Karanja, also known as Lad Karanje is the birth-place of Shri Nrusimha Saraswati Swami Maharaj - incarnation of Lord Dutta. It is mentioned in `Patalkhand` of the `Skand-Purana`. Rishi Talav:`Patanjali`, disciple of the sage `Vashishtha` was known as Sage Karanj because his hermitage was situated in Karanj forest. He took great efforts digging a tank to collect water flowing from nearby streams and rivers and rain for the benefit of the pilgrims. With the blessings of Goddess Renuka the tank water is as sacred as the holy waters of rivers like Ganga, and drinking this water would attain `moksha`. Shivmandir River Bemblaa supposed to be formed of the water drops of River Yamuna originates in Karanja and is considered very sacred. Tirth-kshetra Karanja Goddess Shakti made Karanja a permanent abode through her various avatars such as Kamakshi, Ekviraa, Chandravati (Gauri), and Yakshini. As per `Skand-Purana` that `Chandra` (Moon) performed penance here to be relieved of the curse for his evil conduct with Tara, and built a temple for Lord Shiva (Chandreshwar temple) and a water tank (Chandra Talaav). According a egend all species of snakes are protected from eagles and vultures due to the blessings of Sage Karanj, and hence the residents of Karanja are blessed with full immunity from snake bites. Other temples in Karanja The town boasts of several temples, some more than a 1,000 years old. Some of the more prominent ones are Shri Siddheshwar, Shri Chandreshwar, Shri Nageshwar, Shri Kamakshi Devi, Ekvira Devi, Yakshini Devi, those of Shri Ram (built by the famous Kannav Family of Karanja), Shri Vitthal, Shani Maharaj, Maruti and Shri Dattatreya. There are also a few old `mathas`. Karanja is also a famous pilgrim centre for the Jain community. There are three beautiful Jain temples in Karanja.

By Railway: The nearest stations Murtijapur and Akola on the Mumbai and Howrah (via Nagpur) route. 1 hour bus travel from Akola to reach Karanja Karanja is narrow gauge station between Murtijapur & Yavatmal.(Shakuntala Raolway). One can reach Murtizapur from Pune by Maharashtra Express. By Road:Shegaon 139, Mahur 115, Murtizapur 33.