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Wai has the epithetic name Dakshin Kāshi (Devanagari: दक्षिण काशी). In old times, it was known as Wirāt Nagari (Devanagari: विराटनगरी). Wai is known in Maharashtra for its ghats on the banks of the Krishnā ((Devanagari: कृष्णा) river and its temples, including especially the "Dholyā Ganapati" (Devanagari: ढोल्या गणपती) temple on the "Ganapati Ghāt" (Devanagari: गणपती घाट). Wai's STD code is 02167.
[edit] GeographyWai is located at 17°56′N 73°54′E / 17.93°N 73.9°E[1], approximately 65 km south of the city of Pune (Devanagari: पुणे). It has an average elevation of 718 metres (2355 feet). It is surrounded by the mountainous region of the Sahyādris; ("Dhom Dam" has been constructed in the vicinity of Wai). It falls under rainshadow area. [edit] DemographyAccording to 2001 census in India[2], Wai then had a population of 31,090. Males constituted 51% of the population, and females, 49%. Literacy in Wai was 77%, (which is higher than the national average of 59.5%), male and female literacy being 81% and 73%, respectively. As of 2001, 11% of the population was under 6 years of age. [edit] HistoryWai is an old town - the newer part of the town is 200 years old, and the older part, over 350 years. The town has been witness to many a historical event. Afzal Khan, the general of the Bijapur Sultan, camped at Wai during his campaign against Shivaji. He forcibly took up residence in a mansion called Banawdikar Wada, and turned the wada into a 'Kutchery' or office. Banawdikar Wada was the scene of intrigues and plots on how to capture or kill Chattrapathi Shivaji, until Afzal Khan met his death at the hands of Shivaji at Pratapgarh. The wada still exists in Raviwar Peth of Wai. The wada's main door is a solid wooden frame, with beautiful carvings in the fashion of the olden times. It stands as if caught in a time warp. About 200 feet up the road from Banawdikar Wada, stands a small and nondescript, Deshpande Wada. This speciality of Deshpande Wada is that it was built by a disciple of Swami Ramdas. It is said that the residents of this austere house are blessed with a good life. Wai is also home to Nana Phadnavis. His beautiful wada stands on the banks of the Krishna. The house with its fading frescoes is worth a visit. Wai abounds with such places of historical importance. It is a place to be discovered leisurely on foot - a haven for a student of history, or a heritage lover. [edit] CultureWai is culturally very enriched and has a great historic importance. Pradnya Path Shala (Devanagari: प्राज्ञ पाठशाला) and the Marāthi encyclopedia, Vishwakosh[3] (Devanagari: विश्वकोश), the two well-known institutions in Maharashtra are based in Wai. Organisations like Prateek theater have been active for many years. There are 7 ghats on the bank of river Krishna: Gangapuri, Madhi Aali, Ganpati Aali, Dharmapuri, Brahmanshahi, Ramdoh Aali and Bhimkund Aali. "Krishnabai Utsav" is the main festival in Wai. When Afzal Khan set out from Wai to kill Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one Shende Shāstri from Wai had prayed to the Krishna river for Shivaji's victory. Not surprisingly, when Chhatrapati Shivaji killed Afzal Khan, the river Krishna was personified as Goddess Krishnabai, and the tradition of celebrating the festival of river was ivolved. Krishnabai Utsawa is celebrated on each ghat for 4 to 8 days. The same festival is also celebrated in the nearby town of Karad. Wai has recently been a notable film-shooting location. Films like 22 June 1897, Omkara, Mrutyudand, Swades, and Gangājal are shot in Wai and the nearby villages. Bhajani Bharud Mandal of Shelarwadi is favmous for various historical as well as various drama. [edit] TemplesConsidering the number and architecture, Wai could be called as 'a town of temple'. Temples built in the "Hemādpanti" style of architecture, including the following three, are located in and around Wai. (Use of huge stone slabs is the major characteristic of Hemādpanti architecture. There are 4 temples Chakreshwar, Chimneshwar,Kaunteshwar/Harihareshwar and Kaleshwar near Brahmanshahi ghat. Near Brhmanshahi there are Vitthal and Ganpati temples. Ramdoh ghat has Rameshwar temple, Ramkund and Chilavali Devi temple. On Gangapuri ghat there is Lord Shiva, Dwarka, Bahiroba, Datta Temple. On Ganpati Aali that there are Ganpati temple. In Dharma puri there are Lord Vishnu temple & Mahalaxmi temple. Dholya Ganpati temple is one of the prime temples in Maharashtra. The idol of Lord Ganesh is very big [as its' name suggests] and is situated on the beautiful ghats of river Krishna. [edit] EducationBesides Pradnya Path Shala, Wai has the following Institutes:
A training center for weaving silk garments run by the state government is located between Wai and Pānchgani. New English School, Borgaon [edit] Tourist Spots In and Around Wai
[edit] HospitalsMarathi Mission is the oldest Hospital. Getanjali is also a good Hospital. [edit] Krishnai HospitalIt is a good hospital on Vidyasagar Saygaonkar Road.(Ph no. 01267 221850). Many famous movies stars and actors who got injured or ill during movie shoots around at Mahabaleshwar, Menavali, Wai and Panchgani, have been treated at this hospital. Though the hospital is not a very expensive one, it is well equipped and its patients are well cared for. The people from Bollywood will vouch for this. [edit] Famous Personalities
[edit] References
chaitanya deo [edit] External links
Coordinates: 17°56′N 73°54′E / 17.933°N 73.9°E
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