Siddhabet, the spiritual site of Saint Dnyaneshwar and source of Divine energy in Alandi, remains neglected

• Several development projects pending
• Becoming a spot for alcohol and drug consumption for some

The Parnakuti of Saint Dnyaneshwar Maharaj at Siddhabet

The board displaying the expenditure for development works at Siddhabet

Alandi (Pune), 25th February – Alandi is known for the Sanjeevan Samadhi of Saint Dnyaneshwar. Every year, millions of devotees visit from around the world. However, a small island in Alandi, ‘Siddhabet’, where Saint Dnyaneshwar and his siblings lived and attained sainthood, is severely neglected. The area is overgrown with forest, and the river is unclean. It has also become a spot for alcohol and drug consumption. In 2015, the State Government announced a development plan worth approximately Rs 8.5 crore for the area. The work was expected to be completed in 18 months, but even after nearly eight years, no development work has been done. Saint Dnyaneshwar’s Parnakuti remains under a banyan tree in a dilapidated state. Questions arise about what happened to the Rs 8.5 crore, possible corruption, and the misuse of this sacred place.