Shri Rashtrasant Mungsaji Maharaj Temple Anuradha Nagar, Chikhali, Chikhali, Buldana

Chikhli, a city in the sacred land of Vidarbha, has become a holy pilgrimage site due to the presence of Rashtrasant Mungasaji Maharaj. Carrying a simple woollen blanket on his shoulders and cymbals in his hands, Mungasaji Maharaj took up the mission of social reform and awakened the spirit of humanity, cleanliness, and freedom from addiction in this land. Nestled in the lap of nature, this temple stands as a testament to the Maharaj’s philosophy of ‘Nirguna Bhakti’ (devotion to the formless) and ‘Manuski’ (humanity). Every year, thousands of devotees gather in large numbers for the Punyatithi festival held on Magh Shuddha Dashami.

The life of Rashtrasant Mungasaji Maharaj is a divine and inspiring spiritual journey. He was born into a farming family in the small village of Dhamangaon (Dev) in the Darwha taluka of Yavatmal district. His virtuous parents, mother Tulsabai and father Hiraji, named him Mungasaji. This child was not ordinary; his childhood behaviour gave evidence that he possessed a great divine spark. From a young age, Mungasaji’s mind was never drawn to worldly material pleasures or games. Instead, he remained immersed in the mysteries of nature, the flora, and the inner meditation of the Divine. Upon reaching adulthood, he renounced worldly life and travelled across the country in search of truth. He did not find the true God merely in stone idols or temples, but discovered Him in the service of the suffering and in the consciousness pervading all living beings.

According to the descriptions in the text ‘Shri Mungasaji Maharaj Charitra’, the personality of Mungasaji Maharaj was extremely simple, humble, yet remarkably influential. When he stood for Kirtan with a simple blanket on his shoulders and wooden cymbals in his hands, the words flowing from his voice touched the hearts of the listeners. He did not just teach the dry philosophy of scriptures to society, but showed a new path of social transformation through direct action. He launched a massive public movement against the addictions that were rampant in rural areas at that time. Purity of body and mind was the core of his teachings. Keeping in line with the thoughts of Sant Gadge Maharaj, he himself took a broom in his hands to clean the villages. He instilled the fundamental thought in people’s minds that ‘God resides only in a clean body’. Through his eloquent speech, he struck at the superstitions and evil practices prevalent in society, thereby providing the Bahujan community with a new and rational perspective on life.

This text further describes many miraculous stories of his immense spiritual power. The Maharaj was not only a champion of humanity but also a great friend to mute animals and birds. Ferocious beasts would forget their innate cruelty and become calm in his presence. Devotees have recorded experiences of many incurable diseases being cured by his blessings. However, the Maharaj never took pride in these attainments. Declaring that all this was divine planning, he turned devotees towards the chanting of the Lord’s name and virtuous deeds. He had immense compassion for the farming and labouring classes, which is why his work expanded significantly in rural areas. In the year 1970, the Maharaj ended his earthly journey and took Mahasamadhi. However, his presence still lives on today at his sacred Samadhi site in Mungasaji, Chikhli taluka, and in the faith of thousands of devotees. ‘Live as a human and consider humanity as God’, the message he gave continues to serve as a guiding light for society today.

The temple premises are extremely clean and airy. There are many benches in the courtyard for devotees to sit. Built in pink stone, this temple stands on a high plinth or foundation. From the courtyard, one enters the main hall (Mukhamandap) of the temple by climbing 25 grand and wide marble steps. The structure of the temple consists of the Mukhamandap, Sabhamandap (assembly hall), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The pillars in the Sabhamandap feature distinctive carvings and attractive niches for deities. A large brass bell is hung in the centre of the domed ceiling. From here, one enters the Garbhagriha. Inside the Garbhagriha, on a high pedestal, sits the white marble idol of Rashtrasant Mungasaji Maharaj.

The wheels carved on the exterior of the temple and the front of the plinth resemble the world-famous Konark Sun Temple in Odisha. These wheels are considered symbols of the Wheel of Time or the Wheel of Dharma. The Darshan Mandap, Sabhamandap, and Garbhagriha each have a spire (Shikhara). Among these, the main and largest spire is over the Garbhagriha. The influence of the Nagara architectural style is visible in the design of this spire, which is adorned with carvings. The spire features replicas of smaller spires. At the top of the spire are the Amalaka and the golden Kalasha.

Various spiritual programmes are organised throughout the year at the Mungasaji Maharaj Temple. The Punyatithi festival of the Maharaj, held on Magh Shuddha Dashami, is the most important and major event here.

Thousands of devotees come here for Darshan during this festival. A palanquin procession of the Maharaj’s Padukas (footprints) is taken out during the festival, in which many devotees participate while chanting ‘Mungasaji Maharaj ki Jai’.

During this time, continuous Bhajans and Kirtans are held throughout the night. Abhangs based on the Maharaj’s teachings are presented. The festival concludes with a grand Mahaprasad, which is enjoyed by thousands of devotees.

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