Hello friends, after receiving a positive response to my recent blog about the best street food in Amravati, I have decided to write another blog post to explore Vidarbha. Today, we will be exploring the spirituality of Shegaon and the beauty of Anand Sagar.
Located in Maharashtra's Buldhana district, Shegaon has gained popularity as a pilgrimage center due to the revered status of Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj, who is widely regarded as a saint among Hindus.
Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj
Gajanan Maharaj is a spiritual leader and a saint from the Indian state of Maharashtra. While the exact date of Gajanan Maharaj's birth is unknown, it is believed that he first appeared in public when he was around 30 years old, on February 23, 1878. Devotees remember and celebrate this day as "Prakatdin". Gajanan Maharaj, a prominent saint of modern times, preached that devotion is the key to attaining God. His life story has been recorded by Dasganu Maharaj in a book called 'Shri Gajanan Maharaj Bhaktivijay Pothi'. (Source)
Gajanan Maharaj's Miraculous Story
Gajanan Maharaj was known for his miraculous deeds in Shegaon. Once, a wrestler named Hari Patil challenged Maharaj to a wrestling match after hearing about his powers. Maharaj defeated him so effortlessly that Patil was humbled. Later, Hari Patil's sons tried to beat Maharaj with sugarcane sticks, but surprisingly there were no bruises on his body. Instead, Maharaj squeezed the sticks and extracted sugarcane juice from them. In another instance, a man named Khandu Patil, who had been childless for many years, received Maharaj's blessings and was blessed with a child. (Source)
" अनंतकोटी ब्रह्माडनायक महाराजाधिराज योगीराज परब्रह्म सच्चिदानंद भक्तप्रतिपालक शेगांव निवासी समर्थ सद्गुरू श्री गजानन महाराज की जय "
Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj Shegaon Temple
The Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj Temple in Shegaon is named after the revered saint, Gajanan Maharaj, who resided there during his lifetime. The temple is built at the site where he attained samadhi or the final stage of meditation. Considered to possess miraculous powers, Gajanan Maharaj is highly regarded by Hindus.
The temple trust that manages the affairs of the Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj Temple is the largest in the Vidarbha region and is often referred to as the "Pandharpur of Vidarbha". People from all over Maharashtra visit the temple on pilgrimage.
The trust is headed by managing trustees who traditionally come from the Patil family. They oversee the spiritual, religious, medical, and educational services provided by the temple.
Anand Sagar Water Park
Anand Sagar is a famous tourist spot and pilgrimage site in Shegaon, Maharashtra. It was built in 2005 by the Shri Gajanan Maharaj Mandir Trust to address the water problems faced by the locals. Since then, it has become a popular tourist destination.
My Memorable Trip to Anand Sagar
I visited Anand Sagar with my family when I was a child, and it was such a memorable experience. We traveled by private vehicle, but if you're planning to visit, taking a train to Shegaon Railway Station is the most convenient option. From there, you can take advantage of the free transport services provided by the Shree Sant Gajanan Trust, which run from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. at night.
During our stay, we opted to stay at the Bhakta Niwas Complex, which is located within the temple premises. However, there are two larger complexes available called Anand Vihar Bhakta Niwas Sankul and Anand Sagar Visawa Bhakta Niwas Sankul that also provide comfortable accommodations.
After renting a room and freshening up, we decided to visit the temple first before heading to Anand Sagar Park for some relaxation. The park is around 8-9 km away from the temple, but getting there is easy with the available bus transportation. Keep in mind that there's an entry fee of Rs 50/- to get into the park, but it's well worth it.
Anand Sagar offers a variety of delectable local delicacies to satiate the hunger pangs of its visitors after a long day of exploring and walking. The famous Shegaon Kachori and Mava Kulfi are must-tries, but traditional options like poha, dhokla, and samosa are also available in abundance. Plus, the food and water inside the park are affordable, so you don't have to worry about breaking the bank.
As soon as we entered the park, I was amazed to see a toy train that took us on a 15-20 minute ride for just Rs 15/-. It was so much fun, especially for the kids. There were several slides and swings that attracted the children and a small amusement park for the elders.
But that's not all. Anand Sagar Park has so much more to offer, like an aquarium, temples, big sculptures, snack centers, and even a musical fountain show in the evening. The park has created an artificial lake, and in the middle, there's a meditation center called "Vivekananda Memorial" and a mini island called "Dwarka". It was just so amazing to see all of this!
We found plenty of benches and mats to rest on and the children enjoyed themselves thoroughly. I would definitely recommend visiting Anand Sagar with your family or friends. It's such a wonderful place that you'll want to come back to again and again. However, do remember to carry a cap, sunglasses, and a water bottle of at least 1 liter with you while you are exploring the park.
Please note that the information I shared about my childhood trip to Anand Sagar may not be current, as ticket prices and rules may have changed since then. I highly recommend checking the latest updates before planning any trip.
When will Anand Sagar Reopen?
Listen guys there are a lot of rumors circulating about Anand Sagar's reopening, but currently, the park is closed. Kindly exercise caution and refrain from making any travel plans until the park officially announces its reopening. Rest assured, I will update the information as soon as the park reopens.
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