Historic Hainahi Maharaj Sansthan Mundephal, Mehkar, Buldana

Vidarbha and Marathwada have been blessed with a great tradition of many saints. Among them, the Samadhi Mandir of Hainahi Maharaj is located at Mundefal in Mehkar Taluka. After performing rigorous penance for 24 years and attaining Siddhi, Hainahi Maharaj performed various divine miracles (leelas) in many villages across Vidarbha. He has thousands of followers in Buldhana as well as Beed districts. A grand ten-day fair is held at Mundefal during the month of Chaitra to mark his Sanjeevan Samadhi festival. For this occasion, countless devotees from Vidarbha, Marathwada, and various parts of Madhya Pradesh arrive to seek blessings at his Samadhi. During this festival, 80 quintals of Mahaprasad are distributed to thousands of Hainahi Maharaj’s followers in a grand community feast (Mahapangat).

Hainahi Maharaj was born in Muluk, Beed district. Since childhood, he had a natural inclination towards spirituality. He would chant the Lord’s name day and night. His parents arranged his marriage against his wishes. He was blessed with a daughter, but he did not find joy in worldly life for long. One day, bidding farewell to his parents and wife, he embraced Vanaprasthashram and left for Badrikashram in the Himalayas to perform penance. After 12 years of rigorous penance there, he came to Vidarbha. He then arrived at Delap, the land of penance of Sage Badakdalbhya in Mehkar Taluka. After having Darshan of the Shivalinga there, he performed rigorous penance for 12 years under a nearby ‘Andhari’ banyan tree. This led him to attain Siddhi. Thereafter, he set out on a pilgrimage. He would beg for alms from five houses in the villages he passed through. While wandering, he reached Mundefal. Here, he performed many miracles. As news of his miracles spread far and wide, people began coming from distant places for his Darshan. The ‘Hainahi Leelamrut’, a book containing 36 chapters that chronicles his miracles, is well-known. He also has a large lineage of disciples. Realizing that his work here was coming to an end, he called some of his disciples one day and announced that he would take Samadhi. He also designated the site for his Samadhi. In 1936, on the day of Chaitra Shuddha Ekadashi, he attained Sanjeevan Samadhi here. Subsequently, his disciples and followers built a Samadhi Mandir at this site. The temple was renovated a few years ago.

The village of Mundefal is adjacent to Janefal, which is famous for its Jagdamba Mandir and Bhalchandreshwar Mandir. These villages are known as twin villages. In front of the Hainahi Maharaj Samadhi Mandir stands an equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The temple is enclosed by a boundary wall on all four sides. One enters the temple courtyard through the gate in this wall. The courtyard is paved with paver blocks.

The temple consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The walls and ceiling of the Sabha Mandap feature Rajasthani-style glass inlay work (Minakari). Stainless steel railings have been installed in the Sabha Mandap to manage the queues of devotees. The walls of the Sabha Mandap are adorned with paintings depicting the miracles mentioned in the chapters of ‘Hainahi Leelamrut’. On the lintel of the Garbhagriha entrance, there is an idol of Lord Ganesha. Peacocks are depicted in the Minakari work on both sides of the Garbhagriha entrance. In the middle of the railing in front of the Garbhagriha, there are Padukas (footprints). In the Garbhagriha, an idol of Hainahi Maharaj, carved in marble, is seated on a large pedestal. Behind the idol is a Prabhaval (halo), and above it is his portrait. There are Padukas in front of the idol.

Along the circumambulation path (Pradakshina Marg) of the temple are the Samadhis of the Maharaj’s disciples. Adjacent to this temple is the Nandi Khandoba Mandir. Legend has it that Hainahi Maharaj brought two dead oxen back to life. Over time, the Samadhi of these oxen was built in this temple. There are two Nandis and a Shivalinga here. Adjoining this temple are the Samadhis of Hainahi Maharaj’s wife, Chandrabhagi, and daughter, Dagdabai. A chariot procession (Rathyatra) is taken out through the village on the occasion of Hainahi Maharaj’s Sanjeevan Samadhi festival. The wooden chariot used for this purpose is kept in this temple. There are attractive spires (Shikharas) over the Garbhagriha and the Sabha Mandap of the temple. Behind the temple, there is an old well. Nearby, there is an open hall, which is used for programs held on various occasions.

Aarti is performed in this temple every morning and evening. Mahaprasad is distributed to devotees every Monday. A grand festival is held here on Chaitra Shuddha Ekadashi to mark Hainahi Maharaj’s Sanjeevan Samadhi. A large fair is held in the area for ten days prior to this. During the festival, a procession of Hainahi Maharaj’s Palkhi (palanquin) is taken out from the village in the wooden chariot. His silver mask is placed in this Palkhi. Rangolis are drawn along the path of the Palkhi. Married women (Suvasinis) worship the Palkhi along the way. Many followers of Hainahi Maharaj participate in this festival. On this day, 80 quintals of Mahaprasad, consisting of Puri and potato vegetable, are distributed to devotees in a grand community feast in the temple premises. On the third Monday of the month of Shravan, a foot pilgrimage (Palkhi Dindi) is taken out from Mundefal to Delap.

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