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Learn About Places Madhya Pradesh > Morena Madhya Pradesh

Morena Madhya Pradesh

Morena Madhya Pradesh :: Morena is situated in the Chambal valley. Distt. Morena has a few archeological spots with some monuments from the Mahabharat era to the medieval age. These monuments are the part of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Some of the places are as follows :: -

Sihonia (the capital of the Kachwahas)
Sas-Bahu Abhilekh reflects that Suhoniya known as Sihoniya today was the capital of Kushwahas. The Kachwaha kingdom was established in the 11th century between 1015 to 1035 A.D. The Kachwaha king Kirtiraj got a "Shiv Temple erected at Sihoniya. This temple is known as the "Kakan Math" It stand on a spot two miles away from Sihoniya in the north west of Distt. Morena. It is said that Kakanmath was built by king KirtiRaj to fulfill the will of Queen Kakanwati. It is 115 ft. high and is built in the Kajurho style.

Jain Temples : Sihoniya is a holy place of the Jains. In the east of the village, there are the ruins of the Jain temples of the 11th century A.D. In these temples there are statues of the Tirthankars such as Shantinath, Kunthnath, Arahanath, Adinath, Parshvnath and others. The main temple has three statues : Shantinath, Kunthnath and Arhanath of 10 to 15 ft. in height. They are of 11th century A.D.

Kutwar
Kuntalpur known as Kutwar is the biggest ancient village of the Chambal valley. It is just like Hastinapur, Rajgraha and Chadi of the Mahabharat period. The ancient Amba or 'Harrisiddhi Devi' temple and a crescent shaped Dam erected on the river Asan are the beautiful visiting spots of Kutwar.

Padawali (Gupta Period)
After Naga period, the Gupta empire was established in this area. The 'Gotra' of the emperors of the Gupta dynasty was 'Charan'. 'Gharon' village was inhabited near modern Padawali. Around Gharon there are the ruins of several temples, houses and colonies. This new area of population is known as Padawali because it is surrounded by several hills. Here was a magnificent ancient Vishnu Temple which was later converted into a big 'Garhi'. The terrace, the courtyard and the assembly hall of this temple are the 'epitome' of ancient culture. The standing statue of a Lion on the ruined gate seems to say that there was a time when he used to watch the temple with his companion at its gate. More than fifty monuments of different kinds can be seen at Padawali up to the valley of Bhuteshwar.

Mitawali
In the north of Naresar, there is a sixty four Yogini temple situated on the hundred feet high mountain. It is a wonderful circular construction of 170 feet radius on the style of Delhi's parliament house. Attached to circular verandah there are sixty four rooms and a big courtyard in the temple. In the centre of the temple there is the circular temple of Lord Shiva.

Pahargarh (Cave Paintings in the cave Shelters)
Twelve miles away from Pahargarh in the south east there is a chain of 86 caves and cave shelters. They are said to be contemporary of cave shelters of 'Bhim Baitka' of Bhopal. In the beginning of civilisation people got shelter in these caves. Seeing the scene of men and women, birds and animals, hunting and dancing in the cave paintings it appears as if human art flourished in the valley of Chambal in the pre historic period and it searched undiminishing colours for its expression.

Likhichhaj
Amongst many cave shelters on the banks of river Asan there is Likhichhaj which has remained a centre of attraction for a very long period. Likhichhaj means a hill bending onward like a balcony. In its natural pillarless verandah there are many pictures drawn in the mixed colours of geru and khariya. Neechta, Kundighat, Baradeh, Ranideh, Khajura, Keetya, Siddhawali and Hawamahal are other worth visiting caves or cave shelters.

Nareshwar-Norar
Jaleshwar of 8 th to 12th century is Norar of today. Here many temples were built. Out of them twenty one temples are still standing on three sides of the mountain. In them Jhankies in the style of pratihar Nagar, and rapid have been exhibited. On the mountain there is a rare tank with stairs which supplies water to all of them. The tank has been made by cutting out the rocks of the mountain. There are some statues of different deities.

Nurabad (The Monuments of Mughal Period)
In 1527 A.D. this area came under the control of mughal emperor Babar. Noorabad was founded in the times of Jahangir, the grandson of Babar. The ‘Phizi Saraya‘ in the name of ‘Saraya Chhola‘ and the bridge over the river Kuwari near Piparsa were built by Motimad Khan the sardar of Aurangzeb in the mughal period. The fort like the saray of Noorabad the bridge over the Sank with minerates and the artistic tomb of Gona Begum, the widow of Gyasuddin, the wagir of Alamgir constructed behind the saray are worth visiting. They were famous for their beauty and poetic expression.

The Fort Of Sabalgarh
Amongst the monuments of the medieval age the fort of sabalgarh is worth visiting. The beautiful ‘Bandh’ built behind the fort in the Scindia period has made the whole scene most fascinating. The foundation of Sabalgarh was laid by a ‘Gujar’ named Sabla in the past. Construction of the fort on a somewhat high cliff was made by Gopal Singh, the Raja of Karoli. Sikandar Lodhi sent a big army to hold control over this strongly built fort. The Marathas in their campaign of northern India again won it and gave it back to the king of Karoli. But in the year 1795 A.D. it was again snatched away from him by Khande Rao whose big house still stands there. During the regime of Lord Vallejali Daulat Rao Scindia (1764-1837) lived in this fort of

Gwalior. It was seized by the English in the year 1804-5. In 1809 the area around this fort was added in the kingdom of Scindia.

National Chambal Sanctuary
The National Chambal Sanctuary was formed to protect this pristine river ecosystem, complete with its varied flora and avifauna. With its headquarters at Morena, M.P., the Chambal river which is mainstay for the entire wildlife of the sanctuary harbours a variety of aquatic life like the elusive Ganges River Dolphin, Crocodile ( Muggar), Gharial ( Gavelia Gangeticus ), Freshwater Turtles, River Otters and a various species of fishes. All of which can quite easily be seen by tourists within the sanctuary area, especially in the middle reaches in the downside of Rajghat Bridge on National Highway No. 3.

The Crocodile Centre at Deori, Morena nearby is the only one of its kind in the entire state of Madhya Pradesh and has recently been opened to public. The centre helps breed and rehabilitate Crocodiles and Gharials in the Chambal. The river boasts of a population of over 200 Crocodiles and 1600 Gharials. Active efforts are now to protect the Ganges River Dolphins.

The rare Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista Gangetica), the sole member of the Cetaceans group is one of the main attraction of the sanctuary. So called the queen of Chambal, the Dolphins inspite of being blind can be seen pursuing their playful antics in the water while coming out to breathe for air. The Chambal sanctuary is one of their safest breeding areas. And one has to really lucky to sight one while cruising in the Chambal.

The surrounding environs of the river are a true bird watchers delight. During the season (November-March) one can see thousands of migratory and resident birds flock at the shores of river. At least 150 species of birds have been identified. Species of birds in abundance are the Bar-headed Geese, Brahmini Duck, Common Teal, Pelicans, Flamingoes and Cormorants. One can have an easy sighting of the Indian Skimmer- the highest population of which in the world is found in Chambal.

Tourists to the sanctuary can enjoy its many sights by motor boats specially provided by the Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh. Complete safety within the peripheries of the sanctuary is ensured by the local authorities. And one can freely enjoy the natural wonders of the sanctuary which during the 50's and 60's was largely hidden due to the presence of dacoits.

Stringent measures to protect the fragile ecosystem of the sanctuary are followed by the authorities. The visitors are also advised not to disturb, spoil the serenity of the surrounding environs or help in poaching activities directly /indirectly.

Shgani Dev Jee Mandir ::
The Hindus hold Shani (Saturn), in great awe and respect. In fact, Saturn is the only deity whose benign glance is believed to bestow prosperity, while a fierce look can cause unparalleled misfortune on the object of its attention. Small wonder then, that devotees flock to appease him every Saturday.

The Shanichara Temple made of stone at Aeti is rather special, though it doesn’t appear so from the outside. It houses the original black idol of Shani brought from Lanka (presently Sri Lanka). Legend has it that Shanideva was held prisoner by the demon-king Ravana (king of Lanka), in the Hindu epic Ramayana. The dusty village of Aeti came into being only after the temple was established. Earlier it was just a barren hilltop dotted with a few trees.

A Grand Prayer Organised On Every Saturday
A grand puja (prayer) is held here every Amavasya Shanivar (moonless Saturday night), which has devotees thronging to the temple in droves. Special narrow gauge trains operate from Gwalior, Agra, Jaipur, Baroda and some other cities to bring devotees to the temple.

The Statue of Hanuman
Just outside this stone temple is a statue of the monkey-god Hanuman. It depicts Hanuman with a dagger tied to his waist stepping on another monkey. A very curious practice is observed here: worshippers leave behind their shirts and shoes or have their hair cut in the belief that any curse that might have been cast on them will disappear along with their locks.

Facilities

Transport
The Shanichara Temple is about 37 kilo meters from Morena en route to Banmore (NH3) Aiti Village.
The Shanichara Temple is about 18 kilo meters from Gwalior en route to Padhavali, Bateshwar and Mitaoli.
Bus services are rare – make enquiries at the Morena bus station. Hiring a cab is a better idea.
Roads are moderately good up to a point, after which it is just a dry track to the temple.
Nearest Railway Station – Broad gauge – Morena & Gwalior

Narrow Gauge Railway Station is SHANICHARA from where Temple is 500 meter

Shanichera Mela on Shanichari Amavasya :

A big fair would be organised in the premises of ancient Shanchara temple, near Anti village 37 km from district headquarters to worship deity Shanidev -- planet and god Saturn -- on the occasion of 'Amavasya', which falls on Saturday -- a day meant for Shanidev.

Thousands of devotees would offer their prayers and pay obeisance.

It is believed that parikrama of 'Shani Parvat', a mountain of 14 km perimeter, relieved people from Shanidev's curse.

People normally dreaded of Shanidev's curse as it affects them for two-and-a-half or seven years. It brings misery and misfortunes but if Shanidev or Saturn planet is happy then it fetches fortunes.

Water arrangement has been made for devotees for bathing purpose through fountains outside the shrine premises.

Oil, which is offered to Shanidev, would be allowed in plastic packets rather in bottles and would be offered through a long pipe which ends over deity. The pipe would be laid from main gate of temple to the sanctum sanctorum.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made in the temple.

Police patrolling would take place at nearby areas to shrine. In this regard a dozen executive magistrates were put on duty

Agriculture and Irrigation
About 50 percent of the total geographical area is available for cultivation. About 58.74 percent of the cultivable area in the district is irrigated. Canal is the major source of irrigation which accounts for 42.94 percent of the total irrigated area. Wheat is the most important food grain grown in the district. Mustard is the most important oil seed grown in the district. Major kharif crop is Bazra.

On the whole Morena district with rich agricultural tract, is in the stage of development. The topography is also gradually changing with the reclamation of ravines for agricultural purpose, through the Chambal Ayacut Development Project. The dubious diction of Morena being region of dacoits, since dacoits have been part of the life in the district, is gradually fading. It is hoped that with the pace of agricultural and Irrigation are taking place Morena will be one of the highly proific , developed & prosperous district of the State in due course of time.

Communications
Rail and road transport are common means of communication. About 15 percent of the villages are connected by rail or bus routes. All the tehsil headquarters are connected by roads. Morena lies on the main trunk broad gauge railway route of central railway joining Delhi-Madras, Delhi-Bombay via Bhopal.

Rivers, Canals, and Waterways
The district is drained by the important rivers like Chambal, Kunwari, Asan and Sank. The Chambal which originates in the Indore district forms the north-western boundary of Madhya Pradesh with Rajasthan.

A wild river, broken hills , deep ravines and to top it all the violent legends of man and beast. Welcome to the Chambal. A rugged, raw, untamed, wilderness right in the heart of India.

Flowing through the length of 435 kms. National Chambal Sanctuary is in three states of M.P. , U.P., and Rajasthan. The river Chambal is one of the country's most beautiful and least polluted river systems.

Tourism in Morena ::
District Archaeological Museum

Collection of Statues
From the archeological point of view this museum has great importance. It is why statues have been collected here from different archeological spots, such as Sihoniya, Dubkund, Bateshwer, Parhawali, Bhensora, Chitara, Sultangarh. Some of the statm the smugglersl these statues ues have been seized fro. Alhave been exhibited in different rows or galleries. The galleries are as follows :

Shiva Gallery
The important Shiva statues are : the statues of Uma Maheshwar, Dubkund Ganesh Sihoniya. They were selected for Shaiva exhibition in France. Besides, there are statues of Ravan Anugraha, Shiv-Parvati, Nritya Ganesh, Bal Ganesh, ShivYogi, Shiv Bhairav, Indra, Ekmukhi Shivliga, Ekmukhi Shiv, Nandi etc.

Jain Gallery
The important Jain statues are : the statues of Adinath, Parshwa Nath, Chandra Prabhu Padma Prabhu 24 Thirthankars, Nemi Nath and some other Jain statues. All these statues of big size have been exhibited in the Jain Gallery of the museum.

Shakt Gallery
Amongst the Shakt statues the huge statue of Ambika Devi is standing at the entrance of the main hall with a child in her lap. Besides this statue, the statues of Goned Ambika, Sapta Matrika, Nav grahas, Penal gate, Mahishasur Mardini, Matsya Kanya, Yamuna, Ganga etc. have been exhibited in the Shakt Gallery of the museum.

Vividhi Gallery
The statues which have been exhibited in the Vividhi gallery of the museum are : Kubera, Apsara, Kalashdharini, statues concerning sex, Mithun, Saraswati, Vidhyadhar nritya dal, Gaj singh, Yuddha, Hirany Kashyap, Shrigar Rath Nayika, Indra-Padmavati, Acanbul Stambh, Singh(Lion).

Dhatu Pratima (Statues of Metal)
The statue of Apsara with ornaments in full decoration is a metal statue. The guns made of metal have also been exhibited on both the sides of the entrance gate.

Photo and Picture Gallery
In this gallery the photos and pictures of the pre historic age have been displayed. Besides this the material found in the survey and digging of archeological spots have been exhibited in the main hall and both the gardens of the museum. Some of the material have been kept in the store. Most of the statues of this district can be dated from post Gupta period to 11th century A.D.

The museum opens for visitors at 10.30 a.m. and closes at 4.30 p.m. It remains closed on every Monday and other govt. holidays. The tourists and research scholars can contact the head of the District Museum for more information in the office hours.