Alandi

Alandi is a town in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India. Located on the banks of the Indrayani River, it lies to the northeast of Pune city and is widely regarded as a major pilgrimage site in the region. The town is traditionally associated with the Bhakti and Varkari movements and attracts visitors seeking spiritual and cultural heritage.

The most prominent landmark in Alandi is the temple complex that houses the samadhi of the 13th‑century saint and poet Dnyaneshwar (also known as Jnaneshwar), who authored the Dnyaneshwari, a Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. Devotional practices and pilgrimages center on the saint’s shrine, and the town sees a surge of visitors during religious occasions, including an annual yatara and processions (palkhis) that connect Alandi with other sacred sites in the region.

Alandi is generally described as having two areas, Old Alandi and New Alandi, which together accommodate pilgrims, local residents, and the small service economy that supports religious tourism. The nearby Indrayani River and the ghats along its banks add to the landscape’s spiritual and cultural atmosphere.

Economically, Alandi relies on agriculture in the surrounding hinterland and on activities related to pilgrimage and tourism, including lodging, eateries, and small shops. The town is connected to Pune and other nearby areas by road, with the broader region served by the transport network centered on Pune. The climate is typical of the Pune plateau, with hot summers and mild winters. Alandi’s cultural significance remains anchored in its association with Dnyaneshwar and the enduring traditions of Marathi devotionalism.