendra Moksha Katha. Therefore, this hill is known as Hatti Bet. And the large basalt rock at the bottom of the hill is considered the elephant that offered the Moksha by Lord Vishnu. 

   The birth anniverssary of the Lord datta is celebrated with enthuslasm every year. The people from the nearby villages gather here. There is a small besalt on this hill this is supposed as the place of Lord Balaji. On Dashera festival a big fair of Lord Balaji is held here, it is because of Gangagir Maharaj, The people gather here and give 'sona chandi' (The leaves of a particular tree) to one another. The leaves are also offered to Lord Balaji and the Samadhi of Gangagiri Maharaj.

Before some years there was a mist of a trees on this hill. But because of cutting of a trees and lack of tree plantation the number of trees has become very less. This is very pleasent and beautiful place. Specially in rainy season. Some streams of water flow here.

The climate of this place and the village is hot and dry in summer and pleasant in winter. The annual average temperature found here is 28°c. It gets rainfall from the southwest monsoon. It is an important natural place in Dewarjan village. This village is situated towards south-west of the Udgir town. It is eighteen kilometers from the Udgir town. The total area of the village is 2425 hect. There are near about 800 houses in this village.

There is a primary and higher secondary school available in this village. Dewarjan village is situated to the southwest of Udgir town, and it is a small village. The chief profession of the people is agriculture. Dewarjan village is situated on the route from Shirur Anantpal to Udgir. Though remote (far away), the buses are available regularly here. And some private vehicles also run on this route. It is very difficult to drive the vehicle in the rainy season here, because the condition of the road is very bad in the rainy season. One has to use a rough road to reach the Hattibet from the main tar road.

Tap water is supplied in this village. Most of people use the water from wells and hand pumps for agriculture, but the problem of drinking water becomes serious in summer. There is an absence of the wastage water system, that means the sewage system in this village is not so good.

To speak about health, there is a Primary Health Care Center, a primary health care sub-care station, a Dispensary, and a T.B. Hospital available in this village. The private hospitals are also available here. The patients from nearby villages came here for the treatment. It is necessary to supply the various instruments and medical facilities to the care center. The facilities available here are good, but one has to make improvements to them. The village has electricity, but the electricity supply is not regular. It is disturbed many times in a day and night. There is a bus stand in the village, but it is in bad condition. The filth (waste material) is thrown around the bus stand, which endangers the health of the people. There is a post office in the village. In addition to this, the facilities of phones are also available here. The town which is near this village is Udgir, it is just 18 Kilometers away from Dewarjan village. That means communication facilities in this village is good.

Recreational facilities available in this village is not good. There is a lack of amusement facilities in the village. The road to Hatti bet should be enlarged and maintained well. The frequencies of buses should be increased from Udgir to this bet. The water supply in summer should be good. The water should be supplied well. The local administration should look after the cleanliness on the hatti bet. It should be kept clean. The facilities of lodges and hotels should be provided on the bet. The rooms for the travelers on the bet should be kept clean. Lavatories and Latrines should be built. There is a tar road from Udgir to Dewarjan, but there is a rough road from the village to the hill. Tree plantation is the best way to beautify the campus on the hill. The Local administration should launch a social plantation program here. The accommodation should be provided to the travelers in the time of fair. All the needs of travelers should be fulfilled by the management. The caves on the hill are kept clean but they should protected well and conserved.

Sadashiv Mandir Bhutmungli

     This Mandir is situated in Bhutmungli village of Nilanga Tahsil. It is also known as Sadashiv Mandir. A person named Bhootnath Maharaj was lived here, so that the name of the village had been taken on his name. This village is situated 14 km away from Nilanga Tahsil. The total area of this village is 786.68 sq hectors. There are 450 to 525 houses were found here.

   This old hemadpanthi Mandir is situated in the middle of the village. It is in good condition. There are three gabharas (the area where the idols of god and goddess are fixed)  in the temple. There are the images of attendants , dancers, and god and the goddess are carved on the walls of the Temple. there is a Mukhmandap , Sabhamandap ,and Antaral (Gabhara) to the Mandir. There is nothing carved on the pillars of the Sabhamandap, it has been kept plane. On the entrance gate of Gabhara Rangoli is carved on the stone and 3/3 attendants are also carved on the stone frame. There is a  Shiv Pind in the main Gabhara. it has a face poloque (Mask) . On the other hand there is second gabhara where the fine carved mural idols of Lord Shiva and parvati is situated, it is worked out beautifully. And in the third gabhara there is a broken mural of  Lord Vishnu. In the Sabhamandap there are the murals of Nagshila (Snake idols In the form of male and Female) , Shesha Vishnu and Goddess Saraswati in sitting position. There the six pillars inside the Sabhamandap. There is a beautiful carving on the roof of the Mandir. There is a celebration in the month of Shravan here.

   Bhutmungli is a small village. The main occupation of the villagers is prominently agriculture.

  

Navkund Zari Mandir

Navkund Zari is a village in the Chakur tahsil. There is temple of Siddheshwar Nagnath in this village which is famous not only in Chakur but also in India. This place is also known  Kashi of South India. Village is also located towers north west of Chakur. Total area of this village is 1474 hectares. This village is famous as religious place. village is about 34 km away from Latur.
        There are twelve Jotirlings in our country. There are three temples of Siddheshwar in Maharashtra,such as Latur, solapur,and aland. And there is a temple of Nagnath in aundha Nagnath. But joint temples of Siddheshwar and Nagnath are found only in North Kashi and Navkund Zari.
       The experts say that this temple was built in the Treta Yuga. When lord Ram was in exile, he created nine kundas here by calling the navgrahas (planets). Most of these kundas are now ruined. But now only four kundas are in good condition. There are idols of Narsimha, Sheshasai Vishnu, and Mahadev in these kundas. These kundas are always full of water. The water of two kundas is used for drinking, and the other one is used for bathing. One of them is known as 'Chambhar Kund'. Because of these nine kundas, this village is known as 'Nav Kunda Zari

Sidheshwar Nagnath Mandir at Zari is Hemadpanthi. It is based on stone pillars. Cement is not used in the construction of the temple. This temple is built by placing stones one on one. The temple has thirty stone pillars. Each pillar has a beautiful engraving. The temple is in 'Swastik symbol' in shape. At the entrance, we see the 'Nandi' with a curved neck. In front of that, there is the temple of Sidheshwar Nagnath in the East-West direction. Besides the Sidheshwar temple, there are nine 'grahas'. There is a Kunda in the Nagnath temple. The depth of water in these Kundas is nearly five feet. There is the pind of Lord Shiva in this water. It is believed that there is a deep valley under this 'pind'. The water in all the Kundas is always at the same level. The campus of the temple is very big, where there are three temples. Sidheshwar temple is the main temple here, which is north-facing and has two Gabharas. There is a 'Shiv pind' in the left Gabhara. There is a Mukhmandap in front of the temple. The sixteen images are engraved on the four pillars of 'Sabhamandap'. Among those pictures are Vishnu, Krishnalila, Nrisinha, birds, elephants, and there is an image of a man who is playing flute before the snake. The 'Zumbar' (centre of the roof) is engraved with beautiful design, Kirtimukhas, and dancing images. There are also the pictures of Shiv Parvati with Nandi, Saptmatrika patti, and Nagshila. Both the Gabhara have the summits. Nagnath temple has the image of the dancing Lord Shiva instead of 'Ganeshpatti'. There is another Hemadpanthi temple on the campus, but in a ruined condition. There is an idol of Nrisinha in this temple. The idol has the 'Sinhasan' of stone

There is a wroe inscription in the campus of the temple. It is 8 inch in length and 3 feet in height. The third hemadpanthi temple in the campus has the 'Shiv pind'.

Zari is an important religious place in Chakur tahsil. It is in the north-west direction of Chakur. The area of this village is 1474 hectares. This is a centralised type of village. The atmosphere here is beautiful in the rainy season. It is 30 km away from Latur. One has to go via Chakur, Hati (Khurd), and Wagholi to reach this village. The buses, private vehicles, and jeeps are available from Chakur. But the road on this route is in bad condition

The educational facilities are good in this village. The village has primary, secondary and higher secondary schools. The health facilities and made available through maternity and Child Care Center, Child Welfare Centre, Primary Health Care Sub. Station, Nursing Home etc. There are also private dispensaries in the village.

The village has open sewage system. But the dirt and filth is increasing due to the lack of proper management of the drainages. The administration should concentrate at this. The roads in the village are unplanned. The houses and shops are unevenly settled. The electricity is supplied in nearly all the houses of the village.

The drinking water is supplied through taps. Besides, the wells and hand pumps are also used for drinking water. There is a post office in the village, and recently, the telephone facility has been made available. A weekly bazaar is held on Thursday in this village. The people from the nearby village come to this bazaar. The village has no bus stand, and the area where a bus stops is full of filth and dirt. The travellers don't have any shelter in this village, so they have to wait for buses here for a long time, in the open space. The roads are in bad condition; they should be well-maintained. The sewage system needs improvement. The village lacks an accommodation facility. During the fair, people either stay in the temple or prefer to return to Chakur or sleep in the open. The Gram Panchayat should build the inn or the 'math' for the people. There are five - six hotels in the village. The meal available is of medium quality. A good hotel should be made available that will provide good quality meals to the people. The village lacks the facility of a lodge.

The village also lacks recreational facilities like sports, a garden etc. The garden or sports ground should be made available so that people will take rest during the fair.

Nilkanteshwar Mandir

    Nilkantheshwar mandir is one of the famous ancient temple in Latur District. This temple is in Hemadpanthi Style and it  is carved beautifully. This temple is situated in Nilanga town. Nilanga town is taluka place of nilanga  tahsil.
               Nilanga town is 50 km away from Latur. The area of Nilanga town is 1676 sq km. The total population of this town is 31660. Out of which 16472 are male and 15188 are female. The density of this town is 995 persons per square kilometer. The literacy rate of this town is 65.87.
               The climate of this town is hot and dry. The average rainfall of the town was just 711.70 mm in 2001. The average temperature of this town is 28 *C. There is no land under forest in Nilanga tahsil. Nilanga town is in the west of the tahsil. Nilanga is a historical and ancient town in latur district. Where, the historical Nilkantheshwar Temple is situated.
               In ancient times, Nilanga Town was known as Nirlingpur. Nirlingpur derives its name from the Temple of Lord Nilkhantshwara. Onward Nirlingpur has changed his name to Nilang. This temple is in Hemadpanthi style and was built during the time of 12th or 13th century. This temple is a rare specimen of the perfection of ancient art and architecture. Outside walls give the appearance of a pillar-like formation, having small niches fixed with excellently carved human, animal, and divine figurines. Every part of the temple, except the terrace, has unique patterns or designs. The main entrance and some pillars of the temple were ruined. So to maintain the antiquity of this temple, ruined parts have been repaired with white cement. And because of that, original carvings have been totally erased. Some carvings have been mutilated. In front of the temple, there is a 12.19 * 18.29 meters open courtyard paved with stony slabs. While entering through the main gate, there are two platforms. One is the sabhamandap hall, which is 2.787 square meters in area and supported by the side rows of pillars. Two rows are embedded in the side walls. The remaining two rows have seven pillars each. And the middle rows have six each. Pillars are the unique gift of carving and art. Each pillar is ornamented with rich and unique carvings. Such as beautiful images of the Gods and goddesses. Some pillars are not carved. The sabhamandap has two extensions, one each on either side forming two 0.557 sq mt chambers, The one to the left containing images of Lord Shankar and Parvati carved in single block of stone and the other to the right containing the idols of Lord Balaji and Vyonkoba with an artistically designed provably round it, carved in a single block of stone. In the first of these chambers, just bellow the pedestal, the principal deity is installed. There are so many images of Lord Kartik Swami, Nandi Ganpati, Hanuman, and Saraswati around the deity. There is an image of Mongoos and Lord Balaji.  The image of Lord Balaji is four feet in height, it is armed with a discus and a shell. There are images of devotees depicted in the act of praying. The jambs of the entrances are exquisitely decorated with various types of Ganpati images. The breadth of the entrance is covered with small temple replicas bearing some divine images delicately engraved on the stone blocks similarly, the base of the entrance bears ingeniously carved divine figures admirably proportionate in measurement. The absolute symmetry of designs on both entrances depicts par excellence the architectural skill of the time when the temples were constructed. The Main Gabhara and Mandap walls have four niches in all, housing idols of Lord Laxmi, Ganpati, etc. Identical design and patterns of those on the chambers' entrances also decorate the main Gabhara entrance, with the only exception that here the designs are large in dimensions. it contains the Svayambhau Linga, held deeply in reverence by the people. There is a spacious terrace above,
 Nilanga town is in the south of Latur City. The buses are available from Latur per 15 min. from the central bus stand of Latur city. These buses are called Janta Express. The private luxuries and Jeeps, taxis also convey the travelers from any part of the district to Nilanga. This town is well connected to all the towns in the Latur district. There is a lack of Railway facilities in this town. The buses charge Rs. 21 per person ot Nilanga from Latur. Nilanga town is located between the regions of Terna and the Manjra River. The rainfall is recorded here as 711.70 mm in 2001, which is 696.10 mm. The climate in this town is hot and dry in summer, and it is cool and dry in winter. But the climate in this town is very salubrious in the winter season. In the rainy season, the atmosphere in this town is cool and green, but because the town is not kept clean, the atmosphere here is very unhygienic in the rainy season.

Though the town has most of the tar roads but the conditions of most of the tar roads is not so good. They should have to be enlarged and maintained well, which will help to improve in transportation facilities in this town. Though the town is not well recognized in the field of education like Latur and Udgir towns, i.e., some schools and colleges in the town are providing good educational facilities to the people. Lal Bhadur Shastri Vidyalaya, Maharashtra Mahavidyalya, and Shivaji Mahavidyalya are the famous educational institutions that provide the facilities of secondary and higher education. There are 15 to 20 important, well-known computer centers in Nilanga town, which provide modern knowledge of computers in their training period.

The facilities of health are good in Nilanga town. There are three big hospitals near about 86 dispensaries and family planing centers in the town. Where the patients are receiving better treatment. The private hospitals are providing better facilities than the government hospital But the fees and charges by the private hospital are not appropriate for poor people. Therefore they likes to prefer government hospital rather than private hospitals.

The drinking water is supplied through taps. The municipal council has provided the borrowers of the important plates in the town. The water is also supplied by river infiltration gallery, but these means are not sufficient for fulfill the need of the town. The water is supplied by tankers in most of the parts of the town in summer. Water supply provided in temple is quite good and sufficient.

The sewage system is managed through open surface drains in Nilanga town but most of the parts of the town are full with filth & dirtiness. The campus around the temple should be kept clean, which will retain the beauty of temple. The open surface drains around this temple should be covered so that the filth & dirt will hot be spread around the temple.

The electricity supply is supplied through thermal power station to Nilanga town. Most of the electricity is used for domestic purpose and then for industry purpose. The roads and the important places in the town have tubes and marquries. Electricity supply is good in the temple. The temple is beautified by lighting on special occasions. At that time the temple bathes in the lighting. The electricity facilities are good in town.

The lodges are available for accommodation in the town. There are 7 big lodges and 28-32 small loges in town. For example, Amith Lodge, Shishkati Lodge, Vicaram Lodge, etc. The facilities in the lodges are better than those of Mathas and Dharmshala. The beds for sleeping, hot water, TV, and telephone facilities are provided in the lodges. The big lodges charge Rs. 250-350 per day per person. Whereas the smaller lodges charge Rs. 25-30 per day per person, the poor & economically backward class people prefer to live in Mathas, rather than the lodges. Some temples provide accommodation without any charge.

There are 120-130 hotels in Nilanga town. The meals of high quality are available in high-quality hotels, but the rates are also high. Medium-quality hotels are providing good meals at medium prices. There are some stalls where breakfast & tea are available.

The bus stand is not so big in Nilanga town. The campus of bus stand is full with filth and durth. The facility of parking is not available.

The atmosphere around the temple should be kept clean. The coconuts should be broken outside the temple. The electricity, the accommodation facilities, head the of improvement. The roads near the temple and in the town should be in large. There are two three reading rooms in the town. The number of books should be increased in it. The municipal council should develop new park for citizens & the travelers, which well help this place to develop as a tourist center.

Surat Shahawali Dargah

             Shri Surat Shahawali Dargah is situated in patel chowk, old Ram Galli. This Dargah is attached with shri Chintamani Parshwanath digambar Jain Mandir. This Darga is famous not only in Marathwada region but also in Maharashtra. It was build in A.D. 1939. It is said that Saint Saifulla Shaha Sardari took Samadhi here. He was a resident of Katak, Gujrat. It is mentioned that they are masquerading as tiger while sleeping. It is said that Surat Sahawali had appeared for blessing to grand father Nanhesab Hasanoddin Mujawar son of Yusuf Namijoddin Mujawar before 110 years ago.
  Fair is held here for five days in the month of jun/july every year, according to muslim months fair start from Jamadeel Awal. During the fair Shri Siddheshwar Mandir Comity honoured coconuts and chaddar of flowers , in the procession the Green flag is given to this Dargah. At the same time of Siddheshwar fair Surat Sahawali Dargah also honoured same to Shri Siddheshwar Mandir, and in the procession the Saffron Bhagwa flag is given to Shri Siddheshwar Mandir. This old tradition bitween these two set a good example of unity bitween Hindu and Muslim Community.

Ramlingeshwar Mandir

              Ramlingeshwar Mandir is situated towards the west of Siddheshwar Mandir in latur town. It is believed that! Ramlingeshwar Mandir to have built during the reign of the legendary king Tamradhwaja. In the center of courtyard there is a cloister surrounded by masonry compound wall against its inner course. The temple has a 44.20 * 10.67 meter Mandap hall. Mandap Hall was added later date. Its middle portion is paved with colored marble tiles. Herein is the statue of Nandi and on the other side two small ling on vestibule entrance. Two more ling are housed in the vestibule! one is on pedestal and other bigger one is on the floor. On the top of the larger linga there is a creative fissure. And it is supposed to represent the wound the king received from the sword in the battle. King was devout of Raamlingeshwar. He was a worshiper of him. A shikhar crowns the temple. 

Datta Mandir Latur

       Shri Datta Mandir is situated in latur town. It is another famous datta mandir in Latur town. It is situated on latur ausa road. In 1964-65, head of Sadanand Peeth, shri Balgovindanand Saraswati considered that Latur is the place Where the Guru is living invisibly. Shri Balgovind Saraswati Maharaj is the resident of Basav Kalyan a small town in Karnataka. Shramati V G Kulkarni from Kolhapur was the deciple of Balgovind Saraswati. She had come in latur in 1966. She purchased the land from poor farmer. she established Swayanbhue Paduka here. And from that day, the function of Datta Jayanti is being celebrated here, for the erection of this mandir. She has given good contribution in it. first it was a small temple, by the by it is recreated as a big mandir. In  front of main Gabhara there is a Big Sabhamandap. In this Sabhamandap, there is a platform which is about 40 fit long and broad. This platform is divided into four parts. In the first part, there is a idol of Slivling and Vitthal Rukumai. In the second part, there is a idol of Shivpind, Ganpati and Maruti. And in the third and fourth part, two types of idols of Lord Datta is established. There is a cell under the platform.Many agnikundas are found inside the cell. There are five Holly trees inside the Mandir.

Shwetambar Jain Mandir

Another attraction of Latur town is Shri Shwetambar Jain Mandir. Located on Chapsi road. It is a place of worship of Jain community. This Mandir was constructed in 1950. At that time it was very small in size. In1970, it was reconstructed again and the idol of shri Shantinath Bhagwan is established. It is double storied edifice of stone, moderately decorated with some excellent carvings. On the first floor there is a big hall (sabhamandap). It is near about 1800 sq ft. It is used for dining also. There are 6 rooms are available here also. The main idol of Shantinath Bhagwan is instoled here also. Vishvasen was the fathar of shantinath bahgwan and Achira was his mother. They were the residents of hastinapur. Shantinath bhagwan was known as Thirthkar also. His race was Eshwaku. It is mentioned that the duration of his life is one Lakisha years, There are the images of yaksha and yakshani inside this temple. The Shikhar of this Mandir is recently constructed. It is very beautiful place.

Bada Balaji Mandir

   Bada Balaji Mandir is the first Balaji Mandir in Latur town. It is also known as Shri Ram Panchayatan. 

Keshavraj Mandir

             Keshavraj Mandir is situated at the south west of Shri Siddheshwar mandir. The ancient sanctum sanctorum (Gabhara) of this mandir is built in stone masonry. Sanctum sanctorum of this temple is having a few monolithic pillars for its cornerstone. This shrine is in more or less Hemadpanthi style. In this sanctum sanctorum a 1.129 mtrs tall idol if lord Keshavraj is in standing position. The mandir is facing towards the east. There is a short connecting passage linking the inner and outer shrine. This Mandir has two entrances gates one is on east and other one is on north side. Towards the right of the temple few cloisters have been provided. It appears that it had a protective wall. Internal Sabhamandap of this mandir is very big around 65*60 ft approximately. There are some dilapidated remains scattered here and there.

  

 The idol of lord keshavraj was found in deep forest in 12th Century to some Shepherds and they established and worshipped the idol. The idol is different than rest of Keshavraj idols found in the country. This idol has all 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu carved on it. The idol also has carvings of Lakshmi (wife of Lord Vishnu) on left bottom and Brihaspati (Teacher of all Gods) and Narada (a divine Sage). Even though exact timeframe of this idol is not known, historians say it is atleast 1000 years old.

         

         

Papvinashi Mandir

    Papnashi mandir situated at the northern part of the city. As indicated by an inscription found in the temple, This Mandir seems to have been built during the period of Someshwar III of the Chalukya dynasty. This inscription is dated in the saka year 1049 (1128 AD), which comes in the empire of Someshwar III. The inner shrine of the temple containing the Linga formation. Which is known as Bhuteshwar. The inner shrine is 10*10 with a 3 feet wide circumambulate passage. A 20*20 tin roofed sabhamandap hall has recently been added to it. It is very important temple in Latur. Tourists visiting this temple after siddheshwar temple.
     Papvinashi teerth is situated towards the north of this temple. It is also known as Pushkar Teerth. It is one of the most important teerth in Latur town. It has a great historical background. Teerth is surrounded by a beautiful sight.
   Once upon a time, a cow was accidentaly got killed by the Bhatadwaj rushi. so he wanted to be free from his sin. So, he asked his father that is there any way? to got free from his sin. His father told him that he should go to Siddhakhetra and get bath in Papvinashi Teertha. So, as per his fathers Suggestion  he went to Siddhakshetra and bathed in Papvinashi Teertha.  He was free from his sin. He himself got satisfaction. That is the resion why this Teeerth named as Papvinashi Teertha. People living here also believed that one who bathe here become free from all his sins.
     Towards the south of this Teertha there are the temples of Lord Bhuteshwara And Lord Hanuman. There is a Sati Samadhi found right behind the Bhuteshwar Mandir. It is believed that a women get Sati here.

Bhimashankar Mandir

  Shri Bhimashankar Mandir is located in Mali Galli, out of the town and surrounded by a green fields. It is said that This temple was built by only stones in hemadpanthi style. But old temple is not available here. Now some monuments are existing here. The masonry roof covering the gabhara might have been built before 200to250 years ago. There is a shivling shining like a granite. Its arc is about 1.5 feet. There is a samadhi of garibnath baba. Garibnath baba was always starving and keeping mum. He has been died in 1948 during the time of police action. Behind the shivpind there is a idol of Lord Vishnu. It is near about 3.5 feet high and having four arms. The arms hold various weapons like club, shell, chakra and lotus. Now a days new sabhamandap has been recently constructed in cement concrete. In front of this beautiful mandir there is a rectangular shaped small Teeth having some steeps. There are tow virgals having some idols on it. New statue of Nandiis established inside the sabhamandap.

Vaidyanath Mandir

Hanuman Mandir Hanuman Chowk