PLACES

SANGLI

Sangli, (pop. 78.338) the headquarters of the district of the same name lies on the left bank of the Krsna about 4 km (2^1/2 miles) north-east of its cornfluence with the Varna. It is 48.2b km (30 miles) east of Kolhapur and 9.65 km (six miles) north-wesr of Miraj with both of which it is connected by rail as- well as by road, The latter town is an important junction on the Poona-Bangalore route of the South-Central Railway giving access to important citiey. and towns like Poona, Bombay, Kolha-pur. Belganv. Bijapur, Bangalore and Solapur via Pandharpur. A section of the same railway also connects Miraj with Kurdu-vadi and Latur. Convenient travel by buses from Sangli to Kolhapur. Belganv. Bijapur and Poona is also possible. The favourable situation of Sangli in respect of transport and communications is responsible for its commercial prosperity to a very large degree.

The town which occupies 28.48 km² (11 sq. miles) of area consists of the old town and the new town. The old town lies on a slight eminence immediately on the river bank. Its streets, though narrow and crooked, have nearly all been put into good order with kerb stones and properly constructed gutters. The new town also lies, on the river bank and was founded at the beginning of the I9th century when the late Chief Cintamanrav established himself at Sangli. It consists of the Pcth Bhiig, Vakhar Bhag, Sivaji Nagar, Extension Area etc., extending right up to Visram Bag. The Chiefs of Sangli, have contributed much in the making of modern Sangli, its prosperity and the well-being of its people. This part of the town is well laid out with straight, broad and handsome roads, clean and sanitary living conditions, modern buildings and lovely parks and gardens. The Sivaji Nagar and the Extension Area is for the most, part occupied by well-to-do people possessing roomy and agreeable bungalows. The Peth and Vakhar Bhags are residentinl-cum-commtrcial and business areas of the town. The quarry east of the town is mainly occupied by labourers. Sanglivadi on the western side, hitherto an independent revenue area, has since been merged in Sangli town and comes within the fold of the Sangli municipality- It consrts mainly of farm lands.

While there was no tan watcr-supply. the bulk of the people used river water and to facilitate the fetching of water five flights of strps or ghats were erected by Appasaheb (1801-1851). Beginning from the Chief's residence, which is now used by the family Divan (the royal family now residing in Mal Bungalow on the Madhavnagav road) the glials in order are, the Maica ghat, Sanglivadi the Krsna the Visnu and the Sudruca ghat. They arc in excellent repair.

Sangli is a very big trading centre and is considered to be the second largest market in agricultural produce in Maharastra State and ranks next only to Bombay. It has an Agricultural Market-produce Committee. The forward market in turmeric and oil-seeds at Sangli is counted as one of the important markets of its kind in India. Besides, there is a flourishing trade in tobacco. A Co-operative Sugar Factory has recently been established. There are three spinning and three weaving mills and 20 powerloom units. There are also various, engineering and small-scale industries and recently a co-operative industrial estate has been established where 25 small-scale industries have actively started production. By virtue of its being a large commercial centre branches of almost all the major banks have been established here.

The offices of the Collector, zilla Parisad, District and Judicial Magistrates' Courts, District Superintendent of Police, Public Health, Buildings and Communications, and Sanitary Sub-Division may be noted as the most important. The town has also post and telegraph and telephone exchange facilities.

Besides private clinics and hospitals the town has a civil hospital conducted by Government, 3 allopathic and one ayurvedic dispensaries and a maternity home of the municipality and a veterinary dispensary maintained by the Zilla Parisad.

Sangli is a beautiful metropolis vibrating with activities, educational and cultural no less than commercial. The holy Krsna river with its ghats and Temples gives it a religious background. As far as education and learning are concerned Sangli-Miraj aieas have excellent facilities. Within the municipal limits alone there are 4t primary schools, besides Montessoris including one conducted by the municipality, 11 high schools, two technical schools, one B.T. college, two S.T.C. colleges and a collegi with the faculties of Arts and Science. Besides there arc the Wellingdon College of Arts and Science. Cintamanrav Patvardhan College of Commerce, Valcand College of Engineering, and the Medical College at Miraj established in collabora tion with Miraj Medical Centre by Government. Among the libraries the Sangli Nagar Vacanalaya deserves a mention.

Among the means of recitation could be mentioned the following clubd and theatres: Rotary and Lions Clubs and the local clubs like Gymkhana and Mahila Parisad. To the right of the mad running towards Miraj, just near the rest house, an extensive ground for the erection of a stadium has been set aside. The town has six cine-theatres and three Natya Mandirs, of which two are owned by the municipality. Sangli has the credit of being the birth place of the Marathi drama. It was Sita-Svaymvara (1843) written by Visnudas Bhave who enjoyed the patraonage ot the Chief of Sangli, the late Sir Cintamanrav Appasaheb Patvardhan. The veteran Marathi dramatists Govind Ballaji Deval and Krsnaji Prabhakar Khadilkar hailed from this place.

Municipality.

Constitution.- The municipality at Sangli was constituted in 1876 and has an area of 28.54 km² (11.02 sq. miles) under its jurisdiction. The president, elected by the councillors from among themselvcs. is the administrative head. He carries on the administration wirh the assistance of the necessary officers and the other staft.

Finance.—In 1962-63 municipal income amounted to Rs. 23,94,233. However, this sum excludes Rs. 22,62,483, as being the income under extra-ordinary and debt heads. The income comprised revenue derived from municipal rates and taxes Rs. 20,06,003: realisation under special acts Rs,. 8,797; municipa1 property and powers apart from taxation Rs. 85,513, grants and contributions Rs. 1,54,891 and miscellaneous Rs. 1,39,029. Expenditure during the same year amounted to Rs. 37,68,463. This also excludes a sum of Rs. 9,09,053 incurred on extra ordinary and debt heads. Expenditure comprised general administration and collection charges Rs. 8,43,925; public sfety Rs. 65,646; public health and convenience Rs. 23,58,948: public instruction Rs. 4,16,422; contributions Rs. 24,693; miscellaneous Rs. 35,766 and loans Rs. 23,063.

Market and Buildings.—-Two vegetable and fruit markets are construe:ed by the municipality. The one in the Peth Bhag is in the heart of the town and has good stalls; the other named as Chatrapati siivaji Mandai is near the bus. stand and was constructed in 1958 at a cost of Rs. 88,000. It has 48 vegetable and fruit stalls each measuring 0.929 m² (10 ft. square). The maternity home building has cost Rs. 55,000 and was constructed in 1961. In the same year the new municipal building was constructed at a cost of Rs. 1,80,000. It has a small clock-tower.

Health, sanitation and water-supply,—Besides the maternity home, the municipality maintains two allopathic and two ayurvedic dispensaries. Family planning centres are attached to two of these dispensaries. A civil hospital and a veterinary dispensary are conducted by Government.

As yet, the town has no underground drainage system. Some parts 'have flush type latrines attached to underground sceptic tanks. The drains and gutters are of cement concrete. The sullagc water is let in the main open gutter and then allowed to flow in its natural gradient. A part-of it is allowed to flow alongside the Krsna river. The scheme of underground drainage is already under preparation of the Public Health Department of Government.

Sangli town has the most modern system of water-supply employing scientific methods of purification. There are two water works constructed side by side on the Krsna bank near Rama Tekadi Mandir. The old water-works was installed in 1910 and was designed to supply 31,82,172 litres (6 lakh gallons) of water per day. But with the increase in population it was unable to cope up with the corresponding increase in demand. Hence a new water-works was taken up in 1956 and completed in 1958, It has cost eight lakhs of rupees and is designed to supply 1,81.83,840 Litres (40 lakh gallons) of water per day. The entire distributary system was also overhauled,at a cost of Rs. 18 lakhs

Education.—Primary education is compulsory and is managed by the Zilla Parisad. Towards this end the municipal contribution amounted to Rs. 1,50,639 in 1961-62.

Fire-fighting Service.—Three fire fighters fitted with all the necessary equipment arc maintained by the municipality.

Cremation and Burial Places.—Cremation and burial places are under municipal control. Separate grounds have been set aside for different communities.

Objects.

Ganesdurg Fort.

Of the objects of interest the Ganesdurg fort is of historical importance. It is an octagonal building with round bastions at each external angle. It was surrounded by a broad moat which for the most part is filled up by refuse. The walls which are about 4.57 metres (15 ft.) thick and 5.18 metres (17 ft.) high are built of stone and mortar with a parapet, now destroyed, of burnt brick and lime. Formerly, there was a low loopholed wall of stone and mud, known as the revni round the fort: hut it has now disappeared, the stones having been used for public buildings. The fort had only one entrance on the north. Now there are two more entrances on the southern and the eastern sides, respectively. The first gateway is on the counter scarp between the circular loopholed bastions about 6.40 metres (21 ft.) high. On the edge of the scarp there is another and much stronger gale Hanked on either side by two large circular bastions loopholed for musketry and opposite the gate is a large bastion commanding the entrance which here turns to the left. On either side of these flank bastions and running round the large bastion are bomb-proof chambers of burnt brick which once served as the quarters, for the garrison. These very quarters are now occupied by hotels and typewriting institutions. These casements are continued at intervals all round the fort. Inside, two medium sized sannons are lying in disuse. The fort was dismantled and disarmed after the mutiny in 1858. It never was a place of any strength, being commanded from the high ground of the old town. Inside is the divankhana, a large building of stone and burnt brick purely in the Hindu style which formerly was the Chiefs residence. Now the fort and its premises house the various government offices like the Collector's the treasury, the central jail, sanitary sub-division, public health, home guards, etc. Within the premises there is a B.T. Coallege, a high school, the museum which has been proposed to be shifted elsewhere, and quite a lew residential bungalows.

Willingdon Collage Museum.

The Museum, for the present is housed in a small building owned by the Raja of Sangll within the fort premises. At the entrance of the building enlarged photographs of the famous caves of Karla, Ajanta and Ellora are displayed. A model of the bridge across the Krsna in Sangli city is kept in a wooden showcase. In a big and well ventilated hall on the first storey of this building is the major collection. Of the collection the must important are the original paintings of A. N. Muller and fames Wales. There is a fine painting of Nanii Phaclnis. from Menavali vada. It also contains a few paintings of Dhurandhar, the well-known artist.

The collection displayed in the museum consists of Western and Eastern curios such as Roman Clock, a model of the leaning rower of Pisa, flower pots, chinese porcelain, a model of golden temple of Buddha in Japan. There are also various other objects of. fine art such as ivory carved objects and sandal wood articles.

There are marble statues of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra and small models of the British royal family. The Raja of Sangli donated his entire collection to this museum.

In 1954, the museum was taken over by the Wellingdon College for management and the Principal acts as its director. It receives an annual grant of Rs. 1,500 towards its maintenance expenditure. In 1961 it received Rs. 5,000 from the Government of India for printing picture post-cards and purchase of show cases. It is felt that the primary requirements of the museum are space and a trained curator in the absence of which no substantial progress can be achieved. For this purpose the college authorities have applied to the Government of India for a building grant of Rs. 2,50,000.

The museum at present has very few exhibits of local importance and interest. But efforts are being made to acquire old sculptures and manuscripts. It is open to the public between 2 and 6 p.m.

Ganapati Temple.

Of all the objects of interest in Sangli town in point of beauty and magnificence. Ganes temple is of the greatest attraction and draws hundreds of devotees everyday. It is said and believed by one and all that the Patvardhan Sardars achieved power and success and ultimate greatness due to the blessings, of this deity. It is the Kuladaivata of not only the Patvardhans but of at least more than half the population of Sangli. Besides the main temple of Ganes there are four more, but smaller ones, of Suryanarayan, Cintamanesvar, Laksmi-Narayan and Cinta-manesvari, which together with the chief deity forms the Ganapati panchyatan.

The construction work was started by the late Sri Appasahch Patvardhan and was actually completed in about 1844. The blocks of stone employed in the construction were brought from the Jyotiba hills near Kolhapur, a distance of nearly 64.37 to 72.42 km (40 to 45 miles). Thoss had to be brought on huge platforms which required about fifteen bullocks to pull.

The whole, including the former residence of the Chief, stands in a fairly large quadrangular court. The Chief's residence is close by and facing the river, on which side there is a wall flanked by two bastions and loopholed for musketry. Sri Cintamanrav Appahaheb Patvardhan built the mandap at a later date. The stone used is of the same type as that employed for the construction of the original temple and the sculptural work and the designs are also befitting the original shrine. It was completed in 1952 and was inaugurated at the hands of Dr. Sarvapalli Radbakrishnan, the then Vice-President of India and the present President.

A huge and massive gate of red sand-stone, recently constructed, leads into the spacious courtyard planted with coconut palms and very many other trees and plants, in the midst of which stands the sacred temple of Ganapati. The gate has a grandeur of its own and is the work of skilled architects and artisans of great repute. It is composed of three arch-shaped entrances, each crowned with a gumbaz. The central arch is loftier and bigger than the side ones and has superb stone jali lattice work. They are afso decorated with many other patterns and carvings. From the threshold of the gate one can have a complete view of the inside of the temple.

A finely decorated lofty door leads into the extensive mandap hall supported on eight highly polished and ornamented pillars. It has. galleries on two sides having a number of arches formed in between very many pillars, also of polished black stout. Even the ceiling of the mandap bears lovely creeper— designs, with a huge chandelier, with innumerable prisme, hanging from the centre of the ceiling. In addition to the main entrance there are four more doors, two on either side. On the wall are reproduced sacred hymns from the Bhagvadgita.

The original edifice built by Sri Appiisaheb Patvardhan is on a dais of about 15.24x9.14 metres (50'x 30') having about 14 pillars also of polished black stone. These pillars form ten arches and arc ornamented suitably. Of the same colour are the tiles thai pave the floor. In the gabhara is placed the white marble idol of Ganapati with Rdhi and Sidhi to the right and left, respectively. All these idols are housed in a small domelike structure also of white marble, which in turn is. installed on a 1.16 metres (3 1/2 ft.) pedestal of black stone. In the background is a mirror which besides reflecting the idols gives an excellent view of the front side of the temple. This part is approached by steps fixed at both the extreme ends. On the sanv platform but outside the gabhara, to the right of the visitor, is a casket of glass containing the chariot of Arjuna. While the chariot is of sandal wood, the images of Arjuna and Krsna are of ivory. It delineates Krsna preaching Bhagvadgita to Arjuna when he refused to right ihe Kauravas on the historic battle-field of Kuruksetra. The gabhara is crowned by a sikhar with a brass spire plated with gold. It bears various designs and carvings and figure-filled niches, In the corners there are smaller replicas of the main sikhar. There is a fine terrace above the mandap,

The shrine is an excellent specimen of stone carvings and especially the glass-like polished stone-work evokes admiration. Unrivalled in its finish and magnificence, it has become an object of keen interest for the people visiting Sangli. Though over a century has elapsed since the construction of the original shrine it has not lost its beauty in the slightest degree. In the courtyard on either side there are two fountains, shaped like lotus flowers.

Of the remaining four temples of the pancsyatan, two, viz., Cintamanesvar and Suryanarayan are on the right side, arranged one behind the other, placing one of the fountains mentioned above in the middle. The other two, viz., Laksmi-Narayan and Cintamanesvari are on the left also arranged in the same manner. They are more or less identical replicas of the original edifice of the Ganapati temple and contain white marble idols of the respective gods and goddesses. Behind the temple of Suryannrayan there is the figure of a baby elephant shown to be Trampling a tiger under its feet. It is of black stone.

Ganes Caturthi festival is the most important of all and attracts thousands of persons. The temple enjoys inam grants made by the Patvardhans which continue till the present day. To look after the maintenance of the temple a Ganapati Pancayatan Trust has been created.

In the backyard of the Ganes temple court there is a small black stone idol of Kuranesvari. It is housed in a small arch of stone. The goddess is said to fulfil the wishes of Her devotees and hence people attach much religious significance to it. People visiting the Ganes temple generally take darsan of this goddess too.

Gomata Mandir or Panjarpol Samstha.

Gomata Mandir or Punjarpol Samstha is located in the area known after the second name at a stone's throw from the Ganapati shrine. It was started by Sri Annasaheb Sakharam Rajmane in Saka 1826 with the sole intenrion of saving the old and disabled cattle from falling into the hands of butchers. Provision of fresh and pure milk for new horn habes and breeding of healthy cattle for agricultural purposes was later on made another of its objectives. The Gomata mandir consists of two long quadrangular balls quite separate and detached from each other forming a narrow lane in between. At the farther end of the passage is a small ten-arched canopy containing a white marble idol of Krsna leaning against a cow also made of the same stone. Two of the pillars forming the front arch have been magnificently decorated with small, carefully set-in white and stained glass pieces. Of the two halls one is used as a cow shed and the other is equipped with stage performance equipment where dramas can be enacted or marriage receptions held. The hall is let on hire. Attached to this are a few apartments which arc also rented.

On the walls of the cattle shed the whole life story of Krsna right from his birth in Kamsa's prison is illustrated by means of a series of fine picture paintings. On one of the walls of the second hall are a few more depicting some of His acts and deeds. In addition, in this hall, there are painted portraits of eminent Indians like, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Rabindranath Tagore, Vinoba Bhave, Sarojini Nayadu. Dr. Radhakrishnan and Bhaurav Patil, the last named being a well-known philanthrophist. of Sangli. There are also like portrait of Buddha, Rama,, Sita, Laksmi and Sarasvati.

The roofs of both these halls are arranged in such a way that. they form a series of crests and troughs in the front. In these troughs and crests are set in small but majestic statues of Chatrapati Sivaji riding on a horse with a drawn sword, Rani Laksmibai of Jhansi, also in the same pose, Dattatraya leaning against a cow and that of Krsna. Gomata mandir is registered with government and was receiving an annual grant of Rs. 2,000 from government in the initial stages. The grant has now been discontinued. Yet another branch of this samstha has been opened at Kavtha.

Tilak Mamdir or Gita Mandir.

Tilak Mandir also known as Gita Mandir is in the Peth Bhag and occupies a spacious court fenced by iron bars. In the compound in a handsome little canopy is housed a marble bust of I.okmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, one of the greatest freedom-fighters of India, The canopy is four pillared, of which two are embedded in the back wall. On either side in the same compound arc two buildings in one of which is housed a library named as Gita Mandir and is dedicated to the memory of Lokmanya Titak.

Mahatma Gandhi and jawaharlal Nehru statues.

The statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, the foremost makers of modern India, have been installed in the middle of the Mahatma Gandhi road just near the Sahgli railway station. ' These are of life-size and are mounted on high pillar like pedestals.

Chatrapati sivaji Statue.

An equestrian status of Chatrapati Sivaji Maharaj, east in bronze. is installed right opposite the vegetable market named after him. Unlike many other statues, here he is shown to be riding on a mare depicted in a galloping position. It is mounted on a pedestal 3.65 metres (12') broad and 2.43 metres (8') high. The status itself is 3.20 metres (10 1/2) high and looks very majestic and imposing. It was installed at a Loral cost of Rs. 30,000 and was unveiled on 31sr July 1962. by Shri Y. B. Chavan, the then Chief Minister of Maharast.ra and the present Home Minister of India.

Parsvanath Svetambar Jain Mandir

Parsvanath Svetambur Jain temple, standing in an enclosed courtyard, is situated in Vakhar Bhag. It has a 2.32 m² (25 ft. square) sabhamandap supported on 12 pillars of cement, each having a Garud figure at the base and winged female figures at the top, shown to be supporting the roof.. These images are also of cement. They are excellently painted. A chandelier is hung from the ceiling. The gabhara door-frame is studded with marble slabs while the side walls are set in with stained glass pieces arranged to form various types of flower patterns. The door is silver-plated and decorated with some excellent sculptural work. On either side of the entrance to the gabhara there are inches in the wall containing idols of Ganapati and Padmavati Devi respectively. The gabhara is 0.557 m² (six feet square) and besides the main idol of Parsvanuth with a silver prabhaval round it also contains those of Kuntinath, Mahavir and Arnath. The chief idol dons a silver crown. Mahavir Jayanti is the principal.festival celebrated and is attended by nearly all the Svetamhar Jains in the town. On this occasion a palanquin procession is taken. The templc is surmounted by a sikhar with a brass spire. A trust known as Parsvanath Jain Trust looks after the management.

Pratapsimha Udyan.

The garden named after the second son of the Raja of Sangli is just near the municipal building and is spread over an area of 1481.22 m² (1750 sq. yards), donated by the Raja. In the centre is installed a marble bust of Pratapsimha and is flanked by two of the three fountains ornamenting the garden. Squares are prepared with the help of koyanel plants leaving paths and cross-paths. Some fine lawns have also been prepared. The cross-paths are decorated with bowers of creepers. Human and animal figures have been artistically cut out of the plants and are kept into shape. A part of it is set aside for females. There are also separate corners for children provided with swings, merry-go-rounds, balances and such other types of devices. It also contains some species of birds and animals. In large boxes white rabbits and mice are kept. A large aviary contains some interesting species of birds. The Jijamata Sisu Mandir a Montesson conducted by the municipality falls within the garden premises. There is a nursery growing a variety of flower plants. But the most striking feature of the garden is the cakravyuha or a sort of battle array also formed of koyanel plants.

Kodandadhari Rama Mandir.

Kodandadhari Rama Mandir, about half a century old, is a private shrine located in Sivaji Nagar area along Sangli-Miraj road. Before reaching the main hall a long narrow quandrangu-lar ball is to be crossed. The mandap is quite spacious and the chamber containing the idols is 1.39 m² (15 ft. square). A small canopy with its front side decorated with a silver arch holds the idols of Rama. Laksmana and Sita, the first two of which don silver crowns. There are also idols of Hanuman, Ganapati and a ling symbol placed in small canopies at the other end of the mandap. Ramanavami is the major festival celebrated.

Nava Muralidhar Mandir

Nava Murabdhar temple, near Sivajl Madaai, is a strong edifice of masonry builty on elevated surface. It has a compound wall also of the same stone. Its 22 pillared spacious sabhamandap has six doors and an equal number of windows. The pillars are of wood and half of them are embedded in the side walls. The gabhara is on a higher plain from that of the mandap and has 12 like. pillars forming eight arches. These arches are ornamented with some fine creeper-carvings and floral patterns. The idols of Radha and Krsna are placed on a pedestal of polished black stone. Nearby, there are two marble images of cows. On either side of the gabhaara there is a room each, one of which is used as a store-house and the other is believed to be the retiring room of the deity. The temple has a sikhar of no great significance, with a brass spire. In a canopy outside the mandap there is an image of Garuda. At the base of the same canopy there is an aperture containing an idol of Hanuman. Gokulastami is the only festival celebrated.

Parsvanath Digambar Jain Mandir

Parsvanath Digambar Jain Mandir stands on the banks of the Krsna and though very antique (nearly 500 years old) is to date in a very good condition, It has an enclosure of brick and mortar on three sides, and the temple building excluding the sikhar which is of brick and cunam is of solid black stone. Its sabhamandap is divided into two halls. While the door-frame of the outer hall is very simple with no decorations, that of the inner hall is ornamented with very delicate and beautiful designs. In the centre of the inner hall there is a 0.929 m² (10 ft. square) cabulara or raised platform studded with marble tiles bearing embossed designs of flowers. It is used to perform the puja. On either side of the gubhara entrance there are two niches containing idols of Sarasvati and a Ksetrapal respectively. The gabhara is 3.04x2.43 metres (10' x 8') and there are three step-like arranged pedestals, one above the other. On the lower step there is an idol of Nandesvar, and on the middle that of Parsvanath of white Marble sheltered by a nine-hooded cobra image. On the upper-most there arc three more idols of Parsvanath, hut are much smaller. A tall sikhar with a gold plated spire surmounts the temple. On it there are designs of niches studded with picture frames of Digambara Jains. In the four corners there are smaller replicas of the main srkhar. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated in Caotra.

Visnu Mandir.

Visnu Mandir is situated on the hanks of the Krsna near Visnu ghat. It seems to he quite old from the decayed and worn out look it wears. On three sides of it there is a wall enclosing a small court. Its mandap is 10.66 x 7.31 (35' x 25') and is of ordinary construction. There arc galleries above, but they lie unused and unfrequented since many years. The idol-chamber is 1.11 m² (12 ft. sqiare) and is of masonry. The idol of Visnu is four-handed armed with a disc and a cudgel. It is in a sitting posture with Laksmi. the goddess of wealth, on the left lap. On the same side there are tiny idols of Vitthal and Rakhumai. Though the temple edifice is quite big as compared to other shrines on the river bank, it is in no way significant but may passingly be noted.

Laksmi Narayan Temple.

Situated in the Vakhar Bhag, the Laksmi-Narayan temple is a little. over 40 years old. It is a simple modern building with a huge mandap having an open courtyard in the centre lined with 10 pillars. The gabhara measuring about 1.11 m² (1.2 ft. square) contains the idols of Laksmi and Narayan on a platform in a standing posture. Crowns of silver don the sacred heads. Narayan is caturbhuj or four-armed and holds a conch shell, disc a cudgel and a lotus in the four hands. In the mandap there is an image of Garuda. Among the more important festivals cele-brated are Ramanavami and Janmastami.

Dvarakanath Mandir.

Dvarakanath Mandir, situated not far away from Tilak Mandir, was built in 1930. It belongs to the Vaisnava community and an occupies the entire ground floor of a private building. A door decorated with fine wood-work leads into the courtyard. The mandap is divided into two halves the outer and the inner, measuring 6.09 x 2.43 metres (20' x 8') and 10.66x3.15 metres (35'x12') respectively. It is on a raised plinth and has sixteen wooden pillars, the top of each of which is ornamented with female human figures finished with exquisite skill. The designs and deco-rations especially on the front four pillars are noteworthy. The mandap is entered through a 1.82 x 914 metres (6' x 3') door with its frame bearing exquisite carvings. In the centre of the mandap there is a fountain with a chandelier overhanging. The gabhara is 0.557 m² (6 ft. square) and the idol of the god is placed on a pedestal of Jaipur black marble. Crowns of peacock feathers, gold and silver are donned on different occasions according as the Pusti Sampraday prescribes. The temple though of modern con-struction is rendered beautiful by polished and fine wood-work which compares favourably with that on the ancient temples. Gokulastami and Divali are celebrated amidst great rejoicings. A trust known as Dvarakanath public charity trust looks after the maintenance and property of the temple. The temple possesses three buildings bringing an annual income of Rs. 14,000 by way of rent. The trust has invested Rs. 39,000 in government securities and deposited Rs. 25,000 in the bank.

Jumma Masjid.

jumma Masjid is in Patel cowk and was built in 1277 Rajab, being now 110 years old. It is in the traditional style with a lofty entrance leading into the courtyard. The mosque consists of two halls, the outer measuring 7.62 x 3.65 metres (25' x 12') approximately and the inner measuring 9.14x7.31 metres (30'x24'). On the walls of the mosque there are arch-like formations. The. inner hall has a tin roof; but the front has a terrace and is crowned by two big minars.

Mecca Masjid.

The Mecca Masjid is located in Peth Bhag. It was an old mosque but has now been rebuilt, with the addition, of a single storey. The upper storey has galieries and is divided into two halls of 12.19x4.57 metres (40'x15') and 10.66x9.14 metres (35' x 30)') dimensions respectively. There are arch-like formations on the wall and near the central arch there, is an opening on the ground floor. The ground floor is also likewise divided into two balls and the measurements and other things arc more or less the same as the first floor only with the exception that here there are no galleries. While the front covering the outer hall has a terrace, the back part has a tiled roof. Within the compound to the north there is a water-storing tank with some coloured fishes,

Amrai Garden.

Amrai is the biggest garden in Sangli and was laid out some 125 years ago by Srimant Appasaheb Patvardhan and is said to derive its name from a large number of mango trees which were in existence then. It covers an area of nearly 6.07 hectares (15 acres) and has a 304,80 metres (1,000 ft.) long entrance passage with avenues of splendid trees. It contains as many as 200 varieties of different trees, plants and shrubs of medicinal value. Of the trees prominent are tamarind, almond, deodar, casurina, a few of mango and many other varieties. The garden is now maintained by government and is placed in charge of the Superintendent of Parks and Gardens, Maharastra State. A nursery section has also been set up and it supplies plants required by the colleges in Sangli doing research in botany. The nursery besides supplying one and a quarter lakh plants of 24 dfferent varieties to the Vana-mahotsava, produces two lakhs of additional plants which are sold at nominal rates. Seeds and seedlings of different varieties of flower plants are also sold. The government spends nearly two lakhs of rupees annually on the maintenance of the garden.

Sangli has yet another garden named as Sane Guruji Udyan and is maintained by the municipality.

Rama Tekadi Mandir.

The Rama temple on a rising ground is near the water-works providing water to Sangli town, and hence is known as Rama Tekadi Mandir. Architecturally the temple is in no way significant but the idols are believed to have been installed by Tulsidas Maharaj, one of the noted saints and hence it has been, invested with utmost sanctity. In fact the structure in which the idols are housed is a math having only a quadrangular hall supported on 12 simple wooden pillars. At both the extreme ends of this hall there is a gabhara each, in one of which are idols of Rama, Laksmana and Sita and in the other that of Hanuman. The main gabhara is surmounted by a sikhar with a brass spire.

Balaji Mandir.

Balaji temple, reported to be nearly 112 years old, is located along the main road and is privately owned by the Marvadi Vaisnava community. To the right of the entrance is a chamber containing a ling in its centre with a small image of nandi facing it. There is also a cabin containing idols of Sankar, Parvati and Ganapati. The walls of this chamber, up to a height of 0.914 metres (three feet) are studded with marble slabs bearing flower and other designs of considerable interest. Beyond this is the extensive 12.19x9.14 metres (40'x 30') mandap supported on 30 wooden pillars of stone bases. Some of these pillars have been arranged so as to form a quadrangle just near the gabhara. Here, under a canopy studded with coloured marble tiles, is an image of Maruti. The walls of the mandap have been similarly decorated as in case of the chamber outside. The mandap has double galleries, arranged one above the other. Gabhara entrance is plated with silver, ornamented with artistic sculptural work. Both sides of the entrance are studded with marble tiles bearing embossed figures of Suryanarayan, Visnu, Dattatraya, Ramapanca-yatan, Satyanarayan, Gopal Krsna and many other deities. On the lowermost tiles are peacock figures, three on each side, depicted in a dancing mood. In the centre of the gabhara, on a pedestal are placed the idols of Rama his consent Sita, and Laksman made of five metals, wearing crowns of brocade. It also contains a tabouret plated with silver as also a small charpoy also made of silver. Both of these are ornamented with exquisite designs. The inside Walls are decorated with tiles bearing coloured flower designs. Outside the mandap a narrow quadrangular ball is maintained for the use of ascetics and mendicants. Ramanavami, Gokulastami and Narasimha Calurthi are celebrated with great eclat. The Balaji Mandir (Pvt.) Trust looks after its management'. It owns three buildings fetching an annual rent of Rs. 6,000.

Hanuman Mandir.

Hanumam Mandir, with a 10.66x9.14 metres (35'x30') mandap is situated along Datta-Maruti road. It is on a higher ground and is reached by climbing eight steps in two stages. The mandap is open on all the sides except for a lowly constructed balustrade. On one of the stones of the mandap an image of a tortoise has been carved in relief. There is a like image of Ganapati on the gabhara lintel. The gabhara is 0.743 nv (8 ft. square) and its door is plated with brass sheets with some fine designs scluptured upon it. An idol of Hanuman besmeared with red-lead is placed inside. Hanuman Jayanti and Ramanavami are celebrated. Its management rests with the Ganes temple, Sangli. Attached to the temple is a dharmasala, and in one of its rooms which lies exactly behind the temple is an idol of Ganapati.

Temples on the Krsna bank nearabout the Bridge.

Krsnabai temple.—There are a series of small temples on the bank of the Krsna nearabout the bridge. Of these the Krsnabai temple and Satyavrata Tirtha Svami Samddhi claim importance. The Krsnabai temple is near the ghat (biggest of all) known after the goddess and is on an elevated ground approached by six big steps, In the front it has four pillars. A 1.39 m² (fifteen feet square) gabhara contains an idol of the goddess. The whole edifice is of masonry and is adorned by a sikhar.

Ramesvar temple—To the right hand side of the Krsnabai temple is the shrine of Ramesvar consisting of only one chamber 5.48x,5.48 metres (18'x l8'). It contains an idol of Ramesvar in a sitting pose with a ling in front. It has a sikhar measuring nearly 6.09 metres (20 ft,) from the wall top. Practically all the shrines have identical sikhars though they may be varying in height. On a small platform outside the temple there are two broken and headless images-of nandi. By the side, there is also a small shrine of Maruti.

Dattatraya temple.—This shrine is to the left of the Krsnabai temple, It is not a big temple but may he noted as it is visited by numerous people. A small ghbhara holds the usual three-faced image of Dattatraya with images of cows and other animals nearby. In from there are quite a few banyan trees worshipped by the women folk on Vatasavitri day.

Mahadev temple.—Close by the Datta temple is a temple dedicated to Mahadev. built in Saka 1852. It contains the ling of Mahadev and is shaded by two banyan, two pipal and an umbar tree. In front of the temple detached from it, is a tin shaded mandap. Numerous people visit the shrine everyday.

Maruti temple.—This temple is near Visnu ghat on the Krsna bank. It is a very small shrine, a cement shed of late having been constructed over it. The idol is believed to have been installed by Ramadas Svami the guru of Chatrapati Sivaji. On the river side at the base of the temple there are a few ovaris or small niche-like structures which are supposed to have been used by sadhus to perform penance, The deity is held in high reverence and is believed to be a jagrta daivata fulfilling the cherished wishes of its devotees. In the vicinity of the temple, scattered around it, are four lingas, a shrine of Ganapati and an unknown samadhi. Here there is one more shrine of Krsnabai containing in addition to the idol of the goddess those of Sankar and Ganapati.

So numerous are the temples on the Krsna bank, though small in size, that they give the river and the town a religious background and sanctity.

Srimat Satyavratatirtha Svami Samadhi.—The samddhi of Satya-vratatirtha Svami, the 18th Mathadhis belonging to Sriman-madhvacarya Uttaradimath lineage, is near the Visnu ghat. He took sumddhi some 300 years ago. The usage of the prefix satya (truth) came to be applied to the Uttaradi Mathadhisas from, this Svami. He came to the gadi after securing permission from Srimat Vedanidhitirtha, the 17th Mathadhis. He came on the banks of the Krsna and engaged himself in penance and religious austerities and finally took samadhi there. Because of this, that part came to be known as Tapovana. This place is still known for its spiritual inspiration. About a century and a half later while Sri Satyasangha Svami was staying in this area, he saw a divine flame (jyoti) near a vrindavan. To investigate the matter, digging was started when a three arched structure was discovered. Any further digging was prevented By the emergence of a swarm of black bees (bhunge). But Satyasangh Svami did not give up hope of the darsan of Satya-vrata Svami and hence started reading and re-reading Nyaya-Cananka granth of Satyavratatirth near the samadhi. Upon this the Svami was pleased and as an indication the samadhi began to swing to and fro. For many years none dared to construct an edifice over it, lor such enthusiasts were prevented from doing so by telling that "the penance is still continuing" Ultimately the building was constructed in 1938 by late Sri Asvatharav Mahisi after obtaining due consent of the Svdmi. The nath housing the 2.43 metres (8 ft.) vrnddvan is 4.57x4.57 metrs (15'x15') and rhc padukas of the Svami are also placed at the foot of the samadhi. It is believed that the Svami still traveres that region at night time. He is also said to be seen sittina in a meditative pose under the pipal tree which is close by. The punyatithi of the Svami falls on Phalguna Suddha Sasth and is celebrated by distributing food.

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