Vol. 1, Issue . 1 / February 2011, pp.154-163

Research Paper - Geography Spatial Organization of Holy

Places In - Dr. K.A. Mali Associate Professor - S.G.K. College, Loni Kalbhor, Pune

Spatial organization lies very discussion and analysis is directed to much the heart of most geographical spatial pattern and distribution of holy investigation. Geographer study mans places in Maharashtra. The study is also reaction to space and gives more directed to identify central tendency and attention to fact of distributional dispersion of holy places in phenomena. The common concern of Maharashtra. issue in cultural and religious studies is Key Words: Holy place, central the distribution of sacred sites; while tendency, sacred and profane space, there is a tendency to think of sacred spatial organization, space in term of site and location; dispersion, religious routs bear analysis as well. Maharashtra has a long tradition of INTRODUCTION: tolerance and symbiotic interaction with different region faith. The imprint Geography examines the man of region on the landscape of made environment from a spatial point Maharashtra is visible in the form of of view, whether it is to examine spatial shrines belonging to various creeds and distribution or association of element, castes. In this present state they also the organization of phenomena over reflect the cultural impact of the various space or the integration of divine periods of history. phenomena in place. Within the The spatial pattern of holy places worldwide ecosystem of which man is is characterized by their uneven the dominant part; man creates for distribution in Maharashtra. himself many environments. These Physiographic; social; cultural as well environments are not studied in their as political elements are influenced on totally by geographer; only in their the distribution of holy places in spatial facts and orientation. Maharashtra. Mainly the concentration Geographic fact usually will be of holy places has seen in the Bhima and one of observation, either of the same the Godawari river basin and dispersion characteristics at a series of place or of a is seen in Vidharbha. In this paper the series of characteristics at the same place. Spatial distribution is defined as

Indian Streams Research Journal / 154 Spatial Organization of Holy Places In Maharashtra Vol. 1, Issue . 1 / February 2011 a set of geographic facts representing cultural and religious influence of the the behavior of a particular Northern Aryan and Southern phenomenon or characteristics of many Dravidians. Thus both the Vaisnavism places. Three elements that all spatial and Shaivism Flourished in distribution shares are; pattern density Maharashtra. In Maharashtra alone and dispersion. Arial association is have five out of the twelve Jyotirligngas defined as the similarity within the same located. Many other worship centers of study area between two or more spatial God Shiva are famous in Maharashtra. distribution determined by information The influence of Vaisnavism also found collected for the same unit area. in Maharashtra. Pandharpur is known The common concern of issue in as the Spiritual capital of Maharashtra. cultural and religious studies is the Among the other deities Mother distribution of sacred sites. Many of the Goddess (Devi), who rose to prominence universal religious give more emphasis in Maharashtra. Three and half Shakti on the sites related to the life incidences Pitas are located in Maharashtra, which of the founders of the faith, but in are Saptshrungi at Wani, Mahalaxmi of the case is different, Kolhapur, Bhavani of Tuljapur and Hinduism is more complex in terms of Renuka at Mahur. God Ganesh is one of varieties of sects, believers, varieties of the most popular deities worshipped by deities and related systems. While there the people in Maharashtra. is a tendency to think of sacred space in Asthavinayaka or eight important terms of site and locations, religious Ganesh Shrines ensures for the Pilgrims routes bear analysis as well. In ever lasting bliss. geographic context, Stoddard (1966) A Majority of the people of all firstly raises the fundamental question castes worship as family deity one or of distribution, in his pioneering two. Khandoba, Jotiba, Bhairoba or dissertation: Hindu Holy sites in India. Devi these are the family deities. Bharadwaj(1973), Schwartzberg (1978); Khandoba of is the family deity Bharati (1970); Feldhaus (1986) has worshipped by most of the south and also studied the spatial distribution of western Maharastrian people. Besides holy places. these gods holy persons (Saint); whom does Marathi people worship. The present study has been analyzed Maharashtra is known as a land of the spatial pattern and distribution of Saint. Mahanubhavas have made of worship- (holy) centers in Maharashtra. Maharashtra a vast network of It have been also examine the central pilgrimage places, each sanctified by the tendency and dispersion of holy places former presence of Cakradhar, Gundam in Maharashtra. Raul or another of the human STUDY REGION: incarnations of god (Feldhaus, 1986); Maharashtra imbedded the Maharashtra is the play ground of god,

Indian Streams Research Journal / 155 Spatial Organization of Holy Places In Maharashtra Vol. 1, Issue . 1 / February 2011 and microcosm of India. Maharashtra Where, SD - Standard distance has positive religious value. C - Class internal OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: f - Frequency of class 1) To find out central tendency and d - Distance of each dispersion of holy places in centre from mean centre Maharashtra. n - Number of worship 2) To analyze the spatial distribution centres pattern of holy places in Maharashtra. LIMITATION OF THE STUDY: METHODOLOGY: To analyze the distribution For the present study selected pattern, central tendency and 170 holy places in Maharashtra which dispersion with in a spatial distribution are well known and popular in the apply the Centrographic technique. To Panchkroshi. The places which are measure the central tendency and known as Tirthaksetra. dispersion calculate the mean center DISCUSSION: and standard distance. The mean center is a measure of Central Tendency and central tendency within a spatial Dispersion of holy places in distribution, and it is calculated in a Maharashtra. similar way to the mean of numerical distribution. The standard distance The spatial pattern of holy places appears to be the simplest measure of is characterized by their uneven geographical dispersion to be associated distribution in the region. Figure-1 is with the center. This index is the illustrates the spatial distribution of all equivalent of standard deviation in a selected holy places, which are shown in numerical distribution and measures point pattern. The mean center of this the degree of dispersion of points about distribution is located near bout central the mean center. Where standard part of Maharashtra in the Godawari distance, it can be calculated using the basin. Circle has been drawn taking the following formula. radius, which is equal to the standard distance. A feature of standard distance 2 2 Sfd 2 ´ i æ Sfd ´ i ö Sfd 2 yi æ Sfdyi ö SD = D - ç ÷ + - ç ÷ is that this circle will contain n è n ø n è n ø approximately 2/3 in fact (68.27%) of the total number of the points provided that these are normally distributed

Indian Streams Research Journal / 156 Spatial Organization of Holy Places In Maharashtra Vol. 1, Issue . 1 / February 2011 about the mean center.

In this case the fraction is slightly lower, with 112 out of 170 centers (65.8%) located within the circle marked it is clearly shows that the pattern of distribution is not normal, which is influence by terrain elements mainly drainage and altitude. Most of the holy places are located either along the river site or hill tops. Concentration of the holy places is shown in the Bhima and the Godawari basin and dispersion is shown in the Wardha and the Wainganga basins. A normal spatial distribution may be defined as one in which there is a symmetrical decrease in the frequency of points with increasing radial distribution from a central modal area. But in this case symmetrical decrease is found toward east other hand towards west centers are Central Tendency and increases from central point because of Dispertion of Holy Places of Specific impact of terrain, on the distribution of Deities: holy places. It is clearly indicate that the Holy places in Maharashtra are Maximum dispersion shows in plain associated with a specific chief or region towards east. Comparatively presiding deity. Association of holy concentration of centers has shown in places with presiding deities can be the Bhima, the Godawari and the useful initial step for the understanding Krishna basin. of a spatial aspect of cultural and religious evolution in Maharashtra. All the selected centers for the present study to be classified on the basis of their presiding deities. It is also important to find out tendency of spatial distribution and spatial pattern. Table 1 shows the number of holy places of each

Indian Streams Research Journal / 157 Spatial Organization of Holy Places In Maharashtra Vol. 1, Issue . 1 / February 2011 deity. Amgaon, and Kelazer. Four centers are Table -1 located in Marathwada namely Rakshasbhuwan, Rajur, Namalgaon Sr. No. Name of Deity No. of holy places and Trikut. 1. God Ganesh 24 Spatial pattern of places shows 2. Mother goddess 26 3. God Shiva 40 that the eighteen places out of 25 4. God Vishnu 19 located within the circle marked with 5. Khandoba/Jotiba 12 using standard distance from mean 6. Holy persons 37 7. Jain and other 12 center. It is clearly indicate that the 72% Total 170 places are located within circle hence the distribution of places of God For the study of central tendency is not normal. Most of the and dispersion of spatial distribution of places are concentrated in western poly places each deity calculate the Maharashtra, Particularly in the Bhima mean center and standard distance. basin. This pattern is influence by social Distribution of holy places has been and cultural factors. illustrated with point pattern in maps of HOLY PLACES OF MOTHER Maharashtra. GODDESS: HOLY PLACES OF GOD GANESHA: Various forms of Parvati (Shakti) Figure-2 indicates the spatial are worship in Maharashtra. There are distribution of the holy places of God three and half ShaktiPitha's located in Ganesha. Ganesha is a presiding deity Maharashtra. In fact every worshipped by people of Maharashtra. Maharastrian are worship a special There are 24 main tirtha's of Ganesh Kuldeivata along with Kuldeivata selected for the present study. The mean (family God). Mahalaximi and Tulaja center of spatial distribution is located Bhavani these two goddess are in Pune District; it is clearly indicated Kuladewata (family deity) of many that most of the centers of Ganesha are families in Maharashtra. 26 main located in Pune district. The tirtha's of tirthas of mother Goddess from various Asthavinayak and some other places of part of Maharashtra have been selected Ganesha had established in Peshwa's for the present study. Spatial period they were ruled in Pune. Most of distribution and mean center of these the Ganesha places are located in Pune, holy places are shown in figure-3. Mean Ahmadnagar and Raigad district. There center of the distribution is located in are only four places are found in Ahmadnagar district. Pattern of Vidharbha namely Kalam, Adasa, distribution is dispersed, but the trend

Indian Streams Research Journal / 158 Spatial Organization of Holy Places In Maharashtra Vol. 1, Issue . 1 / February 2011 of dispersion is decline towards north the distribution of the centers of mother and west part of Maharashtra. 73% goddess. Most of the centers are located centers are located within the circle either hilltop or bank of rivers. marked; it is indicated that the standard distance is more and HOLY PLACES OF GOD SHIVA: distribution is not normal. The places of The holy places of god Shiva are mother goddess are concentrated in the distributed all over Maharashtra; Bhima and The Godawari basin. Main because all castes and sects in Maharashtra worship this deity. Five Jotirlingas, out of twelve are located in Maharashtra, namely Trimbakeshwar, Bhimashankar, Parli Vaijjnath, Aundhya Nagnath, and Ghruneshwar at Werul. Total 40 major centers of Shiva are selected for this study which are well known in panchkroshi. Figure-4 shows their spatial distribution in Maharashtra. The mean centers of this distribution is located in the Bhima basin near Pune. Twenty seven centers of holy places out of 40 located within circle; it is approximately two third (67.5%) of the total numbers of centers. It is clearly indicated that the normal distribution from their mean center; because of the centers of God Shiva are distributed through: out Maharashtra. God Shiva is worshipped from Konkan to East Vidharbha. The influence of four Shaktipitas are located in terrain elements has shown on the four side of Maharashtra such as distribution of holy places of God Shiva. Mahalaximi of Kolhapur in south; God Shiva is originally known as Saptshringi of Wani in North Tulja Mountain God. Kailash Mountain is Bhavani located in central part and original place of God Shiva. In Renuka of Mahur towards east of Maharashtra also most of the centers of Maharashtra. The influence of god Shiva having hilltop locations. They terrain elements also showed on are located on hilltop of Sahyadri

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Mountain or Spurs of Sahyadri and There are many tirthas of God Satpudas hilly area. Some centers are Vishnu and their incarnations in located along the riverbank, Maharashtra. This present study 20 configuration of rivers and Arabian Sea main tirthas are selected which are well fioast. Maximum holy places of god known in Panchkroshi. Figure-5 shows Shiva are located in The Krishna, The that the spatial distribution and mean Godawari, The Wardha and The centers of god Vishnu. The holy places of Wainganga basins. god Vishnu are dispersed all over Maharashtra; but very few places in Konkan region. Out of 20 places 11 places (55%) are located in the circle marked from mean center; it is clearly indicate that the distribution is not normal. Distribtion pattern is dispersed. A temple of Vitthal is found in every big village of Maharashtra but Pandharpur is a main holy place of god Vitthal. An influence of this place has seen all over Maharashtra. God Ram who is an incarnation of Vishnu worship in Maharashtra. Nasik and Ramtake these are the famous centers of God Ram in Maharashtra. The influence of this deity has shown in Northern India. The main tirthas of Dattatraya located in Krishna and Wardha Basin. Geographically the holy places of god Vishnu are located in plain region and along riverside. HOLY PLACES OF GOD VISHNU: HOLY PLACES OF KHANDOBA / In Maharashtra worshipper of JOTIBA : Shiva also worship Vishnu, perhaps in Another important deity of Maharashtra the two most sacred day's Maharastrian people is Khandoba. of fast are Maha-Ekadasi a day sacred to Khandoba is a Kuldeivata (family god) of Vishnu in Month of Ashadha and many families in Maharashtra. It may MahaShivaratri a day sacred to Shiva in be noted that, this deity is worshipped month of Magha (March). by low cast peoples. Khandoba is known

Indian Streams Research Journal / 160 Spatial Organization of Holy Places In Maharashtra Vol. 1, Issue . 1 / February 2011 as Rudra Avatar or incarnation of Shiva. in Osmanabad, Pali in Satara and Khandoba is also known as Malla (the Nimgaon in Pune District. Robber's God) or Mallari (Rf. Milti Isrwel For this present study 12 major and N.K.Wagle, 1987). Jyotiba, holy places of Khandoba, Jotiba and Mhaskoba, Bhairoba and other Kuladaivatas are selected. Figure 6 is shown the distribution of holy places. The mean center of this distribution is located in southwest Maharashtra. Out of 12 places 9 (75%) are located in the circle marked. It is clearly indicate that the concentration of places in southwest Maharashtra. There is no any center of Khandoba deity in Vidharbha region and Konkan region. Distribution pattern of these places is appearing to cluster grouping. Khandoba, Jotiba, Bhairoba, Mhalsa these are the different deities are worshipped by low cast societies mainly Dhangar, Ramoshi, Kunabi and other. The percentage of the low class population is high in South-Western Maharashtra. An another important reason is this deity (Khandoba) had came from Karnataka; hence its influence is shown in South Maharashtra and Marathwada region.

PLACES OF HOLY PERSONS: Besides these gods, who are worshipped by Marathi people, for holy men too have always found a worshipful Mhalsa are the other Kuldeivata in all sects. This devotion is sometimes worshipped in particular part of for greater than that shown to the Icons Maharashtra. There are eleven major at home or in the temples. The worship tirthas of Khandoba, out of these 6 in of holy person has shown in Guru Maharashtra and five tirthas are located Smpradaya, Varkari Sampradaya and in Karnataka. Jejuri is a main worship Mahanubhav sect also. In this rank of center of Khandoba and other centers holy persons Dyaneshwar, Tukaram, are Shegud in Ahmadnagar district, Namdeo, Saibaba, Gajanan Maharaj, Satare in Aurangabad district, Naldurg Gadge Maharaj and Gulabrao

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Maharaj, Ramdas, Sant Sakharam Centres of god Ganesha are Maharaj and Tukdoji Maharaj these are concentrated in Pune District, but holy the most important persons worshipped places of mother Goddess and God in Maharashtra (Ref. Gazetteers of Shiva are randomly distributed. The Maharashtra). places of these deities are located all There are many places of holy over Maharashtra. Distribution pattern persons in Maharashtra, but 37 most of holy places of God Vishnu and their famous places are selected for this incarnations is dispersed but the present study. Figure-7 shows the centres of Khandoba/Jotiba are spatial distribution and mean centres. concentrated in southwest The mean center of this distribution is Maharashtra. The places of holy located in Ahmadnagar district 23 persons are distributed all over places out of 37 located within circle Maharashtra but most of the places of marked which is 62.1% less than two holy persons are located in the Bhima, third of the total numbers. It is clearly the Godawari and the Wardha basin. indicate that distribution is not SELECTED CENTRES OF WORSHIP ACCORDING TO SPECIFIC DEITIES CENTRES OF CENTRES OF MOTHER CENTRES OF GOD CENTRES OF GOD uniform, most of the places are located GOD GANESH GODDESS SHIVA VHISHNU Morgaon Sapttshringi Trimbakeshwar Pandharpur in the Wardha and the Godawari Basin. Siddtake Mahur Bhimashankar Shahad Pali Kolhapur Ghruneshwar Dhapewada Mahad Tulajapur Parali waijnath Kolenarshingpur It follows that the pattern of these places Theur Ambejogai Aundha nagnath Barshi Lenandry Mahalaximi(Mumbai) Shikhar shingnaour Karanja is random because of influence of Ozar Mahalaximi (Dahanu) Harihareshwar Kundanyapur Ranjangaon Aundha Marleshwar Narshihwadi Chichwad Karle Welneshwar Chorwad Varkari Sampradaya is found in the Kankeashwar Kalasubai Niranarshingpur Audumbar Titwala Ambad Kunkeshwar Ramtake Bhima and the Godawari basin and Prabhadevi Chandwad Rajapur Ganpatipule Wajreshwari Prakashe Deulagaonraja Sangali Bijasandevi Wrudheshwar Wa s i m influence of Mahanubhava sect it is Wa i Mohatadevi Otur Takedtirth Padmalaya Sonai Dhogheshwar Mehekar found in the Wardha basin. Kalamb Adi war e Kedareshwar Chaphal Kelazer Rasin Dhopeshwar Chimur Rakshasbhuwan Pathanadevi Shiddeshwar(Solapur) Parshuram Rajur Manudevi Karanje Adasa Poharadevi Baneshwar Centres of CONCLUSION: Namalgaon Mi samal Pawani Khandoba/Jyotiba Trikut Kelawa Markanda The above discussion reveals that Amagaon Pune Salbardi Jejuri Amravati Nandgaonkhandeshwar Pali Kokale Kopeshwar (Khidrapur) Satare the spatial pattern of distribution of holy Mahadevpur Andur Gayamukh Nimgaon places is uneven. There are mainly Adyal Shengud Murdeshwar Jotiba physiographic, social and political Humantpimpari Bale Madhameshwar Naldurg Guhagar Atrawal elements are influence on the Mahabaleshwar Korthan Beed Jawar distribution pattern. Mainly the Unabdev Bhuleshwar Kapaleshwar concentration of holy places is seen in Welapur Bahiram the Bhima and Godawari basin and dispersed pattern shown in Vidharba region. Spatial distribution of holy places of each deity is also not even.

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4. Eliade M. (1959): The sacred and CENTRES OF HOLY JAIN WORSHIP PERSONS CENTRES profane, the nature of religion, Akkalkot Mangitungi Apegaon Kachaner Sam Diego. Kumbhoj Arani Bhadrawati Gondawale Muktagiri Jansamarth Shirpur 5. Feldhaus, Anne (1986): The Ter Shirdshahapur Dehu Kunthalgiri Maharashtra as a Holy Land, a Narsi Pusegaon sectarian tradition, Bulletin of the OTHER CENTRES school of oriental and African Newasa Nagpur (Buddhist w.c.) Pawas Jaydev wadi studies, 49 (3) pp. 532-548. Puntamba Runmachan Paithan Rithpur Madan Shanishingnapur Mozari Digras 6. Gazetteer of Maharashtra Mangalwedha Loni Shirdi 7. R.D. Dikshit (1994): The Art and Sajjangad Devgad Science of Geography, Integrated Mangaon Amlner reading, prentice Hall of India Changdev Akole Private Ltd., New Delhi, pp. 49-50. Madi Udagir Domgaon Pawanar 8. Milton Israel and N.K.Wagale Shirala (1987): Religion and society in Arangaon Akot Maharashtra. University of Ausa Nanded Toronto center for south Asian Anjjangaonsurji Hiwara studies.

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