Shri Sant Eknath Temple Prabhu Ali, Bhiwandi, Thane

Sant Eknath Temple, one of the most famous and ancient temples in Thane district, is a place of faith for many devotees. Being approximately 125 years old, this temple is visited by many Warkaris and devotees from the surrounding areas for darshan. There is a large gathering of devotees here during the festivals held on the occasions of Tukaram Beej and Eknath Shashthi. While kirtans and bhajans are held in temples elsewhere, the Ashtapadi bhajan performed here during these festivals is the main specialty of this place. It is claimed that this is the only temple in the state where Ashtapadi bhajan is performed.

This Eknath temple, which is a source of inspiration for Warkaris and countless devotees, is located in the heart of the settlement in Prabhu Ali of the city. The two-story structure of the temple is visible from the outside. After entering through the main gate, there is an ancient well on the left. This well is known as ‘Gangamayya’. Many years ago, there was a severe drought in Bhiwandi. All the water sources in the city had dried up. Citizens had to wander in search of water. At that time, the water from this well quenched the thirst of the village.

The temple consists of a darshan mandap, a spacious sabha mandap, and a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). In the sabha mandap, there are portraits of various deities and saints and great personalities like Sant Eknath, Sant Tukaram, Sant Dnyaneshwar, and Swami Vivekananda. One can enter the garbhagriha after descending a few steps from the sabha mandap. The samadhi of Sant Shantaram Maharaj is in the garbhagriha. In front, on a vajrapitha, there is a metal idol of Sant Shantaram Maharaj in the center of an attractively crafted shrine. There are padukas in front of the idol. To the left of the idol are the idols of Dattaguru, and to the right are the idols of Vitthal-Rukhumai. In the large niche to the left of the shrine are the idols of Sant Eknath, and in the niche to the right are the idols of Sant Tukaram Maharaj. Above the makhar, in the center, is an image of Vitthal. To the left of this image is the image of Sant Shantaram Bhau Jaywant, and to the right is the image of Ganesha.

Sant Shantaram Bhau Jaywant resided in this temple for many years. Shantaram Bhau belonged to an affluent family. After his father’s death, he came to Bhiwandi to look after his property. Here he met Shankarbua Pawar. In his company, he turned towards spirituality, and they both became each other’s gurus. They often went on the Pandharpur Wari. He had performed the Ashadhi Wari along with H.B.P. Sonopant Dandekar. His biography in ovi form states that he had also visited Shirdi to meet Saibaba. He also benefited from the company of Devbaba of Ambernath, Swami Jivanmukta of Uran, Tryambak Maharaj Kurlekar, and Mastana Maharaj of Baroda. His teaching was, ‘The Name is self-manifested. The divine power of the Lord is stored within it. The grace of the Guru is included in the Name.’ Shantaram Bhau spent his life in the devotion of Vitthal. He used to celebrate the Nath Shashthi festival with great enthusiasm. Under his guidance, various religious programs were held here. He used to guide the devotees who came here. He also bore the expenses for the medical treatment of countless patients and the education of many students. He used to perform all the festivals in this temple at his own expense. His followers say that he even sold some of his property for the festivals. After his death, a temple trust was established in 1976 to conduct festivals and various programs. Since then, festivals have been celebrated through public contributions. Various religious programs like bhajans and kirtans are held regularly in this temple. Thousands of devotees come here for darshan on Guru Purnima.

The festival of Tukaram Beej and Eknath Shashthi is held in the month of Phalguna. This festival has a tradition of more than 100 years. On the occasion of this festival, an Akhand Harinam Saptah is held here. During that time, programs like Kakad Aarti, Akhand Namasmaran, Kirtan, and Bhajan are held. For this, kirtankars and bhajan mandals from various parts of the state are invited. The Ashtapadi bhajan performed during the festival is the main attraction here. Devotees from various parts of the state come here to experience this bhajan, which is usually not performed in other temples. Ashtapadi means a composition of eight verses. Jayadeva’s Gitagovinda is a composition in Ashtapadi. These compositions are filled with spiritual depth and devotional feelings. These bhajans are performed standing, and they are accompanied by pakhawaj, harmonium, cymbals, as well as dance traditions. The Ashtapadi bhajans presented by the seekers of Shantaram Bhau Jaywant’s Nath Temple are famous in the state. The festival concludes with a Palkhi procession taken out in the city. Passing through Prabhu Ali, the market area, Vani Ali, Tilak Chowk, Kasar Ali, and Parnaka, this Palkhi returns to the temple. Countless devotees of the city participate in this Palkhi with devotion amidst the sound of cymbals and mridangam.

Behind the well in the temple premises is the well-equipped kitchen of the Sansthan. The Mahaprasad required for various festivals held in the temple is prepared here. There is a dining hall on the first floor of the temple. Mahaprasad is served here during festivals. There is a facility for the stay of kirtankars, bhajan mandals, and devotees coming from various parts of the state during the festivals. If one goes to the terrace of this building, one gets a close view of the grand spire of the temple. This 80-foot-high stone spire is attractively painted and has a golden pinnacle on it.

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