Alandi

 Located 25 kms away from Pune on the banks of the river Indrayani, Devachi Alandi (or God’s own Alandi) is renowned for the samadhi and temple of the famous saint-poet from Maharashtra, Sant Dnyaneshwar.

A pilgrim center, Alandi is also famous for other temples such as Vitthal-Rakhumai, Ram Temple, Krishna Temple and Muktai temple. The temple of Jalasan Baba, a famous Gujarathi Saint is also present here besides the Math of Swami Hariharendra. Sant Dnyaneshwar was born in little known Apegaon near Paithan but spent his short life at Alandi.  The saint is known for his famous Marathi book – the Dyaneshwari.

The temple of Sant Dyaneshwar was built in the year 1570 according to historical records. Sant Dyaneshwar came to meet Changdev at Alandi in a unique sort of way. He, along with his brothers and sister sat on a wall and commanded it to fly them to Alandi. This wall is also present here. Sant Dyaneshwar inspired the people to worship Lord Panduranga (another name for Lord Krishna). There is a fair held at Alandi twice a year, which sees an influx of people besides the famous Palkhi that is thronged by pilgrims from Alandi to Pandharpur covering a distance of almost 150 kms on foot. This pilgrimage is held every year in the month of Ashadh.  A clean and welcoming place of worship, you may go to Alandi by road from Pune availing the S.T. buses from Pune station or even hire an auto-rickshaw. 

Pandharpur

 The famous temple of Lord Vitthal (Lord Krishna) or Vithoba as he is lovingly called is what draws thousands of devotees to the pilgrim town of Pandharpur, which is about 204 kms away from Pune and about 65 kms west of Sholapur. Located on the banks of the river Bhimarathi, more famously known as the Chandrabagha, the temple shrine has historical inscriptions dating back to the 13th century as it finds mention in the works of famous saints such as Namdev, Dyaneshwar, Eknath and Tukaram.  

The temple of Lord Vithoba is spread over a vast area. There are six gates to the temple. The eastern gate is known as the Namdev gate. The sanctum has an endearing image of a standing Vithoba who is also known by names such as Panduranga, Pandhari and Vithhala.

Other famous temples in Pandharpur are the Lakshmi Temple, Pundalik Temple, The Vishnupad Temple, Trimbakeshwar Temple and Shri Ram Temple. , Pundalik Temple has a shrine dedicated to Saint Pundalik.

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