Location of Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi
Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Alandi is a temple and a pilgrimage site located in Alandi, a town in Khed taluka of Pune district in Maharashtra, India It is situated on the bank of the Indrayani river, about 19 km from Pune city It is the place where Sant Dnyaneshwar (1275-1296), a 13th-century Marathi saint, poet and philosopher of the Varkari tradition, took sanjeevan samadhi (a form of voluntary death) at the age of 21, Famous temple in Pune, Visit during Pune to Dehu-Alandi One day trip
Opening Timing/ Entry Fees Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi
Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Alandi is open for visitors from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm every day. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple. However, visitors are expected to pay a nominal donation at the temple for maintenance and cleanliness purposes
Things to Do /Must See Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi
Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Alandi is a place of religious and cultural importance. Visitors can do the following things at Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Alandi:
- Have a darshan (viewing) of the samadhi (shrine) of Sant Dnyaneshwar, which is located under the Siddheshwar temple complex. The samadhi is made of black stone and covered with a silver canopy. The samadhi also has a silver image of Sant Dnyaneshwar and his paduka (replica silver sandals)
- Witness the rituals and ceremonies that are performed at the temple, such as abhishek (bathing), aarti (waving of lamps), bhajan (devotional songs), etc. The temple also hosts various festivals throughout the year, such as Dnyaneshwar Jayanti in November-December, Palkhi in June-July, Kartik Ekadashi in October-November, etc
- Explore the other temples and shrines that are located in the town, such as Vitthal-Rukmini Temple, Ram Temple, Muktabai Temple, Changdev Maharaj Temple, etc. These temples are dedicated to various forms and aspects of Sant Dnyaneshwar and his family
- Enjoy the scenic view of the surrounding landscape from the town. Visitors can see the Indrayani river, the Purandar fort, the Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale, etc. from the town. The town also offers a spectacular view of the sunset and sunrise
Significance of Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi
Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Alandi is considered to be one of the most sacred places for the devotees of Sant Dnyaneshwar and the Varkari tradition. Sant Dnyaneshwar was regarded as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who came to earth to spread the message of bhakti (devotion) and jnana (knowledge). He authored Dnyaneshwari (a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita) and Amrutanubhav (a treatise on Advaita Vedanta philosophy) which are considered to be milestones in Marathi literature and spirituality. He also composed many abhangs (devotional poems) in praise of Lord Vitthal (an incarnation of Lord Krishna)
Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Alandi is also a place of historical and artistic beauty. The temple was built by Ambekar Deshpande in around 1580-1600 and later renovated by various Maratha nobles and Peshwas. The temple is built in Hemadpanthi style of architecture with stone and lime mortar. The temple also has many paintings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and folklore. The samadhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar is carved in wood and painted with grey oil paint. It took almost 7 years, from 1989 to 1996, to build this samadhi
FAQ’s
Q: How to reach Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Alandi?
A: Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Alandi can be reached by road, rail, or air. The nearest airport is Pune International Airport, which is about 25 km away from Alandi. The nearest railway station is Pune Railway Station, which is about 19 km away from Alandi. From Pune or Mumbai, one can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to reach Alandi. Alandi is also well connected by road to other cities in Maharashtra and India
Q: When is the best time to visit Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Alandi?
A: The best time to visit Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Alandi is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. This is also the time when the Dnyaneshwar Jayanti and Kartik Ekadashi festivals take place, which are the main festivals of Sant Dnyaneshwar and attract lakhs of devotees and tourists. However, one can visit Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Alandi anytime of the year as it has a spiritual and cultural significance throughout the year
Q: What are the rules and regulations for visiting Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Alandi?
A: Visitors are expected to follow some rules and regulations while visiting Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Alandi. These include:
Dressing modestly and respectfully as Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Alandi is a sacred place for Hindus.
Removing shoes and leather items before entering any temple or shrine in the town.
Not consuming alcohol, meat, or eggs in Alandi as it is a vegetarian town.
Not littering or polluting the town or the temple or its surroundings.
Not taking photographs or videos of people bathing or performing rituals at the temple without their permission.
Respecting the local culture and customs and not disturbing the peace and harmony of the place
Conclusion
Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Alandi is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the devotion and grace of Sant Dnyaneshwar and the Varkari tradition. The temple offers a serene and scenic view of nature as well as a place where Sant Dnyaneshwar took sanjeevan samadhi. The temple also hosts various events and activities that make it a lively and vibrant place. Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Alandi is a place where one can find peace, joy, and enlightenment.
