Pandharpur Pilgrimage - Vithoba Darshan

Known as “Sourthern Kashi of India”, Pandharpur proudly hosts the “Kuladivat” of Maharashtra State- Shree Vitthal and Rukmini.

Also known by the other names, Pandurang or Vithoba it is supposed to be The Supreme God of The Universe for all the Maharashtrians and an incarnation of Lord Shiva and Vishnu.

It’s praises were sung and written by the most auspicious saints of Maharashtra- Saint Dnyaneshwar, Saint Tukaram, Saint Namdev, Saint Purandardas, Chikha Mela, Janabai and many others.

In the temple of Vithoba, “Pad-Sparsha-Darshan” is a special ceremony. Irrespective of caste any devotee can enter the sanctum sanctorum and can place his/ her head at the feet of Vitthal. The Bhagwat Dharma sect is followed in Pandharpur, with full spirit.

The river Bhima, better known as “Chandrabhaga” flows through the city. Large number of devotees walks from the whole of Maharashtra, to celebrate the “Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi” twice every year. The palanquins (Palkhis) of various saints from different locations come together at Wakhri, 5 kilometers away from Pandharpur.

Although not religiously very crucial, certain daily rituals do form the routine of Bhaghwat Dharma, at Pandharpur. These signify the devotedness of the followers towards it’s deity. These rituals include Kakad Arati (Early Morning Prayers) , Mahapuja (Mega-Worship), Mahanaivedya (Food offering), Poshakh (putting the robe) Dhoop Arati, Padya Pooja, etc. All this is performed in main Vitthal temple. As one enters from Namdeo-Payri (The Step in memory of Saint Namdeo) and comes out of the Westward Exit (the Paschim Dwar) one crosses various other temples- as many as 25, in the same premise.

Ganesh Mandir, Garud Mandir, Ekmukh Dattatraya Mandir, Satyabhama Mandir, Kanhopatra Mandir to name a few.

Geographical and Traveling Information

From main Solapur city, Pandharpur is at a distance of 72 kilometers and is well connected by roads to practically every city in Maharashtra, railway track also exists. Pandharpur falls on Miraj-Kurduwadi-Latur track. From Solapur numerous local level transport buses commute to Pandharpur.

Major Activities

At Pandharpur, every Wednesday is regarded as an auspicious day and Ekadashi- auspicious day of the month. Four major festivals- Ashadhi Kartitki, Magh and Chaitra Ekadashis are yearly celebrated. Out of these, 1st two attract a crowd of about 8 to 10 lakhs.

Apart from these, the temple premise also celebrates Gudhi Padawa, Ram-Navami, Dasehara and Deepavali festivals.

Tuljapur Pilgrimage - Tuljabhavani Darshan

This is a temple town which rose to prominence during the Maratha regime and the goddess was a family deity of the Bhosle rulers. Chhatrapati Shivaji used to take her blessings for success in his military campaigns. It is believed that the Tulja Bhavani presented Shivaji with the Bhavani sword. Tuljapur is one of the holy place in Maharashtra in Osmanabad district. This place comes under the Marathwada region located 270 meter above sea level on the hills called as Balaghat. The name of this town was "Chinchpur" as this place is full of Tamarind trees, but, later on changed to "Tuljapur" after the name of Shree Tulja Bhavani. Now it is considered one of the main holy places in India. Lakhs of devotees from all over the country visit this place. The place has religious significance during the period of "Navratra". Pandharpur and Akkalkot are the other nearby places of religious significance.
There are various means and ways for coming to Tuljapur. But the main is by bus, by train or by air.
The pilgrims coming by bus:
The pilgrims coming from the southern part of the country, who are traveling by bus usually come to Naldurg ,a place located about 35 KM from Tuljapur. This place has two roads , one leading to Solapur , the other one to Tuljapur. The pilgrims coming from the northern part and the western part of the country usually come to Solapur, a place about 44 KM from Tuljapur or Osmanabad place about 18 KM from Tuljapur. The pilgrims coming from eastern part of the country usually come to Nagpur about 560 KM from Tuljapur Or Latur a place about 75 KM from Tuljapur.The frequency of buses from Solapur, Osmanabad and Naldurg to Tuljapur is about 10 minutes .
The pilgrims coming by train:
The pilgrims visiting Tuljapur by train must come to Solapur, the nearest railway station from Tuljapur. Solapur is about 44 KM from Tuljapur.
The pilgrims coming by air:

The pilgrims who would like to come by air must come to Pune the nearest airport from Tuljapur or To Hyderabad from there one can come to Tuljapur either by train or by bus.

Shirdi Pilgrimage - Sai Darshan

Shirdi is a town and falls under the jurisdiction of municipal council located in Rahata Tahasil in Ahmednagar District in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is located at 19.77° N 74.48° E. Shirdi is accessible via the Ahmednagar - Manmad State Highway No.10, approximately 83 km from Ahmednagar and 15 km from Kopargaon. It is located 185 km east of the Western Seashore line (the Ahmednagar - Manmad road), which was at one time a very busy route. Shirdi is best known as the late 19th century home of the popular guru Shirdi Sai Baba.

Sai Baba of Shirdi (d. October 15, 1918), also known as Shirdi Sai Baba, was an Indian guru, yogi and fakir who is regarded by his Hindu and Muslim followers as a saint. Some of his Hindu devotees believe that he was an incarnation of Shiva or Dattatreya, and he was regarded as a satguru and an incarnation of Kabir.

The name 'Sai Baba' is a combination of Persian and Indian origin; Sāī (Sa'ih) is the Persian term for "holy one" or "saint", usually attributed to Islamic ascetics, whereas Bābā is a word meaning "father" used in Indian languages. The appellative thus refers to Sai Baba as being a "holy father" or "saintly father". His parentage, birth details, and life before the age of sixteen are obscure, which has led to a variety of speculations and theories attempting to explain Sai Baba's origins. In his life and teachings he tried to reconcile Hinduism and Islam: Sai Baba lived in a mosque, was buried in a Hindu temple, practised Hindu and Muslim rituals, and taught using words and figures that drew from both traditions. One of his well known epigrams says of God: "Allah Malik" ("God is Master").

Sai Baba taught a moral code of love, forgiveness, helping others, charity, contentment, inner peace, devotion to God and guru. His philosophy was Advaita Vedanta and his teachings consisted of elements both of this school as well as of bhakti and Islam.

Sai Baba remains a popular saint and is worshipped mainly in Maharashtra, southern Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Debate on his Hindu or Muslim origins continues to take place. He is also revered by several notable Hindu and Sufi religious leaders. Some of his disciples received fame as spiritual figures and saints.

Transportation
Shirdi is located approximately 296 km from Mumbai in India. Private Airlines are available from Mumbai to Shirdi. Although Shirdi is not served directly by rail, trains run from Manmad station which is 83 km from the heart of Shirdi, alternatively from Kopargaon station which is 18 km from Shirdi, or Nashik city which is 119 km from Shirdi or Nagarsol. Daund railway station is 200 km from Shirdi.Buses and taxis ply from these railway stations and locations to and from Shirdi. Shirdi can be reached by bus from any of the following cities in Maharashtra State (India): Mumbai, Pune, Thane,Nashik, Akaluj, Dhule, Nagpur and Aurangabad. Air-Conditioned Car Rentals are provided by many private companies.

To book luxury bus tickets, please visit Sonal Travels or call Mr. Vijay Mane on 022-2340 9745 / 9869554222.

Shegaon Pilgrimage - Shree Gajanan Maharaj Darshan

Shegaon is a city and a municipal council in Buldana district in the Indian state of Maharashtra.

Geography
Shegaon is located at 20.7833° N 76.6833° E[1]. It has an average elevation of 275 metres (905 feet).

Gajanan Maharaj SansthanShegaon has acquired fame as a pilgrimage center because Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj lived there. Hindus consider Gajanan Maharaj a saint with miraculous powers. The origins of Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj are untraceable in history. Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj took "Samadhi" at Shegaon. Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj Temple is built on the Samadhi of Gajanan Maharaj at Shegaon. Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan is the biggest temple trust in the Vidarbha region and is so called as "Pandharpur of Vidarbha". It attracts pilgrims from all over Maharashtra.

The Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan (Institution) Temple Trust runs the day to day affairs of the Temple; is headed by the Managing Trustees who normally comes from the line of Patil's. Trust runs many services in the spiritual, religious, medical and educational fields. In particular, it runs Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj College of Engineering (SSGMCE) a famous Engineering College in Vidarbha region.

Shegaon is now fast developing into a tourist spot with the construction of "Anand Sagar", a INR 3000 million project with landscapes, meditation room, water reservoir, and wonderful artifacts and sculptures.

Thursdays being the day of Gajanan Maharaj and week ends witness huge crowds from all over Maharashtra and it may take even 5-7 hours for darshan at Gajanan Maharaj Temple.

How to Reach:
Shegaon is located around 550 km east of the city of Mumbai and 300 km west from the city of Nagpur. It is located on Mumbai-Bhusawal-Nagpur route of the Central Railway of Indian Railways. From Mumbai several trains halt at Shegaon. Prominent being Vidarbha Express, Mumbai Howrah mail and express, Sewagram express, Nagpur-Pune express and Gitanjali express.

By road it is well connecting by neighbouring cities like Khamgaon, Balapur and Akola which are located on Hajira(Surat)- Dhule - Howrah(Kolkatta) National Highway 6

The nearest airports are at Akola, Aurangabad and Nagpur.

To book luxury bus tickets to Akola from Mumbai, please visit Sonal Travels or call Mr. Vijay Mane on 022 - 2340 9745/ 9869554222

Akkalkot Pilgrimage - Swami Samarth

Amongst the holy places of various incarnations of Lord Shri Datta Guru, the most praised one now a days is Akkalkot.

It is one of the leading communities with large number of followers of Shri Swami Samartha, of Akkalkot.

Believed to be an incarnation of Shri Dattatreya the name of this spiritual master, popularly called Swami Samarth, is a household word in Maharashtra and the region around.

As this Perfect Master chose to reside at a place called Akkalkot for 22 years where he took Mahasamadhi (left his mortal body) in 1878, he is also known as the Maharaj of Akkalkot, Akkalkot is situated in district Solapur of Maharashtra state of India.

• It is believed that Shri Swami Samartha appeared in Akkalkot in 1857. The temple of Shri Nrisimha Saraswati is of Dattatreya. So swami is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Datta.

• His full name was Sripad Shrivallabh. He resided in Akkalkot for around 23 years. Before he came to Akkalkot he was in Mangalvedha. But no one can tell where he came from.

The popular belief is that he came to Mangalvedha during 1838 and stayed there for 13 years. He used to stay in a farm there. From Mangalvedha he stayed at Mohol for five years, then he came to Solapur and finally to Akkalkot.

After he was sure that he had completed his worldly duties and had guided his disciples rightly, he decided to go for Samadhi. His disciple Chollapa accordingly began to make arrangements. Finally he took Samadhi in 1878.

• One account put forth by devotees asserts that after traveling in the Himalayas, the Swami sat in Samadhi for three hundred years in a dense forest. He became completely covered by anthills, and a large tree grew beside him. Once a woodcutter came to the forest and chose that particular tree for cutting. Laying his axe first to the anthill, he was surprised to see blood oozing from it. Pulling down the anthill, he discovered the Swami beneath it.

• Roused from Samadhi, the Swami declared the incident to be Divinely ordained as it was time for him to go into the world and continue his mission. The Swami is said to have then wandered for a hundred years, performing many miracles, before appearing in Akkalkot.

The Swami was unpredictable, appearing mad to many, and full of miracles. He loved his devotees with a great passion, and like other Adepts of the Crazy Wise style, he was paradoxically full of both human and Divine qualities.

Once, when asked who he was, he replied, "I am this infinite universe; I am everywhere. Yet my favorite resorts are Sakyodri, Girnar, Kasi, Mathapur, Karveer, Panchaleswar, Audumbar, Karanjnagar, Narasimhvadi, and Gangapur."

How to Reach:
This is 45 kms away from Solapur towards east. You can reach there by state transport buses. Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj of Akkalkot a Satpurush who was a devotee of Shri Dattatraya stayed in Akkalkot. This is a Taluka place. Thousands of pilgrims visits this holy place and take advantage of free food at Annachatra at this temple. This temple has become more and more popular and attracts more and more devotees.

Private Luxury Travel services are also available from Mumbai to Solapur.

To book luxury bus tickets please contact Mr. Vijay Mane at Sonal Travels, Crowford Market on 022-23459745/09869554222.

Ganagapura Pilgrimage

Shri Kshetra Gangapur, One of the most famous Dattatreya Peethas, is associated with Shri Narasimha Sarasvati Swami, an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. It stands on the bank of the river Bhima in Afzalpur taluka in Gulbarga district of Karnataka. This Nirguna Math is adorned with the Nirguna Padukas. The water of the rivers Bhima and Amaraja, especially at the spot of their confluence, are considered extremely holy.

How to reach Gangapur:

The Train Station at Gangapur is called as 'Gangapur Road'.

Mumbai to Ganagapur Rail Distance - 526 Kms Mumbai to 'Ganagapur Road' Rail 2nd Class Fare - Rs.232/- Mumbai to 'Ganagapur Road' Direct and most convenient Train is 1013 Dn L.T.T. Kurla Terminus - Coimbatore Express, which departs from Kurla Terminus at 10.10 PM & departs from Kalyan 11.15 in the night. It reaches Ganagapur at 8.08 in the morning next day. From 'Ganagapur Road' to Ganagapur City (town), where Datta Mandir is situated is around 30 minutes journey by road. Trax/Jeep/Sumo drivers charge Rs 15 Per Passanger It takes around 2 hours maximum for a family to perform Pooja/Abhishek at Ganagapur. Local people arrange for accomodation, bath and if required food also, on pay basis. Nearest City is GULBARGA : 40 Kms. Gangapur to Sholapur Distance: 94 km (approx.) Gangapur to Sholapur State Transport (S.T) bus fare - Rs.45/- Gangapur to Sholapur bus travel time - 3 hours. To book luxury bus tickets to Solapur, please visit Sonal Travels or call Mr. Vijay Mane on 022-2340 9745 / 9869554222.

Kuravpur Pilgrimage - Sreepada Sreevallabha

Shripad Shri Vallabha is considered as the first avatara (incarnation) of the deity Shri Dattatreya in kaliyuga. As per some of the experts he is supposed to have lived from 1320 AD to 1350 AD. He was born in Pithapuram, a town in Godavari district of state Andhra Pradesh.
ShriVallabha was the third son of Aappalaraja sarma and Sumati. After he left their house for Kashi-yatra (Kashi or Banaras or Varanasi Piligrimage), he stayed most of his life in Kuravpur (Kuravapura).




Life Story
Shripada srivallabha was born to Sri Appalaraja Sarma (of Aapastambha Shakha Brahmin) and Sumathi on Bhadrapada Sudha Chavithi( Ganesh Chaturdi). Going in to his birth secrecy, when Appalaraja Sarma family was preparing for the shraaddha (a yearly ceremony to pay homage to the departed soul), around noon time some Bhikshuk came for bhiksha. Before feeding the invited Brahmins, she fed this brahmin considering him as Dattatreya. Dattatreya became quite happy and offered her a boon. She asked for a son "knowledgeable like you" for which Dattatreya said "yes". She had before two sons, who were blind and lame and several others which did not live long. Dattatreya blessed her by saying that she will have world famous son who will be guru to all. Both husband and wife became happy to hear the blessings and she had Shripada. Shripada finished his studies of Vedas, Shastras etc by the age of Seven and after his "Upanayan" (Munja) he started lecturing on these. When he reached age of 16, his parents thought of getting him married. However, he said that he is married to only one woman "Vairagya-stree" (Vairagya means Dispassion, stree means Woman) and thus he should be called "Shriya-Vallabh". Thus the name "Shripada ShriVallabha". He left their home for Kashi-pilgrimage. Before leaving he made his two elders brothers who were blind and lame, as normal humans and asked them to take care of their parents. He left Pithapuram for Badarikedar towards North. After the pilgrimage, he went to Gokarna Mahabaleshwar in South. After sepnding 3 years at Mahabaleshwar he went to Shri Shaila mountain (Sri Sailam). After staying there for 4 months he finally settled in Kuravpur near Krishna river.

Kuravpur कुरवपूर

Shri Shripad Shrivallabha Dhyaana Sthaan at Kuravpur

Shripadji stayed here most of his life. It appears that this place must have been quite well habitated. The story of Vallabhesh Brahmin shows that the village must have been quite big enough to at least accommodate about 1000 Brahmins. Now (as of 2006AD) the population has reduced and there are lot many fields in between the temple and the village. The village is at one end of the island and the temple is at the other end. There are two, frequently used, routes to reach Kuravapur. One is via Raichur in Karnataka state and another one is via Makthal in Andhra Pradesh state. Either way one has to cross the Krishna river in a small elliptical boat (Putti or Theppa) to reach this island.
Via Raichur: Raichur is about 10 or 12 hours journey from Pune by train. At Raichur one can hire a bus/rickshaw towards ATKUR (40 km). At ATKUR one can hire a Putti to cross the Krishna river and reach Kuravpur. There is also a KSRTC bus service from Raichur bus stand to Atkur, which leaves for Atkur at 7:30 am, 10:30am, 1:30 pm, 4:00pm and 7:00pm. The 13:30PM bus ends at Atkur(village), the other buses end at the bank of Krishna.
Via Makthal: Makthal (Mahaboobnagar district, Andhra Pradesh) is 68 KM from Mahaboobnagar bus station and 168 KM from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Some buses from Hydrabad to Raichur, via Mahaboobnagar, stop at Makthal. Mahaboobnagar is connected by rail route also. One has to hire an auto or taxi (jeep) from Makthal to river bank(ask for Panchdev Pahad or Vithal baba ashram). River bank is 17 KM from Makthal. There are two locations on the river bank where Putti or small boats can be hired. One is Panchdev Pahad and another one is behind Vithal baba ashram (1KM from ashram). Number of boats near Vithal baba ashram are less.

Sigthseeing - Magnificient Mumbai

Following points must be seen to experience the magnifience of Mumbai. The Sightseeing is divided into two parts 'City Tour' and 'Suburban Tour'. One can opt for either or both depending upon the availability of time. Points marked with '*' are shown from outside.

* 1. Mahalaxmi Temple
2. Breach Candy Hospital

3. American Embassy

* 4. Hanging Garden

* 5. Kamala Nehru Park

* 6. Boot House

7. Tower of Silence

8. Babulnath Temple* 9. Girgaon Chowpatty (Speed Boat)
*10. Taraporewala Aquarium
11. Marine Drive
12. Governer's House

13. Wankhede Stadium 14. Revolving Restaurant
15. Brabourne Stadium
16. Air India Building
17. Oberoi Hotel
*18. Nariman Point

*19. World Trade Center 20. Assembly Hall
21. State Bank of India
22. Mantralaya
23. Rajabai Tower
24. Mumbai High Court
25. Jehangir Art Gallery

*26. Prince of Wales Museum
*27. Gateway of India
*28. Hotel Old Taj/New Taj
29. Stock Exchange
30. Asiatic Library
31. Reserve Bank of India
32. V.T./C.S.T.
33. Haj Committee Building
34. Jaslok Hospital
35. Haji Ali Dargah
36. Race Course
37. Tallest Building
38. Nehru Science Centre
*39. Nehru Planetarium
40. Nehru Centre
41. Siddhi Vinayak Temple
42. Shivaji Park
43. Mayor's Bungalow
44. Hinduja hospital
45. Mount Mary Church
46. Five Star Hotel
*47. Band Stand
*48. Jogger's Park
49. Film Star Bungalows
*50. Hare Rama Hare Krishna(ISKON Temple)
*51. Juhu Beach

Narsobawadi Pilgrimage

Introduction
The Shri Narasimha Saraswati Swami Dattadeva temple is situated at Narsimhawadi, Kolhapur in Maharashtra. Situated about 30 km from SANGLI, Narsobawadi is a holy place of pilgrim located on the banks of river Krishna. River Panchganga meets river Krishna at this holy place.Shri Datta refers to unity of the three gods, Brahma, the god of creation, Vishnu the god of sustenance, and Shiva the god of destruction. Alternatively, these stand for the three ‘gunas’ or qualities i.e.sattva, rajas, and tamas in people.

How to ReachBy road it is around 50 Kms from Kolhapur City in Maharashtra.The Nearest railway station form Narsobawadi is Jaysingpur. Regular State Transport Buses are available to Narsobawadi.

Sonal Travels - "Our Belief - Repeat Customers"

Sonal Travels is located in prime location of Mumbai. It is located at Crowford Market 2 minutes walking distance from V.T. station. It offers booking for volvo, semi-sleeper, sleeper coach, A/C and non A/C buses for locations across india. It is into operation since 1993 and more. It offers bus booking for destinations across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajsthan and so on. It offers package tours for prominent vacation places like Goa, Mahabaleshwar, Mysore Ooty and so on. It arranges for Mumbai Darshan (Mumbai Sight seeing). It offers vehicles like cars, buses on Rental basis. Sonal Travels also does Hotel Bookings at prominent touring locations across India. Company has plans and is in the process of getting into the Rail and Air travels bookings.

It is computerised. It has tie up with most of the prominent tour operators across india that includes VRL, Pai Travels, Kamat Travels, Omer Travels, Abhishek Travels, Konduskar Travels, National Travels, Sharma Travels and so on.

Under the able guidance of Mr. B. S. Mane, Founder Chairman of the company and able management of Mr. Vijay B. Mane & Mr. Shivaji B. Mane, the company has shown tremendous sustainability even in this very competitive industry and is now ready to take a big leap. While doing this company has never compromised on its moto and principle that "We believe in Repeat Customers".

To know more or plan your tours, please contact Mr. Vijay Mane at:
Sonal Travels,
K-Block, Sitaram Bldg.,
Opp. Haz House, Palton Road,
Mumbai 400 001
Tel: +91 022 2345 9745 Cell: +91 9869554222.