Risod — Travel Guide
Truth is, Risod, historically revered as the sacred penance ground of Vedic Sage Rishyasringa along the Penganga river basin, is one of the most culturally grounded, spiritually revered, and agriculturally thriving towns in the Washim district of western Vidarbha in Maharashtra.
Resting in the fertile black cotton soil plains along State Highway 207, it sits just 38 km west of district headquarters Washim, 35 km south of Mehkar, 40 km southeast of the cosmic Lonar crater lake, and 85 km south of Akola junction.
The refreshing Vidarbha morning breeze carries the earthy scent of black regur soil, blooming yellow soybean crops, roasted cumin tadka, and steaming jowar bhakris on wood stoves.
Vast green soybean farmlands, ancient stone temple spires, and peaceful lake water tanks frame this hospitable Varhadi countryside. Risod is celebrated across Maharashtra as the sacred home of the ancient Hemadpanthi Shri Pinglakshi Devi Temple, the 800 year old Siddheshwar Mahadev shrine, the Samadhi of Sant Amardas Baba, and the direct threshold to the world renowned Antariksha Parshvanath Jain Tirth in Shirpur.
It's a wonderful stop if you appreciate ancient stone architecture, exploring revered Jain tirths, discovering Nath Panth monastic heritage at Bhar Jagir, and enjoying spicy Varhadi food.
Look, the surrounding Washim and Vidarbha region holds immense historical prominence spanning Vakataka emperors, Yadava dynasty Hemadpanthi architects, Berar sultanates, and Maratha warrior clans. From the peaceful lakeside sanctum of Pinglakshi Devi to the historic waters of Padma Tirth in Washim, rewarding discoveries greet you on every outing.
Thing is, the local atmosphere is remarkably peaceful and rooted in traditional rural warmth. You can wander through energetic cotton mandis, sip hot sweet chai in clay cups, and relish authentic local meals featuring spicy Patodi Rassa, garlic rich Shev Bhaji, steaming Pithla with hot Jowar Bhakri, and sweet Basundi.
Mind you, neighboring travel destinations like Patur, Warud, and Nandgaon highlight Maharashtra's rich cave heritage, orange orchard belt, and historic Deccan trade routes. Adding Risod and the Washim pilgrimage trail to your travel plan is worth every rupee for devotees, history lovers, and road trippers.
Whether you're seeking blessings at the ancient sanctum of Pinglakshi Devi or marveling at the 12th century Jain temple of Shirpur, Risod delivers true peace. It's an authentic jewel of Western Vidarbha.
Timing your trip around the sacred Navratri fair at Pinglakshi Devi, Mahashivratri at Sant Amardas Baba ashram, or pleasant winter months will make your journey across Maharashtra memorable. Worth every rupee. Here is the seasonal and cultural breakdown:
Best Time to Visit by Season
• Winter Season (October to March): The ideal travel window. Daytime temperatures stay between 14°C and 28°C with pleasant sunshine, perfect for temple darshans, heritage walks in Shirpur, and day trips to Lonar crater.
• Monsoon Season (July to September): Moderate rainfall turns the Vidarbha black soil plains and Penganga river basin lush green. The lake beside Pinglakshi temple fills to the brim.
• Summer Season (April to June): Warm and dry with daytime temperatures reaching 42°C. Early morning temple visits and shaded afternoon rests are advised.
Major Annual Cultural & Religious Celebrations
• Pinglakshi Devi Navratri Mela: Nine days of devotional fervor attracting thousands of devotees from Vidarbha and Marathwada for special aartis and traditional village melas.
• Sant Amardas Baba Punyatithi & Mahashivratri: Grand annual festival celebrated with palanquin processions, continuous bhajan kirtans, and massive mahaprasad feasts.
• Shirpur Antariksha Parshvanath Mahotsav: Sacred Jain festival celebrated with grand snatra poojas, illuminated rath yatras, and spiritual discourses.
• Pola Festival (Bail Pola): Traditional rural celebration honoring farming bullocks with colorful horns, decorative shawls, and village processions.
What Risod is Famous For
• Pinglakshi Devi Temple: Ancient Hemadpanthi lakeside goddess shrine.
• Sant Amardas Baba Sansthan: Revered 800 year old spiritual penance seat.
• Shirpur Jain Tirth Gateway: World famous Antariksha Parshvanath temple.
Reaching Risod in Maharashtra is exceptionally smooth thanks to State Highway 207 and rapid connectivity to Washim, Akola Junction, and Nanded. No doubt about it. Here is your transit guide:
By Air
• Nanded Airport (NDC), Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji: Located 125 km south of Risod (approx 2.5 hours drive via Hingoli and Washim highway).
• Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar / Aurangabad Airport (IXU): Located 180 km west (approx 3.5 hours drive via Jalna and Mehkar).
• Airport Transfers: Pre paid cabs, app based taxis, and MSRTC express buses connect Nanded and Aurangabad airports directly to Washim and Risod.
By Train
• Nearest Railway Stations: Washim Railway Station (Station Code: WHM) is 38 km east on the Purna Akola broad gauge line; Hingoli Deccan (Code: HNL) is 45 km southeast.
• Major Mainline Junction: Akola Junction (Station Code: AK) is 85 km north on the Central Railway Mumbai Howrah mainline.
• Connecting Trains: Kacheguda Jaipur Express, Vidarbha Express, Howrah Mail, and Hyderabad Amritsar Express link nearby junctions directly to Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
By Road
• State Highway 207: Smooth state highway connects Risod directly to Washim, Mehkar, Chikhli, and Lonar.
• Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai Nagpur Expressway): Accessible via Karanja Lad interchange (approx 65 km northeast) for high speed access to Mumbai and Nagpur.
• Bus Services: Maharashtra State Road Transport (MSRTC) operates frequent ordinary and Shivshahi deluxe buses between Akola, Washim, Nanded, Pune, and Risod every 10 minutes.
Local Commuting
• Auto Rickshaws: Shared and private auto rickshaws operate between Risod bus stand, town center, and Pinglakshi Devi temple.
• Rental Taxis: Local cabs are ideal for full day excursions covering Pinglakshi Devi Mandir, Shirpur Jain Tirth, Lonar Crater Lake, and Washim Balaji Temple.
Exploring local traditional markets and tasting authentic Varhadi cuisine is a wonderful part of traveling in Maharashtra. Here are the top items to buy and try:
What to Buy (Soybean Oil, Cotton & Pulses)
• Refined Soybean Oil & Soya Chunks: Freshly processed cold pressed high protein cooking oil direct from local expeller mills.
• Organic Vidarbha Tur Dal & Gram: Premium unpolished pigeon pea lentils grown in nutrient rich black cotton soil.
• Pure Cold Pressed Cottonseed Oil: Traditional cooking oil popular for deep frying crispy snacks.
• Handmade Wooden Kitchen Articles: Traditional wooden rolling pins, spice boxes, and churners crafted by rural carpenters.
• Spicy Varhadi Masala Blends: Sun dried roasted chili and coriander spice powders for making fiery local gravies.
Famous Local Food Specialties
• Spicy Varhadi Patodi Rassa: Gram flour rolls stuffed with roasted coconut and sesame, simmered in a fiery dark onion garlic gravy, served with hot jowar bhakris.
• Authentic Pithla Bhakri with Thecha: Steaming seasoned besan curry paired with crisp charcoal roasted jowar flatbreads and fiery green chili garlic thecha.
• Spicy Shev Bhaji: Crunchy gram flour shev cooked in an aromatic, red hot tomato onion rassa.
• Rich Creamy Basundi: Traditional dessert made by slow reducing full cream milk with cardamom, saffron, and slivered almonds.
• Hot Spiced Tea in Earthen Cup: Strong ginger cardamom milk chai served in traditional clay kullads.
Must-Visit Places in Risod
Risod and the surrounding Washim Vidarbha corridor offer an extraordinary collection of ancient Hemadpanthi goddess temples, 800 year old Shiva lingams, world famous Jain tirths, and monastic akhadas. Here are the top attractions you'll want to explore during your stay.
1. Shri Pinglakshi Devi Mandir (Ancient Gramdaivat Temple)
An ancient Hemadpanthi stone temple dedicated to Goddess Pinglakshi Devi located beside a scenic lake, celebrated for grand Navratri celebrations and aartis.
Visiting Hours: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM daily
Entry Fee: Free darshan
Route Note: Located on temple lake road, Risod.
2. Sant Amardas Baba Sansthan & 800 Year-Old Siddheshwar Mandir
A revered Samadhi ashram and 800 year old stone Shiva temple where Saint Amardas Baba performed deep penance, celebrated for Mahashivratri fairs.
Visiting Hours: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily
Entry Fee: Free darshan
Route Note: Located in central Risod.
3. Antariksha Parshvanath Digambar Jain Tirth (Shirpur Jain)
A world famous 12th century Jain pilgrimage tirth housing the miraculous floating idol of Lord Parshwanath and the 35 foot domed Pawali temple.
Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM daily
Entry Fee: Free entry
Route Note: Located 25 km northeast in Shirpur.
4. Historic Balaji Mandir & Sacred Padma Tirth (Washim)
An 18th century Hemadpanthi temple of Lord Balaji built by Bhavani Kalu, alongside the sacred Padma Tirth where Lord Vishnu's lotus rested.
Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free darshan
Route Note: Located 38 km east in Washim town.
5. Ratannath Sansthan Mahanirvani Akhada (Bhar Jagir)
An ancient Nath Panth monastic ashram featuring sacred dhuni fires, ancient samadhis, and peaceful rural groves dedicated to Baba Ratannath.
Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM daily
Entry Fee: Free entry
Route Note: Located 12 km northwest in Bhar Jagir.
6. Penganga River Valley & Sahastrakund Natural Trails
Explore the winding river basin of the Penganga River, featuring rocky rapids, lush riverside acacia groves, and scenic winter picnic locations.
Visiting Hours: Daylight hours
Entry Fee: Free public access
Route Note: Located along Risod southern border.
7. Shri Madhyeshwar Mahadev Mandir (Ancient Stone Shrine)
A medieval Hemadpanthi stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring intricately carved black basalt pillars, Nandi mandapam, and stone wells.
Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free darshan
Route Note: Located in old city quarter.
8. Lonar Meteorite Crater Lake & Daitya Sudan Temple
A world famous hyper velocity impact crater lake created 52,000 years ago, surrounded by ancient 11th century Hemadpanthi Vishnu temples.
Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Entry Fee: Free entry
Route Note: Located 40 km northwest in Lonar.
9. Risod City Lake (Talav) & Sunset Viewpoint
A peaceful freshwater lake near the Pinglakshi temple where locals gather for evening walks, birdwatching, and sunset reflections.
Visiting Hours: 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free public access
Route Note: Located adjacent to Pinglakshi temple.
10. Shri Hanuman Mandir (Risod Bazaar Chowk)
A popular town temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, celebrated for Tuesday evening Hanuman Chalisa recitals, aartis, and sweet laddu prasad.
Visiting Hours: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free darshan
Route Note: Located in central market area.
11. Shri Ganesh Mandir (State Highway Pass)
A popular roadside shrine where highway commuters stop for journey blessings, coconut breaking rituals, and sweet modak offerings.
Visiting Hours: 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free darshan
Route Note: Located along SH 207 highway.
12. Risod Mega Soybean, Cotton & Tur Krishi Mandi
One of western Vidarbha's major agricultural wholesale yards where farmers auction thousands of quintals of yellow soybean, cotton, and pulses.
Visiting Hours: 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free access
Route Note: Located at APMC market yard, Risod.
Risod Photo Gallery & Attractions
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