• Source: Ambajogai

Ambajogai (formerly Mominabad) is a city and tehsil in Beed district of Maharashtra State in India. 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.
Ambajogai, often referred as the "City Of The Temple" 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. Despite these setbacks, Ambajogai remains a testament to its rich historical legacy. Visitors can marvel at ancient "baravs" (step wells) and serene lakes, while the revered temple of Shri Yogeshwari Mata features an exceptional Vinayaki idol in its shikhara, showcasing the city's enduring artistry and devotion.
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. The town has many heritage places and this township is known as the cultural capital of the Marathwada region. The town has other heritage Hindu temples such as Sakleshwar, 12 Khambhi Mandir (lit. '12 pillar temple'), Kholeshwar Mandir, Mukundraj Smadhi and Dasopant Swami Samadhi, Kashivishwanath, Amruteshwar. 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.
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.
A lesserknown 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



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.
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. 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.




Temples and Sacred Sites of Ambajogai


Shri Yogeshwari Devi Temple
Adyakavi Mukundaraj Swami Temple
Shri Bada Hanuman Temple
Sarvagna Dasopant Temple
Shri Renukai Devi Temple (Lahan Jogai)
Shri Khoparnath Temple
Thorale and Dhakate Devghar (Temple)
Shri. Ram Temple
Butteenath (The God of Herbal Remedies)
Shri Kshirsagareshwar Temple
Shri Balaji Temple
Shri Kedareshwar Temple (Lord Mahadev Temple)
Shri Bhucharnath Temple (Hattikhana Caves, Elephanta Caves, Bhu-char-nath,)
Shri Shambhuling Shivacharya Math
Shri Kholewar Temple
Shri Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple and Papnashi Tirth
Shri Sakleshwar Mahadev Temple (Barakhambi Temple)
Shri Amaleshwar Mahadev Temple
Nagzhari Kund and Mahadev Temple
Shri Kashivishwanath Temple
Shri Digambar Jain Temple
Shri Chaubhara Ganapati Temple
Dharoba Temple
Ambajogai's people believed to have once been home to 24 Shiva temples and nearly 50 other temples, though many of these are now lost to history, remembered only through stories from the town's elders. This list highlights the remaining temples and sacred sites in Ambajogai, showcasing its rich spiritual heritage and cultural significance.




Jaywanti River


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 in Beed district, is wellconnected to many other districts in Maharashtra, making it easily accessible.

Latitude: 18.75147° or 18° 45' 5" north
Longitude: 76.36763° or 76° 22' 4" east
Elevation: 541 metres (1,775 feet)
Open Location Code: 7JCRQ929+H3
GeoNames ID: 10436029




Notables


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" 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.




Demographics


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.




Education


From ancient times, Ambajogai has been referred as the "Shikshanache Maherghar" (meaning: Motherland of Education). Since preindependence 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, including the first rural medical college in Asia – Swami Ramanand Teerth Rural Medical College.




See also


Shah Buruj
Swami Ramanand Teerth Rural Medical College and Hospital




References






External links


Media related to Ambajogai at Wikimedia Commons

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Ambajogai
• Parli Vaijnath
• Swami Ramanand Teerth Rural Medical College
• Kaij Assembly constituency
• Parli Assembly constituency
• Pramod Mahajan
• Dasopant
• Beed district
• Marathwada
• Bhartiya Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha, Ambajogai