Dehu (देहू)

Dehu is a small village 25 km from Pune city, located on the banks of the River Indrayani. Shri Tukaram, a great saint of the Warkari and Bhakti sect, was born and resided in Dehu, which gave it the status of a holy place. We still meet Saint Tukaram Maharaj today through the many Abhanga and Gatha composed by him. Shri Saint Tukaram Maharaj was a great devotee of the deity Shri Vithoba (Lord Vishnu). Accordingly, Saint Tukaram’s Paduka too are carried in a palanquin to Pandharpur in the pilgrimage.

A big fair is held here on the second day of the Hindu month of Falgun. It is believed that Saint Tukaram left earth and traversed to the heaven alive on this day. The Vitthal temple, ancient Shiva temple, Indrayani pond, carvings in caves at Ramchandra and Bhandara hills are worth a visit. Saint Tukaram would seek solitude in the Bhandara hills for mediation and contemplation. Kirtan is conducted here every Thursday and Ekadashi.

As per records NarayanBaba, Tukaram’s youngest son, built the current temple in the year 1723.