Saturday 30 July 2011

Kanpur and Bithoor – Hearts of Uttar Pradesh

Kanpur: Kanpur is ninth most populous city and is largest within the state of Uttar Pradesh. Kanpur has its own historical, religious and commercial importance. Kanpur is home to the globally famous IIT. It is the second largest city of the Hindi-speaking belt after Delhi. The great Hindu litterateurs such as Acharya Mahavir Parasad Dwivedi, Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, Pratap Narain Mishra and Acharya Gaya Prasad Shukla “Sanehi” contributed a lot for the propagation and popularization of Hindi.

The name Kanpur is believed to have been derived from Kanhiyapur, the town of Kanhiya (Lord Krishna). In the course of time, Kanhiyapur probably was abbreviated as Kanhapur and subsequently as Kanpur. During the British Raj, the anglicized spelling of the city was termed as “Cawnpore”. One of the ancient stories revolves around the era of Mahabharata, where Duryodhana gifted this land to Karna for his bravery and strength to match up to Arjuna. Initially known as Karnapur, the city was later coined Kanpur. To tackle the traffic problem state government and local administration have planned to set up metro service in city known as Kanpur Metro.

Kanpur is famous for its Leather. It is one of the largest producers of sugarcane in Northern India. Kanpur is also known as a “Town of Export Excellence”.

Places to Visit:

  • Amusement Parks:
  • Dream World
  • Jungle Park
  • Micky House
  • Mogli Park
  • Green Park Stadium and its Modi Stadium, a cricket stadium
  • Moti Jheel
  • Nanarao Park
  • Mahatma Gandhi Park a.k.a Katehri Bagh, Cantonment
  • Kidwai Nagar Park
  • Jungle Water Park, Bithoor road
  • Company Bagh, Mall road
  • Phool Bagh, Mall road
  • Allen Forest Zoo

Historical Attractions:

  • Gora Kabristan
  • Radha-Krishna Mandir, or J K Temple
  • Kherepati Temple
  • Anandeshwar Temple
  • ISKON Temple
  • Bithoor
  • Lav Kush Barrage
  • Kanpur Memorial Church
  • Gandhi Hall
  • Kanpur Sangrahalaya
  • Jama-ul-ulum Madarsa & Masjid
  • Habiba Masjid
  • Jajmau Tila
  • Kanpur Central
  • Musanagar tila
  • Bhitargaon Temple
  • Sarsaiyya Ghat
  • Massacre Ghat
  • Saja ud daulah Mosque
  • Nanarao Fort, Bithur
  • Jajmau Siddhant Ghat
  • Baradevi Temple
  • Boodha Bargad (Banyan) tree

Bithoor: Bithoor is situated on the Kannauj Road, 27 kms from center of Kanpur. Bithoor is far from the hustle and bustle and madding crowds of Kanpur, it offers a tranquil spot suffused with historical and religious significance. It is situated on the bank of River Ganges. During 1753-75, the administration of Bithoor was entrusted to Almas Ali Khan, who built a mosque near Lakshman Ghat on the right bank of Ganges under the rule of Nawab Shuja-ud-daula.

Bithoor was the capital of the Pargana from 1811 to 1819. After the departure of the courts, the place was assigned as a residence to Baji Rao, the deposed Peshwa. The palace of Nana Sahib was reduced to rubble by the British in 1857 and the only traces remaining of it are some large well heads and broken palace walls.

According to the Hindu scriptures, Lord Brahma came to Utpalaranya, since then this place was first witnessed the creation of mankind and was known as Brahmavarta or the seat of Brahma. On the completion of the Yajna, the forests of Utpalaranya, became known as Brahmavarta, from which the popular name, Bithoor is derived. In later centuries Brahmavarta flourished as the capital of the kingdom of Utpalaranya, over which ruled the emperor Uttanpad. His son Dhruva penanced here in order to please Brahma. The place is pointed out to be Dhruva Teela. A Shivalinga was worshipped by Lord Brahma which is still worshipped as Brahmeshwar Mahadeva at the principal Ghat of Bithoor named as The Brahmavarta Ghat.

While going for Ashwamedha Yajna, the nail of the horse shoe embedded in the steps of the Ghat is an object of special reverence for devotees as it is considered to be of the Brahma’s horse.

The existing Valmiki temple in Bithoor is said to have been rebuilt by Baji Rao Peshwa in the 19th century. There is a small pool inside Valmiki Ashram, famous as Sita-Kund. Sita ‘Rasoi’ is still preserved, near which stands ‘Swarga Naseinee’ or Deep Malika Stambha, studded with niches all around for illumination.

The historic town of Bithoor, once famous by the name of ‘Bavan Ghaton ki Nagri’, (city of 52 Ghats) is today left with only 29 Ghats. Bithoor is also very closely associated with the legends of Rama, Valmiki, Lav and Kush, and Dhruv, the legendary prince.

The best time to visit Bithoor is during October-March. Kartik Poornima Magh Poornima, Makar Sankranti Mela are the festivals celebrated with great zeal.

Places to Visit:

  • Valmiki Ashram
  • Brahmavart Ghat
  • Patthar Ghat
  • Dhruva Teela
Forts: The great freedom fighters like Nana Saheb, Tatya Tope and Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi started their struggle for freedom in the year 1857 from Bithoor and during their stay numerous forts were built which are still a source of inspiration and attraction to the Historian and research oriented people.

It is recommended that you consider booking long distance bus tickets on "Air Conditioned Volvo buses" operated by all operators as the quality of the other buses vary significantly. Bus tickets are easily available online. One can plan trip and do bus booking online in advance. Online bus booking is an easy process which can save your time and price.

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