Panchakki, Water mill in Sambhajinagar district, India
Panchakki is a historic watermill in Aurangabad district that includes a mosque, a garden, a residential building, and a large stone reservoir. The main structure contains a wooden grinding wheel driven by flowing water through open channels connected to the tank.
Turktaz Khan, a minister under the last Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, commissioned the complex during the late 17th century. The mill supplied ground grain to soldiers and pilgrims and remained operational well into the 20th century.
The name refers to the five-chambered grinding mechanism that once operated here, and today pilgrims visit the shrine of Baba Shah Musafir within the compound. Visitors watch devotees offering prayers near the water tank or resting under the shade of old trees around the courtyard.
The site opens most days and offers guided tours through the water mechanics and buildings within the complex. Visitors should avoid midday heat and bring comfortable shoes for the paved walkways.
The water conduit system extends several kilometers and uses natural slope to channel a steady stream from a mountain spring. The reservoir stays filled year-round, even during dry seasons.
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