Daund is one of the main taluks east of
Pune,
Maharashtra. Spread over 1000 sq km, Daund comprises of 65 villages and three rivers, the Bhima, Mula and Mutha. The place is named after a great ascetic Dhaumya Rishi who used to stay here, as per legends. Daund also finds mention in the epic
Mahabharata.
Kurkumb is a famous pilgrimage center near Daund. It houses the temples of two Goddesses–Tukai and Firangai. Historians say that Shahaji
Maharaj, father of
Chhatrapati Shivaji received Daund and its surrounding areas as jagir (feifdom). Bhimthadi, near Daud, was famous for its excellent breed of horses. During British rule, Daund, developed as an industrial center, was an important junction for coal engines. The main attraction of Daund is the magnificent shrine of Lord Vithala which earned it the name Prati
Pandharpur.
Daund has a hot climate with scanty rain. Lakes like Warvand, Kasurdi and Motoba fall in this Taluk. Farming is the main occupation in Daund. The main crops are wheat, sugarcane and fruits like orange and sweet lime. Flower gardens are also found here. One can reach Daund by the road or rail. There are frequent bus and train services to Daund from Pune.
