Barshitakli

The town was originally known as Tekkali. The "Barshi" prefix is believed to have come from the town's market (peth) being founded on a "baras" day (the day following Ekadashi). Another local version suggests "Barves Takli," referring to twelve gates ("ves") surrounding the village. The "Takli" part is said to be derived from a ruler named Tankakali.

Barshi Takli, often referred to as Barshitakli, is a town in the Akola district of Maharashtra, India, known for its historical significance, particularly its ancient temples and the remnants of a fort or historical gateways. While it might not have a grand, well-preserved fort like some other places in Maharashtra, it holds importance due to its past as a capital and the structures that still exist.

It served as the capital of a collateral branch of the Yadavas of Devagiri. A rather damaged stone inscription from the Shaka year 1098 (corresponding to April 7, 1177 AD) found here mentions that during the reign of King Hemadrideva of this family, his minister Gamiyaya built a Vishnu temple, a deep tank, and a well at Tekkali.

Barshi Takli was later the headquarter of a pargana (an administrative division) of fifty-two and a half villages during the Mughal era. An inscription in a tomb indicates that a local talukdar, Sulaiman Khan, built a mosque, a tomb, and a well in the area.

The town suffered greatly from a Pendhari raid, a major fire, and a terrible famine (possibly in 1803), which significantly reduced its population.

While a complete fort structure might not be evident, there are historical gateways (ves) and remnants of a fort, including bastions and walls, near the Kalanka Mata Temple in the town. These are the "historical gateways and fort" that locals refer to.

Barshi Takli is particularly famous for its two Hemadpanthi temples, constructed in the 12th century:

This temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhavani, has ramparts that are described as resembling a Rajasthani fort. It features a star-shaped shrine with intricate carvings, mostly of female figures, except for Ganpati. An inscription inside the temple (dated 1176 CE) details its construction.

The other Hemadpanthi temple, also from the 12th century, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is said to contain seven beautiful idols carved from a single rock.

This is another significant structure in Barshi Takli, known for its ancient Mughal architecture.

A historical well with steps leading down to the water, believed to have been built by Sulaiman khan, also exists.

Barshi Takli holds historical and architectural significance due to its ancient temples and the remnants of its fortified past, offering insights into the regional history, particularly during the Yadava and Mughal periods. The Hemadpanthi temples are especially noteworthy for their architectural style and historical inscriptions.

Barshitakli is a railway station on Purna-Khandwa section of South Central Railway (SCR). It was in the Hyderabad division of SCR and now is in the Nanded division after bifurcation of the Hyderabad division. Barshitakli was connected to the broad gauge railway network in 2008 when tracks were extended from Purna to Akola.

Barshitakli is located at 20°34′N 77°04′E / 20.57°N 77.06°E / 20.57; 77.06.^[1] The town has an average elevation of 310 metres (1020 feet).