Pilgrimage & sacred places
Sant Dnyaneshwar Temple, Alandi
Sacred Samadhi of Saint Dnyaneshwar – The Divine Poet of Maharashtra
- Location
- Alandi, Pune District, Maharashtra
- River
- Indrayani River
- Temple Architecture
- Traditional Peshwa-era style with ornate woodwork and shikhara
Overview
Alandi, located on the banks of the Indrayani River near Pune, is one of the most revered pilgrimage towns in Maharashtra.
It is best known for the temple and Samadhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, the 13th-century saint, philosopher, and author of the revered ‘Dnyaneshwari’.
Every year, thousands of Warkaris (devotees of Lord Vitthal) visit Alandi during the Pandharpur Wari, carrying the symbolic palanquin (Palkhi) of Dnyaneshwar Maharaj to Pandharpur.
Alandi’s spiritual atmosphere, rhythmic chants, and river rituals make it a center of devotion and learning in the Bhakti movement.
Highlights
Spiritual Significance
Samadhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, a central figure of the Bhakti tradition in Maharashtra.
Dnyaneshwari Legacy
The temple preserves the teachings and writings of the saint who translated the Bhagavad Gita into Marathi.
Location & landscape
Alandi is a serene town on the banks of the holy Indrayani River, located about 25 km from Pune.
Alandi stands as a timeless spiritual center, inspiring countless devotees and seekers through the divine teachings of Dnyaneshwar Maharaj.
- Location
- Alandi, Pune District, Maharashtra
- River
- Indrayani River
- Temple Architecture
- Traditional Peshwa-era style with ornate woodwork and shikhara
- Presiding Deity
- Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi
- Major Festivals
- Dnyaneshwar Palkhi Wari, Kartik Ekadashi, Ashadhi Ekadashi
Best Time to Visit
Alandi has a tropical climate with warm summers and mild winters.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Monsoon months bring lush surroundings and river abundance.
Things to do
Darshan and Samadhi Puja
Devotees visit the sacred Samadhi and offer flowers, oil lamps, and prayers.
- Temple opens at 4:00 AM for Kakad Aarti.
- Evening Aarti and Bhajans held daily.
Wari Pilgrimage Participation
Join thousands of Warkaris in the famous Pandharpur Wari procession starting from Alandi.
- Held annually in June-July (Ashadh month).
- Devotees chant ‘Gyanba Tukaram!’ along the route.
Holy Dip in Indrayani
Pilgrims take a dip in the sacred Indrayani River before visiting the temple.
- Ritual believed to purify body and mind.
- Best time: Early morning or during festival days.
Places to explore
Indrayani Ghat
Peaceful ghats along the Indrayani River for meditation and ritual bathing.
Palkhi Start Point
Historic site where the annual Palkhi procession begins, carrying the Padukas (holy sandals) of the saint.
Siddheshwar Temple
Ancient Shiva temple near Alandi, visited by devotees seeking blessings before Samadhi darshan.
Local ecology
Alandi’s spiritual setting by the Indrayani River nurtures a calm river ecosystem.
The Indrayani’s gentle flow mirrors the peaceful teachings of Saint Dnyaneshwar.
Its sacred waters symbolize purity and devotion.
River Species
The Indrayani supports freshwater fish and aquatic plants, adding to its serenity.
Eco Conservation
Local volunteers and devotees often organize cleanliness drives to protect the holy river.
Practical Travel Tips
Simple lodges, dharmashalas, and ashrams available near the temple for pilgrims.
Carry drinking water; temple area can be crowded during festivals.
Participate in morning Bhajans or read excerpts from Dnyaneshwari for spiritual upliftment.
Local Transit & Routes
By Train
- Nearest railway station: Pune Junction (28 km).
- Frequent trains connect Pune with Mumbai, Nashik, and Solapur.
By Road
- Alandi is well connected by road from Pune (25 km) via Dighi–Moshi road.
- Regular MSRTC buses and shared autos are available.
By Air
- Nearest airport: Pune International Airport (21 km).