~ All DattaGuru places ~

All DATTA GURU Places.

Kuravpur:

Introduction.
Bhagwan Shri Dattatrayas Kaliyuga’s first incarnation is SHRIPAD SHRIVALLABH. His place of birth is PITHAPURAM (East Godavari). His working land (Karma Bhumi) & TAPSYA BHUMI is Shrikshetra Kuravpur, Dist. Raichur (Karnataka). His work and greatness is described in Dattatraya’s Holy Book GURUCHARITRA in its Chapter No. 5 to 10. SHRIPAD SHRIVALLABH, himself lord incarnation staying there for upliftment of people and his behaviour made Shrikshetra Kuravpur a sacred land and holy place. The person who is fortunate enough to visit the land and take darshan will experience the calmness. It will be great experience of its kind in his life.

Kuruvapur is a famous place of lord Dattatreya. It is situated in the state of Karnataka In India.The first incarnation of Lord Dattatreya in kaliyuga is Sripada Vallabha. The birth place of Sripada vallabha is Pithapuram which is situated in Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. He was taken his birth in the family of Appalaraju Sarma and Sumathi. He has performed penance at about 35 years for Gnana, Viragya siddhi at Kuravapur and closed his avathara On Ashweeja bahula dwadasi (Hastha star) in Krishna river of Kuravapur . The day is known as “GURUDWADASI”. But till today he is in sukshma rupa there and giving indirect darshan to the devotees who are having full faith on him. This place Is termed as Gurudweepa in Scanda purana.

Scanda purana explained that 28000 yogis and siddhis of Himalayas were visited this place and had darshan of lord Dattatreya. This place was named as Kuruvalaya in the days of Nizam government Period. The place is completely surrounded by Krishna river and is called as Dweepa. Tembe swamy majaraj (Sri Vasudevananda saraswathy) performed “Chaturmasya vratha” here in the year of 1911.The disciples of Tembe swamy Sri Rangaavadhootha, Gunavani maharaj were also performed penance here.

Information of KuravpurSHRIKSHETRA KURAVPUR is in Karnataka State, Dist. Raichur. It is situated on the Banks of Krishna River, 25 Km from Raichur. It is an island surrounded by holy waters of rivers Krishna. SHRIKSHETRA KURAVPUR is also known as KURGUDDI. This holy land is donated by a Rajak devotee. Since it is donated to temple priest, it is called AGRAHAR Temple is built as per Hemad Pandit Style. Old Banyan Tree, Audumbar, Gaytri Suryodasana and Cave where his holyness Sripad Srivallabh has done Dhyna. Now the cave has been refurnished and Nirgun Paduka (Foot Print) are kept for Darshan. Nagarkhana has been built by SHRI TUKDOJI HOLKAR. PARAMPUJYA VASUVANANDA SARASWATI MAHARAJ came to this place in 1911 (Vaishakh Shukla 6.) Maharaj did his 21st Chaturmas during his stay. A scorpion bite him when he missed his daily stostra offering prayers to shripad Shrivallabh is also one of the attractions. Mandir Utsav and religious rites performed here are a legacy of Parampujya Vasusanand Sarawati Maharaj. Parampujya Shridhar Swami has also stayed here. In the recent times Dattasam ptradayees Parampugya Gulavani Maharaj, Rangavdhut Maharaj, Nana Maharaj Taranekar, Mama Deshpande have done the Tapasya at this holy place. Recent period Datt Bhakta Also completed the construction work in Puratan Vatvruksha & also Audumbaras. Construction work of Shivaling and caves narrow point, part rooms also constructed for “Sadhakas”. P.P. Vasudevanand Saraswati Dharamsala is also constructed. Shridhar Bhavan constructed work is completed.

Daily Programme

• Early Morning 4.30 Kakad Aarti
• Early Morning 5 to Noon 12 Puja 1 Abhishek, Noon Mahaprasad
• Evening : Palkhi & Shejarati.

SHRIKSHETRA KURAVPUR is in Karnataka State, Dist.Raichur. It is situated on the Banks of Krishna River, 25 Km from Raichur. Once can reach kuravpur by train or road.

Route to Kuruvapur

This is about 30 kms distance from the district head quarter Raichur of Karnataka. There is bus facility from Raichur to Aathkur which is 1.5 hours journey. From Aathkur to Kuruvapur, every Person has to travel in Krishna river for 20 minutes in small boats or “butti”. (charge around 15 to 20 rupees).The connection Conveyance facility is available for each bus reaching Aathkur.

Second route: This is about 2.50 hours journey from the district headquarter Mahaboobnagar of Andhra pradesh. Mahaboobnagar is about 2.50 hours journey from state capital Hyderabad . The persons can catch direct buses from Hyderabad to Raichur and have to get down at Makthal. From Makthal to Kurugadda (kuravapur) autos and jeeps Are available. The devotees have to engage an auto or jeep to reach Krishna river. From there also buttis and small boats Are available to reach temple.

Railway
Raichur Station is the Nearest Destination. To get down at Raichur Station then go to Bus stand. From bus stand go to Atakur at 7.30 morning & 11 am. only two bus is available From Village we have to go from bullock cart, boat and sand (walking) we come to Kuravpur Temple. Following are some important trains coming to Raichur.
6011 CST Madras 14.00pm
1081 Kanyakumari 3.35pm
2163 Chennai Express 8.20pm

Note: Please confirm before traveling for proper train timings.

Accommodation at Kuruvapur : No lodging and boarding facilities are available at Kuruvapur. It is better to reach in the morning hours and should return in the evening by 5.00 p.m. Food packets, snacks, tiffins etc., have to carry before reaching Kuruvapur. If at all want to stay at nights, the Pujaris of temple will arrange food (with prior intimation after reaching there) For amount and have to sleep in the premises of the mandir.

Contact Information

Mandir Chief Pujari:
Ravindra Bhat, Pujari Vasudeo pujari.  Tel : 08532 -280269
Manjunath V  Pujari              Tel : 09448568183
Shri Ravindra Pujari               09342711640

Mr.Nandu Joshi (Mumbai)        09819259342

Address

Shrikshetra, Kuravpur, Somgunj Dist, Raichur, Karnataka – 584102.

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Narsobachi Wadi (Narsobawadi) Sri Kshetra

Sri Kshetra Narsobachiwadi or Narsobawadi is approximately 22 kilometers from Sangli city in Maharashtra State.

From Guru Charitra Chapter 19: “I am leaving my Padukas here. I will be ever present where my Padukas are worshipped. Whatever wishes to be prayed for, offering worship to the Padukas, they will be granted and fulfilled.” – Sri Narasimha Saraswati.

Following is an extract from Guru Charitra Chapter 18:

Sri Narasimha Saraswati visited the Pancha Ganga Sagar, which is the confluence of the five holy rivers, Siva, Bhadra, Kumbhi, Bhagwati and Saraswati, where they all meet and merge in the Krishna river. Here is the temple of Amareshwar and hence the place is called as Amarapur. Nearby is the Sakti Teertha, where reside Sixty-four Yogini Shaktis, serving and worshipping Amareshwar, but unseen by others. Nearby was Papa Vinasini and other holy Teerthas. Sri Krishna Saraswati stayed at Amarapur for 12 years. This place came to be later called as Narsobawadi (Narsobachi Wadi), after Sri Narasimha Saraswati.

How to reach Narsobawadi (Narsobachi Wadi)

Nearest Train Station is JaiSinghpur which is 5 kms from Sangli Railway Station.
Sangli city to Narsobachiwadi Distance 22 kms.
JaiSinghpur to Narsobachiwadi Distance 14 kms.

Sangli ‘City Bus’ fare to Narsobachiwadi is approx. Rs.15 /-

Private Jeeps/Trax/Sumo are also available from Sangli.

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Sri Kshetra Amrapur (Amareshwar)

It is approximately 23 kilometers from Sangli city in Maharashtra State.

Following is an extract from Guru Charitra Chapter 18 :

Sri Narasimha Saraswati visited the Pancha Ganga Sagar, which is the confluence of the five holy rivers, Siva, Bhadra, Kumbhi, Bhagwati and Saraswati, where they all meet and merge in the Krishna river. Here is the temple of Amareshwar and hence the place is called as Amarapur. Nearby is the Sakti Teertha, where reside Sixty-four Yogini Shaktis, serving and worshipping Amareshwar, but unseen by others. Nearby was Papa Vinasini and other holy Teerthas. Sri Krishna Saraswati stayed at Amarapur for 12 years. This place came to be later called as Narsobawadi (Narsobachi Wadi), after Sri Narasimha Saraswati.

From Guru Charitra Chapter 19 : “I am leaving my Padukas here. I will be ever present where my Padukas are worshipped. Whatever wishes to be prayed for, offering worship to the Padukas, they will be granted and fulfilled.” – Sri Narasimha Saraswati.

How to reach Amrapur (Amareshwar).

Nearest Train Station is JaiSinghpur which is 5 kms from Sangli Railway Station.
Sangli city to Amrapur (Amareshwar) Distance 23 kms.
JaiSinghpur to Amrapur (Amareshwar) Distance 15 kms.

Sangli ‘City Bus’ fare to Narsobachiwadi is approx. Rs.15 /-

Private Jeeps/Trax/Sumo are also available.

Exactly on the opposite bank of the river is Amrapur, which is approx. 1 km from Narsobachiwadi Temple.

Amareshwar Temple can be seen from Narsobachiwadi Temple, and can be reached by foot or by Rickshaw by crossing the Bridge across the river.

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Sri Kshetra Gangapur,

One of the most famous Dattatreya Peethas, is associated with Sri Narasimha Sarasvati Swami, an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. It stands on the bank of the river Bhima in Afzalpur taluka in Gulbarga district of 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.

More about Gangapur and Sri Narasimha Saraswati can be read in Guru Charitra.

Below is extract from Guru Charitra Chapter 15

“Bhima-Amarja Sangam at Gangapur, is very sacred. There are Koti Theerthas there. The Aswatha Tree at Gangapur is as powerful as tha KalpaVriksha. Near the Aswatha Tree is Narasimha Teertha, and northwards to it are the PapaVinasini Teertha, Varanasi Teertha, Rudrapada Teertha, Chakra Teertha, Koti Teertha, manmadha Teertha etc. There is the Kalleshwara temple there. It is holy as Gokarna.”

“Sri Narasimha Saraswati lived in Gangapur continously for a period of 24 years”  from Guru Charitra Chapter22.

How to reach Gangapur.

The Train Station at Ganagapur is called as ‘Ganagapur Road’.
Mumbai to Ganagapur Rail Distance – 526 Kms
Mumbai to ‘Ganagapur Road’ Rail 2nd Class Fare – Rs.232/-

Mumbai to ‘Ganagapur Road’ Direct and most convenient Train is 1013 Dn L.T.T. Kurla Terminus –
Coimbatore Express, which departs from Kurla Terminus at 10.10 PM & departs from Kalyan 11.15 in the night. It reaches Ganagapur at 8.08 in the morning next day.

From ‘Ganagapur Road’ to Ganagapur City (town), where Datta Mandir is situated is around 30 minutes journey by road. Trax/Jeep/Sumo drivers charge Rs 15 Per Passanger. It takes around 2 hours maximum for a family to perform Pooja/Abhishek at Ganagapur. Local people arrange for accomodation, bath and if required food also, on pay basis.

Nearest City is GULBARGA : 40 Kms.

Gangapur to Sholapur Distance: 94 km (approx.)

Gangapur to Sholapur State Transport (S.T) bus fare – Rs.45/-

Gangapur to Sholapur bus travel time – 3 hours.

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Mahur (Mahurgad),

Mahur is a well known religious place and a birth place of Lord Dattatray, which is visited by thousands of devotees and pilgrims throughout the year. The ancient Mahurgad Fort constructed in the 12th century, is just two and a half kms. from the place. There are many temples in Mahur like Anusaya Temple, Kalika Temple. The most important one is the temple of Renuka Devi, which has a special place in the Hindu pilgrimage. A big fair is held here every year on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami (Dassera).

Shri Nrusimha Saraswati Gurumaharaj is the 2nd avatar (incarnation) of Lord Dattatreya. Born in Karanja, He travelled far and wide in what are now known as the States of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. He achieved Sainthood and performed several miracles. He imparted spiritual knowledge to his disciples, many of whom themselves attained Sainthood.

The Gurumandir Temple conducts several major events to celebrate the various avatars of Lord Dattatreya. Over the past 70 years, Gurumandir has become a nucleus for religious and social welfare activities in the North Maharashtra (Vidarbha) region.

Karanja is located in North-Central Maharashtra in Washim District. It lies just off the main State Highways connecting Shegaon, Nagpur, Amravati, Akola, Aurangabad, Nanded, and Adilabad. It is just 30 kilometers from the main Central Railway line from Mumbai to Howrah (via Nagpur).

The nearest broad-guage railway stations to go to Karanja are Murtijapur and Akola. These are located on the rail route between Mumbai and Howrah (via Nagpur).

Accomodations
Dharamshala (Lodging/Boarding House) The Gurumandir Temple Trust operates a Dharamshala (Lodging/Boarding house) for out-of-town visitors to the temple. This is located just across the temple and is free of cost to the devotees.

Temple Priests
It is not uncommon for the temple priests to invite visitors to stay at their homes for short periods of time. Please provide advance notice of your visit so arrangements can be made.

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Pithapur

1. Sreepad spent his whole childhood in pithapur
2. Lord Dattatraya (kukuteshwar) a very powerful temple located in pithapur.
3. All Sreepada miracles were carried in Pithpur.
4. He always used to take rest under Audumber Tree.
5. As per his instructions, Paduka and his Idol are located at his birth place.
6. He gave assurance to humankind though who will visit and carry out worship he shall be blessed by him.
7. Those who will help to develop the Mahasanstanam and donate or worship through way of feeding food, financial help or read Sreepada Charitramurtam he will get Abhi Shiddhi.
8. Those who worship in Chitra Nakshatra in his place he will get his karma.
9. Those who wish to  get married he will get benefit and will get married early.
10. Those who are visiting Pithapur on Nearly Purnima (Rakhsha Bandhan day) in shravan month they will be blessed by him and he will instruct Chandragupt to write all good efforts you have done in life. It is only by his permission one can visit in this auspicious day else no one can visit Pithapur.
11. Those who are suffering from ghosts, black magic or any other external evil effects that will get reduced by visiting this place.

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Datt Guru Avatar & their rare details. ( These details are mentioned in Guru Charitra also )

Avatar	Parents	Birth Place	Home Town	Vesh	Jayanti
Shri Guru Datatarey	Anyusa – Atri	Mahur (Nanded)	Girnagar (Saurashtra)	Avdoot	Margashish 15
Sree Guru Sreepad Sreevallabha	Sumati -Appalraja	Pithapur (A.P)	Kuruguddi (Kuravpur-Karnataka)	Bhramachari	Bhadrapad 4
Shri Guru Narshinasaraswati	Amba – Madhav	Lad Karanja (Akola)	Narsobawadi, Audumber, Gangapur	Sanyasi	Paush 2

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Kardali Ban :

This is located in remote area surrounded by jungle and mountains. here no accommodation or means of transport is available. Not a single lodge to stay or shops are there. One has to carry each and everything with him while traveling here. From Shailayam you have to travel by boat to reach here and then should walk through hills and jungle. The road is between jungle where you shall find many wild animals too, for old people this is very tough to climb up and down.   Approximately travel distance as follows:-

1.Shailya to Pathal ganga one can travel by road.

2.From Pathal ganga to Venkatesh Kinara its approximate 22 km’s 1-2 hrs.

3. From Venkatesh Kinara one has to travel by foot and climb hilly area and reach caves which are there its approximate 5-7 hrs journey. Usually people travel her in large groups this cave can accommodate around 200 people. One has to take food, torches, candles or any other required things while traveling. While traveling here one has to climb up and down around 6 hills with thick forest.

4. From this cave Kardali Ban ( where swami were sighted first) is approximate 4 hrs.

5. From Akal devi cave to Kardali Ban its 4 km’s to reach another small cave here one can find Lord Shankara.

6.These all caves are approximately 100ft long and 30ft wide, and 10ft height.Here in one cave you can see Lord Narshima Saraswatis idol which is 2ft. Also Akkamahadevi, Mallikarjun, Nagarjun.

7. On way through jungle you can view cattle’s grazing and also big anthills. From one of these anthills Akkalkot’s Swami Smarth had appeared.

8. On sixth hill there is one big water hole.

SREEPADA’S FAMILY :-

It is observed that no Sattapurush is born or came into world in regular path of human being. Sreepada appeared in form flame entering this world. His mother’s name was Sumati Maharani & fathers name was Appalaraju Sarma. During maternity time of sumati she fainted and wonderful sound was heard from sky by all people gathered there and asked them to leave the room. When Sreepada Sreevallabha was born, a cobra with three hoods was holding its hoods as an umbrella.  He was kept for 18 days. He came out of the mother’s womb as a dazzling illumi­nation.Sumati Maharani fainted immediately after he was born. Auspicious musical notes from musical instruments were heard from the labour room. After some time an invisible voice warned all people to leave the room. Four vedas, eighteen puraanas, great persons arrived in the shape of brilliant lights to Great Sreepada. Sacred Vedic mantras were heard outside the room. Silence spread after sometime.

During early morning Sreepada used to have milk from his mother sitting in her lap. In afternoon his mother used to feed him cod rice and sometimes wheat mixed in milk.  Sreepada says that ” I will drink milk in morning in Pithapur in mother sumatis lap. In afternoon mother sumati will feed me with little lumps of food. During night time i shall ear halwa (sweet preparation with wheat flour) from lap of mother sumati. I will remain in Gandharvapura in the form of Nursimha Saraswati just as i am in Pithapur. I will seek bhiksha in Gandharvapura exactly during midday. These will clearly seen by those who have the sight of internal eye”.

Family Tree of Shreepad :-

Grandfather – Bapannavadhlu
Father – Appalaraju Sarma
Mother – Sumati Rani
Elder brother – Sreedhar Raj Sarma (Was blind)
Younger brother – Ramraj Sarma (was handicapped)
Three Sisters – Sree Vidhayadhari, Radha & Surekha

Name of the incarnation	Name of the father	Name of the mother	Period of birth	Native Village	Site of the mission	Total surrender	Renunciation of the body
1. Shripad Shrivallabh	Apalraj	Sumatibai	Shake 1245	Pithapur (Andhra Pradesh)	Andhra Pradesh	At 7 years	Twelfth day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin Shake 1275
2. Shri Nrusinha Sarasvati	Madhavrao	Ambasati	Shake 1339	Karanja (Vidarbha)	Gangapur (Karnataka)	At 12 years	Third day of the bright fortnight of Magh Shake 1380
3. Shri Manik- Prabhu	Manohar- pant	Bayamma	Shake 1739	Ladvanti (Karnataka)	Maniknagar	In child- hood	Tenth day of the bright fortnight of Margashirsha Shake 1787
4. Shri Swami Samarth (Akkalkot)	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Akkalkot (district Solapur)	Unknown	Thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of Chaitra Shake 1800
5. Shri Saibaba	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Pathari	Shirdi	Unknown	Tenth day of the bright fortnight of Ashvin Shake 1839
6. Shri Bhalchandra Maharaj	Parshuram	Anandibai	Shake 1825	Mhapan	Kankavli (district Sindhudurga)	At 22 years	Seventh day of the bright fortnight of Margashirsha Shake 1899

Implied meaning of the family

• The cow (behind the idol): The earth
• The four dogs: The four Vedas
• The holy fig tree (oudumbar): A symbol of Datta, worthy of worship as the Datta principle exists in it in a greater amount.

Shri Datta Mahatmya

This book is written by Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati alias Shri Tembe Swami. He had also written in Sanskrit a book by name Dattapurana. The Marathi Datta-Mahatmya book has 51 chapters and total of 5513 stanzas. This book also has the form of disciple-teacher conversation, where the disciple is Deepak and his Guru is explaining him the importance (Mahatmya) of Dattatreya. The book has full coverage of Dattatreya’s disciples and devotees and their stories. It also mentions the 24 gurus of Dattatreya and Dattatreya’s philosophy. The book also describes several vratas (specific strict rituals) to be followed. This is also book revered and respected by Dattatreya devotees.[citations needed]

[edit] Shri Panta GuruCharitra

This is the life story of Shri Pantmaharaj Balekundrikar from Balekundri written by his disciple Shri Vaman Narahar Kamat and completed in 1918 CE. Book has 54 chapters and more than 6000 stanzas. The book describes the life story of the Pant-maharaj and also describes his life philosophy.

[edit] Shri Datta Charitrasar

Shri Vishnu Gopal Natu from Ajgan (Sawantwadi) wrote this book which also one of the popular ones in Maharashtra. There are total 77 chapters with 7721 stanzas. The book is fully devoted to the deity Dattatreya and not to any of his specific incarnations, unlike the ones described above. The book however contains the stories of several of the prominent Datta-devotees and this book is quite modern from that point of view. The book follows the initial standard order of chapters described above.

Shri Guruleelamrut

In Datta-sampradaya there are two books highly respected and worshipped, bearing the same name of “Guruleelamrut”. Late Shri Vamanrao Vaidya (Vamorikar) is the author of this book. This book has 55 Chapters with 9757 ovyas or stanzas. Just like Shri Gurucharitra, this book is equally worshipped and respected in Maharashtra. The book is about the life story of Shri Swami Samarth of Akkalkot. The book was published after the death of Shri Vaidya, by Vinayak Sadashiv Limgaonkar, who also wrote the summary chapter to the book. The language of the book is very simple, lucid and very poetic.

The second book by the same name, is written by Shri Anand Bharati (samadhi 1901CE). This book is a short book and also describes the life story of Shri Swami Samarth of Akkalkot. The book has 21 chapters. The book follows the standard tradition of initial worship of deities in the order Ganesha, goddess Saraswati, Prakritipurush, Saints, Gurus and Parents. The further chapters narrate the stories about Dattatreya and his incarnations. Rest of the book then describes the life and work of swamiji. The book is in the form of question-answer, with questioner is Shri Gopal Sharma alias Haribhakta and the answering authority is Shri Anand Bharati.

Shri Datta Charitrasar

Shri Vishnu Gopal Natu from Ajgan (Sawantwadi) wrote this book which also one of the popular ones in Maharashtra. There are total 77 chapters with 7721 stanzas. The book is fully devoted to the deity Dattatreya and not to any of his specific incarnations, unlike the ones described above. The book however contains the stories of several of the prominent Datta-devotees and this book is quite modern from that point of view. The book follows the initial standard order of chapters described above.

Datt Guru Avatar & their rare details. ( These details are mentioned in Guru Charitra also )

Avatar	Parents	Birth Place	Home Town	Vesh	Jayanti
Shri Guru Datatarey	Anyusa – Atri	Mahur (Nanded)	Girnagar (Saurashtra)	Avdoot	Margashish 15
Sree Guru Sreepad Sreevallabha	Sumati -Appalraja	Pithapur (A.P)	Kuruguddi (Kuravpur-Karnataka)	Bhramachari	Bhadrapad 4
Shri Guru Narshinasaraswati	Amba – Madhav	Lad Karanja (Akola)	Narsobawadi, Audumber, Gangapur	Sanyasi	Paush 2