Placed in the midst of landscaped area, Teerthraj Machkund is prominent location of religious tourism, especially for Hindu community. It is situated four kilometers from the main town in the serene of calm ambiance. This deep lake is believed to be sacred and spiritually named after 24th Suryavanshi Raja Machh.
History of Teerthraj Machkund
There is very interesting story behind the inception of Teerthraj Machkund in Dholpur. Way back in mythological period, the demon called Kaal Yamaan unknowingly woke up the Raja Machhkund who was sleeping at this place. Due to divine gift from lord, the king has the power to destroy any person. Therefore, for disturbing in his sleep, Raja Machhkund burnt the demon Kaal Yamaan at this exact place.
Teerthraj Machkund was an ancient establishment that is believed to be constructed many years ago. It is significantly surrounded by small to medium temples built during BC 775 to BC 915. These temples were constructed by numerous kings who ruled over this place during that phase of time. This lake is reckoned as sacred by Hinduism and it is firm belief that tanks are very pious for people taking plunge in its water.
The entire structure of Teerthraj Machkund is built with famous stone of Dholpur. This stone is native production of Dholpur and it is widely used in many remarkable monuments of India. Its architecture and designing showcases the antiquity of Indian mythology. A magnificent fortress is also found in the vicinity of lake which is an ideal place to have glimpses of ancient architecture.
Machkund holds remarkable stage in Hinduism and well known for significant values of spirituality. It is considered a small teerth, a holy pilgrimage of Indians. Every year, a huge fair is organized on this venue during Bhado month of Hindu calendar. A holy festival of Dev chhat is celebrated in the form of fair at Teerthraj Machkund in Dholpur. The city witnesses huge turnout of devotees during this phase of time. Apart from this phase, it is calm and pleasant place to spend quality time with friends and companion while coming for Dholpur tourism.
Machkund is well known pilgrim place of Dholpur. It is situated just 4 km from main city which can be covered with local transport facility. Auto rickshaws are easily available on fixed price to reach Teerthraj Machkund. It is situated on the western direction of city which can be effortlessly approached through private vehicle as well.
VAN VIHAR
The other sanctuary is Van Vihar named after a hunting lodge built in local stone by the royal family of Dholpur. I remember visiting this beautiful lodge in 2014 with my Teacher. The lodge faces a lake which is frequented by wild animals in the summer months. Today, the Lodge lies empty, stripped of it’s royal antique furniture and fittings. Till recently monkeys and pigeons had desecrated the entire mansion but off late the Forest Department has barred all entrances with wire mesh. The Lodge looks cleaner and does not smell of animal faeces anymore. I truly hope it is restored to it’s former glory – it can be a great asset to boost local tourism.
GOOGEL MAP
Talab-e-Shahi – On the way to Damoh and about a 30 minute drive from Dholpur is the 17th century Talab-e-Shahi (talab means lake). On one side of the man made lake is a red sandstone monument who’s function was that of a hunting lodge. The lake is named after Shah Jahan. He frequently visited Dholpur for hunting and to please him the local rulers built this palatial lodge so he didn’t sweat it out in make shift camps. The lake and several other water bodies in the area attract many migratory birds in the winter season such as Pelicans, Flamingos, Waders, Osprey, etc. Unfortunately, the hunting lodge is not well maintained. I believe this hunting lodge too has great potential to be restored and made in to a heritage hotel, this regions