Asar Mahal, Bijapur - Timings, History, Architecture, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 3 km from Bijapur Railway Station, the Asar Mahal is a historical building in Bijapur. It is one of the must include places in Bijapur couple packages.

Asar Mahal is an impressive building located in Bijapur, towards the east of the citadel. The mahal was built by Mohammed Adil Shah, the ruler of Adil Shahi Kingdom, in 1646 AD. It is also known as Dad Mahal since it was initially used as hall of justice. Later, it was converted as reliquary and has become a highly revered place since it is said to hold two hairs from the beard of Muhammad. The word 'asar' here stands for holy relics.

Asar Mahal stands as a testament to the Indo-Islamic architectural style with intricate details and craftsmanship of exceptional quality. The building is surrounded by a beautiful garden that adds to the place's charm. On its eastern side is an open portico supported by four wooden pillars providing an idyllic view of one of three artificially built ponds. The walls and ceiling of the hall display landscape paintings.

The rooms on the upper storey are decorated with frescoes. The palace houses some hair from the Prophet Muhammad's beard, a sword believed to have belonged to the Prophet's grandson, and an armlet believed to have belonged to Hazrat Ali that are displayed in a small museum inside the building. Today it's treated like a dargah and women aren't allowed in.

Every year there is Urs (festival) held at this place. The annual Urs festival is held in honour of Hazrat Syed Asadullah Hussaini, a Sufi saint who was the spiritual advisor of the Adil Shahi rulers. The festival is marked by a grand procession attended by thousands of devotees nationwide.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free