Alandi –Pune’s Sacred pride
Alandi has been a popular pilgrim spot not only for Puneites but also for visitors across the country. Located on the banks of river Indrayani, Alandi is considered a holy spot as it houses the Samadhi and past residence of Sant Dnyaneshwar a revered saint of Maharashtra also renowned for his Marathi translation of Bhagwat Geeta. It was here that he inspired the villagers to worship Lord Panduranga.
Devachi Alandi depicts the place of the gods and is popular for the 2 palkhis that it holds every year. The palkhi is 1000 year old tradition and a unique aspect of Maharashtrian culture. It kicks off in the month of Ashad (June – July) and Kartik (November – December) and has lakhs of people known as warkaris walking from Alandi to Pandharpur reciting the lord’s name. Almost every saint right from Sant Dnyaneshwar to Tukaram has been a part of this ritual.
There are two separate palkhis that take place. The palkhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar begins from Alandi while that of Sant Tukaram from Dehu, a place close to Alandi. These palkhis meet in Pune and then split their ways from Hadapsar to meet again in Wakhri a village near Pandharpur. Over 3 lakh people are part of this ritual coming from various towns to participate in this process of 22 days. During the course of the journey, several people arrange food and water for these warkaris to assure they have a healthy and comfortable journey till the end. In fact there are even doctors and NGO helpers who provide medicines, water and other essentials in case of any emergency.
Other then the palkhi, the Alandi temple is also of great importance as devotees throng to seek the blessings of the deity here. Built in 1570, the temple in Alandi has seen thousands of worshippers walking in on a regular basis. Among the followers include newly-wed couples, marriage aspirants and overnight boarders who stay at their dharamshalas. It also serves as a place to disperse the ashes of the dead in the holy river Indrayani. The Devachi Alandi is also an attraction for the historic wall on which Sant Dnyaneshwar flew to meet Changdev.
A visit to Alandi is incomplete without visiting the nearby temples. It has temples of Muktai, Krishna, Ram, and Vitthal – Rakhumai in the vicinity. Alandi is a true pilgrim place where mind and soul come together. Our only bone of contention is the dirt and beggars lying around. Yet, all in all a serene and peaceful spot which makes Alandi is a real pleasure for worshippers.
Places near Alandi – Dehu, Chakan and Tulapur
How to reach there?– There are several ST buses from both Swargate and Pune station that will take you to Alandi. You can also choose to take your personal transport and drive or ride down. Just 25 kilometers from Pune city, Alandi is a quick tour.
More articles by Kadambari Khaire Ghate
- Pune International Dance Congress - March 11th, 2010
- Celebrate being a woman - March 8th, 2010
- Woman Power - March 4th, 2010
- Take a divine halt at Chaturshringi Temple - March 3rd, 2010
- Pune International Consumer Exhibition - February 25th, 2010
