Kanifnath Temple: A Hidden Gem of Devotion

Kanifnath Temple

Kanifnath Temple, located in Bopgaon village near Saswad, Pune, Maharashtra, holds a special place in spirituality. Maharashtra is renowned for its saints like Saint Tukaram, Saint Dnyaneshwar, Saint Namdev, Saint Eknath, and many more. Saint Kanifnath is one of these revered saints and is one of the nine Navnaths. His temple sits atop a small hill, surrounded by shrines dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Vitthal-Rukmini, Mahadev, and Saint Dutta. The temple also features statues of the nine significant saints from the Navnath tradition, making it a sacred destination for devotees.

Kanifnath Temple History

The main resting place of saint Kanifnath, Madhi, is in Ahmednagar. Gavli, a devout Kanifnath follower from Bopgaon village, used to walk to this shrine every year. Although he was older than he was, Gavli faithfully made this journey every year to seek Kanifnath’s blessings. As a result of his age, Gavli realized he could no longer walk, so he visited Kanifnath’s samadhi for what he believed to be his last visit. However, he heard Kanifnath’s voice assuring him that he needn’t make the journey anymore, as Kanifnath would come with him to his village. According to his word, Kanifnath joined Gavli in Bopgaon, where he built a small samadhi. This marked the beginning of the temple’s development. As devotees grew, they formed an association and constructed a larger temple over Kanifnath’s main shrine. To reach this sacred spot, visitors must enter through a small 1×1 ft opening to pay their respects.

Kanifnath Temple Journey

I set out on my journey to Kanifnath Temple at 6 AM, taking the Bopdev Ghat road since it’s close to where I live. Riding my bike, the cool morning air refreshed me and filled me with energy. As I crossed Bopdev Ghat, I noticed many people enjoying their morning walks and runs, while the rising sun painted the sky with beautiful colors. Within just 30 minutes of riding, I reached the entry gate of Kanifnath Temple, near the main Saswad-Kondhwa road. The temple was about 3 kilometers away from this gate. I couldn’t resist taking a picture of the gate before continuing my journey towards the temple. Within another 10 minutes of riding, I reached the parking area of Kanifnath Temple.

In addition to the spacious parking lot, there were several snack and juice stalls nearby, and many people trekked through the nearby hills to get to Kanifnath Temple. Trekkers can experience the natural beauty of the surrounding hills before reaching their spiritual destination along this adventurous route, which adds to the charm of the temple journey.

Exploring Kanifnath Temple

After parking my bike in front of the temple, I discovered that we could take our bikes to the back of the temple. This backside road was designed specifically for devotees who are unable to walk or climb steps. A typical individual can also utilize this road to get to the temple. As I approached the temple, I saw detailed carved statues of Navnath and Tridev standing proudly. The walls behind them were covered with perfectly carved tales telling their legendary stories.

Moving forward, I came across the Vetal Baba temple at the entry gate of the Kanifnath temple. Curious about Vetal Baba, I asked a fellow visitor, who explained that Kanifnath had defeated Vetal, the king of all demon souls, hence the presence of Vetal Baba temples at the main gates of Kanifnath temples.

The main entry gate was adorned with beautiful carvings of Navnath saints and statues of Tridevs, narrating their life stories.

To reach the Kanifnath Temple, one needs to climb over 100 steps. At the shoe stand atop the steps, a banner caught my attention, stating that improper dress code was not allowed, perhaps a measure taken due to people gathering for social media attention rather than genuine devotion.

When I approached the temple’s main gate, two massive elephant statues greeted every visitor with their majestic presence. In the center hung a large bell whose deep tone filled the air with a sense of calm. It was easy to enter the temple and experience its serene atmosphere, accompanied by soothing chants and devotional hymns.

Inside, a smaller shrine held the sacred Samadhi of Kanifnath Maharaj. Inside the temple, I spotted two more small shrines, their purpose unclear to me. Next to them, a large horse statue stood tall, its presence remarkable.

On the outer wall of the main shrine, silver-coated plates with intricate carvings caught my eye. Two guardian figures, known as dwarpals, seemed to welcome visitors with open arms. Above them, a message was inscribed: “असेल भक्ती ज्याच्या उरी त्यासी दिसे कानिफनाथ मुरारी”. This message spoke of the power of true devotion to perceive the divine presence of Lord Kaninath and Murari. This line emphasizes the importance of sincere devotion in experiencing the divine.

Unique Entry Ritual at Kanifnath Temple

One of the most interesting things about the Kanifnath Temple is its special entry tradition. Unlike most temples, here, male devotees need to crawl through a small opening, about 1×1 feet, without their shirts on. This practice symbolizes humility and devotion, making Kanifnath Temple stand out as a place of great spiritual importance. When I visited, I was surprised by this rule. To enter the inner sanctum and see the samadhi, you have to take off your shirt, belt, and even leave your phone behind. Taken aback by this, I decided not to go inside the samadhi temple. However, this experience showed me the temple’s deeply rooted customs and unique traditions.

Exploring the area around the main temple, I stumbled upon a fascinating sight to the left. There stood a statue depicting Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, and Kanifnath emerging from an elephant’s ear, giving rise to his name “Kanifnath” (since “kan” means ear in Marathi). Nearby, two tall lamp posts stood, used to illuminate the area during festivals and Jatras.

Moving further, I discovered a small Datta Mandir and a Kalbhairavnath Mandir at the back of the temple. The Kalbhairavnath temple, constructed with striking black bricks, housed a beautiful idol of Bhairavnath inside. Seeking blessings from Bhairavnath, I continued my exploration.

Adjacent to the temple, there was a spacious lawn where the temple committee provided Mahaprasad (sacred food) to devotees every day at noon. Nearby, the temple committee office managed all activities related to the temple.

Not far from the committee office, there was a meditation temple. Inside, statues of the Navnath in meditation pose and Vithal Rakumai were placed. This serene space served as a meditation spot for visitors, hence its name “Meditation Temple.”As I wandered around the main temple, each new find added to the spiritual journey at Kanifnath

As I explored the area behind the Kanifnath temple, I found several small temples dedicated to Lord Vitthal and Rakumai, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Shiva. These temples seemed new, recently built to enhance the spiritual experience of visitors.

Amidst the array of temples, a grand Hanuman temple stood out, nestled at the bottom of a winding staircase. As I descended, each step seemed to draw me closer to the divine presence awaiting below. The word “RAM” was written a thousand times on the temple walls in big letters. This special word filled the air with feelings of goodness and devotion.

After visiting all these temples, I began my descent towards the parking area. It was then that I noticed a large Lord Hanuman statue on a card attached to the back wall near the main entry gate. I hadn’t seen it while climbing up, as we usually don’t look back while approaching a temple. It felt like Lord Hanuman was bidding us farewell, with a silent message to visit again.

Reaching the parking area, I found many hotels open, bustling with people enjoying their time with family and friends. Feeling hungry from my early morning start, I asked around for breakfast options. I was told that the Kanifnath Snack Center’s Sample-Bhel (तरी भेळ) was famous in the area. Without hesitation, I ordered one, along with a cup of tea. The spicy Sample-Bhel was truly delicious, and the flavors were out of this world. After enjoying my snack, I began my journey back home, carrying a sense of peace and divine energy within me.

How to reach kanifnath temple

Kondhwa-Yewalewadi Route: Start from Kondhwa, pass through Yewalewadi, and enjoy panoramic views of Pune city. Drive along Saswad-Bopdev Road to Bopgaon, then continue to Kanifnath Temple. This scenic route covers 29-30 kilometers.
Hadapsar-Saswad Route: Begin at Hadapsar and drive through peaceful villages and green fields along the Hadapsar-Saswad Road. Head towards Bopgaon from Saswad to reach Kanifnath Temple. This serene route covers 25-30 kilometers.
Pune-Bangalore Highway Route: Take the Pune-Bangalore Highway, turn left onto Khed Shivapur-Saswad Link Road after Katraj Tunnel, and enjoy beautiful views at Mariaai Ghat. Continue to Garade Village and then to Kanifnath Temple. This route spans approximately 60 kilometers and offers a peaceful drive.

Timining and Entry fees

You can visit the Kanifnath Temple every day from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and there’s no charge for parking or entry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a visit to the Kanifnath Temple offers not only a glimpse into centuries-old traditions and spiritual practices but also an opportunity for personal reflection and connection with the divine. With its serene ambiance, stunning architecture, and unique rituals, the temple leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. Are you ready to embark on a journey of spiritual exploration and discovery? Whether you seek solace, seek blessings, or simply wish to immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere, Kanifnath Temple welcomes you with open arms, promising an unforgettable experience. So why wait? Plan your visit today and let the divine energy of Kanifnath Temple refresh your soul.

Kanifnath Temple: A Hidden Gem of Devotion