Main Info
Panchakki, Aurangabad Overview
Given the lush greenery and clean environment, Panchakki is a perfect picnic spot and is one of the most visited tourist attractions near Aurangabad. It gets its name from the grinding mill which is installed in the watermill complex of Panchakki. The mill was used for grinding grains and consequently, food was prepared for the devotees/ visitor that toured the place. The Panchakki complex comprises of a mosque, madrasa, house of the minister, a Sarai, a court and a house specially built for women.
Situated nearby, at a distance of 6 km, is a tributary of Harsul River, which in turn is the major source of water supply to Panchakki. You will be fascinated to witness the underground earthen pipes that carry water from the stream to this location. It is considered one of the best ancient architectural marvels and is of quite an interest to the architects and historians.
The main objective of constructing this structure was to provide utility to the general public; however, you will be enchanted by the natural beauty of Panchakki. The glistening calm and cool water of the reservoir is awe-inspiring. There is also a huge banyan tree, almost 300 years old, which stands tall by Panchakki, and which in turn adds to its elegance.
More on Panchakki
History and Significance
Panchakki and most of the establishments within its premises were built in 1744 by Turktaz Khan to commemorate Baba Shah Musafir. About twenty years later Jamil Beg Khan constructed various other infrastructures in Panchakki complex including the beautiful flower fountains and a splendid water reservoir situated adjacent to the mosque.
The engineering of the complex is of sheer interest to the architects and engineers today. Based highly advanced physics and scientific laws, the main aim of building Panchakki was to harness electricity from a nearby tributary of Harsul River and to use the same to grind the grains for the use of pilgrims, saints, and military troops that came to Aurangabad in the 17th century.
Major Attractions in Panchakki
Library: The library inside Panchakki houses about 2500 books in various languages including Persian, Arabian, Urdu, and many other books pertaining to medicine, religion, law, philosophy and science written by eminent writers. The library also holds a copy of the holy Quran which has golden covering. During the time of independence, the library had around 1 lakh books however; it was shut down due to sheer negligence of the administration. Few of the books were also taken to nearby cities including Hyderabad.
Hazrat Baba Memorial: Panchakki complex also houses a beautiful memorial of Hazrat Baba Shah Musafir who was the founder of Panchakki and its library and also a spiritual tutor and counsellor of Aurangzeb. Hazrat Baba Shah Musafir originally hailed from Bukhara, a place in Russia and he was a passionate follower of Sufism. After his demise, he was buried at Panchakki and now, the surroundings around the memorial are adorned with beautiful aquariums.
Picturesque view: Panchakki complex is known for its scenic beauty. The complex shares its borders with Kaula Nala and is connected with two splendid bridges. The 300-year-old banyan tree adds to the magnificence of the complex. Situated between Kaula Nala and city walls is the beautiful Shah Musafir’s garden. Towards the right of Panchakki, the majestic wall of Begampura encircles the complex. You will be enchanted by the view of water projecting out of numerous fountains that are spread across the entire Panchakki complex.
Working Process of Panchakki
The water from the nearby flowing stream is directed to Panchakki complex through underground earthen pipes and is stored on an elevated rectangular tank. The water then descends from a higher elevation which in turn rotates the turbine and generates electricity. It is surprising to know that the efficient mechanism adopted at Panchakki power mill to harness hydroelectricity is also environmentally sustainable. Any excess water is released into the Kham River, thereby ensuring no wastage of natural resources.
How to Reach Panchakki?
Panchakki is situated at a distance of about 1 km from the main city of Aurangabad and is one of the most visited places in Maharashtra. The region is well-connected with both state and private bus services. The nearest bus stop to Panchakki is Ghati situated around 350 metres away. Aurangabad Railway Station is the closest railway station located at a distance of 4 km.
