subject: Destinations For Pilgrimage Around Pune [print this page] Destinations for pilgrimage in and around Pune are many. These are not merely the centers of religious rituals, but are rather the powerhouses, the source of inspiration for thousands of minds all across the world. Some seek mundane pleasures while some want to tread the path of spirituality and seek salvation. Hotel Studio Estique presents to you few of the most popular pilgrimage centers in and around the city of Pune.
Bhimashankar
The Bhimashankar Temple located at just 128 kms away from Pune, is an exquisitely carved Nagara style 18th century temple and claims the distinction of being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed that its exactly the place where Lord rested after the Tripurantaka Samharam i.e., the annihilation of Rakshas Tripurasurag. Even the Bhima River flowing near the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is said to having a story behind its formation.
The Bhimashankar temple is a composite mix of old and the new structures. The shikhara of this modest temple was constructed by Nana Fadnis, an eminent statesman of the Peshwa days. Today, this temple is visited by devotees from far and wide. On the occasion of Mahashivratri, over 20,000 devotees attend a special religious fair. In addition to the Shiva Temple, you can also pay a visit to Bombay Point, Gupta Bhimashankar: the origin of Bhima River, Hanuman Tank and Nagphani Point.
Ashtavinayaka
Ashtavinayaka literally means "eight Ganeshas" in Sanskrit and its pilgrimage covers an octet of eight temples of Ganesha, in a pre-ascertained sequence. Situated within 120 kms from Pune, each of these temples has its own individual legend and history, as distinct from each other as the effigies in each temple. Some of these murtis are called Swayambhu effigies or the self-existent in Sanskrit. This means that no human created these murtis, they were found completely formed by nature. Of the 8 Vinayakas, 6 are in Pune district area and 2 in Raigad district but still comparatively nearer to the Pune areas.
The eight temples of the Ashtavinayaka in their religious sequence are:
Shri Mayureshwar (Moregaon)
Shri Siddhi Vinayak (Siddhatek)
Shri Ballaleshwar (Pali)
Shri Varada Vinayak (Mahad)
Shri Chintamani (Theur)
Shri Girijatmaj (Lenyadri)
Shri Vighnahar (Ozhar)
Shri Mahaganapati (Ranjangaon)
Alandi
Alandi, situated approximately 25 km from the Pune city is renowned for being home to the Samadhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar. The temple is built around the Samadhi and is situated on the banks of river Indrayani. Fairs are held at this place on Kartika Ekadashi and Ashadhi Ekadashi, which bring many devotees from various parts of India to pay homage to the saint. Apart from the being home to the temple, Alandi city also serves as the venue of the Palakhi festival, celebrated every year in the month of Ashadh. The fair is held here twice a year and covers almost 150 kms of distance. The other famous places in Alandi are Vitthal-Rakhumai temple, Ram temple, Krishna Temple and Muktai temple. For those who are religiously inclined, Alandi is definitely a place worth visiting.
Shirdi
Shirdi is an important pilgrimage center as it was once the abode of the noted Saint Sai Baba, who used to reside here. This charming town located at 185 kms from Pune, is dotted with many religious sites that are visited by tourists from all religious backgrounds. The most prominent among the tourist attractions in Shirdi is the Sai Baba Mandir (temple) and his Samadhi (memorial). The Samadhi temple is the focal point of Shirdi pilgrimage and people stand in long serpentine queues to get a glimpse of Sai Baba's last mortal remains. During the occasions of Guru Poornima, Dussehra, and Ram Navami, the atmosphere here is simply mesmerizing and filled with religious fervor. The other highlights of this town include Dwarkamai (mosque), Gurusthan, Chavadi, Lendi Baug, Maruti Mandir, Chawadi and Samadhi of Abdulbaba.
Jejuri
Jejuri in Purandar Taluka, which lies to the southeast and 51 kms away from Pune, is a famous place of pilgrimage. The town is known for being the venue of one of the revered temples in the state, known as the Khandobachi Jejuri. The temple is dedicated to the God of Jejuri, also known as Khandoba, Mhalsakant or Malhari Martand and is very revered amongst the Dhangars, one of the oldest tribes in Maharashtra. Jejuri Temple is situated atop a small hill and because of this height; one has to climb a series of almost 200 steps to reach the sanctum sanctorum. The climb up hill offers amazing views of Saswad and Dive Ghat along with a number of Deep Mala i.e. a range of lights mounted on stones.
The Temple was constructed in 1608. The sabhamandap and other parts of the structure were completed subsequently. The temple can be divided into two parts, the Mandap i.e. the porch and Gabhara i.e. the sanctum. The idol of Khandoba enshrined in Jejuri temple speaks volumes about the talent of its craftsmen. The weapons situated inside the temple, namely a sword, a damaru and a paral, have historical importance attached to them. The temple also serves as a venue of Sword Competition, held every year on the occasion of Dussehra. Theists believe that this place is hallowed by the divine presence of Lord Khandoba and hence serves as the powerhouse for them.
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