KALINJER -A TALE OF TIME

 KALINJAR- A TALE OF TIME

Travelling is my deep passion and exploring every place with intensity comes naturally to me. During my trip to Khajuraho ,i mentally prepared to visit Kalinjar Fort which is 130km distance from there.  Soon after the completion of Khajuraho trip we booked a car and moved towards Kalinjar which is situated in Banda district of UP. With too much of excitement we travelled through panna national park and crossed so many beautiful local villages. On both the sides of road, locals were selling their products which were all their home grown paddy and local vegetables . Wasting no time we reached  Kalinjar fort around 2pm . Time was short to cover 5 to 6km radius  of the interior part of fort. Too much greenery around the fort and the long wall of the fort attracted how  magnificent the empire when it began under the Chedi Dynasty.

Kalinjar fort

                    I was ignited with awe by the sheer vastness of the towering walls of Kalinjar Fort.The quite afternoon , with hardly any crowd around , made the experience even more powerful. Few locals seems roamed around the temple area but as such no guide were available there. So , we moved alone and visited each part of fort . The scattered rubble around the site gave the impression that a significant structure had existed there .My eyes drawn to the massive water tank , each with steps carefully carved to descend toward the water . How enchanting the tanks which played a big role for the preserve of water  for managing in such a high altitude mountain location. I threw a stone to measure the depth of pond. One guard who tells  the story still stands, sharing it with all who visit  .The main basic story was that the  tinkling sound at times are audible at night as if someone is walking around this place .I felt audacious to feel the same near the pond .

 

A tank in the kalinjar fort

Rani Mahal is one of the important palace from which the life styles and the impressive day to day activities of Royal queens were known . Just before the Rani Mahal I saw a big entrance gate that represents for the security reason . How the guard of the Mahal rang a bell before arrival of any guest for the meeting with the Queen . The architectural style and the big two story palace shown the life style of rulers who ruled at Kalinjar.The dilapidated condition of Rani Mahal still persisted me to go up to the roof for a glance of the decorum through the narrow stair case . It felt as if i was journeying through time, seeking the grandeur and regal lifestyles of India's many rulers. 

Rani Mahal

In light mood to capture the photos

                                 

Dilapidated roof of Rani Mahal

Rang Mahal

Arches of Corridor

Fountain space

Rang Mahal was another epitome of beauty of structures where the ruling emperors and queen came  every evening to watch the cultural programme . A different routes were there from main palace to Rang Mahal through which royal family  members reached there with proper security guards.The interior of the Mahal explained a story of grandeur and cultural advance. Different seating arrangements were there as per the position of royal authority. The existence of fountain in central place with the  arches around the  Mahal shows the nature of entertainment arrangements for royal family. 

Each dynasties who ruled over there were perhaps a staunch believer of different God and Goddesses. The Venkat Bihari Temple and Neelkanth Temple  are the most important temples of kalinjar fort  . The impact of  Bundelkhandi style are there in every structures.

I was astonished to see the big  Neelkanth Temple . I conversed with the panditji about the importance of Neelkanth Temple. The big pillars and structures raised a surprising moment for every visitors. A large numbers of rock cut since the times of Gupta periods existed there which indicated the progressive Indian art and architectural style .Neelkanth Temple constructed by Chandela ruler Paramaditya Dev. and it mentioned in so many scriptures , epics of Indian puranas and several inscriptions about the Kalinjar and Neelkanth temple.Its wonderful to know the all time meaning of Time or Kal. Its name from Shiva who as kala or time causes all things to decay.

Neelkanth Temple

Moved by the surprising positive energy at the premises of temple, i saw a brahmin took bath near the stream which flowed throw a  rock cut way.The presence of rock cut Shiva Tandav on the wall of northern side of temple is a very  impressive it is  relating  to meaningful universal truth and many facts are related to Hinduism scriptures. 

Rock cut 

I got back from there and took interest for searching few more palace which may be more political and religious importance in the History of India. As sun set near to happen so guard directed to move out so that he could close the gate as after evening no out sider visitors are  allowing to go inside the fort due to safety reason. So we hurriedly went along with the guard to watch Amar Singh Mahal, Moti Mahal, Patal Ganga . 

Sun set was just to happen so wasted no more time i clicked few last shot and screamed and jumped there as like a brave  soldier.  Kalinjar fort  has so many authenticated history behind it . It continues from Pre historic to modern period. One by one ruler captured the fort and ruled with glorious phase. The Chedis , Chandelas , Rashtrakutas, Gurjars ,Pratiharas,Marathas left the cultural,political and religious progress during their rule. 

Sun set view at Kalinjar fort

Dilapidated arches

Rubbles at Kalinjar Fort

A numbers of invaders attacked the Kalingar fort many times due to strong geographical location .It was a strategic military stronghold which made it a target for various invaders seeking to control the region and its resources. Shershah Suri and Mughals were also apart of attackers to the fort and lastly the Britishers captured it finally.Kalinjar Fort had  witnessed the rising and downfall of a numbers of dynasties .The rich resources attracted everyone to hold the power over the fort.

My dream came true to go through such a beautiful place of India . 

I felt lucky and my wishes to cover the place fulfilled .

 One can visit there at any time of the year.

 Take guide for detail information of kalinjar Fort.

 Locals are coming for worshipping at the temple.

 No facility is there for night stay inside the fort . 

One Day visit is quite enough for kalinjar fort.

Sapna Acharya

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