Bateshwar Fair

Bateshwar Fair

The sleepy, dusty township of Bateshwar lies just about seventy kilometers drive by road from Agra. It is a temple complex having the reigning deity as Bateshwar Mahadeo and the entire complex dotting the banks of the Yamuna is made up of 108 temples. The entire place comes alive and is bursting at the seams literally during the months of November and December. It is the time when the devotees of Lord Shiva and belonging to the Shaivite sect assemble at Bateshwar Mahadeo to take a holy dip in the waters of the sacred Yamuna River to seek the blessings of the Lord himself.
Although the reigning deity of Bateshwar is Lord Shiva himself but the township owes allegiance to a number of other annotated persona as well. Bateshwar is said to be the birth place of Lord Krishna’s mother. It is also known to be the birthplace of the twenty second Tirthankar of Jains namely the Tirthankarka Nemichand. The hall mark of the Jains' presence in Bateshwar are the intricately carved Jain temples that are easily distinguishable from the one hundred one white marble temples that line the clay cliffs along the curve of Yamuna.

Bateshwar is famous as the son of the four dhams or major pilgrimage and it is said that once someone has completed the four dhams of Badrinath, Dwarka, Jagannath Puri and Rameshwaram one has to conclude the journey by visiting Bateshwar Mahadeo as well only then is the pilgrimage of the four ‘dhams’ considered completed and blessed. 

The Bateshwar Fair is the grand magnum opus of fairs in the country and is marked to commemorate the visit of the Lord Shiva who had rested under a large ‘Bat Vriksha’ or Banyan Tree. This magnificent tree stands even today in all its glorious spread and is worshipped by many a devotee in the pursuit of obtaining the blessings of Lord Shiva himself. Shaivaite devotees along with several others flock to the Bateshwar Fair over the two-month long fair to take a holy dip in the Yamuna waters as also they pay their obeisance and earn the blessings of Lord Shiva besides the attraction of seeing a multitude of products of the rural Indian industry and craftsmanship.

Attractions of Bateshwar Fair in Agra

The main attractions of the fair are the several immensely interesting stalls that have a huge variety of rural products ranging from utensils, cloths, tie and colorful scarves and veils besides an enormous amount of finger food that is a gourmet’s delight. The food stalls, too, have a tremendous variety of edible fare that is delectable and exhibits a variety of vegetable preparations ranging from the humble potato to any number of vegetables and fruits. The makers of these rural foodstuffs are especially tuned into the needs of the visitors to the fare and make their preparations according to their tastes. 

Thus, the foodstuffs served during the fare are typically rural foodstuffs but the spices are contained to a lower or higher degree depending on whom the food is focused upon. The number of milk based and other sweetmeats also available at the Bateshwar Fair are of an amazing variety. The ‘petha’ or candid green gourd preparation that is a famous product of Agra is seen here in large varieties. Similarly, the pure milky preparation originating in Mathura as the famous ‘Mathura ka Peda’ is also available in plenty at the fair along with a large variety of fresh and delicious variety of edible foods. 

The range of toys being sold at the Bateshwar Fair take its theme from the animal fair and a large number of stalls have on display earthenware, lacquer work and wooden toys in the shapes of a number of animals and human figurines. Similarly marble and brass ware products are visible in large quantities.

Balkeshwar Temple in Agra

Balkeshwar Temple 

Agra is a city that is famous for its temples, ancient buildings and monuments. There are several ancient and newly constructed temples that form the major center of attraction for the devotees to visit these temples and offer prayers. Agra Balkeshwar Temple is devoted to the Hindu Lord, Shiva, and is an ancient temple of the Agra city. In Agra there are around 4 most important temples of Lord Shiva that are located in the four corners of the city. This Balkeshwar temple is also among those popular one and is located on the bank of Yamuna river at Balkeshwar Colony. Aartis and prayers are conducted everyday, however, the most of the decoration and celebration takes place on the day of Shivratri. On Shivratri, the shivlinga is adorned by the Rudraksha every year. Apart from the place of worship for Hindu pilgrims, this temple is also the part of popular tourist spot among the other places that are preferred by the tourists to visit in Agra city. The area covered by this Balkeshwar temple is large which covers sprawling acres of the surrounding areas of the temple.

Balkeshwar Temple in Agra Uttar Pradesh is a center of attraction for both the local and tourists from all over the world visiting this Agra city, and holds the beliefs in the heart of every visitor that the prayer offered at this temple are directly heard by Lord Shiva.

How to Reach Balkeshwar Temple in Agra

As per the distance is concerned, it is just about 2 kilometers from Agra. This nearby location of the temple mostly resolves the accommodation problem for tourists, as they can stay in the hotels of Agra and can have a pleasant visit to Balkeshwar Temple and get the opportunity to be blessed by Lord Shiva. Balkeshwar Mandir in Agra is also highly populated place at the time of famous festivals that are celebrated here such as Bateshwar fair, Ram barat, Heetla fair and Taj Mahotsav, Kailash fair, etc.

Balkeshwar Mandir is situated on Ramratan road that is at the northern part of the Agra city and is very close to Agra railway station. There are several auto rickshaws, cabs, taxis that are available outside the railway station and can be hired to travel to this temple. Further, there are several inter city buses that run from within the city and visitors can travel from anywhere in the Agra city to this temple.

Balkeshwar Temple Address: Panchayati, Kamla Nagar, Agra, Uttar Pradesh - 282004

Jahangir Palace

Jahangir Palace

Situated in Agra,Uttar pradesh Jehangir Palace is a palace in the Agra Fort. It is the largest of the palaces built inside the Fort. The Mughal Emperor Akbar wanted to build an exclusive palace for his favorite son, Jehangir. This Palace was constructed for Jehangir and hence the name, Jehangir Palace. It is the biggest residential building, built inside the Agra Fort.
Jehangir Palace houses a unique amalgamation of the Hindu architectural style and that of the Central Asian style; which was something very rare in those days as it was the Mughal architectural fashion that was the order of the day. Thus the Jehangir Palace was an exclusive addition to the Agra Fort.
Jehangir Palace was designed in such a way so that it provided ultimate luxury and every kind of comfort to the Prince.
The Khas Mahal is a beautiful building made of expensive white marble. The marbles helped the rooms remain cool even in the scorching summer. The Shish Mahal was constructed with tiny mirrors everywhere on the walls and it was used as the dressing room. Jodhabai, Jehangir's Hindu mother also had a dressing room in the Shish Mahal and it was essentially designed in the Hindu style.
This hall was also used by Jehangir's Queen, Noorjahan. There was a typical Mughal garden, which though not a large one, was a way of escape to nature for the rulers. This was a garden where grapes, Angur in Hindi, grew and hence the name Anguri Bagh. There stood a huge bowl carved out of a single stone just in front of the Palace. This is known as the Hauz-i-Jehangiri. It is a site worth paying a visit as it speaks volume about the Mughal lifestyle and its culture.

Soami Bagh Samadh

Soami Bagh Samadh

Category : Religious

On the outskirts of Agra, the Soami Bagh Samadh is situated, in Dayalbagh. Huzur Swami Maharaj (Shri Shiv Dayal Singh Seth) performed many poojas at this place. Hence, the Soami Bagh is of historic importance to the Samadh of Soamiji Maharaj. This place is the mausoleum of the Swamiji. In 1908, this Soami Bagh was constructed. The beautifully carved building has marble uniquely designed and cut to fit into each other and is of architectural beauty. The intricate designs on the marble blended perfectly are of historic interest and brings tourists to this place. The beauty of this creation has been compared to that of the Taj Mahal. The Bhajan Gar, located nearby performs Satsang everyday. The Bhandara festival celebrated here brings the Satsang together at this place. The Radhaswami Faith was established here and is of sacred interest in this faith

Mehran Bagh

Mehran Bagh

Category : Garden

A Charbagh complex situated in Agra has become renowned, mostly due to the proximate location with the Taj Mahal. The Agra fort located opposite it has also grabbed the attention towards these places. Mehran Bagh is a perfect squared garden complex. It is designed such that it becomes partially flooded, especially during times of heavy rain. The complexity in construction sets a new standard for Mughal architecture. Mughal garden research also attained new heights with the dawn of this archaeological masterpiece. Mumtaz Mahals actual tomb has been actually found to be exactly midway between the entrance of the Taj Mahal complex and the ends of Mehran Bagh. The conclusion of the ASI survey led to the commencement of renovation and the restorative work of the garden. It is a site that is visited very frequently, especially by the botanists and by the nature lovers.

Jodha Bai Ka Rauza

Jodha Bai Ka Rauza

This is the palace of one of Akbar’s queens who was his favourite. Also called Jodha Bai’s Palace it is a simple yet sophisticated building. It is situated in the vicinity of the Jahangiri Mahal.
Inside the palace, there are slits in the wall. You can see the Taj Mahal through these small openings in the wall. The architectural design of this palace incorporated Rajasthani and Gujarati designs. Located in Fatehpur Sikri, this palace is yet another example of Akbar’s strong taste and talent in architecture.
There are some aspects of the Jodha Bai ka Rauza that have resemblances to Hindu architecture. In fact many facets of this structure combined the finest details of Hindu and Muslim architectural designs. This place is guarded by a portal. Here were the residences of Akbar’s favourite queen. It is said that Jodha Bai was the third queen of the emperor.
Also called the Marium Uz Zamani Palace, the queen was actually a Rajput princess. The design of the spaces here has been made in keeping with the taste of ladies. Hence you find that the designs here are simple and elegant. When you peer up, you see the triangular shaped ceiling.
There are plenty of mural designs such as peacocks, elephants, lotus, and ghant mala. All these are Hindu designs. This indicates the religious harmony that existed in Akbar’s period and how people appreciated each other’s culture.
There are plenty of hotels around this palace for tourists looking for places to visit in Agra. You can find hotels suiting various economies here. Jodha Bai’s Palace is an important monument in the imperial harem regime of the Mughals.
It showcased their taste in aesthetics and how they treated their ladies. The architectural style of this palace combines several architectures. The fusion of multiple designs makes this palace an exciting structure to view and photograph.

Dayalbagh

Dayalbagh

Dayalbagh  means 'Garden' (bagh) of 'Merciful' (dayal), inferring "Garden of the Merciful", is a locality in metropolitan Agra in western Uttar Pradesh, India. It is the headquarters of the Dayalbagh sect of the Radhasoami faith where the 8th revered leader (Sant Satguru) lives and presides over the satsang (holy service) .

It is a self-sustained colony, where its inhabitants lead an active, disciplined and co-operative community life, conforming to the spiritual ideals of their faith. It has affiliated educational institutes such as the Dayalbagh Educational Institute. Radhasoami Satsang Sabha is the chief working committee of Radhasoami Faith Dayalbagh.

The colony is laid out in an open garden setting. The land where the colony was established once consisted of sand dunes. For more than 60 years residents of the colony - men and women, young and old - have worked with quiet dedication in a vast programme for reclamation of land launched in 1943 by Huzur Mehtaji Maharaj, the sixth Revered Leader of the Faith. The result is a lush green 1,200-acre (4.9 km²) farm where food-grains, oil-seeds, fodder, and vegetables are grown.

No individual owns property in Dayalbagh, as the land, houses and institutions belong to the community. People live and work as a community. For example, the residents share various responsibilities like cleaning up the colony and arranging night security. The colony has its own water supply, electricity distribution, and civic services. The colony's dairy provides most of the milk that is needed, and a community kitchen that supplies food at a very nominal cost (no-profit, no-loss basis) to pilgrims. The residents can also obtain meals from there and free themselves from household chores

Guru ka Tal

Guru ka Tal is a historical Sikh pilgrimage place dedicated to the memory of ninth Guru Sri Guru Tegh Bahudar Ji. Guru ka Taal is near Sikandra in Agra. The Gurudwara was built over the place where the Guru Tegh Bahadur offered voluntary arrest to Aurangazeb, the Mughal Emperor. Several devotees gather every year to pay homage to the great Sikh guru ( who was marytyred along with his followers for sake of freedom to practice one's faith) in this Gurudwara.This historic structure dates back to the 17th century. Earlier it was a Taal (reservoir) in the area near Sikandra. It was built in 1610 AD to collect and conserve rainwater in Agra during Jehangir reign. The water of the reservoir was used for irrigation purposes during the dry season. The reservoir was ornamented with stone carvings. This is said to be the place where the Guru Tegh Bahadur laid down his arms to offer arrest to Aurangazeb. The Gurudwara called Guru Ka Taal was built in the 1970s due to the contributions and arduous efforts of Sant Baba Sadhu Singhji "Mauni"There were twelve towers in the Tal, but only eight towers have survived the test of time and have now been retrieved. This red stone structure bears similarity to many other magnificent structures of the Mughals like the Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri etc.

Mariam Uz Zamani

Mariam Uz Zamani

The Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani is the mausoleum of Mariam-uz-Zamani, the Queen consort of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.The tomb was built by Jahangir, in memory of his mother Mariam-uz-Zamani. The tomb is located in Sikandra, a suburb of Agra.

The red sandstone facade and panels with a variety of decorative designs, such as floral patterns, tell a lot about the former splendor of this tomb. There are chevron patterns in the nook shafts, wine-vases within sunk niches and geometrical floral designs gracing the piers between the arches. The chhatris have beautiful carved columns with hexagonal bases. The stone brackets occupy the spaces just below the chajja, while beautifully carved friezes are above it. And white marble is inlaid underneath the dome. The friezes of the chhaparkhats were originally covered with glazed tiles and have pyramidal roof. Traces of floral paintings can still be seen in the corners that tells about the former beauty of the tomb.

The Panch Mahal

The Panch Mahal

The Panch Mahal is a rectangular colonnaded structure open on all sides and built from local red sandstone. It is positioned to act as a "transition" building between the semi-public spaces that surround the Daulat Khana courtyard and the more private spaces of the Royal Harem. Its function is unknown: some assumptions hold that it served as a pleasure resort for the Emperor or that it was used exclusively by the ladies and children of the court. For others, its interconnection with the imperial apartments (the Khwabgah complex) as well as the relation of the building’s main façade to the public court and its eastern orientation suggest that it might have been used for the Emperor’s daily ritual of Jharokha-Darsana, where Akbar displayed himself to the public assembled in the Pachisi court to worship him and receive his blessings.

As its name implies, the building is comprised of five levels, with the ground floor measuring 22.05 meters north–south by 17.65 meters east–west, and the upper floors decreasing in their horizontal dimensions as they rise, forming an asymmetrical pyramid stacked over the southeast corner. The final, fifth level is a domed chhatri. The total height of the structure equals the total length of its ground floor; however, the building appears vertically dominant, perhaps due to its being raised on a plinth approximately .75 meters above the level of the public court. With the exception of the chhatri dome, the building is a trabeated structure. On the east elevation, double and quadruple series of columns facilitate the transfer of load. The emphasis is visual as well as structural: the east elevation is the building’s principal elevation, overlooking the Pachisi Court.
The Panch Mahal has many entrances: it can be entered on the ground floor via a door from the courtyard of the Sonahra Makan to the south, via a small private entrance in the direction of the building with a central column, via a private entrance at its southeast corner to the Mahal-i Khass, and through an L-shaped passageway. One branch of this passageway connects the Panch Mahal with the Khwabgah; the other runs along the south side of the building and accesses the garden behind it. A staircase at the building’s southwest corner connects the ground level with the first floor terrace. A modern staircase, also on the southwest corner, leads to the upper floors.
The ground floor is laid out in 8 aisles running east-west and 6 running north-south, with a total of 84 columns. Given Akbar’s syncretic approach, it may not be coincidence that the number 84 is regarded as highly auspicious by Hindus. Double columns appear in the outer row along the east elevation; they are also used in the interior rows that align (in plan) with the location of the upper floor. The ground-floor columns are octagonal in section, with the exception of four circular ones. Originally, stone screens were installed between the columns to form a series of small cubicles. Two fragments of these screens are still extant, one near the private entrance and the other at the northeast corner. Evidence of others is still visible in the form of markings on the floor pavement. Several ceiling bays are roughly decorated (white upon a red ground) and many of the stone beams carrying the first floor are carved. The ground floor has a carved jaali balustrade, and no projecting chhajja.

The first floor above ground level is 6 aisles deep east-west and 4 aisles deep north-south, with a total of 56 columns. On this floor the external columns are doubled not only along the east elevation, but along the west and north as well. The corner columns form four-fold arrangements: the columns are round and each one of them bears a unique design. This floor is the most ornate and details in its carvings. A deep chhajja projects from the ceiling of the first floor outwards.
The second floor above ground continues to recede to the southeast, with 4 aisles east-west and 2 aisles north-south. As with the first floor, it has double columns on the eastern external side and a projecting chhajja with a carved frieze. The third floor contains 12 columns, doubled and bracketed along the exteriors. Instead of a projecting chhajja, it has a characteristic jaali balustrade. On its fourth floor above ground, the building is crowned by a square chhatri with a cupola roof. The pavilion is aligned with the second and third rows of columns of the floors below.
The Panch Mahal underwent a series of restorations between 1869-1927, interventions which significantly altered its appearance. No exact records were kept, but it is possible that the stone jaali screens that once divided the ground floor into cubicles, as well as the screens that fit between the columns on the upper floors, were removed at this time. The Panj Mahal may have been conceived of as a version of the Persian bagdir, or wind tower, intended to mediate the high temperatures of the Agra plains.

Subhash Bazaar

Subhash Bazaar

Subhash Bazaar is another popular market of Agra which is situated in  Halwai Gali near the northern edge of Jama Masjid nearby the Agra Fort.

Best Known For
One is likely to find a wide variety of products out of which silk products and silk saris are the most famous ones. 

Tips
With the right negotiating skills, one is likely to find some good quality products at reasonable price.

Timings
11 AM to 9 PM, Tuesday closed

MUSAMMAN BURJ (AGRA FORT)

MUSAMMAN BURJ (AGRA FORT)

Musamman Burj also known as the Saman Burj or the Shah-burj, is an octagonal tower standing close to the Shah Jahan's private hall Diwan-e-Khas in Agra Fort
History
Musamman Burj was built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is said that at first a small marble palace built by Akbar was situated at this site, which was later demolished by Jehangir to erect new buildings. Shah Jahan in his turn chose this site to erect the multi-storied marble tower inlaid with precious stones for Mumtaz Mahal. It was built between 1631–40 and offers exotic views of the famous Taj Mahal.
Architecture
The Musamman Burj is made of delicate marble lattices with ornamental niches so that the ladies of the court could gaze out unseen. The decoration of the walls is pietra dura. The chamber has a marble dome on top and is surrounded by a verandah with a beautiful carved fountain in the center.
The tower looks out over the River Yamuna and is traditionally considered to have one of the most poignant views of the Taj Mahal. It is here that Shah Jahan along with his favorite daughter Jahanara Begum had spent his last few years as a captive of his son Aurangzeb. He lay here on his death bed while gazing at the Taj Mahal in Agra. Architecture The Musamman Burj is made of delicate marble lattices with ornamental niches so that the ladies of the court could gaze out unseen. The decoration of the walls is pietra dura. The chamber has a marble dome on top and is surrounded by a verandah with a beautiful carved fountain in the center. The tower looks out over the River Yamuna and is traditionally considered to have one of the most poignant views of the Taj Mahal. It is here that Shah Jahan along with his favorite daughter Jahanara Begum had spent his last few years as a captive of his son Aurangzeb. He lay here on his death bed while gazing at the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Mother Teresa's Missionaries Of Charity

             Mother Teresa's Missionaries Of Charity, 

Agra Overview

"There are no great things, only small things with great love" - Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa is a woman beyond description, beyond words and beyond introduction. An Albanian by birth, she had been brought up by a single mother. On a yearly trip to the chapel of the Madonna of Letnice, she knew what her calling in life was, and that?s when she decided she wanted nothing from the world but to provide peace and solace to those who were suffering. She moved to India in 1929; by 1931 she had taken her vows, and by the end of 1950, she had set up her first Missionaries of Charity. It was an honest effort to serve ?the hungry, the homeless, the naked, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared? and basically anyone and everyone who was in need of comfort or care.

At the time of her death in 1997, the Missionaries of Charity was operating in 123 countries on over 610 missions which included providing hospices to the homeless/ the ones diagnosed with AIDS/HIV or leprosy, in addition to operating several orphanages and schools and charity homes for the orphans and the elderly. One of these charity homes is based in Agra and goes by its staple name- Mother Teresa?s Missionaries of Charity. It works for the upbringing, well- being and education of the orphaned kids in addition to caring for the elderly and the homeless.

We recommend you to stop by at the Missionaries centre for an hour or so, to pay respect to the commendable effort taken up by Mother Teresa and the ?mothers? who selflessly follow her. Spend some time with the unprivileged, share some smiles, and realise your many privileges. Take a tour of the premises and observe the unconditional love and nurturing that the nuns share with the kids and the elderly. If possible, leave a small donation and help make a huge difference for the good work to continue. If nothing, we promise you peace and extreme thankfulness, on your return.

Basic Structure of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity

The centre has been divided into three chambers. They have a reserved section each for old men and women. The nuns care for them in all their capacity, not only providing them with food, shelter, clothing but also with words of comfort at all times. They are made to feel at home and are tended with extreme care and love. The next section is reserved for the kids. Besides providing the much love, care and understanding the young ones need for healthy growth and lifestyle, the non - government institution aims at giving parental love and motivation to the abandoned children to overcome apathy and grow up to be strong individuals. The foundation not only facilitates free education, healthcare, clothing, and shelter but also assists children to pursue quality education at higher levels. In order to inculcate moral values and compassion in the young minds and to promote peace, the nuns conduct daily spiritual sessions and personality development classes to inculcate the feeling of amity and familial fellowship. Any amount of appreciation is little for this noble work.

City Shopping

             City Shopping, Agra Overview

Agra is primarily known for its monuments, forts, palaces and mausoleums, but, hidden behind these architectural wonders are the traditional shopping centres and bazaars. It is home to some of the finest handicraft and artefacts markets. The shopping scene in Agra is buzzing with markets, department stores, retail outlets and local bazaars.
Agra is home to many people like the artisans, jewellers, embroiders, carpet makers and weavers who come here to showcase their precious talent. Agra is one of the largest markets for embroidery and textiles. Most of the major shopping complexes are situated near the Taj Mahal, the most famous ones being Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar and Munro Road.

If you want to buy ethnic clothing, footwear and accessories, you need to head out to the Sadar Bazaar. The Kinari Bazaar is home to a wide choice of handicrafts, along with marble, glassware, rugs, leather and textiles. Apart from offering exquisite items, these bazaars are also reasonable providing umpteen opportunity to practice your bargaining skills. If shopping is on your mind, then Agra won't leave you disappointed!

Wildlife SOS, Agra

             Wildlife SOS, Agra Overview

Established in 1995, Wildlife SOS is a laudatory initiative started by a group of individuals to work in the direction of protecting and conserving wildlife, maintaining quality habitats, and safeguarding rich biodiversity. Focusing on creating sustainable livelihood measures, the movement makes elaborate efforts to protect the depleting environment. From the majestic elephants to terrific tigers, sloth bears to other endangered animals, this is a commendable manoeuvre to help save the jeopardising planet by educating people about the hazards of animal captivity, poaching effects and reptile hunting etc., and make a difference. The organisation works tirelessly to rescue wildlife in distress, work against animal cruelty and collaborates with different communities to educate them about conserving and preserving the rich wildlife.
Wildlife SOS is most popularly known for their applaudable work of saving around 600 ?dancing bears? from the tribal people. Not until long ago and sometimes even now, the tribals trap bears and train them to dance for the people as a mode of street entertainment, in return for few bucks. While the process is all about animal abuse, the bears also go through a lot through the tough training in order to be tamed. Wildlife SOS is an initiative to save the poor creatures from the clutches of this brutality. The rescued bears are treated with great care at their rehabilitation centres and are put in an artificially modified natural habitat. In addition to this, Wildlife SOS also has several other active projects on leopards, reptiles and environmental conservation in general.