Alandi

Scenically perched on the banks of the Indrayani river, Alandi is the resting place of Sant Dnyaneshwar who wrote the Marathi version of the Bhagwat Geeta called ‘Dnyaneshwari’. At a distance of 25 km from Pune, it is a religiously important pilgrimage centre for thousands of devotees.  The beautiful Dnyaneshwar Samadhi Temple was built in 1570. Alandi is particularly famous for its ‘Palakhi’ that carries the feet of Dnyaneshwar Maharaj to Pandharpur on Ashadi Ekadashi. Ardent devotees walk 150 km along with the ‘Palakhi’ in utmost belief.

Also found here is a prehistoric collection of Shivalinga that Dnaneshwar Maharaj calls ‘Sidheshwar’ in his verses. The legendary ‘WALL’ on which he sat and flew to meet Changdev is also of religious importance and a must see. Beautiful temples adorn the town- Vithala Rukmini temple, Muktai Temple, Jalasan Baba temple, Math of Swami Hariharendra and Krishna Temple.

The beautiful ghat, a rich history and cleanliness of the Temple make Alandi  not only a pilgrimage place but also a perfect place for solitude. The two fairs in Karthik Ekadashi and Ashadi Ekadashi are a major crowd puller.