Historic Zipru Anna Maharaj Temple Nashirabad, Jalgaon, Jalgaon

In Maharashtra, the land of incarnations of saints and mahatmas like Shirdi’s Sai Baba, Shegaon’s Gajanan Maharaj, and Akkalkot’s Swami Samarth, the great soul Zipru Anna Maharaj lived during the nineteenth century. Nashirabad was his birthplace and the place of his spiritual work. His Samadhi shrine is located here. Like Sai Baba, Gajanan Maharaj, and Dhuniwale Baba, Zipru Anna Maharaj was an Ajanubahu (one with arms reaching down to his knees). It is said that he possessed Vachasiddhi (the power of speech where words manifest as truth), and things he foretold would come to pass. Devotees believe that even today, Zipru Anna Maharaj rushes to answer the call of his devotees.

Nashirabad was formerly known as Nrusinhapur. Zipru Anna was born here in the year 1878 into the weaver (Sali) community. His father’s name was Mitharam and his mother’s name was Savitri. According to the Maharaj’s biography, when he was ten to twelve years old, he received the grace (Anugraha) of Kalyan Das Maharaj of the Lakshmi-Narayan Temple. After this, Zipru Anna remained constantly immersed in contemplation. Over time, he renounced clothing and wandered through the village in a Digambar (clothed in space) state. It is said that due to his penance, he attained Vachasiddhi. Whatever he spoke would come true, and he also had the ability to foresee future events. Through the miracles he performed, people recognized his sainthood, and gradually, a gathering of devotees began to form around him.

Swami Muktanand of Ganeshpuri in Bhiwandi Taluka, Thane District, often visited Zipru Anna. It is said that he served Anna Maharaj for 14 years. Swami Nityanand’s ashram is located in Ganeshpuri. Swami Nityanand was originally from Kerala. In the year 1937, he came to the Vajreshwari area of Bhiwandi Taluka and resided there. Zipru Anna had sent Muktanand to this Swami Nityanand. Zipru Anna often stayed at the residence of his loyal devotee, Bhayyaji Hanmant Kulkarni, in Nashirabad. It was there that he attained Mahasamadhi on the day of Vaishakh Vadya Navami, 21 May 1949. Following this, Anna Maharaj’s devotee, Yashwant Madhav Vani, built the Samadhi in his Dharmashala on the banks of the Waki River. One day in 1991-92, the Maharaj’s devotee, Pandharinath Dagdu Bhole, had a divine vision. The Maharaj commanded, “Build a Samadhi for my Guru, Kalyan Das Maharaj.” Accordingly, Pandharinath’s nephew, Sachin Bhanudas Bhole, erected the Samadhi temple of Kalyan Das Maharaj here on 28 March 1992. Zipru Anna Maharaj had promised, “Even if I leave this body, my soul shall dwell here. As is one’s faith, so shall be the experience. I will rush to the call of my devotee.” True to this, devotees believe that even today, if one calls out to Zipru Anna with a sincere heart, he comes to resolve their troubles.

The Samadhi temple of Anna Maharaj is situated on the banks of the Waki River in Nashirabad. Gurumai Chidvilasanand, the head of the Gurudev Siddha Peeth Ashram in Ganeshpuri, renovated this temple on 22 May 2003. Upon entering the modern structure of the temple, one finds a spacious assembly hall (Sabhamandap). To the left, there are temples of Shani, Vitthal-Rukmini, Lakshmi-Narayan, and Trimukhi Dattatreya. These three temples are adjacent to each other and feature lotus-shaped spires (Shikharas). There is also a shrine for Hanuman. Behind these temples, on a high platform, stands the Samadhi temple of Zipru Anna Maharaj’s Guru, Kalyan Das Maharaj. A marble statue of the Maharaj in a seated posture is installed here. In front of the statue are the Maharaj’s marble and metal-engraved footprints (Padukas).

In the assembly hall, a black-and-white portrait of Zipru Anna Maharaj is displayed. Similarly, there are images of Muktanand Swami and Nityanand Maharaj here. Adjacent to this assembly hall, but in a section about one and a half feet lower, is another assembly hall. In the left corner of that area is the Samadhi temple of Zipru Anna. Here, on a high marble pedestal, is a marble statue of Anna Maharaj seated with one leg hanging down. The statue is adorned with clothing and a turban on the head. The Samadhi temple features a tall hexagonal spire that tapers upwards, built on a base of lotus petals.

Aarti is performed daily at 8 in the morning and 7 in the evening at the Samadhi temple of Zipru Anna Maharaj. Every Thursday at 12 o’clock, there is an Aarti and distribution of Prasad. Various festivals and celebrations are held with great enthusiasm in the temple every year. The Maharaj’s Punyatithi (death anniversary) is celebrated on Vaishakh Vadya Navami. On this occasion, worship of the Maharaj’s Padukas, Maha-Abhishek, Parayan (scriptural reading), and Annadan (charitable feeding) are organized. It is said that the Maharaj’s family of devotees resides even in foreign countries, and these devotees make it a point to attend the Punyatithi ceremony. Devotees can visit the temple for Darshan every day from 6 in the morning until 10 at night.

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