Shani Shingnapur

A unique religious experience awaits travellers who come to Shani Shignapur, a village about 35 km from Ahmednagar. The presiding deity of the village is Sri Shaneshwara or Lord Shanidev, said to be the personification of planet Saturn. Interestingly, the idol, which is said to be self-manifested, is placed on a simple platform rather than an elaborate temple and devotees can perform the religious rituals themselves. Days dedicated to the god like Saturdays and Amavasyas (no moon) are celebrated with special pomp. The god is believed to be the arbiter of bad luck and hence his worship is a way of appeasing him so that his influence does not bring bad luck to the worshippers. Another interesting fact about this village is that the villagers’ belief in Lord Shani is so strong that they do not have door frames or locks. They believe that no crime can occur here when the lord is their guardian. Even shops are left unlocked.

Shani Shingnapur

Guru Ganesh Tapodham

Located in Jalna, Guru Ganesh Tapodham is a prominent pilgrimage place for Jains. It is also known as Karnatak Kesari. The Jain Trust Shri Vardhaman Sthankwasi Jain Shravak Sangh, is responsible for the running of Tapodham. It also runs several other institutions like a school, library and gaushala. The gaushala is one of the largest in the Marathwada region. An annual fair held here, attracts a large number of tourists and devotees from across the country. 

One can explore the city of Jalna, which has been built on the banks of  River Kundalika. A fort and a citadel standing to the east are particular highlights. The citadel, today, is home to a number of municipal offices and the fort is also worth a visit. It is quadrangular in shape and has semi-circular bastions at the corners.

Guru Ganesh Tapodham

Matsyodari Devi Temple, Ambad

The Matsyodari Devi Temple of Ambad, situated on a hill that resembles a matsya or a fish, lies 21 km from the city of Jalna. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Matsyadevi, and both the name of the goddess and the city have been derived from the aforementioned hill. Believed to be one of the oldest temples in the region, the Matsyodari Devi Temple hosts a popular fair held every Navratra (a nine-day holy festival) around October. Local legend believes that the town of Ambad was founded by Rishi Ambad, who was at some time a Hindu king who ran away from his governance responsibilities and hid in one of the caves in this hill to relinquish this world of attachments.

Matsyodari Devi Temple, Ambad

Jamb Samartha, Ghansawangi

The Samartha Temple, built in the memory of Sant Ramdas, the younger son of Suryajipant Thosar Kulkarni and Ranubai, is the main tourist attraction. It is widely believed that he was born at the exact time of the birth of Lord Rama. His actual name was Narayan. Every Ram Navami, a popular annual fair is held at the Rama temple situated in Sant Ramdas Swami’s home. The temple was built by the donation received from Mother Queen Holkar of Indore in the memory and honour of Shri Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar. There are boarding facilities available for those who want to have an immersive experience. It is said that Sant Ramdas Swami was born at Jamb Samartha, which is situated in the Ghansavangi tahsil of Jalna district.

Jamb Samartha, Ghansawangi

Nanded Huzur Saheb

This gurudwara was constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the leader of the Sikh empire, at the place where the last guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh ji breathed his last. According to a religious belief, this is where the guru-ship was passed on from Guru Gobind Singh to the Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh ji realised that men, even as great as him, are perishable, but ideas, which the Guru Granth Sahib represents, are not. While conferring the guru-ship on the holy book, Guru Gobind Singh ji called Nanded the Abchalnagar, or the steadfast city. The name 'Sachkhand' literally means the region of truth.

This was meant to denote the abode of god. According to Sikhism, there are five takhts or seats of power. This gurudwara, also known as Takht Sahib, is the holiest among them. It is situated near the Godavari river. Laid out in majestic white marble, the dome of the main shrine is capped in gold. The complex houses two more shrines - the Bunga Mai Bhago Ji, which houses the Guru Granth Sahib, and the other is of Angitha Bhai Daya Singh and Dharam Singh, two of the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones). The complex has two storeys and the decoration is similar to Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The inner room is called the Angitha Saheb. Its walls are covered with golden plates. Relics of Guru Gobind Singh preserved here include a golden dagger, a matchlock gun, a studded steel shield and five golden swords. The sanctum is decorated with marble that is inlaid with floral patterns. The walls and the ceiling are decorated with stucco and tukari work. During the day, the Guru Granth Sahib is brought out and placed in a room in front of the sanctum. At nights, it is placed back in the sanctum.

Nanded Huzur Saheb