Bidar - Sightseeing/Karnataka

Bidar is a taluk located in the northeastern part of the state of Karnataka. Bidar is an important historical town. It is located 2,200 feet above sea level on a plateau overlooking the Manjira river valley. Bidar was a part of the Bahamani Kingdom which comprised of Bijapur, Gulbarga, Bidar, Golconda, and Birar. The ruler of Bidar was Barid Shah. Bidar was later ruled by the Nizams of Hyderabad. Bidar witnessed the "RELIGIOUS REVOLUTION" under the Lingayat Reformist Basavanna. Basavakalyan from where Shaivism spread. A number of historical monuments dating back to 15th century can be found here. Bidar was one of the most prosperous cities of south India during the period of 11th century to 16th century. The name of Bidar appears to be derived from 'BIDIRU' which means bamboo. The place seems to have been known for bamboo clusters in the past, came to be known as Bidaroor and then Bidare and now Bidar.

Papnash Shiva Temple at Bidar - The spring is sacred to the Hindus and as its name "PAPNASH", annihilator of Sins, signifies, it is much resorted to as a place of pilgrimage by the people of Bidar and even by those of distant places. It may be approached by Bidar-Udgir Road and about 2 KM from Bus Station towards west to the edge of the plateau and going down the valley by a well laid road. At the ruins an ancient Shiva Temple a New Temple has been built on the slops of the hill. At the foot of the temple is a cistern measuring 16 feet by 14 feet. The cistern is continuously fed by the natural spring. Towards north there is small tank most probably dates back to Ramayana times.

Nanak Jhira Sahib - The Nanak Jhira Sahib with water spring nestles amidst serene and enchanting surroundings is main attraction of Bidar town. It has became widely famous as Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib with it’s recently constructed sprawling and splendid Gurudwara complex. It is attracting numerous pilgrims and visitors from all parts. A sarovar (Lake) and Amrut-Kunda have been built. A number of suites and rooms have been provided for lodging the pilgrims. There is a Guru-Ka-Langar where free food is served irrespective of caste and creeds. As the place is associated with the visit of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji to Bidar is it one of the sacred place to Sikh devotees.

Narshimha Jhira Water Cave Temple - Narasimha Zarna - The temple virtually runs into a cave water body and is one of the unique in the world. The water in the cave will guide the pilgrims to the idol. Narshimha Jhira Water Cave Temple At this place the Powerful diety as per the belief here is situated in cave of nealy 300 meters. One has to wade through water up to chest height to have darshan of the diety. It will be thrilling experience with bats and owls sitting on the roof top of cave but they will not do any harm to the devotees.

Dev DeV Vana (Botanical Garden) - An Eco Tourism center 6 KM away from Bidar town on Bidar - Hyderbad Highway. With more than 200 medicinal plants, this vana is believed to be something of a unconventional temple of plants.

Veerbhadreshewar Jatra's at Humnabad & Changlare: - Two very ancient temples of Lord Veerbhadreshwara in Humnabad Taluk one at Humnabad and one at Changlara village attract lakhs of tourists in the Month of January and November respectively for the yearly Jatra and cart pulling Mohotsav's. The temple at Humnabad constructed in 1725 is famous for its moving pillar.

Manik Prabhu Temple - It attracts lots of tourists in the Month of December at the time of Annual Celebrations. On the same occasion every year a Night long Classical Musical function will be held and till now the likes of Bhimsen Joshi, Zakir hussain and many others have come here for this annual jatra mahotsav. Bidar is famous for being the place where Bidriware, a form of silver filigree art, originated. Bidriware is silver filigree done in Islamic motifs and set against a dark background of blackened zinc, tin, copper and lead to create the most striking ashtrays, boxes, bangles and such.