Manerajuri, Sangli

Manerajuri with a population of 8,019 according to the 1961 Census, is largely an agricultural village in Tasganv taluka situated on the Sangli-Atapadi road, 11.26 km (seven miles) to the east of Tasganv. Madhavnagar and Bhilavadi are the nearest railway stations both of which are about 22.53 km (14.00 mi) distant from it. The following story is told about the establishment of the village. Mani and Malli were two Daityas, both of whom were the devotees of Shiva. They had an enemy by name Khandoba who was also a worshipper of shiva. None could overcome each other. Khanboba then went to the south of Dhandoba hill and established a township which is the present Khande Rajuri Mani established his kingdom to the east of the same hill and it came to be called as Mani Rajuri. Manerajuri is the corrupt form of Mani Rajuri.

History

The villages of Manerajuri and Arag were granted to Anubai, the younger daughter of the first Peshva Balaji Vishwanath, who was married to Naravanrav Ghorpade (formerly Joshi), regarded as the son of Santaji Ghorpade. Prior to this the rights of this villages were held by the Garud family, who opposed Anubai taking possession of the villages. This brought Balaji Vishvanath on the scene who succeeded in taking over the villages and handing them over to Anubai. Narayanrav died without leaving any heir and hence Anubai adopted one. It was at this time that two vadas were built, one each at Manerajuri and Arag. At the very same time a kunda for the Ramling spring which is nearby the Maha-dev temple of the village was built. It is 1.85 m2 (20 feet square) and can be approached by a flight of steps.

Crops

Manerajuri has two hamlets, viz., those of Yogevadi and Luga-devadi. The chief crops grown are Greaps. turmeric, capscicum, groundnut, jovar and sugarcane. Plantains and mangoes are also produced and are generally sent to the Sangli market. Practically the entire crop of sugarcane is sold to the sugar factory near Madhavnagar. There is a small community of weavers weaving plain cloth and saris on hand looms. Tasgaon taluka, is one of the leading taluka in grape producer in India; and Manerajuri is leading village in Tasgaon taluka in grape producing, bottom line is Manerajuri is leading grape producing village in India.

Education

The village among other things has a high school, a primary school. Mary Angels English medium school started by Mr.Jamdade in 2008. Soon after it was established, the school has gained tremendous popularity and respect in Tasgaon taluka. Students from taluka places and nearby villages are joining the school. Now students from the village won't have to face language barrier, when they go to bigger cities. Mr. and Mrs. Jamdade (Founder and Chairperson respectively) are doing a marvelous job at providing education and hence the much required backbone to the future generation. Mahavir Panduranga Salunkhe High school is a od marathi medium school. They also have arts and science college. Kanya Vidyalaya provides good quality secondary education for girls.

Famous people

Panduranga Salunkhe, born and brought up in Manjerajuri, received a Mahavir Chakra from government of India, for his bravery in war against Pakistan. The high school has been named after him.Youth Foundation Krida Mandal founded in December 1979 and it has been arranging various activities for villagers on the occasion of death annivarsary of Pandurang Salunkhe. Famous Marathi poet Vinayak Mahadeo Kulkarni borned in Manerajuri.

Places of worship

It has temples dedicated to Maruti, Vithoba, Mahadev and a dargah of Saikh Fardin, a Muslim avaliya in whose honour an urus is held. A fair in honour of Yallamma Devi is held on Pausa Vadya 7 and is attended by over 10,000 persons. Every single person in village worships Saikh Fardin darga. On Thursday a lot of people visit the darga which is situated on the top of the hill. This is the best example of the togetherness of Hindus and Muslims in India. Humanity is the only religion in Manerajuri. kaldoh-vasti is big area in manerajuri.and there are two temples one is vithal mandir & second one is Datt mandir is Swayabhu mandir in manerajuri.

Sangli Food Park

The park is being planned on a 305 acre (1.2 square kilometre) plot at ManeRajuri. Cebeco (India) is the consultant for the project. The location is best suited for processing grapes, turmeric, mangoes, pomegranates, citrus fruits and custard apple. Common facilities planned are cold-storage, effluent treatment and social infrastructure.

Distances from Major Cities

Mumbai 390 km.

Pune 220 km.

Bengaluru 630 km.

Goa 250 km.

Hyderabad 480 km.

Kolhapur 50 km.

Solapur 211 km.

Ichalkaranji 27 km.

Panvel 342 km.

Umadi 151 km.

Belgaav 130 km. Sangli-27 km Coordinates: 17°02′N 74°42′E / 17.033°N 74.7°E / 17.033; 74.7