Bidar Information
Historically, 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 .
Bidar boasts of several religious centers: The famous Nanak Jheera -
the largest sikh temple atleast in Karnataka, carries the tale that Guru
Nanak - the first guru of the Sikhs visited this place and got rid of
the scarcity of drinking water in the region. A popular spot is the Sikh
temple, Guru Nanak Jheera, where fresh crystal clear spring water
appears from nowhere. To visit the Narasimha Jheera, you have to tread
for atleast a furlong inside a cave with waist deep water ( and
countless bats hanging from the roof!) to seek the a view of Lord
Narasimha. Papanaash is a temple of Lord Shiva.....they say you can see
snakes guarding the idol especially during Shivaraathri.
The historical fort of Bidar was a stronghold of the Bahamani Kings in
the 14th and 15th centuries. The fort is surrounded by three miles of
walls with 37 bastions, most of them surmounted with cannons. This fort
was a source of irritation to the Mughal rulers of Delhi, and was
finally conquered by Aurangazeb. The fort now lies in ruins.
Getting There:
By Road:
Bidari is connected by road to most places in south India. Some of
these are: · Hyderabad (136 kms) · Bangalore (669 kms) ·
Bijapur (280 kms) · Basavakalyan (73 kms) KSRTC Buses ply from
Bidar at Bangalore, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Raichur and Sholapur.
By Rail:
Bidar is connected by rail with Bangalore, Bombay and Hyderabad.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Hyderabad. (136 kms).
Tourist Attractions:
The Solah Kambah Masjid :
The Solah Kambah Masjid as it is popularly known, is the oldest Muslim
building in Bidar and one of the largest in India. Not to be missed are
the Gagan Mahal, the Diwan-E-Am where the fabulous turquoise throne once
rested, the takhat Mahal, the Royal Pavilion, the Hazar Kothari and the
Naubat Khana.
