Alandi

Alandi आळंदी Alandi
city
Population  (2001)
• Total	17,561

Alandi (Marathi: आळंदी) is a city and a municipal council in Pune district in the state of Maharashtra, India.

Geography

Alandi (18°40′37.42″N 73°53′47.76″E) is located on the banks of the Indrayani River, 25 km (16 mi) east of Pune, India. It has an average elevation of 577 metres (1,893 feet).

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Alandi had a population of 17,561. Males constitute 56% of the population and females 44%. The lingua franca is Marathi. Alandi has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 82% of the males and 68% of females literate. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age. All castes are represented in the town. The Maratha clans, Kurhade and Gundhare dominate civic life of the town.

Pilgrimage Center

Nearby places to visit

1. Saint Dnyaneshwar samādhi [1]: Saint Dnyaneshwar, after translating the Bhagavad Gita into Marathi attained samādhi in front of LORD shri SIDDHESHWAR at Alandi. Alandi is thus a place of pilgrimage and is venerated by many Hindus. A temple complex has been built near the spot of Sant Dnyaneshwar's samadhi. It is visited by thousands of pilgrims, and in particular, those of the Varkari Sect. On every Kartika Ekadashi (eleventh day of the Hindu month of Kartik), a big festival is held at Alandi, when the Yatra (procession of pilgrims) reaches the town.
2. Vitthala-Rakhumai Temple
3. Siddhabet
4. Jalaram Temple: Just like the one at Virpur Gujarat
5. Dnyaneshwar's Wall
6. Sant Tukaram Samadhi [2]: The town of Dehu, where the samadhi of Sant Tukaram is located, lies not far from Alandi.
7. Sambhaji Raje Bhosle Samadhi: Tulapur village is also lacated near to Allandi (6 km) where samadhi of Sambhaji Raje Bhosle (Son of Shivaji Maharaj)is located.

Religious Significance

Alandi has also the distinction of having a prehistoric collection of Shivling. In one of the Saint Dnyaneshwar's verses he speaks of it being called "Sidheshwar". The name of the reigning deity of the place as also one of the names of Shiva. He states then that a collection of eighty-four Sidhas meet or exist here. Under a dense green and flower laden canopy emitting a heavenly fragrance and birds singing celestal tunes. This stanza is to be found in Saint Dnyaneshwar's book about the power of chanting Hari's name. The book is called Haripath. Even till this day Haripath is recited by countless rich and poor in Maharashtra. They experience its beauty and believe in its powers as also in the person who created them.

Social Significance

Alandi has become known as a place for mass-marriage ceremonies for impoverished eloped lovers and parents who would avoid expenses for a daughter's marriage. An "Alandi marriage" has therefore become a derogatory term in the urban area around Pune. There are near about 200 dharmashala's or karyalaya's for marriage ceremonies..

Education

• Maharashtra_Academy_of_Engineering
• Sant Dnyaneshwara Vidyalaya
• Sharadchandra Pawar Chitrakala Mahavidyalaya