Alandi: The Spiritual Heartbeat of Maharashtra
Alandi: The Spiritual Heartbeat of Maharashtra A small town called Alandi lies just close to Pune in the Maharashtra region of India, well-known for its spiritual values and rich cultural background. It is especially known to be the resting place of the 13th century saint Dnyaneshwar, a highly worshiped Marathi poet-saint whose teachings and works have been very influential upon the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra. Dedicated to the saint, Dnyaneshwar Samadhi Mandir, a temple is a place visited by thousands of devotees and pilgrims every year. The complex is a marvelous epitome of intricate traditional Maharashtrian design, which renders an atmosphere of serenity and devotion. The site looks at its best during the Jayanti of Dnyaneshwari, where it celebrates his birth, and people visit in large numbers for prayers, cultural programs, and processions. Its spiritual allure is further supplemented by the fact that it is located on the sacred banks of the Indray...