Religious Places in Washim District

Shri Balaji Temple

The Shri Balaji Temple in Washim holds great religious importance. While TirupatiBalaji is often referred to as the “Sahukar of Hills,” Washim’sBalaji is known as the “Jagirdar of Washim.”

The temple has ancient origins, with its idol representing Lord Vishnu in the Janardana form, one of Vishnu’s 24 avatars.
Unlike the TirupatiBalaji idol, which has a blessing hand gesture, the Washim idol displays a more meditative stance.
The temple features an inscription under the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati, estimated to belong to the 12th century.

The main annual festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin, beginning on the day of ChitraNakshatra with a ceremonial flag hoisting on the silver Garuda pillar.
The Rathotsav (Chariot Festival) on the ninth day of the festival is a grand event.
On KojagiriPurnima, a Kirtan followed by the Gopal Kala (a traditional ritual involving breaking of the DahiHandi) is performed, drawing large crowds.

Cultural Relevance: The temple continues to attract devotees, maintaining its historical and cultural prominence in the region.

Karanja Lad is a historic town and municipal council in Washim district. It holds significant religious and cultural importance.
The town is mentioned in the PatalKhanda of the SkandaPurana.
It is believed that the town’s original name, Karanjapur, was derived from Karanj Rishi, a disciple of Sage Vashishtha. Over time, it became Karanja.
Due to the presence of a notable Jain Laddh community, the town is also referred to as Karanja Lad.

Karanja Lad is revered as the birthplace of Shri NrusimhaSaraswati, the second incarnation of Lord Dattatreya.
The Guru DattMandir commemorates this divine connection, attracting numerous devotees and spiritual seekers.
The temple symbolizes devotion and spirituality, with a legacy that dates back to the pre-Shiva era.

The town houses a vast collection of ancient Jain manuscripts and handwritten scriptures, reflecting its deep-rooted cultural and religious heritage.
A notable Sanskrit scripture, “Shri KaranjaMahatmya,” elaborates on the spiritual significance of the region.

The Guru DattMandir remains an important pilgrimage site, offering visitors a glimpse into the town’s profound historical and spiritual legacy.

Pohradevi is one of the most important and famous pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra.
It is the samadhi site (memorial) of SantSewalalMaharaj, a revered saint and social reformer of the Banjara community.
The Jagdamba Devi Temple is also located here, attracting devotees who visit for blessings.

Pohradevi is famously known as the “Kashi of the Banjara Community.
Banjara people from across India visit this site as a place of great spiritual importance.

The NangaraBhavan Museum is a key attraction in Pohradevi.
The museum showcases the cultural and social heritage of the Banjara community.
Visitors can witness exhibits featuring traditional Banjara attire, jewelry, historical artifacts, and artistic representations of their vibrant culture.

Every year, the birth anniversary of SantSewalalMaharaj and the annual fair are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Thousands of devotees gather to participate in these celebrations.
The fair includes religious ceremonies, devotional music (kirtans), and various cultural events.

Visiting Pohradevi is an opportunity to experience the deep spiritual beliefs, rich culture, and communal harmony of the Banjara community.

Shirpur is a significant Jain pilgrimage site, often referred to as the “Kashi of Jains.”
The village is home to four major Jain temples that attract devotees from across the country for spiritual visits and religious ceremonies.

AntarikshaParshvanathDigambar Jain Pavali Temple:
- Dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism.
- The temple is named “AntarikshaParshvanath” as it is believed that the idol miraculously appeared from the sky.
- The architectural design showcases a blend of South Indian and Rajasthani styles.
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
VighnaharParshvanathShwetambar Temple:
- A Shwetambar Jain temple dedicated to Lord Parshvanath.
- Devotees believe that the blessings of this deity help in removing obstacles and difficulties.
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
PavaliDigambar Jain Temple:
- A Digambar Jain temple housing a serene idol of Lord Parshvanath.
- The tranquil environment of the temple offers spiritual peace and calm to the devotees.
ChintamaniParshvanathDigambar Temple:
- Another prominent Digambar Jain temple dedicated to Lord Parshvanath.
- The temple provides special arrangements for meditation and prayers, allowing devotees to engage in spiritual practices.