Shridhar Maharaj Seva Mandir Ghatpuri, Khamgaon, Khamgaon, Buldana

Nestled in the lap of Khamgaon in Buldana district, the region of Ghatpuri is today recognized as the ‘Pandhari of Vidarbha’ and a powerhouse of the Warkari tradition. The credit for creating a confluence of devotion, knowledge, and renunciation in this land goes to the great saint Shri Sadguru Shridhar Maharaj. By undertaking the mission of social awakening and the eradication of superstition, he taught the universal lesson that ‘Humanity is the only true religion’ and hoisted the flag of the Bhagavata Dharma across India. Today, the Shridhar Maharaj Seva Mandir Sansthan at Ghatpuri has become a vibrant center for food donation, cow service, healthcare, and moral education. Devotees hold an unwavering belief that the disciplined management, the continuous food charity (Annachhatra), and selfless public service here are proof of the Maharaj’s living presence.

Shri Sadguru Shridhar Maharaj was born in the year 1885 in Khamgaon. He traveled across India on pilgrimages to propagate the Bhagavata Dharma and established various monasteries and temples. At the beginning of the twentieth century, when society was trapped in the clutches of ignorance, superstition, and casteism, Shridhar Maharaj initiated his work. He did not limit devotion to mere rituals but connected it to public service. The Maharaj’s lifestyle was extremely simple, but his thoughts were lofty. While spreading devotion to Vitthal, he emphasized the importance of chanting the Divine Name.

The greatest achievement of Shridhar Maharaj is the status of ‘Pandhari of Vidarbha’ that he bestowed upon Ghatpuri. For the poor Warkaris who could not afford to make the pilgrimage to Pandharpur, the Maharaj established a center of Vitthal devotion right here in Ghatpuri. He hoisted the flag of the Warkari tradition here and created a rightful resting place for Warkaris coming from every corner of Vidarbha. Even today, the massive sea of humanity that gathers here on Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi stands as a testament to this work of the Maharaj.

There was not the slightest room for caste discrimination in the work of Shridhar Maharaj. In his heart, there was a place of love for people of all castes and religions. He did not merely present the invaluable teaching that ‘Humanity is the only true religion’ through his sermons, but also proved it through his own conduct. Throughout his life, he performed the great work of sharing the sorrows of the distressed and downtrodden, providing them with mental and spiritual upliftment. On 25 June 1975, the Maharaj attained Mahasamadhi; however, the legacy of thoughts he left behind remains the main foundation of the lives of thousands of families in the Khamgaon area today. Devotees still bow at the feet of the Maharaj with great devotion.

The work of any saint is carried forward with vigor even after their passing by their disciples . Shridhar Maharaj was blessed with loyal disciples like Rambhau Maharaj Chopde. Rambhau Maharaj dedicated his entire life to the feet of Shridhar Maharaj. After the passing of the Maharaj, the contribution of Rambhau Maharaj in transforming the Ghatpuri Sansthan, establishing discipline there, and continuing the unbroken tradition of food donation is unparalleled. He nurtured the sapling planted by his Guru into a banyan tree. The cleanliness, management, and peace experienced in the Ghatpuri Sansthan today are credited to the hard work and devotion of Rambhau Maharaj. Shridhar Maharaj Seva Mandir and Warkari Bhavan are located at the main square in Ghatpuri. There is a perimeter wall around the temple. One enters the temple courtyard through the gate in this wall. The original temple structure consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), Antaral (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). In the Sabha Mandap, leaving the circumambulation path, the Antaral and Garbhagriha are in the center. On both sides of the entrance to the Antaral, there are niches containing idols of Ganpati and Tukaram Maharaj. From here, one enters the Antaral. Further, in the Garbhagriha, on a high pedestal, are the idols of Vitthal-Rukmini made of black stone. From the back of this Garbhagriha, there is a staircase leading from the Sabha Mandap to the Samadhi site of Shridhar Maharaj located on the ground floor. At this Samadhi site, there is an idol of Shridhar Maharaj on a high pedestal.

Behind this main temple is the Samadhi temple of Rambhau Maharaj. The structure of this temple is similar to the original temple. In its Garbhagriha, there is a marble idol of Saint Dnyaneshwar on a pedestal, and in the basement below this Garbhagriha is the Samadhi site of Rambhau Maharaj. There is an idol of him on the pedestal here, and footprints (Paduka) are placed on the platform in front of it.

Various programs are held in this temple throughout the year. These include the Gatha Parayan and Kirtan Saptah organized on the occasion of the death anniversary of Rambhau Maharaj from Chaitra Vadya Tritiya to Dashami. The Shri Sadguru Shridhar Maharaj death anniversary ceremony is celebrated between Jyeshtha Vadya Shashthi and Dwadashi. This includes the Shrimad Bhagavata Saptah and a grand procession (Shobhayatra). Pilgrimages are undertaken from here: the Pandharpur Wari from Jyeshtha Purnima to Ashadh Purnima, the Alandi Wari from Kartik Shuddha Tritiya to Trayodashi, the Trimbakeshwar Wari from Paush Shuddha Chaturthi to Vadya Trayodashi, and a foot procession (Dindi) leaves from here for Paithan for the darshan of Saint Eknath Maharaj starting from Phalgun Shuddha Navami. Additionally, during Navratri, continuous Mahaprasad is distributed for nine days from Ashwin Shuddha Pratipada to Navami. On the first Sunday of the month of Paush, a Dindi and Bhandara are held at the Mahasiddha Maharaj Kshetra in Dhanora, and the Muktai Yatra festival is celebrated from Margashirsha Vadya Dashami to Magh Pratipada. A Nagar Pradakshina and Dindi are taken out on every Dashami. Bhajan and Kirtan programs are held in the temple on Ekadashi, and food donation is organized in the Sansthan every Panchami.

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