Sacred Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Reda Samadhi Temple Ale, Junnar, Pune

The village of Ale in the Junnar taluka of Pune district is famous as ‘Dhakti Alandi’ (Little Alandi). The Samadhi temple of the buffalo (Reda) through whose mouth Saint Dnyaneshwar made the Vedas be recited is located in this village of Ale. Saint Dnyaneshwar himself performed the last rites for the buffalo at this spot. Because of this, the temple holds a unique significance. This place is also known as the ‘Mhasauba Samadhi Temple’.

The legend regarding this temple is that when the siblings Nivritti, Dnyaneshwar, Sopan, and Muktabai went to the religious assembly in Paithan to obtain a certificate of purity, they were insulted by the religious scholars there. One scholar challenged Dnyaneshwar, saying, “Prove that your soul and the soul of all living beings are one.” Dnyaneshwar accepted this challenge. At that moment, a Koli was passing by with a buffalo. Dnyaneshwar reverently placed his hand on the buffalo’s head and recited a mantra from the Rigveda. Immediately, the buffalo recited the Vedic mantra as if it were well-versed in it. This act of Dnyaneshwar Maharaj left the entire assembly stunned. While traveling from Paithan to Alandi with this buffalo, the siblings faced difficult mountain paths. The buffalo grew tired and breathed its last on the way. Therefore, the four siblings performed the last rites for the buffalo at that very spot. That place is today’s Ale.

The Samadhi of this buffalo was built in the year Shake १२१२, which is ۱۲९० CE. Records indicate that in ۱७६४, a local resident named Anandrao Bhikaji Shete constructed this temple. Bhalchandra Shete, a descendant of Anandrao, installed an idol of Saint Dnyaneshwar Maharaj above the Samadhi site. That day was Falgun Shuddha Panchami, which corresponds to २७ February १९५५.

After the state government granted this temple the status of a pilgrimage site in २००३, renovation work began. The newly constructed temple is spacious and beautiful. The temple premises have a grand fortification, and at the four corners of the fortification, separate temples dedicated to Shri Mahadev, Saint Muktabai, Saint Nivrutti Nath Maharaj, and Saint Sopan Maharaj have been built. Upon entering through the main gate, there is a grand assembly hall (Sabhamandap). The wooden pillars in the assembly hall feature intricate carvings. While renovating the temple, the original form of the Samadhi site was preserved. In the sanctum sanctorum, there is the stone Samadhi of the buffalo, and above it, a mask of Dnyaneshwar.

Continuous Veena playing (Akhand Veena Vadan) has been ongoing here since ۱८६३. Aartis are performed in the temple every morning and evening. Similar to Shri Kshetra Alandi, a Veda Pathshala has been started here as well. The temple committee has provided accommodation facilities (Bhakta Niwas) for devotees.

On every Ekadashi and Dwadashi, many devotees from the taluka perform Annadan (offering of food). Every year, on Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi, thousands of devotees gather here for Darshan. A grand three-day fair (Yatra) is held here on the Vadhya Ekadashi of the Chaitra month. Programs such as Abhishek, Yajna-Yaga, Bhajan, Jagar, and Bharude are conducted on the day of Ekadashi. On Dwadashi, the local villagers provide Annadan throughout the day for all devotees visiting for Darshan. The wrestling competitions held during the fair are famous. Many renowned wrestlers come here to participate. The fair concludes on the third day with the breaking of the Dahi Handi. During these three days of the fair, there is a large turnover of agricultural tools. Additionally, bamboo ladders, baskets, and blankets are also bought and sold in large quantities.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery