Anandi Swami Temple

Old Jalna, Jalna City, Taluka Jalna, District Jalna

The Shri Anandi Swami Temple, nestled in the old quarter of Jalna city in the state of Maharashtra, stands as a pivotal spiritual center in the region. This magnificent temple was erected in the 18th century by the renowned Maratha statesman and general, Mahadji Shinde, over the Sanjeevan Samadhi (eternal resting place) of Saint Anandi Swami. In the Marathwada region, this sacred shrine holds unparalleled significance, revered as ‘Prati Pandharpur’ (a replica of Pandharpur). Its sturdy stone foundation and the grand four-storied wooden mandap (hall) rising above it bear eloquent testimony to Maratha architectural prowess and advanced timber engineering. Annually, on Ashadhi Ekadashi, thousands of devout pilgrims from across the district gather here for the grand Yatra (pilgrimage fair) and the historic Palkhi (palanquin) procession that commences from this holy site.

The city of Jalna is primarily divided into two distinct parts: Old Jalna and New Jalna. This ancient temple dedicated to Shri Anandi Swami is nestled in the central heart of Old Jalna city. The intricate layout of the roads, settlements, and alleys in this region evokes memories of the urban planning prevalent during the historical Maratha and Mughal eras. Following the expansion of the glorious Maratha Empire in the eighteenth century, this entire region came directly under the profound influence of the Marathas. Illustrious generals such as Mahadji Shinde further solidified the deep roots of Maratha culture by establishing numerous religious and cultural edifices in this sacred land. Alongside this rich historical heritage, the devout people of Jalna also played an exceedingly invaluable and pivotal role in the sacred Marathwada Liberation Struggle. For the cherished freedom of this beloved motherland, the revered Janardan Mama Nagapurkar offered the ultimate sacrifice of his life.

The Shri Anandi Swami Temple was established in the latter half of the eighteenth century, specifically between approximately 1770 and 1790. The influential commander-in-chief of the Maratha Empire, Mahadji Shinde, constructed this temple. Mahadji Shinde was a valiant chieftain and statesman of the Maratha Empire, who played a pivotal role in re-establishing Maratha supremacy in North India after the Battle of Panipat. Mahadji Shinde was a devout follower of Saint Anandi Swami. It was for this reason that he took the historic decision to construct a magnificent temple upon the Sanjeevan Samadhi of the Swami. According to the Aurangabad Gazetteer and official records of the history of Aurangabad district, Mahadji Shinde provided a substantial amount of funds from his personal wealth for the construction of this temple. Jalna is frequently mentioned in Mahadji Shinde’s military campaigns, and his military encampments were often in this region. He would frequently visit this place for the darshan of the Swami, and after the Swami attained Samadhi, he transformed this site into a temple. To oversee the management of this temple, he appointed several families and priests, whose descendants still possess some old documents and genealogical records today.

It is the deep faith of devotees that Saint Anandi Swami first manifested in the famous Balaji Temple at Deulgaon Raja. Subsequently, due to the fervent insistence of his disciples, Swami came to Jalna. In this regard, a written reference is also found stating that Anandi Swami manifested at 1:30 PM on Kartik Shuddha Dashami, Thursday, in the Bhava Nama Samvatsara of Shaka 1674 (corresponding to 1752 CE), at the Prati Giri Balaji Temple, located near Jalna. After the manifestation of Swami, a great celebration of joy began everywhere, and because he was a direct incarnation of Dattatreya, this young child was named ‘Anandi’. When Maharaj manifested in Deulgaon Raja, a significant question arose among the disciples who came to meet him: by what name should they address Maharaj? A great discussion ensued among the saints and sages regarding this. It was unanimously decided that since a wave of joy would arise in everyone’s heart whenever they looked at Maharaj’s face, his name should indeed be ‘Anandi’. From that time onwards, Maharaj Anandi Swami became known by this sacred name, not only in the surrounding region but also throughout the whole of Maharashtra.

In Maharashtra, there are many sacred shrines revered as Prati-Pandharpur, and among them, this temple in Jalna is considered highly significant. It is the devout belief of the devotees that Lord Panduranga Himself assumed this form of Dattatreya solely to bestow His divine darshan upon His beloved devotees. A unique holy scripture (Pothi) dedicated to the Swami is also available, which devotees reverently recite with utmost devotion. As per the sacred accounts within this Pothi, Shri Anandi Swami Maharaj is none other than a direct incarnation (Avatara) of Lord Dattatreya. Moved by the profound devotion of His paramount devotee, Krishnasa Patil, the Swami graciously chose to reside permanently in Jalna, gracing this sacred land with His presence for 51 continuous years. It was during this very era, approximately two hundred and fifty years ago, that Namdev Patilba, an unwavering devotee of Lord Panduranga hailing from Charathana near Jintur, would undertake the annual Wari pilgrimage to Pandharpur on foot. One time, as he was making preparations for the Wari, Lord Panduranga of Pandhari Himself appeared to Patilba in a divine dream vision, instructing him not to come to Pandharpur but instead to proceed directly to Jalna, then known as Janakpur, and seek the sacred darshan of Anandi Nath, who resided there. In a dream, the Lord revealed that Anandinath and Pandharinath are one and the same, and thus, he should complete his Ashadhi Wari in Jalna itself. Following this divine vision, Namdev Patilba began coming to Jalna for the Wari, and since then, this tradition has continued unbroken.

In the old part of Jalna, at Shani Mandir Chowk, there is an ancient settlement known as ‘Anandi Swami Galli’. This temple stands majestically near the entrance of this very lane. The architecture of Anandi Swami Mandir is exceptionally distinctive. This temple is primarily renowned for its exquisite wooden carvings, also known as ‘Kasthashilpa’. The entire structure of the temple is crafted in the Maratha architectural style. To enter through the main gateway of the temple, one must ascend a flight of tall stone steps. This temple is an impressive four-storied edifice. The foundation of the temple, known as the ‘Adhishthana’, is constructed from black basalt stone and rises approximately 4 to 5 feet above the ground. The outer walls of the temple are built to an impressive thickness with bricks and mud, and are adorned with a substantial layer of lime plaster. The thickness of these walls measures approximately three to four feet. In certain sections, these walls reveal beautiful murals in the Maratha style or intricate scrollwork carvings.

The most prominent attraction of this sacred edifice is its magnificent multi-storied wooden mandap. This entire Sabhamandap is crafted from superior quality teak wood. Beautiful wooden staircases have been constructed to ascend to the temple’s second and upper floors. The upper floors also feature wooden ‘sajje’ or galleries, offering a clear view of the main mandap below. This entire architectural work perfectly mirrors the renowned ‘Puneri Wada’ style of the 18th century. On the walls of the Antarala, significant events from the life of Sant Anandi Swami are exquisitely carved in the form of beautiful paintings. Within the Garbhagriha lies the sacred Sanjivan Samadhi of Sant Anandi Swami. Upon the chautara (platform) of the Samadhi, reposes the idol of Sant Anandi Swami in the Padmasana posture. During the Ashadhi Utsav, devotees are blessed with the darshan of Anandi Swami Maharaj’s idol adorned in various forms. These primarily include the divine forms of Shankar-Parvati, Vitthal-Rukmini, and Dattatreya, with the idol being adorned in the ‘shringar’ of these different avatars.

Sant Anandi Swami Maharaj attained Sanjivan Samadhi in the city of Jalna in 1726 AD. Since then, a grand festival is celebrated here annually on Magh Vadya Ashtami. Additionally, on Das Navami, the temple hosts Gopalakalya Kirtan and Kala. In Jalna, the Palkhi Sohala (palanquin procession) has been celebrated with utmost regularity since 1947 AD. Even during the erstwhile Nizam era, despite strict administrative vigilance, this Palkhi procession would proceed with great devotion and discipline. The Mahā-Āratī is performed daily in the temple at 7 PM. Every year, on Ashadhi Ekadashi, the main Palkhi procession of Shri commences at 7 AM. This Palkhi proceeds through Kacheri Road, Ganpati Galli, Shastri Mohalla, and past the Vitthal-Rukmini Temple in the Kasba area of Old Jalna, then via Gandhi Chaman, returning to the main temple precisely at 12 AM. This grand Palkhi Sohala continues for a continuous duration of 17 to 20 hours. In front of the Palkhi, many young devotees display various traditional outdoor martial arts and physical feats such as Mallakhamb, sword fighting, and Lathi-firavane (stick twirling). On Guru Purnima, Guru Pujan and Pravachan are held here, while in December, on Datta Jayanti, a ‘Palana’ (cradle ceremony) and Mahaprasad are organized. Devotees can have Darshan here daily from 6 AM to 1 PM and from 4 PM to 9:30 PM.

Useful Information

• The temple is approximately 3 km from Jalna ST Bus Stand.
• The temple is approximately 4 km from Jalna Railway Station.
• Direct ST Bus and railway services are available to Jalna from many major cities in the state.
• Devotees’ private vehicles can reach directly up to the temple courtyard.
• Excellent facilities for accommodation and refreshments are available within the temple premises and in Jalna city.
• Contact: Temple Office, Mob. 9503267404