vaishnava · Maharashtra
Alandi Sant Jnaneshwar Samadhi Temple
आळंदी संत ज्ञानेश्वर समाधि मन्दिर
Presiding deity: The Sanjeevan Samadhi (living tomb) of Sant Jnaneshwar Maharaj (1275-1296 CE), the 13th-century Marathi saint-philosopher who voluntarily entered samadhi at age 21 after composing the Jnaneshwari (Marathi commentary on Bhagavad Gita); the samadhi shrine houses his eternal living presence
Established: Sanjeevan Samadhi taken in 1296 CE; current temple complex was renovated by Sant Eknath in 1584 CE and further expanded under the Peshwa regime in the 18th century
Significance
The starting point of the centuries-old Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage where 500,000+ warkaris walk 250 km to Pandharpur every Ashadhi Ekadashi carrying Jnaneshwar paduka; the only sanjeevan samadhi in Maharashtra (along with Tukaram at Dehu) where the saint is believed to still be in living samadhi; Jnaneshwari is considered the foundational text of Marathi spiritual literature and the bedrock of the Varkari sampradaya
Legend
Sant Jnaneshwar, at age 21, requested his elder brother Nivruttinath permission to enter sanjeevan samadhi; after composing the Pasayadan (universal prayer for welfare) and completing the Jnaneshwari, he sat in padmasana, closed his eyes, and the samadhi was sealed; centuries later, Sant Eknath had a divine vision where Jnaneshwar asked him to remove a tree root that was strangling his neck — Eknath restored the samadhi in 1584 CE confirming the living presence
How to reach
Alandi is on the banks of the Indrayani river, 25 km from Pune; regular PMPML buses and shared autos from Pune Station and Bhosari; reachable via Pune-Nashik Highway
Where to stay
MTDC Resort Alandi, Sansthan Bhakta Niwas, Sant Jnaneshwar Yatri Bhavan, numerous warkari ashrams; premium hotels in Pune
Primary pujas performed here
- Mauli Samadhi Darshan
- Indrayani Snan
- Kakad Aarti
- Pasayadan Path
- Haripath Recitation
- Dindi Procession participation
What to offer: Tulsi mala, abir-bukka (gulal-kunkum), pedhe, Indrayani river water for snan, the famous Alandi prasad of saakhar-bhat (sweet rice)
Modern access
Pandharpur Wari is the largest annual pilgrimage in Maharashtra and one of the largest on earth; UNESCO recognition pending; the Jnaneshwari is taught in all major Marathi universities and gurukuls; the temple trust runs free annapurna kitchen and ayurveda dispensary
Nearby tirthas
- dehu-tukaram-samadhi
- pandharpur-vitthal-rukmini
- shirdi-sai-baba
- trimbakeshwar-jyotirlinga
- pune-dagadusheth-halwai-ganpati