WASHIM
Washim is a historic city placed in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Congregation of lovely shrines that fascinates devoutness and artistic grandeur are the foremost attractions of this lovely place. Places like Akola, Amravati, Buldhana, Yavatmal and Parbhani surround the Washim district. Penganag and Aran are the prominent rivers.
Washim is a place with great religious importance. Washim is greatly influenced by the culture of Vatsagulma dynasty. Banjara community considers Pohara Devi temple as their Kashi. Washim has gained utmost prominence as a pilgrimage centre as pilgrims believe that Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupathi dwells here to take rest after crop fruition. Shirpur jain temple is thronged by Jain devotees in the months of October and November. The beautiful shrines and ponds attracts the tourists with its Hemadpanthi style of architecture.
Washim is also famous for its 108 holy springs affiliated with different sadhus and deities. Lord Vishnu created the prime Padma Thirtha, which is must a visit. Antariksha Parshwanath Mandir, Guru Mandir, Deo Talav, Daridrya Harana Tirtha, Rama Temple, Narayana Maharaja Temple are some of the important shrines. Shivaji Chowk, an old maket is also worth a visit.
PLACES TO SEE
Padma Teertha Shiva Temple : It is a prime theertha created by Lord Vishnu. It consists of two beautiful ponds. The beautiful Shiva temple was constructed by Shri Rama Narayana Toshnival in the centre of the pond/kund. An interesting feature of this temple is that the colour of the shalunka changes 3 times in a day ie first in the dawn, then noon and later in the dusk.
Ram Temple : This beautiful temple is estimated to be built around 250 years ago by Bhagvandas Maharaj Bairagi. This temple comprises of beautiful idols of Lord Rama, Seeta, Lakshmana and Hanuman. Dharmashala is constructed opposite to the temple. The sadhus take rest here and also used as a function hall.
Daridrya Harana Tirth : Shri Dattatreya created this teertha. This well built tank has a large banyan tree close by. There is a small story related with this kund. King Dasharatha killed Shravan Kumar here mistaking him for a tiger, who had come to this pond inorder to take water for his blind parents.
Balaji Temple
Deo Talav
HOW TO REACH
By Air : There are two airports at close distance to Washim. One at Nanded 106kms and other at Aurangabad 200 kms.
Railway route : Washim has its own railway station. Karanja railway station is another railway station.
Bus route : Govt. and private buses run on a regular basis from different major cities of Maharashtra to Washim. Buses are available from Akola, Mungrul Pir, Nagpur, Amravati, Yavatmal & other places.