PLACES

KAUNDINYPUR

Kaundinyapur, in Candur tahsil with 593 inhabitants and 118 houses as per the Census of 1961 is situated on either side of the river Wardha. On a raised natural mound to the west of the river on a stone platform of an old Shaivite temple are placed a half-broken torso (of four headed figure) of Brahma with a long conical beard carved in black basalt and a small torso of Visnu placed on its side. Kaundinyapur is supposed to be the old capital of Vidarbha kings but beyond these fragmentary images and the remains of the original stone steps of the river ghat hardly anything is left of the old capital. However, on another mound  known as Bhim Tekdi, situated to the south of the village the  local inhabitants locate the site of the palace of Raja Bhismaka,  the father of Rukmini. At present a new temple dedicated to Vitthal Rakhumai stands on the mound. It is said that this village was the Raja's capital and his city Deulvada lies buried underneath. Fragments of large sized bricks similar to those found at Mansar and pot-sherds of pre-historic origin are found scattered all over the mound. A dozen beads of carnelian and crystal typical of the Andhra Satavahana technique were found during the excavations of 1959-60. These were reported to be found while digging the foundation of the recent temple. Some 9144 metres (100 yards) north of the temple on the same mound is an untouched old habitation site. An annual fair is held in honour of Vitthal on Kartika Paurnima (November) and is said to be attended by about ten thousand persons. In olden days the gathering used to be near about 50.000. There is also an ancient temple of Mahadeva.

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