Panna is a district of Madhya Pradesh state in central India. The town of Panna is the district headquarters. The district is part of Sagar Division. The only Diamond City in India is Panna. Panna is beautifully calm and serene : roll-on meadows dotted with evergreen trees, rocks, hills, forests Panna is famous for its temples which strikes a very fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Panna is the most sacrosanct pilgrimage for the followers of the Pranami sect world over. With a sanctuary for rare wild life and avifauna & a diamond mine, Panna has transformed a royal past into a vibrant and lively present.
Panna District was created in 1950, shortly after Indian independence, from the territory of several former princely states of British India, including the states of Panna, Jaso, most of Ajaigarh, and a portion of Paldeo. Panna District was part of the new Indian state of Vindhya Pradesh, which was merged into Madhya Pradesh on November 1, 1956.
Steeped in the splendour of the royal legacies of its past, Panna is infectious, reverentially mysterious, enveloping and holy. The oldest reference to Panna is in the Ramayan and various Purans. The ancient name of Panna was Padmawati-Puri, mentioned in Vishnu Puran and Bhavishya Puran. In the 41st sarg of Valmiki Ramayan it is described as Kilkila-Khand by Sugriv and Shrimad Bhagwat calls it Kilkila Pradesh. According to local believes, it was the capital of Raja Dadhichi and also of Raja Padmavat during satyug.
That was Swami Pran Nathji who told Raja Chhatrasal Bundela, a great medieval warrior regarding Diamond mines of Panna and thus strengthened his financial position. He also persuaded Chhatrasal to make Panna his capital and arranged his coronation there.
Places of Interest
Tiger Reserve: Panna is the twenty second Tiger Reserve of India and fifth in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is situated in the Vindhya Ranges and spreads over Panna and Chhatarpur districts in the north of the state. The Ken River, which flows through the Reserve is a home for Gharial and maggar and other aquatic fauna. The Park is situated 25 kms from Khajuraho, a world heritage site which is half an hour drive from Madla Entry Point. Hinouta, the second gate of the Park is 20 kms from Panna town. Khajuraho is the nearest Airstrip which is directly connected to the National Capital, New Delhi. Taxies are available all time from Khajuraho to Panna.
Mahamati Prannathji Temple: This is the most important temple ofpranamies 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. This temple reminds one of the Taj Mahal. 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.
Padmavati Devi or Badi Devi Temple: It is located on the north west corner near Kilkila river and it is believed to be very old temple. The religious and historical importance of this temple is immense under the belief that goddess padmavati, who was still alive and protector the prosperity and happiness of Panna. During Nav-Durgotsava thousands of devotees gather here. Maharaja Chhatrasal Bundela accept it as his Raj Lakshami although their kuldevi is Vindhyavasani.
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 temples 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.
Jugal Kishoreji Temple: This is the main Hindu temple in Panna and was build in 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.
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.
Gatha Fall: Gatha fall is situated on the other side of the highway. About 300 ft high, the fall is very impressive and impose during monsoon and presents a very pleasant sight from the road itself.
