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Shree datta Kshetra

Overview


Shree Kshetra Ganagapur (Deval Ghangapur), One of the most famous Dattatreya Peethas, is associated with Shri Narasimha Sarasvati Swami, an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. It stands on the bank of the river Bhima in Afzalpur taluka of Gulbarga district in Karnataka. This Nirguna Math is adorned with the Nirguna Padukas. The water of the rivers Bhima and Amaraja, especially at the spot of their confluence, are considered extremely holy.


About The Temple


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Shree Kshetra Ganagapura is a holy place of Lord Dattatreya and the place is very important “Darshaneeya Kshetra”. The Kshetra Mahatmya (Importance) was explained by Shri Guru and it can be seen in the Adhyay 49 of “Shri Guru Charitra”. There is an assurance from Shri Guru that he would forever abide at Ganagapur and go round the village for ‘Biksha’ at 12 noon which is literally true even today. Offering “Maadhukari” to the people at Ghangapur and taking Biksha from atleast 5 houses is of Great Importance at this holy place. Even today also, the process is continuing and the devotees are having faith that Lord Dattatreya is taking biksha everyday at Ganagapur Kshetra. Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati Swami Maharaj confirmed the same and it can be seen in Gurucharitra Adhyay (chapter) 21-22.

At the time of Antardhan (Avatara Samapti), Shri Guru said to the Disciples and Residents of Ganagapur as follows;
"Vasati Rahani Sangamase Jate Nitha Bhikshese Taya Vare Ganagapurase Madhyana Kala Pareyasa"
"You need not worry. I shall stay at this Ganagapur Kshetra secretly. I shall have bath at the Bheema-Amaraja Sangam in the Early Morning. In the mid day, I shall come to Ganagapur Math and accept Bhiksha in this village and accept your Pooja, devotional services in the Form of Nirguna Padukas at the Nirgun Muth. From the view point of the public, I am going away from this place. My living presence will be experienced by any one who bathes in the Bheema-Amaraja Sangam and takes darshan of my Nirgun Padukas here. I will receive Poojas at this Kshetra in the form of Nirguna Padukas”.


Festivals

Guru Pournima

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Celebrated on the Pournima of the Ashada Masa it generally falls in the Month of July. As the Kshetradhipati of Sri Kshetra Ganagapur Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati is a Sanyasi belonging to the Sringeri Shankara Parampara, the Celebration of Guru Pournima has its own Importance at Ganagapur. Vyasa Pournima is Celebrated in Ganagapur by all the Pujaris (Archakas) by the way of Performing Vyasa Pooja at 10am in the Maha Mantapam of the Nirgun Math Temple. Devotees have the Divine Darshanam of Nirguna Paduka and also bow to Bhagwan Veda Vyasa and Adi Shankaracharya. Paduka Pooja, Rudrabhisheka and Annadana can be Performed on this Day by Contacting Us.

Shravana Masa

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Shravana Masa is Celebrated Very Grandly every year (Month of August) at Shri Kshetra Ganagapur. Every Morning at 7am the Kshetra Pujaris (Archakas) gather at the Maha Mantap of the Temple and Mahanyasa Poorvaka Rudrabhisheka will be Performed to the Shiva Lingam. Then 3 Parikrama of the Temple will be done along with the Chanting of the Holy Life History of Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati in the Form of the Marathi Song. After the Maha Mangalarati there will be distribution of Panchamruta and Maha Prasadam. On Mondays the Program takes Place at around 3.30pm. Everyday at Night after the Daily Routines at around 10pm Bhajans will be conducted in the Temple. Rudrabhisheka, Annadanam and Guru Charitra Parayana Seva are Considered Very Auspicious during Shravana Masa.

Shripada Shri Vallabha Jayanti & Ganesh Chaturthi

Every Year on Bhadrapada Shuddha Chaturthi (Generally in August) there will be the Grand Celebration of both Ganesh Chaturthi and Shripada Sri Vallabha Swami Jayanti at Sri Kshetra Ganagapur. In the Morning Special Shodashopachara Pooja will be done to Chintamani Ganapati at the Math and also to the Nirguna Padukas. Then at around 12pm the Cradle Ceremony (Palana) will be Celebrated in the Nirgun Math (Datta Mandir) Premises. Crowds of Devotees gather in the Temple Premises since Morning to have a Holy Glimpse of Bala Roopi Sripada Sri Vallabha Swami Maharaj. Paduka Pooja, Abhishekam and Annadanam have Great Importance on this Day.

Devi Navaratri and Dushera (Vijaya Dashami)

Celebrated from Ashwina Shuddha Pratipada to Dashami (Generally in September / October), the Devi Navaratri and Dushera too are the Important Festivals at Ganagapur. The Dushera Celebration at Ganagapur takes place by the way of Palakhi Procession (Palaki Sohala) in the Kshetra. The Utsav Murti of Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati will be kept in the Palakhi and is taken to the Kalleshwar Mandir at around 5pm. As the Token of Wishing Prosperity Devotees Mutually offer a Leaf called Semipathri after the Poojan to the Shami Tree at Kalleshwar. On the way back to the Nirguna Math the Villagers and the People of Priest Community offer Aarti to the Lord in Pallakhi. The Palaki reaches back to the Nirgun Math at around 8pm. Guru Paduka Pooja and Abhisheka can be done through us.

Guru Dwadashi

Celebrated on Ashwina Krishna Dwadashi it generally falls in the Month of October. On this Day Shripada Shri Vallabha Swami Maharaj , the 2nd Incarnation of Lord Dattatreya Concluded his Avatara. Annadanam will be Conducted on this Day. Bhikshannadana and Paduka Pooja can be performed by Contacting Us.

Naraka Chaturdashi and Deepawali (Diwali):

Naraka Chaturdasi which falls on Ashwina Krishna Chaturdasi (Month of October) during Deepavali Festival marks the Jubilant Celebrations in Ganagapur Dattatreya Temple of Karnataka. On this day, thousands of devotees take holy bath in ‘Ashta Tirthams’ around Ganagapuram Sri Kshetra temple. Ashta Tirthams are Eight Holy Spots along the Bheema River that are Sanctified by Sri Narasimha Saraswathi Swami Maharaj. ‘Dindi’ representing Shri Narasimha Saraswathi Swami Maharaj leads the way of devotees for Punya Snan (Holy Bath) in the Ashta Tirthas of Gangapur. The Devotees start having their Holy Dip at Shatakula Teerth at Sanagam and then Narasimha Teerth, Bhagirathi Teerth, Papa Vinashini Teerth, Koti Teerth, Rudrapada Teerth, Chakra Teerth and finally at the Manmatha Teerth near Kalleshwara Temple.

Kartika Pournima

Celebrated on the Pournima of the Kartika Masa it generally falls in the Month of November. It is also known as Tripurari Poornima or Gouri Hunnime. The Festival is celebrated in the Kshetra for two days with Great Pomp. On both the Days the Palakhi of Guru Maharaj is taken to the Sangam Temple which returns in the Mid Night. The 2nd Day is marked with the Celebration by way of Vana Bhojana (Avali Bhojan). Guru Paduka Pooja, Rudrabhishek and Annadanam can be performed on this Day.

Shri Datta Jayanti

Celebrated on Margashirsha Shudda Chaturdashi it generally falls in the Month of December. Cradle Ceremony (Palana) of Lord Datta on the 1st Day at around 12pm marks the beginning of Datta Jayanti celebrations in Ganagapur Temple. All the incarnations of Sri Dattatreya are worshipped with Shodashopachara Puja. Rathothsavam or Chariot Festival on Margashirsha Poornima (2nd Day) marks the Conclusion of Datta Jayanti Utsav in Ganagapur temple. Click here to read the Datta Jayanti Celebrations in detail.

Shri Narasimha Saraswati Jayanti

Celebrated on Poushya Shuddha Dwitiya it generally falls in the Month of January. Special Pooja will be done to the Nirguna Padukas on this Day and at around 12pm the Cradle Ceremony (Palana) will be Celebrated in the Nirgun Math (Datta Mandir) Premises. Crowds of Devotees gather in the Temple Premises since Morning to have a Holy Glimpse of Bala Roopi Shri Narasimha Saraswati Swami Maharaj. Special Sangeeta Karyakram will be held by eminent Singers on this Day at Ganagapur. Nirguna Paduka Pooja , Guru Charitra Parayanam and Abhishekam can be Performed on this Day.

Datta Navratra and Magha Mahotsav

Datta Navaratra is Celebrated at Ganagapur from Magha Shuddha Pratipada to Magha Pournima (Month of February). The Magha Jatra Mahotsav begins on Pournima and is celebrated for 5 Days. It was on Magha Pournima that Shri Guru kept his Nirgun Padukas at Nirgun Math. On Magha Vadya Pratipada (Guru Pratipada), the 2nd Day there will be Yati Pooja (Worship of Saints) performed at the Temples Maha Mantapam. On the Fifth Day there will be celebration of Gopala Kala marking the end of Jatra Celebration. The Palakhi of Datta Maharaj will be taken to the Rudrapada Teerth and the devotees have the Holy Bathe (Amruta Snanam) there. There will be Annadanam and Maha Prasada conducted at the Keshava Mandir at Ganagapur during all the Four Days. Nirgun Paduka Poooja, Abhisheka, Guru Charitra Parayana and Annadanam are of Very Great Importance during these Days.

Maha Shivratri

Mahashivaratri is celebrated on Magha Krishna Chaturdashi and it generally falls in the Month of February / March. This Auspicious Festival of Lord Shiva is celebrated at all the Temples in Sri Kshetra Ganagapur viz Sri Datta Nirgun Math Mandir, Sri Kalleshwara Temple and the Temple at Sangam. On this Holy Day, the Pujaris (Archakas) of the Temple gather at the Maha Mantapam of the Temple and start the Chatur Yaama (4 Yama) Pooja with Mahanyasa Poorvaka Rudrabhisheka. The Pooja starts at around 10pm and continues till 3am after which there will be 3 Parikrama to the Temple along with chanting of the Holy Life History of Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati. After the Maha Mangalarati the Daily Schedule begins with Kakad Aarti. Chatur Yaama Pooja is also done at Sangam and Kalleshwara Temples. Niguna Paduka Pooja, Rudrabhishekam, Laghu Rudra, Annadanam and other Important Sevas can be performed through us.

In addition to these Main Festivals listed below are some other Important Festivals and the way they are Celebrated at Sri Kshetra Ganagapur Temple
Yugadi (On Chaitra Shuddha Pratipada) : The Panchanga of the New Samvatsara (Hindu Year) is read out at the Temple.
Shri Rama Navami (On Chaitra Shuddha Navami) : Special Pooja and Aarti to Shri Rama Roopi Utsav Murti (Mahapuja) at Afternoon (Around 12pm).
Hanuman Jayanti (On Chaitra Pournima) : Special Pooja to Lord Maruti located at the Mahadwara during the Morning Worship.
Devi Panchami (On Chaitra Krishna Panchami) : Special Aarti will be Conduted during the Evening Worship.
Parashuram Jayanti (On Vaishaka Shuddha Dwitiya) : Special Mahapooja during the Morning Worship.
Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti (On Vaishaka Shuddha Panchami) : Special Pooja and Aarti to Sri Adi Shankara Roopi Utsav Murti in the Noon and also Grand Celebrations at the Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya Math located on the Sangam Road.
Narasimha Jayanti (On Vaishaka Shuddha Chaturdashi) : Special Pooja and Aarti to Shri Narasimha Roopi Utsav Murti in the Evening during Sunset.
Shri Shani Dev Jayanti (On Vaishaka Amavasya) : Special Pooja and Tailabhisheka to Lord Shani Dev at the Shanaishwara Temple located at Kalleshwara Mandir.
Bhimarathi Poojan (From Jyeshta Shuddha Pratipada to Shuddha Dashami) : Worship of the River Bhima on the Occasion of Ganga Dashahara
Aashada Ekadashi (On Aashada Shuddha Ekadashi) : Grama Pradakshina will be done in the Evening during which Villagers visit all the Surrounding Temples and this is Considered to be equivalent to Pandharpur Yatra.
Nagara Panchami (On Shravana Shuddha Panchami) : The Usual Celebration is done.
Shri Krishna Janmashtami (On Shravana Krishna Ashtami) : Special Pooja to Shri Krishna Roopi Utsav Murti during the Janma Kala i.e Midnight 12. Bhajans are also organized till Early Morning.
Ananta Chaturdashi (On Bhadrapada Shuddha Chaturdashi) : Ananta Roopi Mahapooja Darshan on the Day is Very Special.
Kartika Ekadashi (On Kartika Shuddha Ekadashi) : Grama Pradakshina will be done in the Evening during which Villagers visit all the Surrounding Temples and this is Considered to be equivalent to Pandharpur Yatra.
Makara Sankrantri (On January 14) : The Usual Celebration is done.
Ranga Panchami (On Phalguna Krishna Panchami) : Special Pooja is done to the Nirguna Padukas and the Usual Celebration is done in the Village.


Arti/Pooja/seva


Kakada Aarti and Morning Pooja at Ganagapur (3am - 7am) : The Day at the Temple starts with the Loud Ringing of the Bell at Sharp 3am by the Pujaris (Archakas) of the Temple. We (Priests) then open the Door of the Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbhagriha) and start the Daily Schedule by Performing Kakada Aarti to Lord Datta and Chintamani Ganapati. During the Aarti large drums in the Drum House (Nagarkhana) are drummed loudly. This is known as Chaughada (Holy Drumming Ritual). Devotees are allowed for the Dharma Darshana right from Kakada Aarti only. Elaborate Ritualistic Worship with Shodashopachara is then offered to the Lord. At First Rudrabhisheka and Pooja will be done to the Shaligramas, Spatika and Bana Lingas. Then Special Pooja along with Kesara Lepana will be done to the Swami Maharajs Nirguna Padukas.During this time Devotees get the Darshan of Ek Mukhi Roopa of Lord Datta. After offering Mangalarati to the Nirguna Padukas, there will be Worship of Chintamani Ganapati and the other deities surrounding the Temple. The Pooja (Worship) continues till 7am when the Maha Mangalarati Aarti is done to the Lord Datta (Trimurti Roopa) and again there will be Choughada indicating that the Morning Pooja has been Completed.

After this the Pilgrims are allowed for the Pooja (Abhishekam / Archane) till 12pm. (i.e., 7am-12pm) : Afternoon Pooja and Maha Naivedya (12pm - 1pm) : The Maha Naivedya to Lord Datta in Shri Kshetra Ganagapur takes place at 12pm. The Pooja and Naivedyam to Kshetradhipati Shri Narasimha Saraswati Maharaj and Chintamani Ganapati takes place for an hour. The Choughada takes place after the Shankha Vadya (Blowing of Conch) and the Madhukari (Offering of Alms) starts. As it is believed in Ganagapur that Lord Datta himself takes alms here at afternoon, the people visiting Ganagapur must therefore offer alms (Bhiksha) to some people and accept alms from atleast 5 houses. This Bhiksha is the Maha Prasadam of Gangapur.

After the Maha Naivedyam Pilgrims are again allowed for Paduka Pooja for an hour (1pm-2pm)

Evening Pooja and Palakhi Sohala (7pm-9pm) : The Evening Pooja to Lord Datta starts at 7.30 pm and after the Aarti the Utsav Murti of Lord Datta Maharaj will be kept in the Palakhi (Palanquin) after which the Palaki Sohala (Pallakhi Seva) starts (around 8pm).After the 3 rounds (With Bhajans) around the Temple the Utsav Murti is taken inside. The Day Schedule completes with the Shejarti (Last Aarti) during which Karuna Tripadi composed by Shri Vasudevanand Saraswati (Tembe) Swami Maharaj and Various other Stotras are Chanted by the Priests and residents. Shri Narasimha Saraswati Swami Maharaj had a great liking for Music which can be seen in the 51st and 52nd Adhyay of Shri Guru Charitra where he asks his Disciples to Propitiate him by Singing Bhajans and therefore Various Aartis ,Bhajans are also sung daily at the Temple. The Temple Closes at 9 pm.


Accommodation


Sri Kshetra Ganagapura has now got a wide variety of Accommodation Facilities to suit your Comfort and also the budget. One may opt for any of the Dharamshalas (Choultries) near the Datta Temple (only with Basic Facilities) with Nominal Charges or Good Lodges with A/c or Non A/c Deluxe Rooms. Lodging Facilities are available with Single, Double and Family Rooms with all amenities like Soft Beds, Television, Hot Water, Indian and Western Toilets etc and also Sufficient Space for Car Parking. Many Ashramas on the Sangam Road also provide Accommodation with Basic Facilities.


Accessibility


Ganagapur Datta Temple (located in Deval Ghangapur) is situated at around 23 kms from 'Ganagapur Road' (Railway Station Name) in Karnataka.

Nearest City is Gulbarga at 40 kms (approx)

Distance from Sholapur (Solapur) to Ganagapur is around 95 kms (approx)

Distance from Hyderabad to Ganagapur is 250 kms (approx) and Road Route for Travelling is via Humnabad, Kamlapur, Bidar, Gulbarga,Ganagapur

Distance from Mumbai to Ganagapur is around 530 kms and Route for travelling by Road is Via Pune,Solapur,Akkalkot,Ganagapur

Distance from Pune to Ganagapur is around 350 kms (Via Solapur,Akkalkot)

Distance from Ahmednagar (Maharashtra) to Ganagapur is around 330 kms (Via Barshi Solapur,Akkalkot)

Distance from Bangalore to Ganagapur is around 610 kms and Travel Route by Road is Via Bellary,Gulbarga,Ganagapur (or can also be via Chitradurga)

Distance from Mysore to Ganagapur is around 700 kms (Via Chitradurga)


Temple Address


Sri Narasimha Saraswati Kutira,
Near Chidanand Dharmashala,
Sangam Road, Ganagapur,
Karnataka 585212.

Significance

Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-

  • Salvation
  • Wealth
  • Relief from diseases
  • Purchase of vehicles
  • Gain Knowledge
Shlokas

Balam Balavatam Caham Kamaragavivarjitam Dharmaviruddho Bhutesu Kamo'smi Bharatarsabha

Meaning -According to this sloka, God is the isolated and aloof strength of the controlling and virtuous craving in men.

Ye Caiva Sattvika Bhava Rajasastamasasca Ye Matta Everti Tanviddhi Na Tvaham Tesu Temayi

Meaning -According to this sloka, though the only source of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obsessive and dark) elements is God, they are not present within the God or the deity.

Tribhirgunamayairbhavairebhih Sarvamidam Jagat Mohitam Nabhijanati Mamebhyah Paramavyayam

Meaning -According to this sloka, the entire world doesn't recognize the eternal God beyond them, because they are consumed by the elements of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obssessive and dark).

Daivi Hyesa Gunamayi Mama Maya Duratyaya Mameva Ye Prapadyante Mayametam Taranti Te

Meaning -According to this sloka, the heavenly maya of God is very complicated, but those who worship God will be able to overcome it.

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