8 am till 11 am – breakfast (poha, upma, tea, coffee, etc.)
1 pm – lunch (available only if a certain number of guests are present)
8 pm till 9 pm – dinner (rice plate for Rs. 100/-, Rs. 10 for extra chapati)
Dinner (prepared by women) at Shri Yogeshwari Yatri Niwas
Menu Rate List of Shri Yogeshwari Yatri Niwas
Sri Yogeshwari Yatri Niwas Ambajogai Phone (02446) 244559
1) Rice Plate – Rs.100/ 2) Daal bhat – Rs. 50/- 3) Chapati Bhaji – Rs. 50/- 4) Pohe– Rupee. 20/- 5) Tea Rs.8/- 6) Upma – Rupee. 20/- 7) Milk – Rs.10/- 8) Shabudana Khichdi – Rupee. 20/- 9) Shabuvada – Rs. 40/- 10) Coffee – Rs.10/- 11) Sheera – Rupee. 20/- 12) Bisleri – Rs.20/-
Note:
* Meals and breakfast will be prepared after giving prior notice.
* Food and breakfast orders should be placed over the counter.
* After placing the order, the food will be ready after a while.
* Hot water is automatically taken to the counter.
* Will be able to rent a car. (SCORPIO)
Kalma Khoya Barfi – The famous Sweet of Ambajogai
Pravin – The farmer from Ambajogai enhanced knowledge about Shri Yogeshwari Sweet Home (situated at the entrance gate of Shree Yogeshwari temple) and Ambajogai’s famous Kalma Khoya Barfi.
Finally, before leaving Ambajogai, I visited the shop and had talks with the shop owner about the available sweets.
The shop owner (with a big smile) showed two types of Khoya Barfi – one is with less sugar, i.e, Kalma Khoya Barfi (Rs. 400 per kg), and the other one is Plain Khoya Barfi (Rs. 280 per kg) with a little extra sugar.
There was Pista Barfi available too for Rs. 320 per kg.
Kalma Khoya Barfi was started by/prepared by the shop owner’s late father years ago.
Why was it named Kalma?
The shop owner said – not sure but maybe because father was good at making Kalakand – another mouth-watering Indian sweet.
And how old is your shop?
The shop is 100 years old – open at 8 in the morning and closes at 8 at night.
I purchased half a kg – Kalma Khoya Barfi for Rs. 200.
Immediately, I had 4-5 Kalma Khoya Barfi. The flavour was very nice on the tongue, especially because there was less sugar.
I was told by the shop owner, Kalma Khoya Barfi is only available in his shop, nowhere else.
I hope readers reading will surely have/taste Kalma Khoya Barfi whenever they visit Ambajogai.
About Adyakavi Shri Mukundraj Swami Samadhi Sthal
True Life Story of Shri Mukundraj and Jayatpal
This is the story of mighty king Jayatpal who ruled Ambapur around the year 950. He had the desire to see Bramhaswaroop, the supreme form of God. He would welcome every sadhu coming to Ambapur nagari and show due respect with their puja. After this, he would request the sadhus to show him Bramhaswaroop. When the sadhus could not do it, the king would become furious. He would imprison them and put them under extreme hardship. He would make them dig a pond (on the north side of Ambapur) during the day and grind grains for horses during the night. Due to this the sadhus were scared and avoided coming to Ambapur. The news spread as far as the holy place of Kashi. Shri Mukundraj was studying yog and various rituals in Kashi. He had written many spiritual books such as Shri Viveksindhu, Parmamrit, Pavanvijay during this period. He requested his Guru (teacher) to give him permission to go to Ambapur and help the sadhus. Shri Mukundraj reached Ambapur and saw the sadhus digging the pond. He took the form of a small boy and started chanting the name of Narayan. The guards were enchanted by his form and advised him not to enter Ambapur. They feared that the king would treat him like the other sadhus. Shri Mukundraj ignored them and went straight to meet the king. As usual, the king welcomed him and asked him to show Bramhaswaroop. Shri Mukundraj asked the king to mount his horse. He asked the king to step into the saddle and said that before he puts his feet into the second saddle, he will be able to see the Supreme form of God. As the king mounted the horse, Shri Mukundraj whipped the king and the horse. The king, along with his horse, froze and stood still for 7 days. On the eighth day, Shri Mukundraj broke the spell and the king was back to normal. He asked the king if he was able to see Bramhaswaroop. The king fell to his feet and said that all his desires were fulfilled. He regretted his wrong deeds and as advised by Shri Mukundraj, released all the sadhus. Shri Mukundraj also started back to Kashi, but the king followed him wherever he went. Shri Mukundraj hurried and at the banks of Jayawanti river, he took a leap over the ravine and disappeared. The king followed, but he fell into the river along with his horse and was drowned. This place is now called ‘Ghod-danda’. The followers of Shri Mukundraj, made his Samadhi at the place where he disappeared. This is a very beautiful place. The hill is carved to create the temple. There are stairs from the top of the hill, going down to the Samadhi. Near the Samadhi there is a natural spring. When we go further down, we reach the Jayawanti river. One can also see the Ghod-danda pool. It is very deep. This place is very beautiful during the rains. On the opposite side, in the hills, is a holy place called Butenath. Here many medicinal herbs grow naturally. During the Hindu month of Ashwin, people visit this place to collect the medicinal herbs. These herbs are very effective and popular among people.
(Marathi to English language translation by Rahul Patil – a friend from Pune, Maharashtra)
The question: How to reach Adyakavi Shri Mukundraj Swami Samadhi Sthal, Ambajogai, Maharashtra?
I, from Yogeshwari Yatri Niwas (approx. 1 km from Ambajogai Bus Depot) reach Adyakavi Shri Mukundraj Swami Samadhi Sthal as a pillion rider via Pravin’s motorbike – a farmer from Ambajogai but was told by a local person present at the samadhi sthal that State Transport bus from Ambajogai Bus Depot is available for Adyakavi Shri Mukundraj Swami Samadhi Sthal or one can hire an entire auto to reach.
Adyakavi Shri Mukundraj Swami Samadhi Sthal is at a distance of 5 km to the northwest of Shri Yogeshwari Devi temple.
Walking to and fro is also a good option because the landscape is interesting to watch.
Adyakavi Shri Mukundraj Swami Samadhi Sthal Opening time: 6 in the morning and Closing time: 6 in the evening.
Saphala Ekadashi (9th January, 2021) is the day when the fair is organized at the entrance of Adyakavi Shri Mukundraj Swami Samadhi Sthal.
Aadesh was present at Adyakavi Shri Mukundraj Swami Samadhi Sthal. Upon query, he enhanced knowledge.
How I reach Parali Vaijnath from Ambajogai (to and fro)?
After having breakfast at Yogeshwari Yatri Niwas, Ambajogai (where I stayed) at 9 am, I started my journey to Shree Vaijnath Jyotirling Temple, Parali Vaijnath.
9:15 am, I was at the Ambajogai Bus Depot.
9:30 am Latur – Parbhani bus (state transport) arrived.
This bus will travel via Parali Vaijnath.
Parali Vaijnath from Ambajogai, Distance – 24 km
Parali Vaijnath from Ambajogai bus fare – Rs. 30.
10:15 am reached Parali Vaijnath bus depot.
Autos were parked outside the Parali Vaijnath bus depot. I enquire – How much is the auto fare for Shree Vaijnath Jyotirling Temple?
Rs. 30 – He said, and I was on the way towards Shree Vaijnath Jyotirling Temple.
10/15 minutes (maximum 2 km) auto ride, and I reached Shree Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple.
The camera was not allowed inside the temple. Deposited for Rs. 10 at the cloakroom situated next to the SBI ATM within temple area.
As there were very less devotees present, by 10:55 am visit around the temple area was completed.
Back to the cloakroom to take back the camera and then inside an auto for the Parali Vaijnath bus depot.
This time from Shree Vaijnath Jyotirling Temple till Parali Vaijnath bus depot, auto fare – I paid – Rs. 20 only.
After reaching Parali Vaijnath bus depot, I saw Someshwar Sweet Shop outside the bus depot, selling sugarcane juice.
Had two glasses of sugarcane juice. Rs. 20 per glass – paid.
11:25 am restarted journey from Parali Vaijnath bus depot till Shepwadi, Ambajogai. Rs. 25 – bus fare paid.
12: 15 noon reached Shepwadi, Ambajogai. Thoroughly happy with the journey.
How I reach Ambajogai from Mumbai via Latur (to and fro)?
I was invited by Pravin – a farmer from *Ambajogai (Maharashtra) to visit his Shepwadi farm to join the hurda party.
*Famous for Shri Yogeshwari Mata Mandir
As it will be a new experience, I immediately said – Yes, I am coming.
The day of the hurda party was not too far, I checked Mumbai to Ambajogai travel options.
- There were evening A/C Sleeper buses available via redBus from Mumbai to Ambajogai.
- There was a night train from Mumbai to Latur and from Latur to Ambajogai by bus.
As it was a long bus journey of more than 10 hours, I opted for the night train journey.
First, I tried to book 02043 / CSMT BIDR SPL. sleeper class train ticket via irctc.co.in.
A few Sleeper berths were available but the talks between Pravin and myself about – How to reach Ambajogai from Mumbai. Where to stay in Ambajogai? – took time and the sleeper berth was fully booked.
What next?
AC 3 Tier (3A) ticket was available – immediately booked.
Rs. 940.89 – paid.
530 KM and journey hours: 9 hours 25 minutes.
Note: There is Latur and Latur Road. Book your train ticket from Mumbai till Latur to reach Ambajogai.
The best was – I received an SMS in the evening hours, stating – Your ticket has been upgraded to the higher class and you are allowed to travel in the higher class without paying any extra cost.
I with a very happy heart reached Dadar railway station (central Line, platform no. 4) to board the train.
The train was on time and super clean (including the toilet).
By 10 pm train reached Kalyan station. It was time for dinner.
I had homemade dry green chickpeas (हरा चना) and rotis (round flatbread) and went to sound sleep with a sheet I was carrying.
Note: Earlier, Indian Railways used to provide bed sheets, blankets,s and pillows in air-conditioned coaches but this time may be due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was not provided. No, complain.
Anyway, 6:25 am was the right time for the train to reach Latur and it was on time.
After getting down from the train, I walk outside the Latur railway station.
Autos and Buses were parked. I enquired about a bus – How to reach Ambajogai?
I was told that the bus going towards Golai will drop you at New Bus Stand, Latur, and from there, there are buses for Ambajogai.
I entered the bus and had a seat. Rs. 7 the bus fare from Latur railway station till Juna RP Nak.
The bus soon started and only after 10 minutes ride stopped at a cross-road.
Force Trax Cruiser was parked. The driver of the jeep was waiting for passengers for Ambajogai.
About 12 passengers hired the vehicle including myself and soon we were towards Ambajogai.
Latur to Ambajogai via Force Trax Cruiser? – Rs. 70 fare per passenger.
The road condition was very good except few patches as road construction work was going on.
Within one hour we reached Ambajogai Bus Depot.
I remember, Pravin suggested having Dahi-Poha at Appa stall (since 20 years – the first one near the bus depot) opposite Ambajogai bus depot.
As there were two stalls both selling Dahi-Poha, I enquired about Appa and was at the correct stall.
Two plates of Dahi-Poha I had. Rs. 15 per plate. It was delicious though the shop is make-shift.
Now the urge was to have tea. Nearby, opposite Paradise lodging and bar, there was a tea stall. Had two cups of tasty tea.
And finally reached Pravin’s Shepwadi farm (3/4 km) via auto by paying Rs. 70.
Most of the auto wala’s were asking for Rs. 100 – maybe because the road construction work was going on and there were no passengers available. The bus I was not aware but later, I discovered that buses to Parli (famous for Shree Vaijnath Jyotirling) pass nearby Pravin’s farm.
Anyway, for return journey, I had already booked 02208 / LATUR CSMT SPL. sleeper class. Rs. 363.19 – paid.
Latur- Mumbai train departure time was at 10:30 pm and the last bus from Ambajogai bus depot to Latur railway station was at 8 pm. That means maximum by 9:30 pm I will reach Latur railway station.
There is one more option: from Royal Bakery (near Sawarkar Chowk – nearby bus depot), Ambajogai, you can hire a sharing jeep for Latur railway station but only if there are 10-12 passengers present or if you hire an entire jeep for your journey.
Anyway, I had talks with Yogeshwari Yatri Niwas (where I stayed) care-taker Mukesh.
I was suggested to leave Ambajogai around 6 pm to reach Latur railway station early because if last bus from Ambajogai had any mechanical issue on the way then you will not find any other vehicle on highway to reach Latur railway station. Don’t take risk – He suggested.
As per advise, I reached Ambajogai bus depot around 6 pm and board bus that was going to Latur. I was told, the bus will drop you at Sai Chowk, Latur and from there hire an auto that will drop you at Latur railway station – 3 km maximum.
Ambajogai bus depot to Sai Chowk, Latur bus fare – Rs. 75.
The bus reached Sai Chowk, Latur within one hour and from there I hired a sharing auto for Rs. 30 (bargain) for Latur railway station.
The train was already parked but I have to wait for door to open. What to do till 10:30 pm?
I decided to charge mobile battery and have a walk around Latur railway station.
It was clean and there was separate way for person with disabilities, free vehicle for disable and older people, free RailWire Wi-Fi, दोहे (couplet) by Kabir Das, Rahim Das and many more..
Finally, around 10 pm train doors were opened.
The train left Latur railway station on time i.e., 10:30 pm reached Dadar next day morning around 7:45 am.
As Mumbai local train for general public was allowed only from 12 noon due to pandemic, I hired a taxi to reach home.
The journey from Mumbai to Ambajogai via Latur (to and fro) was very comfortable. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Hurray!!! – My 3A Train Ticket (Mumbai-Latur) Upgraded to 2A
Recently, I was invited by Pravin, a farmer from Ambajogai (Maharashtra), to visit his farm to join the hurda party.
As it will be a new experience, I immediately said – Yes, I am coming.
The day of the hurda party was not too far, I checked the options of traveling to Ambajogai from Mumbai.
A/C Sleeper (2+1) night buses were available via redBus, but as the journey was between 12 – 15 hours, I thought of a journey via night train from Mumbai-Latur (530KM / 9 hours 25 minutes) and then from Latur to Ambajogai by bus.
02043 / CSMT BIDR SPL – A few Sleeper berths were available, but the conversation between Pravin and me was about – How to reach Ambajogai. Where to stay in Ambajogai? – took time, and the Sleeper berth was fully booked.
What next? – I want a confirmed train ticket.
AC 3 Tier Train Ticket from C SHIVAJI MAH T (CSMT), Mumbai till LATUR (LUR) was available.
I immediately reserved it via irctc.co.in
Rs. 940.89 – paid.
Train scheduled departure time was at 9:00 pm from C SHIVAJI MAH T (CSMT), Mumbai.
At 5:32 pm, I received an SMS stating – Your ticket has been upgraded to the higher class and you are allowed to travel in the higher class without paying any extra cost.
Hurray!!!!
I was very much happy-happy.
If I remember correctly, this was the third time ticket up-gradation to a higher class has happened in the last 10+ years of the journey by train.
Note: The fare from Mumbai-Latur AC 2 Tier (2A) train ticket is approx. Rs. 1250. While booking a train ticket via irctc.co.in, under Other Preferences, there is an option to Select – Consider for Auto Upgradation.
Though I started traveling via Sleeper berth years ago, but then during summer days, due to hot & humid weather, I selected a journey via AC 2 Tier berth, but as the weather is good nowadays, I opted for Sleeper berth again. As a Sleeper berth was not available, I had to buy an AC 3 Tier Train Ticket, but I never imagined a 3A ticket would be upgraded to 2A.
Thank you, Indian Railways. Thank you very much.
Not to forget – The train was on time and super clean (including the toilet). Thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
Quote by Lord Krishna (in English)
Quote by Lord Krishna (in English) – This photo was taken at Ganga Sangam in Devprayag (Uttarakhand).