Paithan is a historic city located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, situated about 50 km from Aurangabad, on the banks of the Godavari River. Known for the Samadhi of Saint Eknath, the Jayakwadi Dam, the Dnyaneshwar Udyan, and the world-famous Paithani sarees, this city has preserved its unique identity for over 2,500 years. Historically, Paithan was known as Pratishthan and served as the capital of the Satavahana dynasty. During the Yadav rule under King Ramdev Rai, it became a prominent religious centre and earned the title “Dakshin Kashi” (Kashi of the South). From then until now, religious verdicts passed by scholars here have held immense significance. Paithan is also associated with Chakradhar Swami, the founder of the Mahanubhav sect, who lived here for some time. Nearby, the village of Mungi is known as the birthplace of Nimbark Swami. ... In 1312 CE, Paithan came under the control of the Mughals following the fall of the Yadav kingdom. During this period, many Hindus were forcefully converted. Until independence, Paithan remained under the jurisdiction of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Paithan has given the world many illustrious individuals, including the mathematician Bhaskarcharya (credited with the concept of zero), saints like Bhanudas and Eknath, poet Mukteshwar, Saint Gavoba, legal scholar Bhattodji Dikshit (author of Nirnayasindhu), Gagabhatt (who performed Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation), and vocalists from the Nath tradition such as Ramchandrabua, Mayyabua, and Kashinathbua. It also produced notable political figures like the former Union Home Minister Shankar Rao Chavan. But above all, Paithan is remembered for Saint Eknath. In the 16th century, Saint Eknath was born here, and the town was both his birthplace and his spiritual abode. His ancestral house has now been converted into a shrine. The Nath Mandir here, which served as his personal temple, houses the main deity Vijay Pandurang and a sacred idol of Balakrishna used in Eknath’s daily worship. Several other idols, including the family deity Ekvira Devi, are also installed here. The sacred sandals (paduka) used for the Ashadhi pilgrimage to Pandharpur are kept at this site. Relics such as the water pot he used, the stone slab used to prepare sandalwood paste, and the “Uddhav Pillar” associated with Lord Krishna’s presence are preserved here. The pillar that Eknath leaned on during discourses, known as Purankhamb, and the spot where Lord Dattatraya is believed to have appeared are also part of the temple premises. There is a long-standing belief that Lord Vitthal himself carried water in pots to Eknath’s house in the form of a servant. The water tank connected to this tale still exists. This site is referred to by locals as Aatle Nath (Inner Nath). The spot on the banks of the Godavari where Eknath took Samadhi is called Bahirle Nath (Outer Nath), and a Samadhi temple is built there. Eknath Shashti, observed on the sixth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun, marks the death anniversary of Saint Eknath. A major six-day festival is held annually to commemorate this occasion, culminating with Gopal Kala on Ashtami. Currently, about 2,000–3,000 devotees visit daily, while more than 100,000 gather on bright fortnight Ekadashi and around 30,000 on dark fortnight Ekadashi. During the three-day Eknath Shashti festival, 500,000 to 600,000 devotees arrive from across Maharashtra. Three religious processions (dindi) begin from this site, including the Ashadhi Wari Palkhi procession. Major festivals such as Gokulashtami and several other traditional and occasional events are celebrated here. The town houses many maths and temples, with hundreds of students studying the Warkari tradition residing in the area. The Government of Maharashtra has established a SantPeeth here. Many Nath sect families live around the temple premises. One notable location is Nag Ghat along the Godavari, where Saint Dnyaneshwar is said to have made a buffalo recite the Vedas. A large sculpture of the buffalo is present here. Archaeologically, Paithan is significant, with both prehistoric and early historic remains. Excavations have revealed remnants of the Satavahana palace, intricately carved pillars, and other architectural elements. A well in this area is referred to as the Shalivahan Well. Evidence from the Satavahana to Yadav periods has been found here, including carved pillars, tirtha-stambhas, and parts of mansions scattered across the ancient mound known as Palathi Nagari. Artefacts like beads, terracotta objects, bangles, and Satavahana-era coins are preserved in the Balasaheb Patil Ancient Artefacts Museum located within the Dnyaneshwar Udyan. Some coins found here predate the Satavahana period and include foreign currencies, pointing to ancient international trade. Located near Paithan is the Jayakwadi Dam, one of Asia’s largest earthen dams. The dam is about 10 km long and has 27 spillway gates. The reservoir created by the dam is named NathSagar. It collects water from the Godavari and Pravara rivers and spans 55 km in length and 27 km in width. The dam supports a 12 MW hydroelectric power station, which reuses discharged water by pumping it back to the main reservoir. Paithan is also a renowned tourist destination thanks to the Nath Sagar reservoir and the Dnyaneshwar Udyan. The reservoir attracts bird watchers due to its 30 small islands that serve as habitats for migratory birds. More than 200 bird species are recorded here, including over 70 migratory varieties from abroad. Dnyaneshwar Udyan is one of the largest gardens in Maharashtra and is modelled after the Vrindavan Gardens in Mysore. Spread over 125 hectares near the Jayakwadi Dam, the garden features musical fountains that provide a truly enchanting experience. Paithan is also a significant Digambar Jain pilgrimage site. The temple here enshrines a beautiful black stone idol of Munisuvratnath, the 20th Tirthankaras. Accommodation is available both in Paithan and nearby Aurangabad.
© Suresh Nimbalkar