Paithan In a large number of ancient literature both Indian and foreign as well as epigraphical sources, Paithan is referred to as one of the oldest city. It is also recorded as Kashi of the South Paithan is located at 50 Kms. from Aurangabad on the banks of river Godavari and popularly recognized as Nath's Paithan. Once upon a time Paithan or Pratishthana was the capital of the powerful rulers of the Deccan who had spread their supremacy even in the north. Satavahana dynasty was one of the most prosperous dynasty and the dynasty encouraged trade and commerce even with foreign countries. It was an important commercial centre. Due to its wealth the prosperity the Satavahanas supported and encouraged arts, architecture, literature trade and commerce. They had trade contacts with Rome. Commodities produced in Pratisthana were brocade textiles, ivory products, conch bangles, ornaments of terracotta and precious stones. Paithan was the centre for the spread of art and architecture including the famous art centres like Ajanta, Aurangabad, Kanheri, Sanchi, etc. After Satavahanas, Vakatakas ruled in Paithan during whose period Paithan gained fame as a Bhakti Centre. During later period of Rashtrakutas and Yadavas, Paithan was recongnized as an important religious centre. This was the period when Paithan gained fame as Dakshina Kashi. A number of temples were built. Chakradhara Swami is a contemporary of the Yadavas and a great religious leader of Mahanubhav Sect. In Mahanubhav's Sthan Pothi, a religious book, there is reference to Paithan as a centre of hundreds of sites worth visiting. Just as Chakradhara Swami was a product of Paithan the great Maharashtrian saint Dnyaneshwar was also from Paithan. Both of them established their sects in Paithan due to which Paithan is recognized as a spiritual centre. After the Yadavas Paithan came under the supremacy of the Muslims just like most of Deccan and India came to be dominated by the Mughals. A number of Muslim rulers are said to have visited Paithan and build mosques. Eknath was another important religious leader from Paithan. During the 17th century, a number of Marathas visited Paithan. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj visited Paithan. Chhatrapati Sambhaji, Chhatrapati Shahu and during the Peshwa period Bajirao Nana Saheb, Madhavrao and Raghunath Rao also acquainted Paithan. Paithan has played a significant role as a religious leader of Maharashtra. Paithan witnessed the Arya movement and the establishment of Vedic religions. While Chakradhara Swami propagated the vedic religion. The Bhakti cult became popular through Sant Dnyaneshwar. Sant Eknath was the most celebrated spiritual leader who made an earnest effort for the spread of Bhakti cult. The historical heritage in Paithan for the visitors are Eknath's temple, Bhairava sculpture and a Tirthapillar. There are few Havelis which represent the prosperity of old paithan. Paithan has one of the largest garden in Maharashtra, namely, Dnyaneshwari Garden which is spread over on 124 hectres of land. See Dnayaneshwari Garden link for more info.
How to Travel
Bus Fere 70-100 Rs /person time 2h 5min
Tour Travel
Taxi & Cabs 2000 to 5000 And Above depend on Passengers
A/c & Non A/c
Tea/Coffee 5-20 RS/person
Breakfast 15-50 Rs/ person
lunch 50-80/person
Dinner 50- above /person
Hotels/lodges Available
ATMs Available