By Shobha Rao Smilemaker
Apr 4: I had just 2 hours to catch my train in Sholapur, and I could either go shopping for their famous Sholapur bedsheets or enjoy the typical Maharashtrian food.
Instead I decided to check out their Bhuikot Killa meaning Land Fort - one of the rare forts in Maharashtra that is not on top of the hill. I did manage to enter the main gate, and see some cannons from the British times, but I was sent back because the ticket counter had just closed.
This 14th century fort was first was built by the Bahamani Sultanate and later occupied by Adil Shah in 1656. The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb also stayed here and later when it was handed over to the Peshwas, Bajirao II too resided here. On one side of the main gate is a place that is still used to hold wrestling matches.
Just outside the periphery of massive boundary walls on the other side was a garden which I decided to explore. The walking track seemed to merge two centuries with historical events on one side and 21st century entertainment of achildrens parls, lawns, benches present on the other side for the locals and tourists to have a lovely chilled out time.
We drove through the bustling city centre, and I saw some nice sculpted images and fountains in front of the City park mall.
We went to their famous Siddheshwar lake which was bustling with locals relaxing or shopping at the small stalls in the vicinity. We walked towards the middle of the lake and entered the Siddheshwar temple complex where I saw many Shiva lingas. I learnt that these.were some of the 68 lingas brought from Srisaila and installed by a revered swami of the Lingayat sect called Shri Siddheshwar. There were many smaller temples in this complex too dedicated to other Gods. Even before I entered the temple, I saw the beautiful gardens and his Yogasamadhi in the centre of the courtyard.
The main temple which was constructed in stone and lime during 1836 to 1917 by his many devotees looked veautiful from outside. I entered the Sàbhagraha or the devotees hall, and the wooden work here was done during the rule of the Peshwas.
I was stunned when I entered the the Pharashi Mandap and the anti chamber of this temple. The whole place from bottom to the sloping ceiling was covered with exquisite engravings in pure silver! In the niche in the back wall was the deity of Lord Siddeshwara which signified both the holy incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva! The hooded Shesh Nag was placed on top of tge idol with the ever faithfully Nandi bull in front of the idol.
Outside the temple was the Siddheshwar lake in which the Amrut Linga was built. I just had to go for a quick boat ride to soak in the beautiful sights amidst the orange glow of the setting sun!
As I bid goodbye to Sholapur from the railway station, I smiles at the wonderful memories, I was taking back with me during my short and sweet visit to this city in Maharashtra!
Shobha Rao Smilemaker has a vision of living in a world where people use their ability to find and make smiles in any situation. She is a lawyer by qualification, a soft skills trainer by passion, a motivational speaker, a freelance journalist, a bestselling author, an avid traveler and founder of 'Smilemakers Trainings'. She can be contacted at www.shobhasmilemaker.com.