At Shegaon in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra stands the samadhi temple of Shri Gajanan Maharaj, a greatly revered saint of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, honoured as a self-realised master in the tradition of the avadhutas and of Dattatreya. Appearing at Shegaon as an enlightened ascetic, he blessed countless devotees with his grace, and his mantra Gan Gan Ganat Bote is chanted by his followers to this day.
The great temple complex around his samadhi is renowned for its cleanliness, discipline, and selfless service, and the trust that runs it is celebrated across Maharashtra for its charitable works. Shegaon draws vast numbers of pilgrims, especially at the saint's Prakat Din, and is among the most beloved saint-shrines of the state.
