Alandi's history is inextricably linked to the life and legacy of Saint Dnyaneshwar, a 13th-century Marathi saint, poet, philosopher, and yogi. He is renowned for writing 'Dnyaneshwari,' a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita in Marathi, making complex philosophical concepts accessible to the common people. Dnyaneshwar attained Samadhi (a state of complete spiritual absorption) in Alandi at the young age of 21. The Dnyaneshwar Samadhi Mandir was built to commemorate this event, transforming Alandi into a significant pilgrimage site. Over the centuries, the town has grown around the temple, attracting devotees and becoming a center for the preservation and propagation of Dnyaneshwar's teachings. The annual 'Palkhi' procession, where Dnyaneshwar's Padukas (footprints) are carried to Pandharpur, further solidifies Alandi's importance in the spiritual landscape of Maharashtra.