Sainandanvanam Chakur

A distinguished district of Maharashtra, Latur boasts a glorious and illustrious history, having been the residence of the first ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, ‘Dantidurga.’ It has also witnessed the grandeur of dynasties such as the Satavahanas, Shakas, Chalukyas, and the Yadavas of Devagiri.Beyond its historical significance,
Latur holds a prominent place on India’s educational, social, and political map.

Latur has not only made a mark in India but has also etched its name on the global stage, thanks to a miraculous, extraordinary and unparalleled creation located in the Chakur taluka of Latur.

This marvel, which embodies the confluence of spirituality, entertainment, and environmental consciousness, is situated just 35 km from Latur on the Ratnagiri-Nagpur route. Spanning a vast 250-acre area adorned with picturesque hills, this heavenly creation is known as ‘Sainandanvanam’.

A visionary social reformer, Shri Uttamrao Jadhav, a resident of Kalamuli-Chakur and a government contractor by profession, and his younger brother Mr. Shivajirajrao Jadhav, were deeply influenced by the teachings and divine personality of the modern Indian spiritual guru, Sathya Sai Baba of Puttaparthi.

Inspired by the life and work of Sathya Sai Baba, Shri Uttamrao & Shri Shivajirao embarked on an ambitious mission in 1999 – A seemingly impossible endeavor : transforming the drought-prone land of Marathwada into a flourishing paradise.With the blessings of Sai Baba and relentless efforts, Shri Uttamrao Jadhav turned this vision into a reality, naming this divine creation as.. Sainandanvanam.

Transforming the arid lands of Marathwada into a lush green paradise was a daunting challenge. However, with deep concern for Marathwada and driven by his dedication to social service and unwavering determination, Shri Uttamrao, at times, by making personal sacrifices and bearing the expense, he personally invested his time, effort, and resources to transform 250 acres of barren land into a flourishing sanctuary. He established small water reservoirs, artificial lakes, and borewells, planting over 100,000 trees.

Sainandanvanam is not merely a scenic tourist destination—but it is adorned with diversity and by bringing new energy to the entire state, it has gained worldwide recognition due to its magnificent Shiva temple.

Saishivalaya

This majestic temple, constructed in the form of a Shiva Linga, was consecrated on July 16, 2001, in the presence of over one million devotees. The consecration of the idol was personally performed by Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The land became sacred and blossomed into a paradise with Sathya Sai Baba’s divine footsteps.

During this divine ceremony, Sathya Sai Baba made a prophecy:
“This place will be as powerful as the Somnath Jyotirlinga and, in the future, will be recognized as the thirteenth Jyotirlinga.”

Sri Sathya Sai Baba also referred to this holy site as “Lord Krishna’s Vrindavan”, and today, the world knows it as Sainandanvanam.

This magnificent temple, uniquely shaped like a Shiva Linga, is 260 feet long and 100 feet high—an architectural marvel with no parallel in the world. The temple’s assembly hall can accommodate 7,000 devotees, allowing them to meditate while having an unobstructed view of the deity and the temple spire.

The temple complex at Sainandanvanam is home to multiple shrines, which includes : Shri Krishna Temple, Sai Baba Temple, the only temple in the world where Sathya Sai Baba himself installed his own idol, the only Kartik Swami Temple in Marathwada, Temple of Pandurang and Rukmini- the revered deity of Maharashtra , Shri Ram and Sitamai Temple, Temples of Goddess Parvati – Santoshi Mata – Gayatri Mata, Shegaon’s Sant Gajanan Maharaj Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple & Navagraha Temple.

Other prominent sites include Sant Niwas (a holy residence on the hill where Sri Sathya Sai Baba stayed), Ashtavinayak Temple, and a sacred water reservoir. These mesmerizing places are worth visiting.

In the Shiva temple, several religious festivals, including Maha Shivaratri, Dussehra, the temple anniversary, and the manifestation day of Bhagwan Shri Sathya Sai Baba, are celebrated with great devotion, attracting millions of devotees not only from India but from across the world