Parbhani

Parbhani is one of the major districts in the Indian state of Maharashtra lying in the Marathwada region. The district encompasses nine administrative sub-divisions, which include Parbhani, Pathri, Palam, Purna, Sonpeth, Selu, Manwath, Gangakhed and Jintur. Parbhani lies at an average elevation of 357 metres above sea level and is surrounded by the Ajanta and Balaghat Hill ranges. The ancient district of Parbhani, also known as Prabhavatinagari in the olden years, is named after Goddess Prabhavati, the Goddess with great aura. The district failed to make progress during the medieval times, under the suppression of Muslim invaders such as the Sultans, the Mughals and the Nizam for 650 years.

There are several mentions of the region in Hindu mythology, most prominent being the site of Sri Sai Baba’s birth, a well known sage at Pathri. Some of the noteworthy shrines in the district are Mota Maruthi, Jabareshwar Beleshwar Mahadev and Pardeshwara. Jintur and Porkhani are the other popular sites of religious significance. Situated to the west of Mumbai, Parbhani District is connected with all the major towns of Maharashtra and the adjacent state of Andhra Pradesh.