|
The Bandhavgarh Fort is situated
in Bandhavgarh in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh,
India. It is located on the Bandhavgarh hill, rising
811 meters above sea level at the centre of the
Bandhavgarh National Park.The main gate of the Fort is
called Karn Pol, and on entering through this, one will
see huge grasslands interspersed with large reservoirs
of water which have turtles, and the many remains of
human inhabitants of the Fort - from ancient statues to
the barracks occupied by Rewa's troops up to
independence. Those who do not wish to visit the Fort,
must at least visit the reclining Vishnu located at
Shesh Saya. As mentioned earlier vehicles can drive up
till here. Various dynasties have ruled the fort: for
example, The Mauryans from 3rd century BC, Vakataka
rulers from 3rd century to 5th century the Sengars from
5th century and the Kalachuris from 10th century. In
the 13th century, the Baghels took over, ruling from
Bandhavgarh until 1617, when Maharaja Vikramaditya
Singh moved his capital to Rewa. The last inhabitants
deserted the fort in 1935. The main gate of the Fort is
called Karn Pol, and on entering through this, one will
see huge grasslands interspersed with large reservoirs
of water which have turtles, and the many remains of
human inhabitants of the Fort - from ancient statues to
the barracks occupied by Rewa's troops up to
independence. Kabir Das, a celebrated 16th Century
saint, once lived and preached here. The temple where
Lakshmana was worshiped is still functioning, with
Lakshmana still the God of the Fort. Earlier there was
a priest whose allegiance was with the Maharaja of Rewa.
The present priest is an employee of the forest
department. Two major festivals are celebrated at the
temple with the local surrounding population being
allowed free access during this time. The main
gate of the Fort is called Karn Pol, and on entering
through this, one will see huge grasslands interspersed
with large reservoirs of water which have turtles, and
the many remains of human inhabitants of the Fort -
from ancient statues to the barracks occupied by Rewa's
troops up to independence. Kabir Das, a celebrated 16th
Century saint, once lived and preached here. The temple
where Lakshmana was worshiped is still functioning,
with Lakshmana still the God of the Fort. Earlier there
was a priest whose allegiance was with the Maharaja of
Rewa. The present priest is an employee of the forest
department. Two major festivals are celebrated at the
temple with the local surrounding population being
allowed free access during this time.
|
