Shri Krishnaji’s Garden Shegaon, Shegaon, Buldana

In the spiritual glory of the saint-city Shegaon, the sacred site of ‘Krishnaji’s Mala’ holds unique significance. It was on this land, sanctified by the presence of Shri Gajanan Maharaj, that the Maharaj humbled the arrogant Brahmagiri Gosavi and demonstrated the depth of His profound yogic powers. This incident is described in the eighth chapter of the holy text ‘Shri Gajanan Vijay’. Nestled in a picturesque natural setting, this place still preserves those historic memories in the form of the Maharaj’s wooden cot and His padukas (footwear). This site is included among the places famous as the ‘Panch Dham’ (Five Abodes) in Shegaon. After taking the darshan of Gajanan Maharaj, devotees make it a point to visit this place.

According to the description in the eighth chapter of the ‘Shri Gajanan Vijay’ text, on the northern side of Shegaon city was the orchard (mala) of Krishnaji Patil, a staunch devotee of Gajanan Maharaj. In the greenery there, under the shade of a neem tree, was a small temple of Lord Mahadeva. Gajanan Maharaj expressed His desire to stay at this very sacred spot, and Krishnaji erected a simple tin shed to facilitate the Maharaj’s stay. Loyal servants Bhaskar Patil and Tukaram Kokate would remain by the Maharaj’s side like shadows, and Krishnaji Patil would arrange for His prasad with great devotion.

While the Maharaj’s fame was spreading everywhere, one day a Gosavi named Brahmagiri arrived here with his entourage of disciples. He was filled with immense pride, believing he had visited many pilgrimage sites and possessed deep knowledge of Vedanta. Through his disciples, he demanded a meal of shira-puri and ganja from Krishnaji. However, seeing Krishnaji’s deep devotion to the Maharaj, the Gosavi’s disciples insulted the Maharaj using derogatory language. To those hypocrites who called the Maharaj ‘mad’ and ‘naked ascetic’, Krishnaji replied that if they truly wanted ganja, they would find it with that Gajanan Maharaj sitting in the orchard.

That evening, the atmosphere in the orchard was charged with a unique test. Brahmagiri began a discourse on the verse ‘Nainam chhindanti’ from the Bhagavad Gita. His speech was merely a display of scholarship, lacking the touch of self-realization. Consequently, the villagers did not appreciate his dry knowledge and all turned towards the Maharaj’s shed for His darshan. Angered by the feeling of being insulted, Brahmagiri sat before the Maharaj under the pretext of smoking ganja. There, the Maharaj was resting on a teakwood cot. As fate would have it, a small spark from the chillum fell onto the cot, and in no time, the flames assumed a fierce form.

Even as smoke and tongues of fire rose everywhere, the Maharaj remained calm, sitting on the burning cot. He stopped Bhaskar Patil from extinguishing the fire and threw a great challenge to Brahmagiri. The Maharaj thundered, “You just said in your discourse that fire cannot burn the soul, so now, sit on this burning cot and prove your Brahmagyan!” When the sturdy Bhaskar Patil, following the Maharaj’s command, grabbed Brahmagiri’s hand and pulled him toward the fire, all the Gosavi’s scholarship crumbled. He began to tremble violently and, falling at the Maharaj’s feet, confessed his mistake. He admitted, “I became a sadhu only for the sake of my stomach, and my knowledge is merely verbal.” When his ego was completely burnt away, the Maharaj stepped down from the cot, and it collapsed in an instant. At midnight, the Maharaj initiated him into the true spiritual path, which opened his eyes, and the next day, he left the place with humility.

A road from the side of the main temple in Shegaon leads to Mahatma Phule Chowk in the city. This orchard is located nearby. Situated in a scenic area, this orchard is enclosed by a boundary wall on all four sides. Recently, the area has been beautified. There are many trees in the vicinity. A large banyan tree stands right in front of the temple. Devotees sit in the shade of this tree. In front of this tree is an idol of Nandi. The assembly hall (sabhamandap) of the temple has arched entrances. Stainless steel railings have been installed throughout the hall to manage the queues of devotees. On the left side of the assembly hall is Gajanan Maharaj’s wooden cot, covered with a mattress. Gajanan Maharaj’s wooden padukas are placed on this mattress. Above it is an image of Gajanan Maharaj. On the right is the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) containing the Shiva Linga. The Shiva Linga and the Shalunka here are carved from marble stone. It is said that Gajanan Maharaj Himself consecrated this Shiva Linga. Near the wall behind this sanctum are marble idols of Ganesha, Parvati, and the Serpent Deity. Upon exiting the sanctum, on the right side, there is a plaque containing the chapters from the ‘Shri Gajanan Vijay’ text that describe the incident of the humbling of Brahmagiri Maharaj, presented in the form of a devakoshthaka (niche). Nearby is an oil painting depicting this event.

Sitting on the platform of the banyan tree in front of the temple, devotees perform the parayan (recitation) of the chapters of the ‘Shri Gajanan Vijay’ text. There are also many flowering plants in the area. The premises contain the samadhis of some members of Krishnaji Patil’s family. This includes the samadhi of Raosaheb Ramchandra Krishnaji Patil. The twentieth chapter of the ‘Shri Gajanan Vijay’ text mentions that Gajanan Maharaj had given him darshan in the form of a Gosavi.

Various festivals are celebrated throughout the year at this sacred site of Krishnaji’s Mala. Among the main festivals, the day of Rishi Panchami holds unique importance here. It was on this very day that Shri Gajanan Maharaj took Mahasamadhi, and coincidentally, the death anniversary of His supreme disciple Krishnaji Patil also falls during this time. On this day, an unbroken chanting of ‘Gan Gan Ganaat Bothe’, a grand kirtan festival, and a mahaprasad are organized throughout the orchard. On the occasion of Guru Purnima, a ceremony of worshipping the Sadguru takes place here. At that time, devotees come from far and wide for darshan. On the day of Shri Gajanan Maharaj’s Prakat Din (Appearance Day), a palanquin procession departs from this orchard. Additionally, special worship is held here every Thursday.

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