Temples in and around Pune is a major attraction in Pune Darshan. Many famous temples in the city of Pune add a sense of solemnity and purity to the surroundings of Pune.

Alandi, a small city in the district of Pune of Maharashtra state of India is around 25 km way from the city of Pune. Alandi is hallowed by the presence of Saint Dnyaneshwar here in the 13th century.
The place is popularly known for the Samadhi Mandir of Saint Dnyaneshwar.

Maharashtra State, like many others in India, has a rich tradition of saints. These saints in Maharashtra were not just the sages and seers staying as recluse and preaching renunciation; but were rather visionary reformists. The first among them was Saint Dnyaneshwar who founded the Bhagwat Sect in the Hindu religion in an attempt to eradicate all sorts of discriminations in society. The Bhagwat Sect is best known as the sect of the devotees of Lord Pandurang in Pandharpur in Maharashtra.

The most significant work of Saint Dnyaneshwar is ‘Bhavarthdeepika’ also known as ‘Dnyaneshwari’ which is a Marathi criticism of the Bhagavadgita in Sanskrit. The work is also considered to be an excellent piece of Marathi poetry.

Saint Dynaneshwar is said to have stayed in Alandi for some time of his 21 year short life. He took Samadhi here at the age of 21 and ended his life.

A beautiful temple has been constructed around the Dnyaneshwar Samadhi. The temple has been the spiritual powerhouse for thousands of followers of Saint Dnyaneshwar for centuries together.

Apart from the temple, the place is blessed with awesome natural beauty. The temple is surrounded by thick greenery that adds to the solemnity and serenity of the place. The ghat that serves as a beautiful backdrop to the temple adds to the grandeur of the place.

During the Pandharpur Pilgrimage every year which is colloquially known as “Vari”, Alandi is crowded as oodles of devotees flock here for Palkhi Festival in the Marathi month of Ashadh.

Moreover the place is famous for the beautiful sight of the banks of River Indrayani. Various temples on the banks include Muktai, Ram Temple, Krishna Temple, Swami Hariharendra Math and the Vitthal Rukmini Temple.
For those who seek solace in the spiritual centres, Alandi is a place worth visiting not just once but over and over again.

If you have visited Vitthal Rakhumai Temple at Alandi in Pune, do provide your feedback through comment.

Alandi in Pune on Map
Vitthal Rakhumai Temple at Alandi in Pune