PLACES

KAIJ

Kaij, lying 32.19 km. (20 miles) west of Ambejogai, is the headquarters of the tahsil of the same name having a population of 5.430 as per the 1961 Census. There are criminal and civil courts, tahsildar's and panchayat samiti's office, civil dispensaries and a poultry farming centre. Besides the primary schools there is a high school and a vasti grha. It is noted for the samadhi of Uddhav Svami, a favourite disciple of Ramdas Svami, a temple dedicated to Balaji and a dargah built by Qutbuddin's grandson. It is known as Khvaja Mazubuddin dargah and is on the outskirts of the village. The dargah is surrounded by a parapet wall and has in the front a protective double wall. Both the walls have lofty arch-shaped entrances. Inside there is an extensive courtyard. From the inner gate, a passage flanked by minars leads to the dargah which stands on an elevated dais. The chamber of the dargah is 5.49 x 5.49 metres (18'xl8') and contains three tombs. The first one is that of Khvaja's son Saif-ud-din, the middle one that of his wife and the third that of the Khvaja himself. It is a very solid edifice crowned with a vaulted dome. An urus lasting for 5 days is held on 6 Rabi-ul-avval and is attended by over 3,000 persons.

Objects

Sri Uddhav Svami Samadhi: Uddhav Svami was one of the favourite disciples of Sri Ramdas Svami, the noted saint of Maharastra. The Deshpande family of Kaij, to which the Svami belonged built a samadhi in 1797. It is located in the centre of the village and is housed in a math of 3.05 x 3.05 metres (10'x10') dimensions where his padukas and a picture frame have been placed. Outside there is a small hall with four pillars forming three arches. In front is a 2.229 sq. metres (24 ft. square) raised platform. An utsav lasting for four days is held on Caitra Suddha Pratipada, expenses being borne by the Deshpande family.

Balaji Mandir: The temple of Balaji, located in the eastern corner of the village, was built by one Balakrsna Maharaj whose samadhi is to the right of the image of god in the temple. A brass mukhavata is placed on the samadhi. It has a 2.79 x 2.79 sq. metres (30' x 30') mandap supported on four rows of wooden pillars. The gabhara is on a raised platform, its front being decorated with five arches formed by 6 pillars. It contains the idol of Balaji flanked by those of Laksmi and Vyankates. There is also an idol of Gopalkrsna.