Wai is a town located in the Satara District of Maharashtra on the banks of Krishna River. The town has deep historical significance as Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Gopikabai, wife of Nanasaheb Peshwa had their origins here. Almost 300 Bollywood and Marathi movies have been shot in Wai. The town Wai has been a popular cultural center with some architecturally significant temples. In Maharashtra, Wai is popular for its ghats on the banks of Krishna River and the Dholya Ganapati temple on Ganapati Ghat.
History of Wai
Wai has the epithetic name of "Dakshin Kashi" because of its more than 100 temples. The 17th century warlord Afzal Khan, representing Ali Adil Shah II of the Bijapur Sultanate, is said to have made his first halt here on his way to the fort of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. A cache of 105 guns, swords and other weapons were found in Wai around 2005.
Demography of Wai
According to the 2001 Indian census, Wai had a population of 31,090. Males were 51% of the population; females, 49%. Literacy in Wai was 77%. Male literacy was 81%; female literacy, 73%. As of 2001, 11% of Wai`s population was under age 6 years.
Festivals of Wai
Krishnabai Utsav is the prime festival of Wai. This festival is celebrated on each ghat of Krishna River for four to eight days. It is also celebrated in the nearby town of Wai named Karad. Among other festivals, Shri Krishna Janma Ashtami is the most popular one. Its grand celebration is done in 105 year old Govardhan Sanstha in Wai. The two-day Jatra Festival is also popular all over Maharashtra.
Temples in Wai
Wai is mostly known for its several temples, most of which were built in the Hemadpanti style of architecture. Huge stone slabs are the prime characteristics of this architectural style. Each ghat of Wai has temples near it and they are:
•Chakreshwar, Chimneshwar, Kaunteshwar/ Harihareshwar, Kaleshwar, Vitthal and Ganpati temples near Brahmanshahi ghat.
•Krishna Mandir near Govardhan Sanstha ghat.
•Rameshwar, Ramkund and Chilavali Devi temple near Ramdoh ghat.
•Lord Shiva, Dwarka, Bahiroba, Dattatray temples near Gangapuri ghat.
•Ganpati and Kashi Vishveshvar temples near Ganpati Aali ghat.
•Lord Vishnu and Mahalaxmi temples near Dharma Puri ghat.
•Hanuman Mandir near Mahaganpati ghat.
Some other temples of Wai are Rokdoba temple, Dholya Ganpati temple etc.
Tourism in Wai
Along with all the temples and river ghats, Wai town is consisted of several other tourist spots. Wai Caves with nine Buddhist caves is located at Lohare, which is 7 km from Wai. Kamalgad Fort is 10 miles west of Wai; this fort is located in the middle of Dhom Dam. Some other nearby attractions are Lohare Palpeshwar Caves, Ranade Wada, Pandavgad, Sonjai etc.
Visiting Information to Wai
Wai can be visited throughout the year; but it is best visited between the months of September and May. Nearest airport to Wai is Pune (88 km). Nearest railway station is Satara, which is located 40 km away from Wai. Wai can also be reached by road via National Highway 4 through Mumbai-Pune Express.
