Shree Pundalik Maharaj Sansthan Sirso, Murtijapur, Akola

Vidarbha has been home to many saints of various traditions, such as Sant Gadge Maharaj, Sant Tukdoji Maharaj, and Sant Gajanan Maharaj. One such name in this lineage of saints is Pundalik Maharaj. In the village of Sirso, famous as ‘Pundalik Nagari’, one can seek the blessings of Pundalik Maharaj’s Samadhi and his serene idol. Since Maharaj was sixteen years old, his birth anniversary has been celebrated at Goregaon in Akola. This tradition continues here as well. During the celebrations of Maharaj’s birth anniversary and his Punyatithi (death anniversary), the premises overflow with devotees.

Pundalik Maharaj was born into a Dhangar family on Sunday, 10 April 1932 (Chaitra Shuddha Panchami, Shake 1864), during the first quarter of the night under the Rohini Nakshatra, at Goregaon near the banks of the Katepurna River in Akola. His father’s name was Khanduji and his mother’s name was Manjulabai. At the time of his birth, his father Khanduji was performing in a play titled ‘Pundalik’ on the village stage, which is why the child was named ‘Pundalik’. He did not speak until the age of seven. It is said that once, when Parashurambaba of Pimpalod visited Goregaon, he had a silent communion with Pundalik Maharaj, after which he began to speak. Stories of his miracles from childhood are told, such as bringing a gardener’s son back to life in Kurankhed and lighting a lamp using water.

Hearing the fame of Mungasaji Maharaj of Dhamangaon, who used to say, ‘I am the Vithoba of Pandharpur’, Khanduji took young Pundalik to him. Maharaj seated the child beside him. Some expressed displeasure at this, but Maharaj silenced everyone by saying, ‘This child will carry forward my legacy.’ At that time, Mungasaji Maharaj had his ardent devotee, Jaywantrao Ghadge of Baroda, perform an Abhishekam on Pundalik Maharaj and gifted him a new Kafni to wear. He returned to Goregaon on the day of Paush Purnima in 1947, where the villagers organized a grand arrival ceremony. From the following year (1948), the birth anniversary of Pundalik Maharaj began to be celebrated at Goregaon on Chaitra Shuddha Panchami. In 1956, a woman named Kamalabai Chandankar donated four thousand rupees to build his temple. Pundalik Maharaj resided in this temple for some time. During his lifetime, Pundalik Maharaj traveled to many places in Maharashtra. Wherever he went, fairs were held in his honor. Even today, his fairs are held in places like Rajna, Nerparsopant, Nagpur, and Bahiram in Vidarbha. He arrived in Murtijapur on 16 March 1972, where he performed many divine plays. He attained Samadhi on the day of Narayan Dashami, 9 October 1985. After his passing, his followers preserved his Padukas and Gadi (seat) here. On the auspicious day of Chaitra Shuddha Panchami, 2 April 2006, a grand idol of Pundalik Maharaj was consecrated near his Samadhi.

The Samadhi temple of Pundalik Maharaj is located at the entrance of Sirso village on the Murtijapur-Daryapur road. Surrounded by farmland, the atmosphere of this Samadhi temple is peaceful and serene. The path from the main road to the temple is lined with ornamental trees on both sides, making the route and the surroundings look beautiful. The temple structure consists of a Mukh-mandap (entrance hall), Sabha-mandap (assembly hall), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). One enters the Mukh-mandap of the temple, which is situated on a high plinth, by climbing about 10 steps from the courtyard. There are railings on both sides of the steps leading to the Mukh-mandap. For the convenience of devotees, a queue system has been arranged from the Mukh-mandap to the Sabha-mandap and the Garbhagriha. All the pillars in the enclosed and spacious Sabha-mandap are integrated into the walls.

The Garbhagriha is designed beyond the Sabha-mandap, leaving space for a circumambulation path (Pradakshina Marg). There are three doors to enter the Garbhagriha. The wooden door frames at the main entrance of the Garbhagriha feature intricate carvings, and there is an image of Mungasaji Maharaj above the Lalat-bimba. In the center of the Garbhagriha is the hexagonal Samadhi site of Pundalik Maharaj, with his Padukas placed upon it. Behind this marble Samadhi, on a Vajra-pitha, stands a large marble idol of Pundalik Maharaj. There are two small Shikhars (spires) on both sides of the temple’s Mukh-mandap and a tall, ornate Shikhar over the Garbhagriha. At the top of this Shikhar are two Amalakas and a Kalash.
A short distance from the Samadhi temple is the temple famous as Pundalik Maharaj’s Gadi. There is a paved road to reach here from the Samadhi temple. In one of the rooms of this temple lies the Maharaj’s Gadi. The lower part of this Gadi features beautiful silver-plated craftsmanship, engraved with auspicious symbols like Om and Kalash. The Padukas of Pundalik Maharaj are placed on the Gadi, and his portrait is behind it. There is also an image of Mungasaji Maharaj here. During festivals, these Padukas and the portrait of Pundalik Maharaj are taken out in a chariot procession. In a large Makhar (shrine) outside the room, there are idols of Ganesh, Vitthal-Rukmini, Radha-Krishna, and Hanuman.

The birth anniversary of Pundalik Maharaj is celebrated with great enthusiasm here on Chaitra Shuddha Panchami. On this occasion, a procession of his portrait and Padukas is taken out in a chariot. The birth anniversary ceremony takes place at night. The next day, after the Dahi-handi and Kala Kirtan, Mahaprasad is distributed to the devotees. On the day of Narayan Dashami, various programs are organized in the premises to mark the Punyatithi of Pundalik Maharaj. These include Abhishekam on the idol, Pundalik Maharaj Jeevan Darshan Parayan, Kirtan, and Mahaprasad. Palkhi Dindis from various parts of the region also arrive here at that time. Navratri is also celebrated here with great fervor.

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