India

Mythological spot, Walhe finds a place in Pune tourism map

The Walhe village in Purandhar Tehsil, located 56 km away from Pune, will soon be added to the list of tourist destinations. Walhe, with a Rs 5.6 crore development sanctioned by the Maharastra government, will have a samadhi dedicated to sage Valmiki, also known as adi kavi, who has penned the Ramayana. The place is also famous for seven pots hills (Sat Ranjan).

According to Indian mythology, Valmiki, in his earlier birth as Ratnakar, used to rob the travellers in the Walhe area to earn his livelihood. After committing each sin, he used to drop a stone in these pots. After meeting sage Narada, Ratnakar was completely transformed, turning his focus on to poetry. The place also falls on the ancient annual Wari route.

As per the proposal, the temple at the Valmiki Samadhi will be protected along with the rare herbs that are found on the Sat Ranjan hills.

Initially an amount of Rs 68.22 lakhs will be disbursed for the basic facilities in Walhe village and surrounding area. Soil bunds, ponds, drinking water facilities, and eco-friendly toilets will be developed in the area for tourists. Information boards will also be installed so that the visitors will get information about the historical and mythological importance of this place.