Religion and Culture

"Raj Rajeshwar Temple" in Akola is a famous pilgrimage place for worshippers of Lord Shiva and has a great historical heritage. (see attached photo) During the marathi calendar month of 'Shravan', there is a huge rush of devotees to worship Lord Shiva especially on every Monday of the month. The month of Shravan is very sacred according to Hindu Religion and worshippers from long distances travel to Raj Rajeshwar Temple to worship Lord Shiva.

Narsingh Maharaj Mandir at Akot and Baladevi temple at Balapur both in Akola District are also famous religious temples near Akola. Also in Balapur, 'Chatri' memento by Raja Jaisingh in the memory of his Horse is also famous.The Atishay kshatra Shri Antariksh Parshvanath Jain Temple is situated in Shirpur (Akola District) about 75 km away from Akola. The Black colored idol of Bhagawan Parshvanath is very Ancient and is amongst very famous Jain Temples in Maharashtra.Other Temples in Akola city are Birla Mandir (Shri Ram Temple)

Jain Temple.

Shegaon

Shegaon (in Buldhana District), a very famous pilgrimage place of "Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj", is just 45 km away from Akola. Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan is the biggest temple trust in the Vidarbha region and is so called as "Pandharpur of Vidarbha". The origin of Sant Gajanan Maharaj is untraceable in history. People from all over Maharashtra visit Shegaon and offer there prayers to Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj.

Akola is known as a colorful city because of its many festivals. Ganesh Chaturthi, Makar Sankranti, Dashera, Diwali, Holi and Eid are celebrated with special enthusiasm.

Anand Sagar Project of Shegaon Sansthan :-

It is spread on 325 acre of land. It has a huge water reservoir and spread over 55 acres of Land. The land beautifies by planting 50000 trees of different types. An artificial Island of size of 300' x 60' x 40' is created in the center of the Pond. A replica of Swami Vivekanand Center at KanyaKumari is created on the Island. The 60' x 40' hall as Dhyan Kendra was constructed and A statue of Swami Vivekanand of the size of 30'-35' was created and established. To reach there on the Island and pay homage to the great Swamiji the facility of "Nauka-nayan" (Boat service) was made available. To go there and sit at feet of Swami will give necessary "Manah Shanti" (mental peace) and satisfaction. Nature is the unpolluted creation of God almighty. Sadhus (saints) and sanyasis (ascetics) prefer nature.

 Tapaswis (saints) have their mind concentration and manah shanty (mental peace) in rich natural vanas.Sansthan plans to create such and isolated places which could give them feelings of rich jungles with small kuties to dwell in and water current here and there. So that such people can have unhindered sadhana with the Adhyatmic literature at hand. Mahaprasada also would be available there. It will be called Sadhana Sthali (the places of worship). To spread the preaching of Sant Shri Gajanan Maharaj a unique project of "Light and Sound " show highlighting important events and philosophy of life of Gajanan Maharaj was created. An amphitheatre of 1500 capacity was also developed for this purpose. A big Amphitheatre with the capacity of 3500 seats was created in this project. For organizing cultural activities, exhibitions, and functions. Besides, the above schemes the Sansthan has also create s an Amusement Park and Tourists center. There is no special arrangement in Vidarbha, Marathwada and Khandesh to attract and entertain the Tourists, Darshanarthies or Bhavik Bhaktas (followers).

 Hence, an amusement center on line of ESSEL WORLD or DISNEY LAND will be tried and constructed here.It will spread on 50 to 60 acres of Land. It will be called Anand Vihar. Amusement park will be place to enjoy and relax for persons of all ages with beautiful landscape spread over 60 acres of land. It will have different types of Restaurants with diverse Indian varieties of Food. Apart from entertainment, it will provide the glimpses of modern sciences and technology. And the entire project will be centered around a religious theme. Sansthan also plans to create and develop water games on international level. A smaller Lake on 15 acres of land will be developed for this water park. Children's Park will also be there it will have mini train, electronic museum, computer toys (electronic toys) and many other such Quite ambitious, i would say