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Ambajogai

Coordinates: 18°44′N 76°23′E / 18.73°N 76.38°E / 18.73; 76.38
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Ambajogai
City
Yogeshwari (Amba) Temple Top at Ambajogai
Yogeshwari (Amba) Temple Top at Ambajogai
Nickname: 
Ambanagari[1]
Map
Ambajogai in Maharashtra
Coordinates: 18°44′N 76°23′E / 18.73°N 76.38°E / 18.73; 76.38
Country India
State Maharashtra
DistrictBeed
Named forAmbabai
Government
 • TypeMunicipal Council
Population
 (2011)
 • Total74,844
DemonymAmbajogaikar
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN Code
431517
Telephone code02446
Vehicle registrationMH-44
Lok Sabha constituencyBeed
Vidhan Sabha constituencyKaij
Official languageMarathi[2]

Ambajogai is a city and tehsil in Beed district of Maharashtra State in India.[3] Regarded as the cultural capital of Marathwada, the town features attractions like the Shivleni Caves and monuments honoring Marathi poet Mukundraj, the author of "Viveksindu," the first Marathi literary work, as well as Dasopant.[4][5]

Ambajogai, often referred as the "City Of The Temple"[6] holds a significant place in history, second only to Kashi in terms of its cultural and spiritual heritage. The city boasts over a hundred temples, many of which have withstood the challenges of time, including dismantlement by the Nizams of Hyderabad and damage from the Killari earthquake.[7] Despite these setbacks, Ambajogai remains a testament to its rich historical legacy. Visitors can marvel at ancient "baravs" (step wells) [8] and serene lakes, while the revered temple of Shri Yogeshwari Mata features an exceptional Vinayaki[9] idol in its shikhara,[10] showcasing the city’s enduring artistry and devotion.[11]

The town was renamed Nizami name Mominabad to Ambajogai after goddess Yogeshwari (also known as Jogai) whose heritage temple is located here and are visited by people all over from Maharashtra, largely from the Konkan region.[12][13] The town has many heritage places and this township is known as the cultural capital of the Marathwada region.[4][14] The town has other heritage Hindu temples such as Sakleshwar, 12 Khambhi Mandir (lit. '12 pillar temple'), Kholeshwar Mandir, Mukundraj[15] Smadhi and Dasopant Swami Samadhi, Kashivishwanath, Amruteshwar.[16] There is an ancient cave called Shivleni Caves (Hattikhana) also known as Jogai Mandap declared as the Protected Monuments in Maharashtra (Archaeological sites in Maharashtra), where Lord Shankar, Nandi and Elephants are carved in stone, Bramha and Vishnu are also carved.[16]

Ambejogai is celebrated as the birthplace of the Marathi language; in fact, the first literary work in Marathi, *Vivekasindhu* by Mukundraj, was written here. The revered Yogeshvari Devi temple, a site of deep spiritual significance, is the ancestral deity of many families across Maharashtra, drawing numerous pilgrims to the city.[17]

A lesser-known landmark here is the Ambejogai Buruj, a historical watchtower standing in front of Kholeshwar Temple. Built in the 13th century by Raja Singhan of Devgiri, this circular tower, approximately 35 feet tall, was used for surveillance. A staircase inside leads up, though time has worn down the base, making it unsafe to climb today.

The Ambejogai Buruj has also seen its share of historical intrigue. During the Nizam’s rule, it housed a radio transmitter. When the Marathas discovered it was broadcasting news for the Nizam, they attempted to seize it. Although they weren’t successful, the transmitter was permanently shut down, marking yet another chapter in the Buruj's storied past.

History

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Entrance of Yogeshwari(Amba) Temple at Ambajogai

The town has been a cultural center in the region from the ancient times. The Yogeshwari temple, Kholeshwar temple and Barakhambi temple hints the cultural prosperity of the town dating back to 10th century AD. It was formerly known as Amrapur, Jayantipur, Jogaiambe.[18][19]

Ambajogai named by The Amba – (Goddess Parvati / Durga) by his birthplace (jogai), who appeared at this place to finish Dantasura (a devil). It was also known as Jaywantinagar by name of King (Raja) Jaywant and river's name Jayawanti, turned to Mominabad under the regime of Nizam of Hyderabad before the annexation of Hyderabad state to the dominion of India.[20] Many heritage sites and temples were harmed during this period. It was a military base of the Hyderabad state army. The stable of the horses of the cavalry of the Hyderabad army was later turned into a hospital and medical college which later was named as Swami Ramanand Teerth Rural Medical College.[21]

Jaywanti River

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The city is the cultural capital of Marathwada. Known in ancient times as Ambanagari and later as Jayavantinagar during King Jayavanta’s rule, it was renamed Mominabad under the Nizam’s reign. This city, nestled along the banks of the Jayanti River[22] in Beed district, is well-connected to many other districts in Maharashtra, making it easily accessible.

Notables

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Swami Ramanand Teerth, a prominent Indian freedom fighter, social reformer, and educationalist, was noted for his significant contributions to the liberation of the Hyderabad State from the rule of the Nizam. Born on October 3, 1903, in Maharashtra, he became an influential leader in the Hyderabad Liberation Movement and worked tirelessly to integrate Hyderabad into independent India.

Teerth was not only a champion of political freedom but also a strong advocate for social reforms, emphasizing the importance of education and the upliftment of marginalized communities. He promoted a secular and progressive ideology, focusing on the welfare of the masses and fighting against social injustices. As an educator, he laid the foundation for educational institutions in the Marathwada region, Named "Shri. Yogeshwari Shikshan Sanstha"[23] contributing greatly to the intellectual and social development of the area.

His legacy endures through Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, named in his honor, which continues to inspire and educate generations. Swami Ramanand Teerth is remembered for his unwavering commitment to freedom, equality, and social justice, leaving a profound impact on Maharashtra and beyond.[24]

Demographics

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As of 2011 India census, Ambajogai had a population of 74,844. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Ambajogai has an average literacy rate of 85.89%, higher than the national average of 74.04%; with 91.58% of the males and 79.88% of females literate. 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. Saraswati public school is residential school since last 22 years.[3]

Education

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From ancient times, Ambajogai has been referred as the "Shikshanache Maherghar" (meaning: Motherland of Education). Since pre-independence era, the council has been home to educational institutions motivated by particular objectives. The educational organisations such as Shree Yogeshwari Shikshan Sanstha and Bhartiya Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha was established before the formation Maharashtra. Ambajogai's Yogeshwari Mahavidyalaya was founded a year before to Marathwada University (now Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University). There are 14 higher secondary colleges in Ambajogai town and division,[25] including the first rural medical college in Asia – Swami Ramanand Teerth Rural Medical College.[26]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Ambajogai city history". www.beed.gov.in. Beed Government.
  2. ^ National Commissioner Linguistic Minorities 50th report, page 131 Archived 8 July 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Government of India. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  3. ^ a b "Census of India 2011, Tahsil Profile" (PDF). 3 October 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 October 2015. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
  4. ^ a b "About Ambajogai, Geography of Ambajogai, Tourist Places in Ambajogai". Maharashtra Online. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
  5. ^ कानडे, संतोष (4 October 2024). "Marathi Classical Language: मराठीला अभिजात भाषेचा दर्जा मिळण्यामागे बीडचा सिंहाचा वाटा; मराठीतल्या सर्वात पहिल्या ग्रंथाचा घेतला आधार". Marathi News Esakal (in Marathi). Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  6. ^ रापतवार, सुदर्शन (2024). मंदिराचे गाव [Mandirache Goan] (in Marathi) (1st ed.). Ambajogai: माध्यम पब्लिकेशन (published 15 October 2024). p. 80. ISBN 9788190278775.
  7. ^ Lakshmi, B. V.; Deenadayalan, K.; Gawali, Praveen B.; Misra, Saumitra (25 November 2020). "Effects of Killari earthquake on the paleo-channel of Tirna River Basin from Central India using anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility". Scientific Reports. 10 (1): 20587. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-77542-9. ISSN 2045-2322.
  8. ^ Marathe, Manas (24 February 2021). "Baravas - Unique water harvesting structures of Maharashtra". India Water Portal. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  9. ^ Govindarajan, Vinita (1 September 2017). "Vinayaki: The lesser-known story of the elephant-headed goddess, the female avatar of Ganesha". Scroll.in. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  10. ^ "Shikhara | North Indian Temple Design & History | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  11. ^ Rapatwar, Sudarshan (15 August 2024). मंदिरांचे गाव [Mandiranche Goan] (in Marathi) (1st ed.). Ambajogai: Madhyam Publication Pvt Ltd. p. 80. ISBN 978-81-902787-7-5.
  12. ^ "Yogeshwari Devasthan, Ambajogai | Official Website of Yogeshwari Devi, Ambajogai". Yogeshwari Devasthan. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  13. ^ "श्री अंबेजोगाई भक्त निवास न्यास, पुणे". Archived from the original on 8 September 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  14. ^ "Beed – District". Beed District Collectorate. Archived from the original on 28 May 2014. Retrieved 25 November 2014.
  15. ^ Rapatwar, Sudarshan (2024). मंदिराचे गाव [Mandirache Goan] (in Marathi) (1st ed.). Ambajogai: Madhyam Publications (published 15 October 2024). p. 80. ISBN 9788190278775.
  16. ^ a b "Ambajogai - DOT-Maharashtra Tourism - Maharashtra Tourism". DOT-Maharashtra Tourism. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  17. ^ "श्री अंबेजोगाई भक्त निवास न्यास, पुणे". 8 September 2019. Archived from the original on 8 September 2019. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  18. ^ "Two temple bases found during excavation in Ambajogai, says Maharashtra Archaeology Dept official". The Hindu. 25 March 2024. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  19. ^ "Maharashtra: Two temple foundations unearthed during excavation in Ambajogai". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  20. ^ Mahotsav, Amrit. "Shah Buruj: A fiery testimony to the freedom movement". Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  21. ^ "The Gazetteers Department - Bhir". cultural.maharashtra.gov. Archived from the original on 28 March 2016.
  22. ^ महाराष्ट्र टाइम्स., कॉम (21 June 2019). "जयवंती, वाण नदी प्लास्टिकमुक्त". marathi.indiatimes.com (in Marathi). p. 1. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  23. ^ "Yogeshwari Nutan HS Amba – Ambajogai District Bid (Maharashtra)". schools.org.in. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  24. ^ Teerth, Swami Ramanand. Hyderabad Swatantrasangramachya Aathavani. Popular Prakashan Pvt. Limited. ISBN 978-81-7185-208-6.
  25. ^ "मराठवाड्याच्या शिक्षण पंढरीला उतरती कळा". Lokmat (in Marathi). 21 June 2014. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  26. ^ "Swami Ramanand Tirth Rural Govt. Medical College". www.srtrmca.org. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  27. ^ "Elephant Caves – Marathwada Tourism Development Chamber (MTDC)". Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  28. ^ "Google Maps". Google Maps. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
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  • Media related to Ambajogai at Wikimedia Commons
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