Alandi

It was during the thirteenth century (1296) when the Marathi translator of the Bhagwad Gita and a renowned sant Dnyaneshwar entombed himself in the sanjeevan samadhi under the complex of the then existing Siddheshwar Temple. Within 1580 to 1600, Ambedkar Deshpande had built the Dnyaneshwar Temple over the shrine, and various Maratha nobles and Peshwas added different features to the temple until 1778; afterwards, the Shinde rulers carried out renovations in the temple. Indrayani River plays a significant role in the spiritual-cultural lifestyle of the people as the Laxmi-Narayan Mandir, Ram Mandir and Dnyaneshwar Temple are built near the banks and pilgrims arrive to attend the fairs, kirtans and processions on Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartika Ekadashi.

Born in the village named Aapegaon from Maharashtra, Dnyaneshwar had lost his parents at a very early age, and he started to travel throughout the state to gain knowledge during which he gained a number of followers who called him Dnyaneshwar Maharaj. Facing the Indrayani River, the temple offers a peaceful ambience, especially around the ghats built around the compound where spending an evening watching the sunset is something anyone would love.

The holy prayers are chanted throughout the day and kirtans are often held to express reverence. The Samadhi Mandir is situated at the entrance point of Alandi near the bridge, and it is said that in its holy cave, Dnyaneshwar spent his Samadhi days and preached about Panduranga while establishing prayer rituals to him. You can visit during 6 AM to 12:30 PM, from 1 PM to 3 PM and 3:15 PM to 11 PM.

The Dnyaneshwar Samadhi Complex on the east side of the Dnyaneshwari Temple consists of the Samadhi, the holy Ajanvriksha tree and Shri Siddheshwar temple. Devotees, especially the Marathi Hindu people from Varkari sect believe that Sant Dnyaneshwar is still alive and during the dark half of every month, around sixty-seventy thousand devotees arrive in Alandi to pay offerings to the Sant.

Along the Indrayani riverbanks, Dehu is notable for being the birthplace of Sant Tukaram. Since the seventeenth century, Tukaram has been revered for his preaching about Lord Vitthal and lots of followers including Dnyaneshwar. Dehu is located 31 kilometers from Alandi, and has a huge tourist influx for the Palkhi festival during Ashadh month, the months of June-July in Gregorian calendar.

The Palkhi tradition was started in 1820’s by Courtier Haibatraobuva Arphalkar of the Scindia in Gwalior where the sandals or ‘padukas’ are carried to Pandharpur from Alandi, covering a distance of about 150 kilometers during the yearly Wari or ‘Pandharpur Vari’ for 21 days.

The yearly Kartik Festival on the 11th day of the dark fortnight in Kartik (October-November) according to Shalivana Shaka calendar marks the day when Dnyaneshwar entered his Samadhi and during this festival, a yatra or spiritual journey is followed by pilgrims in vibrant clothes holding decorated paraphernalia of Dnyaneshwar. The temple authority of Jalaram Temple offers rooms and food and there are a number of Dharmshalas where communities like Maheshwari and Padmashali offer lodging.

June - July (monsoon season) during the month of "Ashadh" is the best time to visit Alandi if you're here for a pilgrimage. During this time, pilgrims carry the palanquin or "paalki" to Pandharpur from Alandi. However, if you are more interested in experiencing the vibrant culture of Alandi, visit during "Kartik" the month of October through November to attend the Kartika Vadya Ekadashi. The temperature goes as low as 11-12 degree in winter months of December to February while during the summer months from April to July, the temperature remains between 28-38 degree celcius.
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Pune is the closest city to Alandi, around 20km away. It hosts the closest airport and railway station to Alandi. Pune to Alandi by road takes about 1 hour. There are buses from Pune to Alandi that are available. You can also hire a taxi for Alandi from Pune.
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The top places near to Alandi are Lonavala which is 51 km from Alandi, Kamshet which is located 37 km from Alandi, Pune which is located 17 km from Alandi, Matheran which is located 73 km from Alandi, Mahabaleshwar which is located 87 km from Alandi