Dehu

As of 2011 India census,[1] Dehu had a population of 6,133 of which 3,178 are males while 2,955 are females. Dehu has an average literacy rate of 88.64 %, higher than the national average of 74.04%: male literacy is 92.79% and, female literacy is 84.22%. In Dehu, 10.76% of the population is under 6 years of age.[2] More, Kalokhe, Chavan and Hagavne are famous surnames in Dehu. Dehu is very nice village having historical temple of Saint Tukaram Maharaj.[3][4][5]

Holy Indrayani river which flows through Dehu which later flows through Alandi. The place where Lord Vitthal gave blessings to Saint Tukaram, which is now the main temple in Dehu consisting of 'Swayambhu' (self-existing) idols of Lord Vitthal and goddess Rakhumai is situated on the banks of river Indrayani. The region of Dehu is known as a 'Sri Kshetra' as it holds the self existing idols of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi in the form of Vitthal and Rukhmini respectively. Sri Kshetra is said to be those holy places where Lord Vishnu, especially Goddess Lakshmi resides forever. [6][7]

Dehu is a place of Saint Tukaram - well known saint in Maharashtra. He lived here and taught people how to pray to god. He and Saint Dnyaneshwar were the popular saints and both worshiped Lord Vitthal. The 'Palakhi' in the month of 'Ashadh' from Dehu is one of the main attractions of Dehu. Many people have taken part in it many years. Dehu is a place where the 'Abhang 'of Saint Tukaram can be remembered. One can see his temple here on the banks of the river. This temple was constructed by his younger son Narayanbaba in 1723. Various other temples nearby are worth seeing. A rock where Saint Tukaram was on fast is also here. Saint Tukaram will always be remembered for his Abhang and Gatha.

Important Places associated with Tukaramji in Dehu are:

• Tukaram Maharaj Janm Sthan Temple, Dehu – place where Tukaramji was born, around which a temple was built later
• Saint Tukaram Vaikunthstan Temple, Dehu – from where Tukaramji ascended to Vaikunth in his mortal form; there is a nice ghat behind this temple along the Indrayani river
• Saint Tukaram Maharaj Gatha Mandir, Dehu – modern structure; massive building housing a big statue of Tukaram; In the Gatha temple, about 4,000 abhangs (verses) created by Tukaram maharaj were carved on the walls.[8]