Ganeshpuri, Maharashtra

The famed natural hot springs at Ganeshpuri attract hordes of visitors all through the year. Reputed to cure skin diseases, and even cases of paralysis, they are a natural wonder that draw people from all parts of the country. Add to this the fact that the Samadhi of Bhagwan Nityananda, the man who brought light and civilisation to this remote hamlet is situated here and it is easy to understand why Ganeshpuri is a place of pilgrimage to many. The Gurudev Sidha Peeth established by Bhagwan's disciple Baba Muktananda on his instructions, which sets you on the path of self-realisation is the primary reason for the large influx of foreigners to Ganeshpuri.

The natural hot springs of Ganeshpuri that attract visitors all through the year are a mere 70kms from Bandra, Mumbai. A couple of kms from Ganeshpuri you have the famed Vajreshwari Devi temple.

Legend has it that Sage Vashist did a yagna to propitiate Lord Ganesh here, hence the name Ganeshpuri. However, it was Bhagwan Nityananda who transformed what was dense forestland inhabited by a few adivasis into a spiritual centre for all those seeking enlightenment.

The Gurudev Sidha Peeth established by Bhagwan's disciple Baba Muktananda is the primary reason for the large influx of foreigners to Ganeshpuri. Spread over an area of 75 acres is the famous spiritual institute, Shri Gurudev Ashram or Gurudev Siddha Peeth. This institute was founded by Swami Nityananda in 1949. In 1956, Swami Muktananda settled there permanently and the Ashram began to grow. Swami Muktananda named it Shree Gurudev Ashram in memory of his guru who attained Mahasamadhi in August 1961. Around the Ashram is a new township set up for the resettlement of Adivasis or Warli tribe, the local inhabitants. Swami Nityananda's Samadhi, the Bhimeshwar Ganesh Temples are very close to the Ashram. In the courtyard of the Bhimeshwar temple there are three hot water springs - hot, hotter, hottest - where one can have a wash before entering the temple.