Wai Darshan sightseen one day tour package | complete guidance

How to reach wai

Wai town is the main hub of Wai taluka, located in the north-west part of Satara district. The Pune-Bangalore National Highway No. 4 passes through Wai taluka, situated 10 km east of Wai.The Krishna River flows through Wai town, and the Dhom Dam ensures a reliable water supply for agriculture in the area through its network of canals. The major localities include Madhyali Aali, Ganapati Aali, Dharmapuri, Brahmanshahi, Ramdoh Aali, Bhimkund Aali, Sunday Peth, Phulenagar, Sake Wadi, and Siddhnath Wadi.

Wai is home to many educational and cultural institutions. The Marathi Encyclopedia Office, established by Tarkatirtha Laxman Shastri Joshi, is a notable landmark. The beautiful stone ghats and temples along the Krishna River have made Wai a revered pilgrimage site, with numerous small temples scattered throughout the area.

Wai Darshan sightseen one day tour

1. Dhundi Vinayaka Temple:

The oldest temple of Lord Ganesha in Wai is the Brahmanshahi temple. This self-styled Hemadpanti temple of Lord Ganesha is situated on the banks of the Krishna and was built in the first half of the 13th century. During the Peshwa era, Shivaji Maharaj arranged for regular worship, navedya, and nandadeep in this temple. Inside the sanctum sanctorum, there is an idol of a mouse carrying Ganesha.

In the center, there is an attractive 4 feet by 3 feet statue of Ganapati. The temple is grand and artistic. There are six samadhis around the temple and stone Tulsi vrindavas are built on them. Behind the temple, there is the living tomb of a satpurush. The temple premises are very clean, sacred, and have a pleasant atmosphere. The Sabne brothers currently act as the vassals of this temple.

2. Dholya Ganapati Temple:

The Dholya Ganapati temple significantly increased the fame of Wai. Krishnatiri, the largest and grandest temple in Wai, was built in 1762 AD by Ganpatrao Bhikaji Raste, the Sardar of the Peshwas, at a cost of about 1.5 lakh rupees. In the sanctum sanctorum, there is a stone idol of Ganapati, six feet high and seven feet long. It is called Dholya Ganapati because all its organs are large. The grand hall of the temple has arches on all three sides, and the temple’s towering top seems to reach the sky.

3. Kashivishweshwar Temple:

Near the Dholya Ganapati temple, there is a temple dedicated to Shiva, known as Kashi Vishweshwar. On the eastern side, there is a mahadwara (main entrance) with a nagarkhana (drum house) above it. The temple is surrounded by high and wide walls. Upon entering through the mahadwara, you will see a stone pavilion, two lamps, and a Nandi mandapa. The grand idol of Nandi is made of shiny stone and is beautifully crafted. In the sanctum sanctorum, there is a shivling, which is deep and reaches the tail of another snake. Starting from the mouth of one serpent, it leads to the mouth of another.

Read More: 7 most popular Temples

4. Shri Vishnu and Lakshmi Temple:

In Dharmapuri Peth, there is an east-facing temple of Vishnu. The sanctum sanctorum houses very attractive white marble idols of Vishnu and Lakshmi, adorned with manik-pearl ornaments and heavy costumes. Vishnu holds a conch, chakra, padma, and lotus in his hands.

Nearby, at Atreyela, there is a west-facing temple of Mahalakshmi. The temple is surrounded by a high wall on twelve sides and is built on a stone platform. The linearity of this stone temple is visually striking. In the sanctum sanctorum, there is a standing, very bright statue of Mahalakshmi made of black stone.

5. Bhadreshwar Temple:

At a distance of 2 km east of Wai city, on the left bank of the Krishna River, lies the ancient Hemadpanti Shiva temple called Bhadreshwar. This temple is built on a high platform along the riverbank. In front of this east-facing temple, there is a two-storey building.

6. Chandrakor Ghat, Menawali:

The road leading west from Gangapuri extends for 2 km to the village of Menawali. At the Krishna ghat, there are several sights worth seeing, including a large temple and a smaller one. After the victory in the Vasai war, Chimaji Appa brought a 1-quintal Portuguese bell from the fort as a symbol of triumph. Menawali is also notable as the native village of Nana Fadnavis.

7. Narasimha Temple, Dhom:

Six kilometers west of Menawali lies the village of Dhom, known for its dam. The village’s name originates from the establishment of a Shivalinga on the banks of the Krishna River by Sage Dhaumya. Among the various temples here, the Narasimha temple stands out as grand and spectacular. It features a magnificent statue of Narasimha on a cylindrical high platform.

The carving sits on wood. In front of the nearby Dhaumeshwar temple, there is a Nandi temple situated on the back of a turtle on a lotus-shaped stone round platform in the pond. Near the old basin of Krishna, water flows continuously from the mouth of a stone Nandi into the basin. From here, one can reach the dam wall on foot. The whole area is scenic.

8. Dhom Dam:

Dhom Dam is located 7 km west of Siddhnathwadi. It has two canals, left and right. There are fish seed production centers, power generation centers, parks, and government rest houses in the dam area. Kamalgad stands behind the Krishnasagar reservoir of the dam. The two rivers Krishna and Kamandlu (Valki) are blocked in the dam. Private individuals can also stay in the wonderful and picturesque Vedganga Basin, Jor: It is 20 km west of Dhom Dam.

There is an asphalt road to get there.On the way, you will come across the newly constructed Balkavadi Dam and the Krishna River, which originates from Kshetra Mahabaleshwar near Golewadi. The Jor Valley is the valley of the Vedganga River. The river originates on the lower bank of Arthurseat Point and joins Krishna near Golewadi. The river flows through two mountains. There is dense forest in this valley. There are also small castles on the hills.

FAQ

1.Dhundi Vinayaka Temple: Ancient Abode of Lord Ganesha
   - **What's special about Dhundi Vinayaka Temple?**
     This Hemadpanti temple, dating back to the 13th century, stands on the banks of the Krishna River. Shivaji Maharaj himself arranged regular worship here during the Peshwa era. The temple houses an attractive 4-foot statue of Lord Ganesha, carried by a mouse.
   - **Why is it called Dhundi Vinayaka?**
     The temple's unique name refers to the large proportions of Lord Ganesha's organs—truly a grand and artistic marvel.

2.Dholya Ganapati Temple: A Monument of Grandeur
   - **What's the story behind Dholya Ganapati Temple?**
     Constructed in 1762 AD by Ganpatrao Bhikaji Raste, the Sardar of the Peshwas, this temple is a masterpiece. Its stone idol of Lord Ganapati stands an impressive 6 feet tall and 7 feet long. The grand hall with arches and the towering top evoke awe.
   - **Why "Dholya"?**
     The name Dholya Ganapati reflects the temple's large-scale design and imposing presence.

 3. Kashivishweshwar Temple: Shiva's Sacred Abode
   - **What awaits at Kashivishweshwar Temple?**
     Adjacent to Dholya Ganapati, this temple honors Lord Shiva. The mahadwara (main entrance) features a nagarkhana (drum house), and the temple is surrounded by high walls. Step inside to discover its spiritual essence.

Wai, with its stone ghats, serene temples, and historical significance, beckons travelers for an enriching experience. 🙏🌿