Warkari Section Shegaon: Kirtan, Spiritual Education & Sansthan Activities
Quick Answer: The Warkari Section Shegaon is the Warkari Shikshan Sanstha — a free 4-year course in kirtan, pravachan and Dnyaneshwari run by Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan. Kirtans are held on Thursdays, Dashami, Ekadashi and festival days from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and every devotee can sit and listen without paying a rupee.
Most devotees come to Shegaon for darshan and leave without ever hearing the kirtan, simply because nobody told them it was there. If you are staying at Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan Bhakta Niwas in Shegaon, Dist. Buldhana, set aside one evening for the Warkari Shikshan Sanstha. Below you will find the kirtan timings, what the young students learn, who can apply, and how to walk in and listen — along with the Sansthan’s facilities for pilgrims.
What is the Warkari Section at Shegaon?
Think of it as a school of devotion. The Warkari Section is the Warkari Shikshan Sanstha, and Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan manages it.
- Founder — Hari Bhakta Parayan Shri Mamasaheb Dandekar began it in 1967.
- Purpose — to train young devotees in the Warkari tradition and bring the public closer to Harinam.
- Background — to understand the kshetra behind it, read the life of Shri Gajanan Maharaj (the official Sansthan website tells it too) and our about us page.
Ask for it by its full name, Warkari Shikshan Sanstha, when you enquire at the office — that is the official name.
When are kirtans and pravachans held?
Kirtan here is not a daily programme. It follows the Warkari calendar, so a little planning goes a long way.
| Programme | When | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kirtan | Every Thursday, Dashami, Ekadashi and major festivals | 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM |
| Shri Dnyaneshwari Pravachan | Daily | 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
To fit this around the rest of your day, keep the Shegaon darshan timing guide and the aarti timings at Shegaon open beside you.
Check the Dashami and Ekadashi dates on the Hindu calendar, or with the Sansthan office, before you travel.
What does the 4-year spiritual course teach?
Over four years, students learn scripture, speech and music together — and a trade to stand on afterwards.
- Memorisation — Sant Vangmaya (the literature of the saints) and Shri Dnyaneshwari.
- Scripture and grammar — Sanskrit grammar, Srimad Bhagavad Gita and Narada Bhakti Sutra.
- Public speaking — formal training in pravachan and kirtan.
- Devotional music — Warkari bhajans, Vichar Sagar and Mrudang Vadan (playing the percussion instrument).
- Vocational training — taught alongside, so students can support themselves later.
The course is for students aged 14 to 20 — as a visiting devotee, your place is at the evening kirtan.
Who can join, and what does it cost?
It costs nothing, but there are a few conditions on age and schooling.
- Age — 14 to 20 years.
- Education — a pass in 8th to 10th grade.
- Background — a deep interest in spirituality and a respectable family background.
- Cost — no fee. Selected students receive free accommodation, meals, uniforms, religious texts and stationery.
- Admission window — once a year, between April and May, shortly after Ram Navami at Shri Ram Mandir.
Ask the Sansthan office through the contact page for current admission details — the Sanstha is free, so never pay an agent.
Can general devotees attend the kirtans?
Yes. Every devotee is welcome to sit, listen and take it in — there is no entry fee.
- Rules — follow standard temple discipline, keep silence and keep the premises clean.
- Parayan — after an evening kirtan, many devotees like to spend a quiet morning in parayan at the Parayan Mandap — neither needs a fee.
- Directions — the Sansthan is at Shegaon, Dist. Buldhana, Maharashtra – 444203, and the location page shows how to reach it.
- Stay — see the Rooms page and the booking page. Private rooms need at least 3 family members, and every devotee needs a valid government photo ID.
- Planning — the Shegaon temple stay tips help you fit an evening kirtan around darshan.
- WhatsApp booking — message +919031167563 — official channels only, no agents, no third-party confirmations.
Be seated by 8:00 PM and keep your phone silent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Warkari Section Shegaon?
It is the Warkari Shikshan Sanstha, established in 1967 by Hari Bhakta Parayan Shri Mamasaheb Dandekar. Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan manages it and trains selected students in kirtan, pravachan and the Warkari tradition.
Are kirtans held every day at Shegaon?
No, kirtans are held every Thursday, Dashami, Ekadashi and during major Sansthan festivals, from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Shri Dnyaneshwari Pravachan is held daily from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Is the Warkari Shikshan course free?
Yes, education is completely free. The Sansthan also gives selected students free accommodation, meals, uniforms, religious texts and stationery, with vocational training alongside.
What is the age limit for admission?
Applicants must be 14 to 20 years old and have passed 8th to 10th grade. Admission runs once a year, between April and May, shortly after Ram Navami.
Can general devotees attend the kirtans?
Yes, all devotees are welcome and there is no entry fee. Please follow temple discipline, keep silence and keep the premises clean.
How long is the Warkari Shikshan course?
The course runs for 4 years. It covers Dnyaneshwari, Sanskrit grammar, Bhagavad Gita, pravachan, kirtan and Mrudang Vadan.