JNANESWAR MAHARAJ OF ALANDI 

Offering prayers on Ekadasi falling in Nov-Dec, brings instant merit, it is believed. Thousands visit for darsan on this day and involve themselves in several special prayer services. The decoration to the metal image placed over samadhi with flowers and bright drapery is quite enticing and the sublimity pervading detains the devotees for long. The absence of Paraphernalia is another plus point that enhances the sanctity of the garbhagriha.

There are many more objects that detain the visitors in the temple for long. Among them, Sidheshwar temple takes precedence over others. It is adjacent to the Samadhi of Jnaneswar. The Sivalinga now worshipped has been existing since the Vedic times. The prayer services offered here follow the Saivaagama though Maharastrian customs greet the eyes the visitors. There is a big size Nandi installed in a beautiful raised mandap and is placed at the entrance through which Jnaneswar entered first and had his Samadhi later finally. Next object that draws attention is the Ajan tree lying next to the wall of the garbhagriha of the Samadhi. It is believed that Saint Eknath who visited this holy place after 300 years Jnaneswar's entering Samadhi, found the tree encroaching the wall and other parts of the temple. He severed a root of the tree to stop its further occupation, but its long broad branches are giving evergreen shelter to the Samadhi. Some aspirants for higher siddhi visit and read the works of Jnaneswar sitting in the shade for hours and feel inspired fit either for composition or gaining mental peace.

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