The famous Tourist Places in Barabanki , Uttar Pradesh includes Mahadeva, Dewa Shareef and Parijaat Tree.
About Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh
Barabanki is a district located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is situated in the Awadh region and is part of the Lucknow division. The district headquarters of Barabanki is the town of Barabanki.
Here are some key details about Barabanki:
- Geography: Barabanki is located at an average elevation of 128 meters above sea level. It is bordered by the districts of Lucknow to the west, Faizabad to the east, Gonda to the north, and Raebareli to the south.
- History: Barabanki has a rich historical background. It was originally known as “Rudauli Sarkar” during the reign of the Mughal Empire. Later, it became an important center during the rule of the Nawabs of Awadh. The district has witnessed significant events during the Indian independence movement.
- Demographics: As of the 2011 census, the total population of Barabanki district was over 3.2 million. The majority of the population consists of Hindus, followed by Muslims and other communities. Hindi and Urdu are the primary languages spoken in the region.
- Economy: Agriculture is the mainstay of the district’s economy, with major crops including rice, wheat, sugarcane, pulses, and vegetables. Barabanki is also known for its dairy industry and animal husbandry. Small-scale industries and handicrafts are other sources of income for the local population.
- Tourism: Barabanki has several historical and religious sites that attract tourists. Some notable attractions include Siddheshwar Nath Temple, Dewa Sharif Dargah, Masauli Temple, Naimisharanya, and Satrikh. These places have cultural and religious significance and offer insights into the region’s heritage.
- Education: The district has a decent education infrastructure, including schools, colleges, and professional institutions. Barabanki has several government and private educational institutions that cater to the needs of students in various fields.
- Connectivity: Barabanki is well-connected by road and rail networks. The National Highway 28 passes through the district, connecting it to Lucknow, Faizabad, and other nearby cities. Barabanki Junction is the main railway station, providing regular train services to different parts of the country.
- Administration: Barabanki district is divided into several administrative subdivisions and blocks. The district administration is responsible for maintaining law and order, providing public services, and implementing government schemes.
Barabanki offers a blend of historical, cultural, and natural attractions, making it an interesting destination for tourists and a significant district in Uttar Pradesh.
Tourist Places in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh
Mahadeva
Lodheshwar Mahadev Temple, located in Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, is a famous ancient Shiva temple. It attracts a large number of devotees during the month of Phalgun, specifically on Mahashivratri, to worship and offer water to the revered shivling. The temple is situated in the village of Mahadeva, on the banks of the Ghaghra river.
Legend has it that before the Mahabharata period, Lord Shiva wanted to manifest on Earth once again. A learned Brahmin named Lodheram Awasthi had a dream where Lord Shiva appeared to him. The next day, while irrigating his field, Lodheram noticed water draining into the earth from a pit. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t plug the pit. That night, Lord Shiva appeared in his dream again and instructed him to establish a temple at the pit, saying that he would gain fame through Lodheram’s name. The next day, Lodheram discovered a statue in the pit while digging. When his implement struck the statue, blood oozed from the spot, which is said to be visible even today. Overwhelmed, Lodheram continued to dig, but couldn’t reach the other end of the statue. Thus, he left it as it was and built the temple at that spot, combining half of his name, “Lodhe,” with “Ishwar” (Lord Shiva), resulting in the name “Lodheshwar.” The Brahmin was blessed with four sons, after whom four villages were named.
The temple is mentioned in several instances in the Mahabharata. After the war, the Pandavas performed the Mahayagya (great sacrifice) at this location, and a well called Pandav-Kup still exists, believed to have spiritual qualities and the ability to cure various ailments.
The fair held on the occasion of Mahashivratri at Mahadeva is renowned in the history of fairs and festivals. It is unique in that it is attended exclusively by male devotees, with no women participating in the festival. The fair attracts millions of devotees from far and wide.
The Lodheshwar Mahadev Temple is not only a place of religious significance but also a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Barabanki district.
Dewa Shareef
Dewa, a pilgrim town located in the heart of Awadh, is just 42 kilometers from Lucknow and 12 kilometers from Barabanki’s district headquarters. It is the birthplace of Haji Waris Ali Shah, whose message of universal love for humanity has influenced generations. Haji Waris Ali Shah hailed from a family of Husaini Syeds and was born in the early 19th century. His father, Syed Qurban Ali Shah, passed away during his childhood.
Haji Waris Ali Shah was highly revered by Hindus, who considered him a perfect Sufi and follower of Vedanta. After his demise on April 7th, 1905, he was buried at the place of his death. A magnificent monument was erected in his memory by devoted followers, both Hindus and Muslims. Every year, in the month of Safar (July), Urs is celebrated at his sacred tomb. Haji Waris Ali Shah also organized the Urs of his father in the month of Kartik (October-November), during which the Dewa Mela, a grand fair, is held to commemorate the saints. Pilgrims from across the country and abroad visit to pay their respects to Haji Waris Ali Shah and his father, Qurban Ali Shah.
The Dewa Mela is known for its bustling cattle market. The fair also offers a wide variety of cultural programs, including an All India Mushaira (poetry gathering), Kavi Sammelan (poets’ assembly), Music Conference, Manas Sammelan (Ramayana recitation), Seeratun Nabi (life of Prophet Muhammad), and more. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy events like hockey, volleyball, badminton, athletics, and others. The fairgrounds are filled with brightly lit and decorated shops offering handicrafts, household items, toys, delicious snacks, and exotic sweets. The 10-day fair concludes with a dazzling fireworks display.
The Urs and Dewa Mela at Dewa are not only religious events but also vibrant celebrations of culture and communal harmony, attracting people from various backgrounds to come together and honor the great Sufi saint, Haji Waris Ali Shah, and his father.
Parijaat Tree
The village of Kintur, located approximately 38 kilometers east of Barabanki’s district headquarters, derived its name from Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas. The area is known for its ancient temples and their remains. One notable feature is the presence of a special tree called Parijaat, situated near a temple believed to have been established by Kunti. There are various popular beliefs surrounding this tree. According to one saying, Arjuna brought the tree from heaven, and Kunti used to offer its flowers to crown Lord Shiva. Another belief suggests that Lord Krishna brought the tree for his beloved queen, Satyabhama. While the historical accuracy of these tales may be debatable, the Parijaat tree itself holds great ancient significance.
In the Harivansh Puran, it is mentioned that Parijaat is a type of Kalpavriksha (a wish-fulfilling tree) found only in heaven. It is said that whoever makes a wish under this tree will have their wish fulfilled. Although references to Kalpavriksha can be found in religious and ancient literature, the existence of such a tree is not known anywhere else in the world except in Kintur, Barabanki. In botanical terms, Parijaat is known as Adansonia digitata and is considered unique because it does not produce fruits, seeds, or can be reproduced from branch cuttings. Botanists classify it as a unisex male tree, and no other tree like it can be found elsewhere.
The leaves of the Parijaat tree have five tips resembling fingers at the lower portion, while the upper reaches have seven tips. Its beautiful white flowers take on a golden tinge when dried. The tree blooms infrequently, usually after the festival of Ganga Dashera, and its fragrance spreads far and wide. It is believed to be aged between 1000 to 5000 years, with a trunk circumference of around 50 feet and a height of approximately 45 feet. According to local folklore, its branches do not break or dry out but instead shrink and disappear into the original trunk. The people living nearby consider the tree their protector and hold it in high esteem. They take great care to protect its leaves and flowers. The unique Parijaat tree attracts a large number of tourists who come to witness its splendor.
The Parijaat tree in Kintur is not only a botanical marvel but also a symbol of local pride and reverence, representing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Disclosure : Source of Information about the Tourist Places in Barabanki is https://barabanki.nic.in/ .
