Panna

Excursion

[ Panna National Park | Mahatma Prannathji Temple | Padmavati Devi or Badi Devi Temple | Baldeoji Temple | Jugal Kishoreji Temple | Other Temples | Pandav Fall | Gatha Fall ]

Panna National Park
Panna National Park was created in 1981. It was declared as Panna Tiger Reserve in 1994. The National Park consists of areas from the former Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1975. The major fauna present in the Park are Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wolf, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Hyena, Samber, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chausingha, Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Hare, Rattle, Tree Shrew, Gerbil, etc. Also about 200 species of avian fauna have been identified which include host of winter migratory birds. The Aquatic animals present, are both maggar and gharial are found in Ken River besides host of fish species and the others. Some of the endangered Species are Tiger, Leopard, Carcal, Four-horned antelope, Indian Wolf, Pangolin, Rusty Spotted Cat, Sloth Bear and Gharial, found in the Park, are included in Schedule I of WPA, 1972.

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Mahamati Prannathji Temple
This is the most important temple of pranamies, which reflects their social and religious life. The temple is completed in 1692 AD. It is believed that Prannathji livied here and will remain here and thus became the highest Pranami tirtha as Mahamati's Punyasthali, and hence Panna is the param dham for Pranamies. The Rang Mahal has eight pahals and each pahal has 201 domes. The spherical central dome is as Muslim architecture and the lotus form on this dome is according to Hindu tradition. The glistering divine golden kalasha is accompanied by the divine panja, which denotes Mahamati's blessing and signifies the Aksharatita Purna Brahman. The main entrance of central dome is called Kaman Darwaza, made of silver. On Sharada Purnima every year, thousands of people gather here to celebrate the Mahotsava.

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Baldeoji Temple
The temple is in Paladian style as a scaled down replica of St. Paul's Cathedral in London under supervision of Mr. Manly, an Italian expert. The temple structure improves upon the Romanesque and Gothick styles prevalent in Britain in eighteenth century. The temple consists of a large hall called maha mandapa with massive pillars and is built on a raised platform so that one may obtain darshan even from out side the main gate (from the road side). The attractive image of Shri Baldeoji is built in black shaligrami stone. Baldeoji temple is the finest building in area and represents the zenith of Panna architecture.

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Jugal Kishoreji Temple
This is the main Hindu temple in Panna and was built in the Bundela temple style. Nat mandapa, Bhog mandapa, Garbh grih and Pradkshana path are present in the temple. The attire of the Lord is not Brij but Bundelkhandi. As per the common belief, the idol came to Panna from Vrindavan via Orchha. It is believed that a pilgrimage of the four Dhams would render itself otiose, if it does not conclude with a visit of the Jugal Kishoreji Temple.

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Other Temples
Other than the above temples, Ram-Janki Temple, Swamiji Temple, Sarang Temple, Baiji Temple and the Govindji Temple are some of the important temples in Panna. All the above temples are located in the Panna town itself except Sarang Temple, which is about 20 kms from the town.

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Pandav Fall
Pandav Fall is around 12 kms from Panna towards Khajuraho. It is situated inside the Panna National Park but very close to the national highway. Easily accessible even during monsoon, it is a perennial fall fed by local springs. Lush green surrounding makes the fall spectacular. At the foot of fall there are some ancient caves overlooking a large pool of water. About 100 ft high, the fall has a beautiful picnic spot.

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Gatha Fall
Gatha fall is situated on the other side of the highway. About 300 ft high, the fall is very impressive and imposes during monsoon and presents a very pleasant sight from the road itself.

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