Prasanna Shree Godad Maharaj Mandir Karjat, Karjat, Ahilyanagar

The Godad Maharaj Sanjeevan Samadhi Temple, the presiding deity of Karjat town in Ahilyanagar district, is a place of faith for thousands of devotees. The chariot festival held here on Kamika Ekadashi (Ashadh Krishna Ekadashi) is famous. Devotees believe that on this day, Lord Pandurang himself comes here from Pandharpur to reside. On this day, the honorary police flag is brought to this temple in a procession by the Maharashtra State Police force and is worshipped. This place is also renowned in the district as ‘Dhakti Pandhari’.

According to the descriptions in the scriptures, Chandrabhaga from the Toradmal family of Karjat and Bhikaji from the Udaipur state of Rajasthan had a son named Amarsingh. When Amarsingh was only 6 to 7 years old, a sense of renunciation arose in his mind, and from then on, he became immersed in the devotion of Vitthal. He began singing Abhangs while using stones as cymbals. Once, he met Narayan Nath, a disciple of Saint Eknath Maharaj. He gave him initiation into the Anand Sampradaya and placed his own quilt (godhadi) upon Amarsingh. He told him that from then on, everyone would know him as Godadnath (Godad Maharaj). He was told to go to the Satpuda mountain range and perform penance. He also gave the blessing that you will have the darshan of Vitthala right there. Accordingly, the Maharaj performed rigorous penance on the Satpuda mountain for 17 years. As a fruit of his penance, Vitthala-Rukmini granted him their darshan.

After wandering through many places, Godad Maharaj went to Pandharpur. There, a woman insulted him. Unable to bear this, he set fire to his tent and all his belongings and was about to throw himself into the flames when a Brahmin arrived and told Godad Maharaj that he should go to his village, Karnagram (now known as Karjat), to carry out the work of spreading Dharma and take Sanjeevan Samadhi there when the time was right. Telling him that Pandurang himself would come to meet him on Kamika Ekadashi, the Brahmin disappeared. Maharaj realized that the Brahmin was none other than Pandurang himself.

As instructed by Panduranga, Godad Maharaj came to Karjat. At Karjat, he composed the texts ‘Yogasiddhanta’, ‘Jagatarka’, ‘Santavijaya’, ‘Yoganirmana’, and ‘Godad Ramayana’. Apart from this, he authored works on subjects such as philosophy, spirituality, and medical science. Furthermore, he initiated the chariot festival of Lord Panduranga here on Kamika Ekadashi, which continues to this day.

In accordance with the divine vision granted by Pandurang, He attained Sanjeevan (living) Samadhi on the fourth day of the waning moon in the month of Magh (in the year 1837) on a Tuesday. Today, a temple stands at that very site. Notably, Godad Maharaj had this temple constructed before taking Samadhi. The temple is situated in a bustling area of Karjat city. The architecture of the temple consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The museum within the Sabha Mandap houses items used by Godad Maharaj in his daily life and his manuscripts. In the Garbhagriha, an idol of Godad Maharaj in a seated posture is placed upon a pedestal. The idol of the Maharaj is adorned with white garments and a turban.

The Rathotsava held here on Kamika Ekadashi is famous. Thousands of devotees participate in the procession to pull this chariot, which carries the idol of Vitthala. According to tradition, on this day, the honorary flag of the Maharashtra State Police Department is brought to the temple with great reverence. Hundreds of police personnel are present on this occasion. Dindis from many villages in the surrounding area are brought here. Devotees believe that on this day, the beloved Pandurang comes to Karjat to meet Godad Maharaj. Therefore, on Kamika Ekadashi, the chanting of the names of Godad Maharaj and Pandurang resonates throughout the city of Karjat. It is said that no matter where the people of Karjat are in any corner of the country for their livelihood, their steps inevitably turn towards Karjat on the occasion of this chariot procession. A fair is held on the occasion of this festival, which includes wrestling competitions. On behalf of the temple trust, ‘Shipi Amti’ (a famous lentil curry from the Karjat region of Ahilyanagar) is served to the devotees as Mahaprasad on this day.

Every year, on the day of Magh Vadya Chaturdashi, the Samadhi ceremony of Godad Maharaj is held here. On this occasion, rituals such as Puja and Abhisheka are performed in the temple from the morning onwards. The Samvatsar ceremony is celebrated on Gudi Padwa, and Dindi and Kirtan are held on every Ekadashi. Devotees can have the Darshan of the Samadhi of Godad Maharaj daily 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