Jalna : The Land Of Saints

KNOWN AS THE ‘LAND OF SAINTS’, JALNA DISTRICT WAS THE BIRTHPLACE OF SAINT RAMDAS. WATERED BY THE RIVER KINDALIKA, THE DISTRICT IS KNOWN FOR ITS MANY HISTORIC TEMPLES, WOOL AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE. THE FORT BUILT IN 1725, IS A HISTORIC LANDMARK HERE, BESIDES THE FAMOUS ANANDSWAMI TEMPLE - A RENOWNED PLACE OF PILGRIMAGE.

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PLACES OF INTEREST

ANAND SWAMI TEMPLE:

Located at the old city area in Jalna, this temple is 250 years old and was built by Maratha warior Mahadji Shinde, on the place where Shri Sant Anand Swami attained samadhi. A fair is held here in Ashadhi Ekadashi.

GURU GANESH BHAVAN:

It is an important holy place of the jains managed by a Jain trust named Shri Vardhaman Sthankwasi Jain Shravak Sangh. The Guashala here is one of the largest in the whole Marathwada region.

KALI MASJID:

Situated at the Court Road, old jalna, it is a 400 years old mosque built in black stone by a saint jamshed Khan by name.

MAMMA DEVI TEMPLE:

Located at Mastgad, Old jalna, this temple is dedicated to Mamam Devi. Kirtan, Bhajan and other holy rituals take place here daily and many people come for darshan, especially in Navratra.

MOTI BAAG:

The Sambhaji Udyan of Nagar Parishad, popularly by known as ’Moti Baag' is one of the main attractions of the city. It has a beautiful garden with green grass and colourful flowers. A mini train for the children, a beautiful beach on the Moti Talav and the colourful music karanje are the main attractions of the garden.

EXCURSIONS

AMBAD (21 KM SOUTH):

A temple dedicated to Goddess Matsyodari is located on the hill, which resembles the shape of a fish matsya). It is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the region. An annual fair is held at the temple in October during Navratra. A historic Khandoba temple and a masonry kund (tank), both constructed by a queen named Ahilyabai Holkar at the end of the 18th century are other attractions here.

BHOKARDAN:

This town is located on the right bank of the Khelna River. A ruined wall surrounds the town, which houses eight small temples and two mosques. There is an inner citadel where the offices of tahsildar and other minor officials are located. Three fairs are held annually here. The ruins of a Mahanubhav temple are found near the town on the left bank of the Khelna and some caves are also believed to be submerged in the riverbank below the temple.

GHANSAVANGI:

Jamba Samartha temple here is built in memory of Sant Ramdas swami, advisor and teacher of Chhatrapati Shivaji. This temple is managed by a trust, which was registered in 1943 by Nanasaheb Dev. A temple dedicated to Lord Ram is situated nearby and an annual fair on the Ramnavami day is attended by a large number of people.

RAJUR (25 KM NORTH):

The famous Ganapati Temple here enshrines the swayambhu idol of Lord Ganesh. The temple is believed to be built by Yadavas. The Rajur is considered as one of the complete pith of Lord Ganesh in Ganesh Puran. Devotees visit the temple in large numbers, especially on Chaturthi days. A fair conducted on Angarika Chaturthi draws a large number of people.

BADNAPUR:

lt is situated on the right bank of the river Dudhna. The dargah of Mir Gulam Shah is the main attraction here.