Kali Devi Temple,Patiala
One of the consecrated place of worship for the Hindus, the Kali Devi Temple in the city of Patiala in the Indian state of Punjab, is devoted to the Hindu goddess Durga—an incarnation of Kali Mata (Mother Kali). Located on the Mall Road of this city, the magnificent temple lies just in front of the Baradari Garden next to the Rajendra Tank. The temple was built by the late Maharaja Bhupinder Singh in 1936. The maharaja brought the six-foot idol of Kali Devi and the “pawan jyoti” (sacred flame) from the East Indian city of Calcutta. The temple is an architectural wonder from the great days gone by when the city was ruled by the great Patiala maharajas who were great promoters of art and culture.The Hindu temple draws many devotees from places across India , who visit the temple to seek divine blessings for eternal happiness from the great goddess Durga. Visitors to the temple can witness traditional rituals and customs of the Hindu society that have been passed down the ages to the modern day India. It may be of great interest to Hindu visitors that one can still observe traditional rituals being performed at this temple, which are slowly fading away with gradual westernization of the Indian society.
The temple inspires the devotees to rigorously adhere to all the great age old customs of Hinduism.The sacred sanctorum of the Kali Devi Temple bears witness to the rich Hindu architecture and art of the ancient times. The walls of the temple have beautiful sceneries and mural paintings from the great Hindu epics and mythology that add to its beauty; so much so that it has been declared a national monument. The attractive and colorful paintings on the walls draw devotees from far off places that throng the holy shrine in search of eternal happiness. Interestingly, an older temple to a Hindu deity Raj Rajeshwari also stands in the middle of the temple complex.
Kali Devi Temple,Patiala
One of the consecrated place of worship for the Hindus, the Kali Devi Temple in the city of Patiala in the Indian state of Punjab, is devoted to the Hindu goddess Durga—an incarnation of Kali Mata (Mother Kali). Located on the Mall Road of this city, the magnificent temple lies just in front of the Baradari Garden next to the Rajendra Tank. The temple was built by the late Maharaja Bhupinder Singh in 1936. The maharaja brought the six-foot idol of Kali Devi and the “pawan jyoti” (sacred flame) from the East Indian city of Calcutta. The temple is an architectural wonder from the great days gone by when the city was ruled by the great Patiala maharajas who were great promoters of art and culture.The Hindu temple draws many devotees from places across India , who visit the temple to seek divine blessings for eternal happiness from the great goddess Durga. Visitors to the temple can witness traditional rituals and customs of the Hindu society that have been passed down the ages to the modern day India. It may be of great interest to Hindu visitors that one can still observe traditional rituals being performed at this temple, which are slowly fading away with gradual westernization of the Indian society.
The temple inspires the devotees to rigorously adhere to all the great age old customs of Hinduism.The sacred sanctorum of the Kali Devi Temple bears witness to the rich Hindu architecture and art of the ancient times. The walls of the temple have beautiful sceneries and mural paintings from the great Hindu epics and mythology that add to its beauty; so much so that it has been declared a national monument. The attractive and colorful paintings on the walls draw devotees from far off places that throng the holy shrine in search of eternal happiness. Interestingly, an older temple to a Hindu deity Raj Rajeshwari also stands in the middle of the temple complex.Deer Park ,Patiala
The Deer Park is situated on the Dakala road. It is just 5-6 kms away from the main city. It is open on all days except Saturdays. By paying a small fee anyone can visit the park. The best time to visit this park is between sunrise and sunset. The park has lush green grasses, shady trees of many varieties and a long water body. It is a fine place to find peace because it is situated well outside the city and is pollution free. People normally visit this place for picnics and walks. Children simply love the place, especially watching the wild animals in their enclosures.
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Moti Bagh Gurdwara
Gurdwara Motibagh is an old Sikh shrine located near the Old Motibagh Palace, the old residence of the former Maharajas of Patiala. According to the historians, Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth guru of the Sikhs, stayed at this place for sometime in 1675, before proceeding to Delhi to meet the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The place was thickly forested and almost forgotten till Maharaja Narinder Singh of Patiala (1823-62), who had built his residential palace, the Motibagh Palace nearby, decided to raise a memorial to the Sikh Guru who had been martyred by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
The maharaja built the gurdwara at its present site in 1852. The shrine, made of marble, is erected on a high plinth, and the visitor approaches it by a flight of marble steps that lead to a porch. The sanctum is a square room with a verandah on its four sides. The room has four doors, but three of the four doors are closed with screens of perforated red sandstone. The entrance has a door with a frame of white marble and wooden panels covered with brass sheets. The inner walls and the ceiling of the sanctum are adorned with coloured glass pieces and filigree work. On the first floor is another square room with a pinnacled lotus dome on the top.
The shrine is affiliated to Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib (about 4 kms away) for administrative purposes. Every year, special religious gatherings and a community kitchen (Guru ka Langar) mark the anniversaries of the birth and martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur. On these days, a grand procession is taken out from the gurdwara, which, proceeding through the streets of the city, ends at Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib.
Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports ,Patiala
Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports is the largest sports institute of Asia and is popularly known as NIS Patiala. This complex was made by the Maharaja of Patiala. Later this building was dedicated for the promotion of sports by his offspring.
NSNIS is always known as “Mecca” of Indian games. This institute created many highly talented coaches which showed their efficiency and proficiency in preparing teams for International competitions.
In ancient times this place was the house of Maharaja of Patiala. It is in old Moti Bagh Palace But now days this is an Academic Wing of the Sports Authority of India. On 7th May, 1961 it was established by the Government of India with the prime objective of developing sports and to impart training to the coaches in various sports. On 23rd January, 1973, it was renamed as a Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS).
Following sports facilities are available in NSNIS, Patiala:1)Gymnasium & Swimming Pool Complex
2)Athletic Track – Synthetic (8 Lanes), Grass (4 Lanes) and Cinder (8 Lanes)
3)Volleyball, Handball & Judo
4)2 Squash Courts
5)3 Indoor Halls for Wrestling, weightlifting, Boxing, Basketball, Badminton, Table Tennis
6)Area for Throws Tennis (4 hard & 1 grass court)
7)Archery Ground
8)9-Hole Golf Course
9)2 Football Grounds
10)4 Volleyball courts
11)Turf Wicket Cricket Ground & 6 Cricket Nets
12)Cycling Velodrome
13)2 Basketball Cement Courts
14)Hockey Field Astroturf and 3 Grass Fields
15)2 Handball Grounds
16)5-Lane Jogging /Cross Country Track
Major achievements of NSNIS
1.Major Dhyan Chand winner of Gold Medal in 1928 Amsterdam Olympics
2.PT Usha winner of Seoul Asiad shoes in 1986.
1.Major Dhyan Chand winner of Gold Medal in 1928 Amsterdam Olympics
2.PT Usha winner of Seoul Asiad shoes in 1986.
AC Market,Patiala
Since ages, Patiala has been the center of various types of trades and still the same tradition continues. One who comes to Patiala would never be able to resist the temptation to buy various types of items from Patiala. Patiala has some old traditional market places as well as the modernized ones keeping in mind the likings of the modern buyers. Among the various shopping places in Patiala, the AC market is the one which is considered to be one of the best as the shoppers get all items needed from within a one single complex.
As the name suggests, AC Market is fully air conditioned. This awe-inspiring completely air-conditioned shopping heaven is spread crosswise four storeys and boasts of over 650 shops. The products range from cheap goods to costly brands that consist of Sony, Levis, Nike and many others.
The AC market Patiala has made the shopping a very trouble free activity for the shoppers. There are shops keeping the branded products of clothes, shoes, electronic goods or any other items needed by the people as well as there are many shops which keep the special items of Patiala. There are shops of bangles, wedding accessories, gift items, utensils etc.
There are shops of the handicrafts which always allure the visitors with their beautifully decorated items commemorating the land of Punjab and its tradition and practices. People from the surrounding areas as well as the local people come here to do their shopping. After a tiring shopping day, one can always take rest and enjoy the food they want in the various eateries in the AC Market. Typical, Punjabi food is available and visitors find them extremely delicious.
Patiala is famous for its phulkari work of embroidery and for its well-decorated and comfortable jutis (shoes). For the people, who come from outside Patiala, buying the Phulkari work fabrics, suits, dupattas, and carpets will remind them the cherished moments of their visit in Patiala. There are many shops keeping different items of Phulkari work in the AC market, Patiala.
Patiala is well connected to many north Indian Cities by road such as Delhi, Chandigarh etc. One can get the buses and drive their own private vehicles and reach Patiala using the national highways. Patiala is well connected by the trains with trains like Inter City Express or Shatabdi Express. Chandigarh is the nearest airport from Patiala.
Old Moti Bagh Palace,Patiala
This one of the oldest building of architectural excellence is the place of residence for the royal family of Patiala, and is currently been used as the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NIS). This one of the largest and beautiful residential building is the epitome of the architectural work of Indian craftsmen. The construction of the palace started in the time of Maharaja Narendra Singh in the year 1847 and the expense was almost Rs 5 lakhs. The construction could be finished during the time of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh in the early years of 20th century.
The magnificent structure of the Old Moti Bagh Palace, Patiala is one of the largest residential buildings in the entire world and was designed on the structural design of another spectacular work of architecture- the Shalimar Gardens of Lahore. The Old Moti Bagh Palace has numerous terraces which still commemorated the golden days of the rulers of Patiala and their families who used to walk through these terraces. There are many water ways, well-decorated gardens and one could really enjoy the serenity and the beauty of the nature when pass through the well-maintained garden and surroundings of the Old Moti Bagh Palace, Patiala.
The palace has a beautifully decorated front area which has been constructed with the Rajasthani architecture with many jharokhas and Chattris. This four storey residential building has also got huge stone-walls, well-designed grills, and dome-shaped towers and curved entrances which enhance the beauty of this one of its kind residential palace, the Old Moti Bagh Palace, Patiala. There is another palace which is made of and decorated with beautiful glasses- the Sheesh Mahal. Till the late 30s, the Old Moti Bagh Palace, Patiala used to be the main residential building of the royal family of Patiala. After the new Moti Bagh Palace got constructed, the royal family shifted there and started living there.
After India got freedom, the Indian Government used the Old Moti Bagh Palace to be the National Institute for Sports. Each year, thousands of visitors from around India and the world come to the palace to look at the architectural expertise and the antique art peaces. It has become a must-to-see heritage building in Patiala.
One can reach very easily to this Place as Patiala is well connected to the most of north India and rest of the countries through air, road and railway services.
Omaxe Mall,Patiala
A new address of fun and enjoyment in Patiala is the Omaxe Mall, Patiala. This Omaxe Mall has become the place where not only the locals but the people from the surrounding areas do visit to have shopping, eating and watching movies and other enjoyment under one roof. This is the place where the people from all spheres of life come and leave with fun-filled memories. The first of its kind in Patiala , Omaxe Mall is attracting people since the time of its inception and has become the center of attraction in Patiala.
Omaxe Mall is constructed beautifully with an operational space of 2.3 lakh square feet where as the total space for the Mall area is actually 3.55 lakh square feet. In future this extra area will be used for the beautification of this mall and will help the people of Patiala and any one visiting the mall to get the best services and facilities. Bringing the new and modern concept of marketing and shopping to the people of Patiala, the Omaxe Mall, Patiala is actually considered as one of the prides of Patiala.
Omaxe Mall, Patiala is the only Mall which is operational in the city and a place of appreciation for the residents of Patiala and people from the surrounding places. People need not always come to this place to buy things but strolling around and having to look at more than thousands of showrooms from the known national and international brands are pleasure in itself. One can get almost all the renowned brands from across the world like McDonald, Nike, Reliance, Hypermarket etc. under one roof. The versatility of the Omaxe Mall, Patiala help one to buy different types of things from one single place and help in saving time for the shoppers.
One can have delicious foods of different types from various eateries and also relax after a long-day shopping in the movie halls which run shows of the current movies. The visitors have a wide choice of movies as the mall has a multiplex consisting of 4 screens. Kids would love to come to this mall over and over again as it has a fantastic kids zone and food court. One can order for different types of cuisines in the specialty restaurants in the mall.
A place with all types of modern facilities and services like central AC system, full-proof security system, underground parking space and power backup for 24×7 , Omaxe Mall, Patiala has become one of the distinct places of Patiala. Many social events like the blood donation camps, cultural events, CRY- projects are also associated with this Omaxe Mall, Patiala. The customers can enjoy their leisure time and enjoy utmost luxury and pleasure here in this Mall which is located in the center of city opposite Kali Devi Temple on the Mall Road, Patiala.
Quila Mubarak,Patiala
Patiala, the city of emperors, gardens and palaces has a huge heritage. Quila Mubarak a Historical National Monument of Patiala is situated in the heart of the city and the oldest part of Patiala. The palace was built by Maharaja Ala Singh in 1764 .In earlier days, Quila Mubarak was just a kuch-garhi of a mud fort but later it was named as Quila Mubarak. It was reconstructed with baked bricks. It was again renovated into a sprawling two-storied mansion with a grand entrance with elaborate arches. A huge part of the fort was changed into a heritage museum. The construction of the inner palace was completed by Maharaja Amar Singh (1765-1781 AD). The royal members of the Patiala reign occupied Quila Androon or the Inner Fort. Maharaja Sahib Singh (1781- 1813 AD), Maharaja Karam Singh (1813 AD – 1845 AD) Maharaja Narinder Singh (1845 AD to 1862) also lived in this fort. The Quila Mubarak complex stands in 10-acre ground in the heart of the city and has the main palace or Quila Androon the guesthouse Darbar Hall or Ran Baas.
The Quila is followed by the Quila Chowk and surrounded by three major commercial markets, Bajaj Bazaar, the Gur Mandi, and Shah Nashin Bazaar. The Adalat Bazaar starts from the Quila and ends at the Anardana Chowk.
The Quila Mubarak Complex includes several buildings, namely the Ran Basa, Quila Androon, Darbar Hall, Sard Khana, Jalau Khana Quila Mubarak Gateway and the boundary walls. Quila Mubarak Gateway is the only entrance for Quila Mubarak Complex which leads to Quila Androon Chowk. The whole structure of Quila Androon can be watched from this space. It is made of red sandstone and carries the exterior of a multiple domes. Androon Gateway is in the inner boundary of the Quila Androon Chowk. The whole gateway is constructed with stucco work. Upper portion of this building was probably used by the king to direct over the functions performed in the court.
This building was constructed in the first half of the 20th century; the Quila was used by various people for various activities. Today, due to lack of relationship between the local people and the Quila, the building is loosing its meaning for the outsiders or visitors. The cultural importance of Quila Mubarak still lies in its form and the way in which its space has been utilized within it.
Quila Androon has a grand gateway as mentioned above. Central axis is located with its northern front wall. It is almost in a square shape. It is very simple in outer look but the gateway is decorated with stucco work.The Quila is divided in multiple courtyards. Each courtyard is indicating as a palace. Three axis are located with every court. These are known as central, the eastern and the western axis. West courtyards of the central axis are private- residential in nature. The east axis zone is more for public use including performing music and art. A passage between central and east axis leads to the houses the jyot—a sacred flame that was brought from Jwalamukhi by Baba Ala Singh, the founder of Patiala and it continues to be lit till date. The jyot is kept in raised court. Design of the rooms shows the purpose of the construction. The Rang Mahal is an elaborately painted chamber and large in size meant for royal audience—Diwan-i-khas. Whereas Quila Androon itself is a Diwan-i-am or the public court.
Sheesh Mahal,Patiala
The Sheesh Mahal is the famous tourist place in Patiala. Maharaja Narinder Singh built this Mahal in 1847. The design and the decoration of the palace was chosen by Maharaja Narinder Singh to a large extent. One section of Sheesh Mahal is decorated with colored glass and mirror work and it is also known as ‘Palace of Mirrors’. It is situated behind the Moti Bagh Palace. It is a triple storey building. There is a bridge across the artificial lake in the centre of the palace. This bridge is known as Lakshman Jhoola. There are gardens and fountains on the sides of the lake. Sheesh Mahal was the residential palace of Maharajas of Patiala. To give the artistic look on the walls and ceilings of the Sheesh Mahal, Maharaja Narinder Singh engaged artistic painters from Rajasthan and Kangra. The artist made the floral designs on the walls and ceilings. Their art depict the vision of Bihari, Surdas and Keshav in the poetic form and in colors. The paintings of these artists show the very old stories in the style of Rajasthan.
There is a museum in the Sheesh Mahal. In the museum, there are paintings of Jaya Deva’s poetry and Geet Govinda. The Kangra paintings on the walls of the museum show the Krishan Lila in very artistic way. There are also various fine objects of art like art of Tibet, Punjab’s ivory work objects, objects of Kashimiri art and wooden furniture of Maharajas time. The collection of these objects shows the life style of Maharajas. The large portraits of maharaja's beautify the walls of the museum. The Medal collection of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh and Maharaja Yadwinder Singh from all over the world lies in the museum of Sheesh Mahal. There are about 3200 medals collected from different countries of the world by Maharaja from 12 to 20th century. There is also a collection of coins of 19th century. These coins show the history of different countries trade. The North zone culture centre is situated in the sheesh Mahal. On 6th November 1985, our Prime Minister Late Shri. Rajiv Gandhi inaugurated this centre. Every Year many cultural programmes and heritage festivals are organized in Sheesh Mahal.
