- Alandi
Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Alandi | type = city | latd = 18.677062 | longd = 73.896600
locator_position = right | state_name = Maharashtra
district = Pune
leader_title =
leader_name =
altitude = 577
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 17,561| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone =
postal_code =
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sex_ratio =
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footnotes =Alandi is a city and a
municipal council inPune district in the state ofMaharashtra ,India .Geography
Alandi (coord|18|40|37.42|N|73|53|47.76|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/16/Alandi.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Alandi] ] ) is located on the banks of the Indrayani River, 25 km east of
Pune ,India . It has an average elevation of 577metre s (1893 feet).Demographics
As of 2001 Indiacensus [GR|India] , Alandi had a population of 17,561. Males constitute 56% of the population and females 44%. 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.Pilgrimage center
Saint
Dnyaneshwar , after translating theBhagavad Gita into Marathi attained "Samadhi " in a cave at Alandi. Alandi is thus a place ofpilgrim age and is venerated by many Hindus. A temple complex has been built near the spot of SantDnyaneshwar 'ssamadhi . It is visited by thousands of pilgrims, and in particular, those of theVarkari Sect. On every "KartikaEkadashi " (eleventh day of the Hindu month ofKartik ), a big festival is held at Alandi, when the Yatra (procession of pilgrims) reaches the town.Among other important sites at Alandi are the
Vitthala-Rakhumai temple, Siddhabet,Jalaram mandir (just like the one at Virpur Gujarat) and Dnyaneshwar's wall. The town of Dehu, where the "samadhi" of SantTukaram is located, lies not far from Alandi.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 inMaharashtra . They experience its beauty and believe in its powers as also in the person who created them.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 .Fact|date=February 2007.References
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