At a distance of 2 km from Bibi Ka Maqbara and 4 km from
Aurangabad Railway Station, Panchakki is a water mill located in the complex of
Baba Shah Musafir Dargah of Aurangabad.
Also called as Nehar-e-Panchakki, Panchakki was built in
the early years of the 17th century by Baba Shah Musafir. Comprising of the
medieval Indian architecture, the water mill runs on scientific principles.
Setup with an aim to generate electricity from water brought down from a
spring, the Panchakki water-mill was used to grind grains for the pilgrims who
visited the Dargah.
The source of continuous water supply to the mill is an
underground stream which begins from a well above the Harsul River with a
tributary stream. The water flows down through clay pipes based on the Siphon
System. The water on reaching the Panchakki reservoir is made to drop from a
height to generate electricity and run the mill, and eventually the excess
water is put in the Kham River. The tank lies in front of the mosque whose bottom
forms the roof of a spacious hall.
Panchakki is one of the few places that are calm and
peaceful in Aurangabad which helps to visualize the life that existed during
the medieval period in India. Panchakki also has a tomb of Baba Shah Musafir,
who was a Sufi Saint and was the spiritual adviser to Aurangzeb. There is a
huge tree which is almost 300 years old inside the complex near the tank. There
is a Masjid which dates back to 17th century in the neighbourhood.
Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM.
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