1. Srisaila kshetra
By facing death in Kasi, reciting Bhagavannama in Arunachalam and just visiting Sri Saila Ksetra, men are attaining salvation or Mukti.
Srisailam is a holy Saivite temple situated in the top of Nallamalai
hills in the Kurnool district of Andhra pradesh state. Srisailam is not
just a temple but a kshetram as well as a Mukthi Sthalam. Generally, in a
temple, either the God or Goddess will be powerful, but at Srisailam
both are powerful, Lord Mallikarjuna is
one among 12 Jyothirlingas and for Goddess Bhramaramba, she is
one among 18 Ashta dasha Sakthi Peethas. The temple is quite ancient.Adi Shankara had composed the famous
Sivananda Lahari and
Soundarya Lahari,
100 verses each in praise of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati after
getting a divine vision of them. Srisaila kshetra quoted as second
jyothirlinga kshetra in Dwadasha jyothrlinga kshetra. This kshetra is
indirectly connected to Lord Dattatreya. Shri Nrusimha saraswathy
swamy(second incarnation of Lord Dattatreya) explained the importance of
this kshetra to his disciple Tantuka and also closed his avathara in
the Krishna river of this kshetra. Even today many devotees of Lord
Dattatreya are visiting this kshetra to have darshan of Kadalivan and
Lord Maheshwara.
The Mallikarjuna Linga is accessible to each and every
devotee and anybody can go into the sanctum sanctorum of Mallikarjuna,
touch him and perform Abhishekam and Archana himself to recitation of
Mantras by Archakas without caste or creed or religion.
Kshetra connected to Lord Dattatreya:
In Sree Guru Charitra the importance of Srisaila kshetra was
mentioned in chapter no 43. Tantuk, a weaver, was one of Shri Guru’s
devotees. He served Shri Guru devotedly. Maha Shivaratri was
approaching. His parents and other relations started for Shri Shailya,
and asked Tantuk to come with them. Tantuk said, ‘My Shri Shailya is
here’ and he lived alone at home. Shri Guru asked him ‘Why did you not
go for yatra?’ He replied, ‘My yatra is at your feet.’ On the Maha
Shivaratri day Shri Guru said ‘All your relatives went for yatra. You
only remained behind. Do you want to see Shri Shailya? Follow me, I
shall show you. Shut your eyes and hold my Sandals firmly.’ `Saying so,
he took him to Shri Shailya within a moment. Shri Guru asked him to open
his eyes. Tantuk saw Shri Guru before him. Shri Guru told Tantuk to do
Kshour, bathe and see the Malleshwar. He went to the river where he met
his parents and relatives. They asked him `why did you not come with us
but came stealthily,’ He asked, `I came just now with Shri Guru.’ Some
people did not believe in his words. Doing Kshour (mundane) and taking
`bel’ and flowers he went to the temple. While worshipping, he saw Shri
Guru sitting on the Linga. He offered Pooja with devotion and came back
to Shri Guru who asked him, `Will you stay or come with me?’
Tantuk said, `I saw a wonder today. While worshipping Shri Shankar, I
saw you in the place. When you are there why people come so far? Kindly
explain this to me.’ Shri Guru said, `God is all over. But significance
of the place is there. The greatness of this place is narrated in the
Skandha Purana. Formerly Vimarshan was a king of the Kirat desh. He had
won all the kings. He was adulterer, and ate was pious and devoted.
Queen once asked the king, `You are adulterer and eat meat. Yet how are
you devoted to God?’
The king said, `I shall tell you an account of my previous birth. I
was a dog in Pampa city. On the Shivaratri day all were worshipping Shri
Shiva in the temple. I went there hoping to get something to eat. The
people began to drive me out of the temple and beat me with sticks and
stones. I ran round the temple and entered into a drain. I saw the
worship of Shiva that was being performed there but due to the thrashing
given to me by the people; I died in front of the temple. Due to that
meritorious deed, I became a king in this life, but the nature of dog of
eating anything has not left me.’
The queen asked, `You narrated your previous life. Please tell me of
my previous life.’ The king said, `You were a Kapoti (Bird). You were
flying with a piece of flesh in your mouth. A kite saw this and it
attacked you, You ran in the forest at Giri and began to take rounds at
the Shiva temple. The kite followed you all along. Ultimately you got
tired, you sat at the top of the temple and the kite attacked you and
took away the flesh that you had. You too died instantly. Due to the
merit of the rounds of the Shiva temple, you became my queen in this
life.’
The queen further asks, ‘What will be our future life? The king said,
‘I shall be king of the Sindhu desh and you will be born in the
Srinjaya desh and you shall again be my queen. Later I shall be the king
of Sourashtra and you shall be born in Kdaling and shall be my queen.
In the fourth birth I shall be the king of Gandhar and you will be born
in Magadh and shall be my queen. In the fifth, I shall be the king of
Awanti and you will be born in Dasharha and shall be my wife. Next I
shall be the king of Anart and you being a daughter of Yayati, you will
marry me. Seventh time I shall be the king of Pandya and ‘Padvarma’ will
be my name. You being the Vidarbha princess ‘Vasumati’ shall marry me
in a Swayamvara. After performing many sacrifices, I shall accept Sanyas
and study Brahmavidya at Agasti Muni’s Ashram and in the end I shall go
to the heaven with you. Such is the of the worship of Shri Shaila
kshetra.
Shri Guru’s Journey unto Bliss:
Shri
Guru Nrusimha saraswathy swamy (second incarnation of Lord Dattatreya)
closed his avathara in the Krishna river of Srisaila kshetra. He called
all the disciples and said; “Now I wish live secretly. Therefore I
intend to go to Shri Shaila. Still I shall be staying at Ganagapur. Shri
Guru went to Patal Ganga, flowing at the base of Shri Shaila, He asked
his disciples to prepare a flower-seat and said, “I have to go to
Mallikarjuna on Shri Shaila on the other side of the river.” The
disciples prepared a nice seat of flowers of Shevanti, lotus, malati,
kanher etc. on the leaf of kardali and placed it on the riverside.
Shri Guru said, “Now you should return to your respective places”.
All were greatly aggrieved. Shri Guru sat on the flower seat on Magh Vad
1st, on Friday when Guru (Jupiter) was in Kanya (vergs) Rasa at evening
time and before going away said, ” I am going to the place of
self-bliss. I shall send flowers as gift, which you should distribute
amongst yourselves and worship them, daily. I like singing. I shall be
near those, who sing prayers. They will get all the pleasures”.
Saying this Shri Guru disappeared in the river. After some time some
boatmen came from the other side of the river. They told, “We saw Shri
Guru on the other side. He was looking like a sanyasi and was holding a
dand (stick) in his hand. He had golden sandals. He told his name as
‘Narasimha Saraswati. He has given a message for you, ‘I am going to the
Kardali-Van for anthardhana.
Important places to visit in Srisaila kshetra:
In addition to Lord Shiva temple, Bhramarambika devi temple, one has to
visit Sakshi Ganapathi, Paala Dhara-Pancha dhara, Vriddha Mallikarjuna
temple, Triphala vriksha, Addala mantapa, Swamy Kalyana mantapa,
Paathala ganga, Hatakeshwara, Shivaji spoorthi Kendra, Srisailam Dam,
Akka mahadevi temple, Kadalivan and Ishta kameshwari temple. Visiting
Akkamahadevi caves, Kadalivan and Ishta kameshwari temple.
There
are some Kundams(Small wells) in the campus. The water of Manohara
kundam is used for Shivabhisheka. The sanctum of the temple, a
shell-like structure, enshrines Lord Mallikarjuna.
Triphala Tree/ Sthala Vriksham: There
is a Triphala vriksha in the campus, under which the great Rishi
Agastya resides in hidden form. Previously Guru Dattatreya appeared
under this tree. Triphala Tree which is the Stala Vriksha.
This is the main tree of this temple. It is not a single tree, there are
three trees all wound around each other to form one tree, hence it is
called Triphala. This is the co-existence of three sacred trees
belonging to Ficus species. They are Ashwatha (Raavi), Oudumbara(Medi)
and Plaksha (Juvvi). Lord Dattatreya has performed penance under
this tree. Shree Gurucharitra parayana or recitation of the stotras
under this tree will give favourable results and fulfill their wishes
early. Even today, many devotees of Lord Dattatreya are performing Shri
Gurucharitra parayana as “EKAAHA” (completion of the book in one day
from morning to evening) under this tree to fulfill their wishes.
Significance of Srisalam Mallikarjunaswamy
- Srisailam Mallikarjunaswamy Temple is one of 12 Jyothirlinagas
- The Goddess Bhramarambika Devi, one of the 18 Saktipeetah’s resides here
- The Matsya – Puranas described it as a seat of the mother Goddess Madhavi.
- The Agni-puruna states that Srisaila is Siddhakshetra where the god Shiva and Parvathi always reside.
- Adishankaracharya refers Srisaila among the 12 jyotirilinga places
in his jyotirilinga stotra. Two verses in his Sivanandalahari praise the
Mahalinga of Mallikarjuna of Srigiri. The goddess of eight verses on
the Goddess Bhramaramba is also attributed to him. Above all,
Shankaracharya resided at Srisaila for some time, when his disciple
Padmapadacharya had an encounter with the Kapalikas.
- The Kathasaritsagara narrates a story about a Kasmirian performing penance at Srisaila, seeking boons from the God Siva.
- Vasubandhu in his Vasavadatta described Sriparvata as the abode of Mallikarjuna.
- Srisaila is stated in the Mahabharata as one of the holy places.
- The Skanda-Purana contains a separate section called Srisaila Khanda.
- The Vayu – purana prescribes the performance of Sraddha ceremony to the manes at Srisaila.
- Bhavabhuti in his Malatimadhva alludesto a Siddha of Srisaila named
Aghoraghanta, obviously a Kapalika Saiva, who is stated to have captured
the heroine Malati.
- Harshavardhana of Kanouj (A.D. 604-640) alludes in his Ratnavali to a
Siddha named Srikanthadasa of Sriparvata who is said to have taught
udayana, the hero of the play, the art of jalandharavidya.
- Sambandhar, appar and sundharar have sung one padhikam (3) each on the Lord of Srisailam.
2. Sree Kshetra Garudeswar ll नमो गुरवे वासुदेवाय l|
Garudeshwar is a sacred place to all devotees of Lord Dattatreya.
It
is the place where Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Sree Vasudevananda
Saraswathy Swamy Maharaj took his Samadhi. The Samadhi Mandir is on the
banks of Narmada river. Garudeshwar is situated to the south of
Tilakvada and to the east of Rajpipla.
Garudeshwar is a Village in Nandod Taluka in Narmada District of
Gujarat State, India. It is located 17 KM towards East from District
head quarters Rajpipla. 211 KM from State capital Gandhinagar .
Rajpipla , Karjan , Bharuch , Padra are the nearby Cities to
Garudeshwar. Prime attractions are the temple of Lord Dattatreya and a
holy memorial and ashram of His Holiness Vasudevananda saraswathi swamy.
On the bank of river Narmada…Vasudevananda Sarswati Swamy left this
physical world for his heavenly journey. Devotees of Lord Dattatreya
who are visiting Siddha kshetra Girniar are visiting this Garudeshwar
kshetra first and praying swamy maharaj for his blessings to have
Dattaguru’s darshan/blessings on the mountain of Girinar.
A view of Swamy Maharaj mandir , Garudeswar
Brief history of Swamy Maharaj:Paramhans
Parivrajakacharya Shreemad Vasudevanand Saraswati Swami Maharaj was
born in 1854 AD ( Shravan Krishna 5 ) in a religious Brahmin family to
Shri. Ganesh Tembe and Sou. Ramabai in the village MANGAON near
Sawantwadi , situated near Goa.
At the instance of Lord Dattatreya , The purpose of his life was
revealed to him by the Lord when he ordered him to travel all over India
and preach the ancient Vedic path and lead the people gone astray from
varnashram dharma.
Paramhans Parivrajakacharya Shreemad Vasudevanand Saraswati (Tembe)
Swami Maharaj traversed the country for 23 years following strictly the
harsh disciplines of Sanyas ashram. He was medium built and dark
complexioned and had flashy and piercing eyes, which appeared to look
deeply into you. His speech was soft yet assertive. His possessions
included 4 loin cloths, 2 robes, the sceptre, a kamandalu, occasionally a
woolen wrap, a book of Upanishads, a case of worship utensils, 2 idols
of Dattguru , a rope to draw water and some paper and writing
materials. He washed his clothes and utensils himself and always
travelled on foot and never used any footwear. Once on inspection, a
devotee found and removed 20 thorns stuck in his feet. Swami Maharaj had
not even given any indication of this. He passed through dense
forests, hot deserts and steep mountains, facing extreme climates,
wearing only a robe. Most of his 23 chaturmas were in small villages
and remote places. People of all castes were the recipients of his
grace and he was very sensitive and listened sympathetically to their
sorrows and sufferings and provided counsel which if followed would
remove or relieve their sufferings.
The Mahamantra
“ DIGAMBARA DIGAMBARA SHRIPAD VALLABH DIGAMBARA ” was
revealed to Paramhans Parivrajakacharya Shreemad Vasudevanand Saraswati
(Tembe) Swami Maharaj and he propogated this mantra on a large scale.
Swami Maharaj has left behind a large body of literature.
After a stay of 6-7 months at Chikhalda ( 22nd Chaturmas ) he crossed
the dense forest of Shoolpaneshwar, and arrived for his final
chaturmas (23rd) at Garudeshwar ( Gujarat ) in 1913 AD. Soon the remote
temple believed to be the site of penance of Garuda ( Lord Vishnu’s
vehicle ), was bustling with devotees of Swami Maharaj. As narrated by
him, he was afflicted once by plague, thrice by cholera, twice by
leprosy, once by leukoderma , twice by snakebite and lifelong by
dysentery. However he never took any medicines and placed himself
utterly at the disposal of divine will. After the summer of 1914 AD ,
when he was 60 years old his health started deteriorating rapidly. As
soon as Amavasya of Jyeshta month gave way to the 1st day of Ashada ,(
Tuesday, Ardra nakshatra, uttarayan ) he sat in siddhasana posture
facing the idol of Shri Datta and with a chant of “OM”, he left his
physical form.
Datta Mandir in Garudeshwar:
The statue of Lord Dattatreya is really very impressive and
hypnotizing due to its piercing eyes. There are regular artis taking
place here at Guru Dattatreya temple AS WELL AS IN Samadhi mandir of
Swamy Maharaj in the morning and the evening.
Garudeshwar is a pilgrim site with a holy bathing ghat on the banks
of the Narmada in Narmada District. His Holiness Shree
Vasudevanandasarasvati chose to leave his mundane body at this sacred
site.
Accomodation:
There are no hotels or guest houses available at Garudeshwar. Only two
places are available, first one is small Dharmshala near the temple for
the devotees who want to stay for the night halt and for Parayana of
Shree Guru charitra or Swamy Maharaj’s life history and stotras. The
food prepared by the priest of the temple (Devasthanam Authority) is the
only source of dinner here at the temple. Tokens are also issued for
Food. Another is Gayathri Parivar Ashram which also provides
Mahaprasadam. There is a famous Surpaneshwar fall, only around four
miles away from this ancient temple. This fall is also worth visiting as
the River water falls from the height of around eighty feet and present
the most beautiful site.
3. Siddh Kshetra – Girinar
Girinar is one of the most ancient datta kshetras in India. It is
situated in Junagadh City of Saurashtra region of Gujarat state in
India. Girinar Hill is a famous Sidha kshetra(Siddhakhestra means any
place where one powerful siddha meditated for an aoen(4 yugas), these
days we have a habit of calling everything Siddhakshetra! ) of Lord
Dattatreya. Lord Dattatreya performed penance at the top of the hill and
one have to climb 10,000 (ten thousand) steps to have Datta paduka
darshan. Girinar place is completely surrounded by fully forest area. A
very pleasant atmosphere can be experienced by each and every visitor to
this powerful kshetra. The journey to Dattatreya Padukas is said to be
made light by just two chants “Jai Girinaari” and “Digambara Digambara
Sripadavallabha Digambara… ”
Avadhootha chinthana shree
Gurudeva Datta:
Avadhuthas are by nature Digambaras both externally and internally. They
have gone beyond the Shunyatha or nothingness and hence are
paradoxically “clad” by it.They know the “full’ or “perfect” because
they know the “nothingness” or the “digambaratwam”
The moment you are open to elements, the moment you remain alike to
all forms of states be it happiness(sukha) ,sadness( dukha),digust cum
fear(ghrina) ,etc…you remain a digambara.It means purity beyond beyond
purity. Can you call empty space pure or impure in teu terms? Purity and
impurity comes with a form. Once beyond that form there is no more a
question of purity or impurity! Thus Digambara is a heralding of such a
state(much akin to Turiya). This is the quantum meaning implied in this
pithy chant.
You nevertheless have to ascribe a form to the formless and thus, the
assay in the form of words “Digambara Digambara… .” and thus invoke the
Dattashakthi energies.
Digambara means Sky-clothed, clothed with the elements; this is often
applied to Siva and his disciple Lord Datattreya, but likewise to
advanced adepts or ascetics. Customarily Orientalists render it “without
clothes,” i.e., naked, applying the term to Siva in his character of an
ascetic. But while the word, especially among the Jains, has come to
have the significance of a naked mendicant, when applied to Siva, the
third aspect of the Hindu Trimurti who permeates all things in all
directions, it means “clothed with the sky.”
Girinar means a group of mountains and they bear various temples on
their peaks. The highest peak of the entire range is of almost 1000 mtrs
above ground level. This stands erect and high with a temple of lord
Dattatreya on its top most point (THE SIKHARA).
The very appearance of the mountain symbolizes that A GURU IS ALWAYS ON TOP OF THE WORLD. Lord Dattatreya is considered as
ADI GURU
or THE SUPREME POWER. So his Lotus feet are on the highest Peak of the
tallest mountain which is ancient than Himalayas. Another great
symbolism of Girnar is that TO REACH AND HAVE DARSHAN OF HIS HOLY FOOT
PRINTS, ONE SHOULD HAVE LOT OF DETERMINATION , DEDICATION, SURRENDER
AND UTMOST FAITH IN THE LORD. One should follow the same path as his
guru in the same direction and then only we can reach our goal.
Lord Dattatreya is present here and he has been protecting all his devotees.
Actual View Of The Mountain From Ground Level.
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The vertical view of this mountain resembles THE FACE OF A SADHU
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Girnar mountain is 3 miles away from the city centre of Junagadh
towards east. This mountain is considered sacred by both Hindus and
Jains. Several names were given to various hills and peaks of Girinar.
IT WAS CALLED
GIRINARAVAN IN PRE HISTORIC TIMES AND NOW
KNOWN AS MOUNT GIRINAR. The peaks of girinar are as ancient as 250 B.C.
This had been a sacred place well before the Mohan-ja-Daro period and
its origin can be traced back to Vedas and other holy scriptures of
Indus valley Religions. The area of Girnar mountain is around 70 miles
and the circumambulation is around 40 kms. To reach Lord Datta temple
one has to climb nearly 9,999 steps by the path away. Girnar is a sacred
place for Jains and Hindus, which attracts a large number of pilgrims. .
The pilgrims climb all the steps barefoot as a belief that a person who
climbs all the steps barefoot reaches Heaven. The steps are nicely
built and are very gradual.
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The Ancient Temple of Lord Dattatreya on the top has the foot prints
of his lotus feet at the temple. A controvercy/conflict had been going
on about the identification and ownership of The PADUKAS of the temple
between Hindus and Jains. But our Indian mythology says a story which
confirms that these foot prints or Padukas belong to Lord Dattatreya.
Girinar mountain with fog coverage
The story goes like this…. Dattatreya, son of Atri Rishi and Sati
Ansuya performed very severe tap here at this place for twenty four
years. The Lord Shiva was very happy due to this tap and gave his
blessings that the Girnar Mountain would become famous as the land of
Rishis and gods. The environment of this temple is simply out of the
world and the tourists get hypnotized due to the spiritual energy
flowing in this area.
Lotus feet of Lord Dattatreya at Girnar.
A similar story says that Dattatreya left home at an early age to
wander naked in search of the absolute. He seems to have spent most of
his life wandering in the area between and including North Karnataka,
through Maharashtra and Andhrapradesh, and into Gujarat, as far as the
Narmada River. It is believed that he performed tapa on the sikhar and
so his foot prints are there.
A PILIGRIM’S JOURNEY STARTS WITH the steps at Damodar Kund, near the
Damodar and Baldvji temples. GIRNAR HAS MANY PEAKS OF WHICH 4 MAJOR
PEAKS COME IN THE PATH WAY TO DATTA TEMPLE
1.The first halt or the first summit is after
climbing 4500 steps which is a group of Jain temples.(shwetamber and
digambar) temples. These are a fine example in terms ofarchitecture
which portray the carvings on the temple structures.
A view of Jain Temples
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While reaching the next halt/summit AMBAJI TEMPLE one can see the Gaumukhi ganga dhara.
GOUMUKHI GANGA
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2.THE SECOND HALT /PEAK/SUMMIT… After climbing 1000 steps( from the
jain temples) there is another famous temple called AMBAJI TEMPLE.
Right at the entry to the Ambaji Temple there is a marker on the steps
that indicates 4868 steps from the start. This temple was constructed
during `Gupt’ dynasty and reference to this temple is found in the books
written in seventh century. The temple of Amba Mata (the Mother
Goddess) is visited by Hindus, Jains, and newly weds seeking blessings
for a happy marriage.
Main Entrance Of Ambaji Mata Temple On A Misty Day
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Ambaji Mata Temple Overcrowded With Parikrama Piligrims
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AMBAJI MATA on Amba Parvatha
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3.THE THIRD PEAK/SUMMIT…. In the southern direction from `Ambaji’ temple, there is another peak known as `Guru Gorakhnath’ peak.
This is the highest peak of Girnar Hill WHERE THERE IS the Dhuna (FIRE
PLACE) of Gorkhnathji, the famous and renowned saint of Nath Sampradaya.
WE need to get down around 1500 steps FROM AMBAJI PEAK and again climb
500 steep steps to reach the Guru Gorakhnath Summit. GURU
GORAKHNATH…There have been nine Siddhas in the Nath cult, the foremost
of them is Shri Gorakh Nath who was an accomplished yogi. This place is
said to be the site of ascetism of Shri Gorakh Nath where his fire place
(Dhuna) is even today present.
Gorakhnath Temple on Goraknath parvath
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Goraknath murthy in the temple
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4. After the Darshan of Guru Gorakhnath, the Piligrims climb down the peak to their next summit. KAMANDAL KUND
Kamandal kund is known as the place where the holy Dhuni enlightened by
Lord Dattatrey Maharaj is still alive.This is the only place on the
Mountain where Annadanam or supply of Food is done. It is believed that
the practice of annadanam is continued till date since ancient times.
The food distributed here is accepted by all piligrims as Maha Prasad of
Lord Dtta Guru. Piligrims are satisfied and feel blessed by obtaining
the Mahaprasad at Kamandalkund.
The story of kamandal kund is as follows ……..Lord Dattatreya, after
taking permission from his parents,left his home for meditation.
Traveling from place to place he came to Mount Girnar,which was then
inundated with water.Sensing this He threw his calabash with full
force.It fell on black rocks of Mount Girnar.The rocks cracked fom this
force and out flowed Mother Ganga. She was pleased and told Lord
Dattatreya that her flow will continue for the welfare of devotees-This
place is “Kamandal Kund”. On the rocks of Mount Girnar these signs can
still be seen. After that, Lord Dattatreya kindled Holy Fire, which
keeps on lighting even today for the welfare of all living beings.
Every Monday this holy place is opened, sacred ash from above Holy Fire
removed and till 9 am in the morning devotees can have darsan of this
Holy Fire. After traditional worship, it is again covered by sacred ash.
Every evening an Aarti is performed at this place.
Akahnd Dhuni Lit By Datta Guru
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The Fire Inside
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Kamandal Kund Samsthan
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The most Tedious part of the path way begins from Kamandal kund which
leads to the ULTIMATE PEAK WHERE THE TEMPLE OF Datta Guru’s LOTUS
FEET IS SITUATED. To reach the peak one has to travel towards south of
Kamandal kund and climb steep steps.
Path way from gorakhnath to Datta mandir
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Steep Steps
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Short View Of The Temple
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Main Gate To Datta Mandir
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Close view of the Temple
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Nagasadhu at Girinar
The temple is a very small place where we can have a darshan for fraction of minutes and have to start immed
iately backwards.
The Mountain itself is treated as a sacred place and is prevailed by
Sadhus all over of which there are Naga sadhus(naked sadhus) from
Himalayas and Aghoras.
FESTIVALS AT GIRNAR…
Gujarat state celebrates “lili parikrama” as an important festival
of the State.LILI PARIKRAMA … PARIKRAMA means circumbulation. During
this parikrama people circumbulate the Mountain Girnar as they believe
that 33 crore gods and Goddesses reside on the holy mountain and doing
circumbulation to this mountain gives the result of worshipping all the
gods. So they start the Parikrama from Bhavnath Temple at the foot of
Girnar cover some major peaks and complete it at bhavnath mandir again.
Another story tells that Pandavas also did Parikrama after winning the
war at Kurukshetra. According to Gujarati Hindu calendar Parikrama
starts from Kartik Maasa 11 to 15 every year. On an average, about 7
lakh devotees attend the parikrama. In year 2003 Parikrama had attracted
1.2 million devotees.
Bhavanth temple entrance
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Parikrama
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The festival is 150 yrs old practice. Earlier people covered 12 miles
but now it has been cut short to 4-6 miles. People chant the hymns
praising Lord Shiva, accompanied by bhajans (devotional songs) and folk
music, people walk all the way round the illuminated Girnar hill
pathways. They always try to end this journey on the full moon night at
the Bhavnath temple. The parikrama which is usually attended by more
than 1 lakh people every year is organized with the support of the local
people, priests, police and forest department officials. Tribal people
settled close to Junagadh take part in the fair as they are ardent
devotees of Lord Shiva.
4. Sucheendram
SREE
KSHETRA SUCHEENDRAM IS THE MOST POWERFUL SECRET KSEHTRA OF LORD
DATTATREYA.
But the main attraction is the renowned shrine dedicated to
Lord STHANU-MAL-AYAN (Siva, Vishnu and Brahma). Suchindrum means the
place where Indra attained ‘Suchi’ i.e., purification. It is one of the
few temples in the country where the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and
Ishvara, are worshipped. The linga is in three parts. The top represents
“Sthanu” name of Siva,the middle “Mal” name of Vishnu, and the base
“Ayan” name of Brahma. It is believed that the Trinity. Suchindram
Temple is approximately 1,300 years old. The temple construction took
place over an extended period of at least six hundred years, so parts of
the temple date back to the late 8th century, while others are 15th
century. The earliest lithic records of Suchindram belong to the 9th
Century A.D. Up until the time Kanyakumari became part of Tamil Nadu,
the Suchindram Temple was under the administration of the Travancore
Kings.
The unique feature of the Suchindrum temple is that both Saivites and
Vaishnavites hold the temple in the high esteem. The shrines within,
which are thirty in number. The sanctum sanctorum presenting a
Shivalinga, the Thekkadam presenting the image of Lord Vishnu (human
form), the Konnayadi presenting the three svayambhu lingas at the foot
of an old tree (nature worship), the holy sanctum of Chitra sabha
presenting a mirror (formless aspect of self-realisation) and many other
smaller shrines presenting almost all the deities of Hindu.
LOCATION
It is in the state of Tamil nadu in India and is 7 kilometers from
Nager Coil and 13 kms only from Kanyakumari. Though the kshetra is in
Tamilnadu, it is also nearer to Trivandrum (Kerala state) which is about
3 hours journey only. The village is surrounded on all sides by paddy
fields and coconut groves.
STORY BEHIND SUCHEENDRAM
There
are two stories about this kshetra, One is about Indra (King of Gods)
and second one is about Lord DattatreyaOnce Indra deva was infactuated
with Ahalya, wife of Gauthama rishi. One night he took the form of a
cock and came to the hermitage of Gauthama and gave the clarion call to
think that Gauthama was late for his bath. Gauthama arose and hurried to
the river. Indra in the disguise of Gauthama, entered the hermitage and
molested Ahalya. Gauthama muni saw the river yet sleeping and returned
to the hermitage and find Ahalya and Indra there. He cursed Indra that
his body should be covered with a thousand female genital organs and
Ahalya to become a stone. Greatly afflicted by his disgrace and Indra
went to Gnaanaranya and performed penance for a long time. Atlast, the
grace of Lord Shiva purified him thoroughly. Indra built the shrine and
the Trimurthis were represented in one linga with the name
Sthaanumaalaya.
The legend is that, Indra is still doing pooja in the temple at
midnight hours every night. As Indra was purified at this Gnaanaranya,
it’s name was changed to SUCHI+INDRA = SUCHINDRA and the village is
SUCHINDRUMSecond story goes like this : The great sage Atri and his
devoted wife Anasuya had their hermitage at this gnaanaranya (now it is
Suchindrum). Anasuya was renowned for her chastity. Once the sage Atri
was away to participate in a Yagna, and in his absence Anasuya was doing
pooja to the Paadatheertha of her Lord. She was able to bring rains
from the sky by sprinkling the paadatheertha of her husband during the
times of severe drought. When Goddesses Laxmi, Saraswathi and Parvathi
heard throught Narada that a woman of the world had excelled them in her
love towards her husband, they became jealous and decided to test the
chastity of Anasuya. To satisfy the bidding of their wives, Lord Brahma,
Vishnu and Maheshwara appeared in the form of old Brahmins at the
hermitage of Anasuya and begged alms.
Trimoorthis asking for alms When she was about to serve them food,
they told her that they had taken a vow not to eat fod served by a
person who wore any dress. So, she prayed to her Lord and sprinkled the
paadatheertha on the Brahmins. Immediately the old Brahmins were
transformed into three suckling babies. She then undressed and fed them.
She put them in a cradle and made them sleep. The long absence of the
Gods instilled fear in the minds of the three Devis, and they approached
Anasuya for Mangalya bhiksha. Then Anasuya sprinkled the paadatheertha
on the babies and the three Gods appeared in their resplendent glory by
the side of their partners. These thrimoorthis combined together and
gave a birth to Atri and Anasuya in the form of Lord Dattatreya. So the
pooja performed to Sthanumalyan at sucheendram is as good as
worshipping Lord Dttatreya. After the Trinity left the place there
sprouted three svayambulingas at the foot of a laurel tree. This laurel
tree and the lingas can be seen even now at the Suchindrum temple.
IMPORTANT TEMPLES IN AND AROUND MAIN TEMPLE
PUSHKARINI:
The Pushkarini is at the outside of the temple. It is a big tank with a
beautiful Mandapam in the center. It is advised to take a bath in the
Pushkarni before having the darshan of Stahanumalayan/Lord Dattatreya.
The legend is that, the sins of the devotees will be purified by having a
bath in this Pushkarini. Swamy’s Kalyana and Theppotsava will always be
performed in the Mandapam of the Pushkarini.
Tower(Gopura) of the temple:The tourists will always attracted by the
charm and grandeur of the lofty Gopuram at Suchindrum temple. The
Gopuram is a marvel of construction, standing majestically 134 feet
height with 7 steps. Even from a distance the tower of the temple,
framed by the coconut trees and the sky as a backdrop, makes a
fascinating picture.
Smiling Subrahmanyeshwara: The Lord Subrahmanya in this temple is appearing with full smiling face. He is in the shakti sampanna form.
Vigneshwari: Lord Vinayaka is appearing as a part of female and
remaining as a male form. This vinayaka is a combination of male and
female form and hence this Vigneshwar is terming as VIGNESHWARI. This
Ganeshaani murti in sukhasana pose at Suchindram is one of only a few,
the others being at a 10th century temple dedicated to 64 yoginis in
Bheraghat, near Jabalpur, and one at the Tanumalaya Swami Temple in
Suchindrum, Kerala. In Tibet, this female form of Ganesh is worshiped as
Gajanani.
Viswaroopa Hanuman:
Vishwaroopa Hanuman-Jai Hanuman It is stunned to see
the huge image of Lord Hanuman the embodiment of devotion and humility,
depicting his Vishwaroopa Darshan given to Sitha at the Ashoka forest,
as described in the Sundarakanda of Ramayana. It is about 18 ft height
and is remarkable for its grandeur and massiveness. As we approach the
image we feel how insignificant we are and stand transfixed. This figure
is placed diametrically opposite to the figures of Lord Rama and Sitha.
The full tail of Lord Hanuman is in the full upward direction.. As per
Shaastra, it is very powerful to perform puja to tail of Lord Hanuman.
In this temple, it is a practice to apply butter to the edge of the tail
to give cooling effect to Lord Hanuman to get a relief from the burning
position of the tail. Sides of vigraha two ladders are there, the
priest will go to the top of the murthy and apply the butter to the
tail. They will give the applied butter as a prasada and if we apply
this butter to the backside of our children, there won’t be any graha
doshas to the kids
.
NAVAPAASHAANA BALAJI: Lord Venkateshwara is
appearing with silver kavacha and the stone used for the lord Balaji
moorthi is Navapaashana shila. We can find this type of shila in Palani
(Lord subrahmanya moola virat) and in very few temples. Whoever takes
the abhisheka theertha of this navapaashana shila, then deceases if any
of the concerned person will be cured within few days.
Shankhu powder Nandeeshwar (huge white bull):In this
temple, we can find very big Nandi (vahana of Lord Shiva) . It is 9 ft
height and 13 ft width. It is a gigantic bull and is terming as Makkalai
which is facing Lord Sthanumalaya. The full Nandi was made with full
shankhu powder only.
Jagadguru Adishankara: There is a legend that,
Jagadguru Aadishankara obtained the “PRANAVA” mantropadesha from Lord
Shiva and had seen the Shiva thaandava darshan of Lord Shiva in this
Suchendrum.
Lord Sthanumalaya: The Sanctum Sanctorum of Lord
Sthanumalaya, is fully illuminated by oil lamps. Crossing the Nandi, we
have the darshan of Lord Sthanumalaya in the form of Linga at about 1.25
ft hight. Except at the time of Abhisheka (4.00 a.m.), the linga is
fully covered by a golden kavacha. The charming serenity of the spot and
the devotion is superb. The main hall of this garbhalaya appearance is
very great and akhanda jyothi is continuously illuminating in this hall.
Sapthaswara piller/ring piller: It is true that, we
can hear the music from the rock pillars of the temple. By entering into
the Alankara mantapa, we can see four pillers each carved out of a s
ingle stne. Two of them contain 33 smaller pillars. These are the famous
Musical pillars and one can hear the most melodious musical saptaswara
tunes emanate from then when tapped. It is real and another pillar will
give the sound of a ring. The aarohan and avarohana styles can be easily
experienced as per your tapping style of the pillar. We can also see a
pillar in the temple premises, in which if we introduced a piece of wire
through the right nostril of the statue, it will comes out of the left
ear and when it is made to pass through the right ear comes out of the
left. It is a wonder and can be seen in the temple.
Lord Dattatreya: We can have the darshan of Lord
Dattatreya in the hollow at the foot of the tree, where three lingas
sprout one above the other. This can be seen only at the time of
abhisheka in the morning (4.00 a.m.) and they are usually hidden in the a
golden kavacha in the day hours.The branches of the Konnai (laurel)
tree are also seen at the top of the shrine. It is an irrefutable fact
that the tree is very old and parts of the tree were sent to London and
Kalkatta and were examined by experts who concluded that the tree would
have flourished atleast 2000 years ago. There is an evidence that,
almost all the shrines in the temple are came into existence before the
first quarter of the 12th century.
It is confirmed that Indra is regulary visiting this temple in the night
hours and performing puja to Sthanumalaya. Even priests of the temple
are confirming that the location of the puja samagri in the Garbhalaya
are changing by the next day morning everyday means, Indra is coming and
performing puja to Trinity God.It is advised to every one to visit this
Kshetra atleast once in their life time and have the blessings of
Trimoorthi roopa.
If an unmarried person visits Kanyakumari devi and Suchidrum
Trimoorhty in a single trip, their marriage will be settled at the
earliest. Thus this sacred shrine leaves indelible impressions in the
minds of the visitors and no tourist fails to carry sweet memories on
his exit from this shrine.
5. Mahurgud
.
Mahur (MAHURGUD) is the famous Datta kshetra. It is the birth place
of Lord Dattatreya. This place is visited by thousands of Piligrims
throughout the year. Apart from Datta temple there are other famous
temples LIKE ANASUYA TEMPLE (Mother of Lord Dattatreya).
KALIKA TEMPLE AND RENUKA MA TEMPLE and EKAVEERIKA TEMPLE. Mahur
village is 40 KMs north-west of Kinwat town in Nanded district in the
Marathawada division of Maharashtra. As per Sri Adi Shankarachrya’s
shaktipeethas shlok the 8th Shakti peethas is
‘ Mahurye Ekaveerika’.
The full shloka is….Lankayam Shankari devi, Kamakshi Kanchika pure
/Pradyumne Shrinkhala devi, Chamunda Krouncha pattane //Alampure
Jogulamba, Sri shaile Bhramarambika /Kolha pure Maha lakshmi,
Mahurye Ekaveerika //Ujjainyam
Maha kali, Peethikayam Puruhutika /Odhyane Girija devi, Manikya Daksha
vatike //Hari kshetre Kama rupi, Prayage Madhaveshwari /Jwalayam
Vishnavi devi, Gaya Mangalya gourika //Varanasyam Vishalakshi, Kashmire
tu Saraswati /Ashtadasha Shakti peethani, Yoginamapi durlabham
//Sayamkale pathennityam, Sarva shatri vinashanam /Sarva roga haram
divyam, Sarva sampatkaram shubham //
Ekaveerika Devi
Ekaveerika devi temple is in Mahur , Maharashtra. The deity here is
called Ekaveerika mata. The temple is in Yavatmal district in
Maharashtra. It is 50 km from Kinwat and 126 km from Nanded. Nagpur is
210 km by road from Mahur. Sati’s
Right shoulder has fallen here.
Mahur is famous for
Renuka Devi temple and very few
people are knowing about Ekaveerika devi temple and mostly they call
Renuka devi temple as shakti peeth. We find more rush at Renuka devi
temple than Ekaveerika mata temple. It is said that Ekaveerika Devi is
the elder sister of Renukadevi. Renuka devi temple is 800 years old.
Ekaveerika Devi temple is 8 km from Renuka devi temple on Nanded high
way and 300M from the main road.
The three important temples of Renuka mata, Dattatreya and Anasuya
temple are built on three mountain ranges. Mahur is surrounded
by Jungles which bear wild animals like peacocks , deers, black bears
and panthers. In these forests Teak wood trees are more. The importance
of Datta temple here is that unlike other Datta kshetras where we find
Padukas of Datta,the idol of Lord is been worshipped.
Lord Datta’s Idol
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Main entrance of Datta Mandir
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Datta Mandir
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Datta bhagavan is known as Chiranjeevi or the immortal avatar. So it
is believed that he dwells in SOOKSHMA ROOPA or the minutest form in all
his kshetras. So it is believed that Mahur is also a place where
DattaGuru comes to sleep. As per the belief the saying goes that Datta
Prabhu takes his NITYA SNAN (daily bath) In Meruwada Talao in Mahur,
BHIKSHA(Meal served to a sadhu) at Kolhapur,BHOJAN(food) at Panchleswar
and gets back to sleep in Mahur. Devadeveswar Temple is the nidra sthan
of Lord Dattatreya.
  
A view of Devadeveswar Temple |
Anasuya Mata Mandir
Anasuya mata is wife of Atri Mahamuni. She is once tested by Brahma,
Vishnu and Maheshwar to prove her loyalty towards her Husband. As per
Indian mythology The trinity went to Atri’s home in his absence and
asked Anasuya mata to give them Bhiksha(food). When she was ready to
serve them, they insisted that she has to Serve them with a nude body.
Then with her devotion and Bhakti she turned all the three into babies
and fed them. Finally impressed by her devotion she was given a Boon of
her choice and then she wanted all three to be her sons. That is how
Lord Dattatreya took birth on Earth at Mahur and from then he had been
existing on earth To bless his devotees. Anasuya mata mandir is famous
at Mahur. We can get shared autos from Renukadevi temple to this place.
Anasuya mata
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Main gate to temple
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view of the hill from ground level
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Renuka Mata (Mahurgud Nivasini Jagadamba) Mandir.
Renuka mata
The third famous mandir is Renuka Mata Mandir. Renuka is wife of
Rishi Jamadagni and Mother of Parasuram (incarnation of Lord Vishnu).
According to the Story King Karthaveeryarjuna once went to Jamadagni’s
ashram and was surprised to know about the holy cow KAMADHENU in the
possession of the sage. Kamadhenu Was capable of doing anything. Seeing
that the king requested the sage to give the cow to him and his request
was dismissed. The king wanted to acquire the cow at Any cost and so he
attacked the sage. Jamadagni was killed and Renuka mata was hurt in 21
places of her hands. Parasuram came to know about this mishap and Took a
revenge by killing 21 kings . He was asked to cremate the holy body of
his father in the forest of Mahur. Renuka mata became SATI with her
husband’s body here.
Later Parasuram got a message from Akashavani(voice of the heavens)
that his mother is emerging from the ground on the hill top and he was
WARNED not to Look at her until she emerges completely. But out of
curiosity to see his mother Parasuram turned his head and saw that his
mother’s body stopped coming out of ground and only her head is out of
the ground. Parasuram realized his mistake but its of no use. SO RENUKA
MATA’S HEAD PORTION IS ONLY VISIBLE IN THE TEMPLE.
The temple is coloured in RED colour and here BEETLE LEAVES are
offered as Prasad. Here pan patta and supari are grinded as paste and
offered as prasad. People believe that Mata blesses all those females
who offer her beetle leaves.
Beetle leaves are ground for Prasad
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Inner walls of the mandir also coloured red
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lotus feet of mata
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Doli facility is available for the convenience of the devotees who cannot reach the temples on the hill top.
Worshipping Renuka Mata Is the easiest way to Impressupon Lord Dattatreya.
6. Shree Kshetra Ganagapur:
Hrudaya poorvaka Swagath to Sri Guru Dattatreya kshetra Ganagapur.
Ganagapur is the place connected to Sri Nrusimha Saraswathy Swamy, the
2nd incarnation of lord Dattatreya.
Shree kshetra Ganagapur is a powerful “Da rshaneeya kshetra”.It stands
on the bank of the river Bhima in Afzalpur taluka in Gulbarga district
of Karnataka. The confluence of Bhima and Amaraja rivers are considered
extremely holy. Who ever takes bath in Sangam, will be free from their
sins and their wishes will be fulfilled. There is a temple in Sangam in
which the Shree Nrusimha Saraswathy Swamy performed the Anushtaan. The
‘Shella Padukas’ of Swamy are here . Shree Nrusimha Saraswathy Swamy
(1378-1458) is the Purna avatar of Lord Dattatreya. He was born in
Karanjapur which is now karanja in Maharashtra Vidharbha region.The
kshetra importance was explained by Shreeguru and one can know from
“Shree Gurucharitra”. There is an assurance from Shreeguru that he would
forever abide at Ganagapur and go round the village for ‘Biksha’ at
12:00 noon every dat and is literally true even today. Offering
“maadhukari” to the people at Ganagapur and taking Biksha from atleast 5
houses is having very 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 Kshetra Ganagapur. shree guru
shree Narasimha Saraswati Swamy confirmed the same and it can be seen in
Gurucharitra Adhyay (chapter) 21-22. At the time of Antardhan,
Shreeguru said to the disciples and citizens of Ganagapur as follows.
“ Vasathi rani sangamase jate nithya bikshese taya vare Gangapurase madyana kala pareyasa”
“ You need not worry. I shall stay at this Ganagapur kshetra secretly. I
shall have bath at the Bheema-Amaraja Sangam river in the morning. In
the mid day, I shall come to Ganagapur math and accept Biksha in this
village and accept your Pooja, devotional services in this 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 Padukas here. I will
receive poojas at this Kshetra in the form of Padukas”. The Padukas of
shree guru shree Narasimha Saraswati Swamy at this place are “Nirguna
Padukas”Shreeguru has been blessing his devotees with his divine acts on
countless occassions. The aspirations of Datta devotees who worship him
at Ganagapur Kshetra with true love, faith and dedication will be
fulfilled. The miraculous experiences of such will ever remain hidden in
the devotees own hearts. This is true even today also and devotees are
getting experiences of Lord Datta’s presence at Ganagapur Kshetra.
Mentally retarded people, the people who are suffering from chronic
deceases are coming to this place and getting cured from their sad
feelings. The trouble of spirits and ghosts vanishes and one can get
peace of mind with the darshan of Swamy Padukas at this Kshetra. This is
TRUE……. TRUE……. TRUE……. VISIT THE KSHETRA AND EXPERIENCE THE PEACE,
HAPPINESS AND BLESSINGS OF LORD DATTATREYA.
Nirgun paduka Math :
The Main Temple in Ganagapur where Shri Guru used to Stay is known as
Nirgun Math. This Nirguna Math is adorned with the Nirguna
Padukas.There is a Holy Tree of Ashwattha in the Temple (Nirgun Math).
7. Sree Kshetra Pithapuram
Kukkuteswara swamy Devasthanam
(Swayambhu Dattatreya temple is also inside this temple)
PITHAPURAM is the famous Datta Kshetra located in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh state in India.
Pithapuram is also known as Dakshina Kasi (or THE KASI OF THE SOUTH).
Pithapuram is widely known as a pilgrim centre and a temple of great
importance as it has many shrines of important Deities i.e. Sri
Puruhootika Devi, Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy, Sri Dattatreya Swamy, and
Pada Gaya.
MEANING OF PITHAPURAM:
PITHAPURAM was earlier known as PEETHA PURAM OR PEETHIKAPURAM which
means the place bearing the peetha (seat) sthan. According to Indian
Puranas it is said that after Daksha Yagna Sati Devi’s Organ (LOWER
BACK/SEAT PORTION) HAS FALLEN IN THIS PLACE WHILE HER BODY WAS CARRIED
BY LORD SHIVA. So it is called as PURUHOOTIKA PURAM later changed to
PEETHIKAPURAM and finally PITHAPURAM. This place is considered as the
10TH SHAKTHI PEETHAM OF THE 18 (ASTHADASA) SHAKTHI PETTHAS. Shakti
Peethas divine shrines of Devi. These are shrines that are highly
revered by Shaktas(Shaktism). The mythology says about the falling of
parts of the corpse of Sati Devi, when Lord Shiva took it and wandered.
Here the seat place of shakthi has fallen.
Lord Shiva carrying Sati Devi’s body
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PURUHOOTIKA DEVI
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Two main Temples are to be visited at Pithapuram out of many temples.
They are KUKKUTESWARA TEMPLE PREMISES and SRIPADA SRIVALLABHA SWAMY
temple. PADA GAYA KSHETRAM OR KUKKUTESWARA TEMPLE Kukkuteswara swamy
temple is a big premises which has Purahuthika temple , Raja rajeswari
Temple, Swayambhuv Datta Temple, Kukkuteswara Temple and newly
constructed Sai Temple in the same premises. This temple is very big and
spacious, in temple premises we can see the large deep water pond. It
is on the bank of river Godavari.
KUKKUTESWARASWAMY TEMPLE IS ALSO KNOWN AS PADA GAYA KSHETRAM.
Three Places are called as sacred places to perform”PINDA PRADANAM”
(last rights) of one’s loved ones performed here ensures salvation of
their loved ones.
SHIRO GAYA: It is in Bihar. It is known as “Gaya”.
Here lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of Gadadhara even today. This
is one of the 18 Shakthi peetas (MANGALYA GOURI) where Gayasur’s head
is placed when he liked down for Yagna
NABI GAYA: This is in Orissa, near Bijapur railway
station. It is known as NABHI GAYA KSHETRA. Lord Brahma is worshipped
here. It is also one of the 18 Shakthi Peetams ( GIRIJADEVI) where the
naval point of Gayasur is placed.
PADA GAYA: It is in Pithapuram, East Godavari
district. Lord Siva is worshipped here and Shakthi peetam is Purihuthika
Devi. It is famous for Pinda Pradanam to ancestors. Vishnu Pada, Gaya
Pada shrines are also present here.
The story behind is that during the time of KRUTA YUGA there had been
a demon called
GAYASURA. He, did a heavy penance and sought a boon that
whoever see him should attain salvation (Moksham). Since salvation is
achieved through being righteous in one’s lifetime, people started
obtaining it easily by seeing Gayasura. To prevent immoral people from
attaining salvation Indra prayed Trimurthis (Lord Brahama, Vishnu and
Shiva). Trimurthis has approached Gayasura as Brahmins.
Then they told Gayasura, that they are conducting to do a Pavithra
Yagna, and they requested land from him. Gayasura happily accepted to
give the land. And they told to Gayasura, each and every place on earth
has bad incidents in it’s history, so its unfit for their sacred Yagna .
Gayasura has asked them to solve this solution, and Trimurthees has
told to Gayasura, your body will be the best place for Yagna! They
supported their logic with the boon he got from Vishnu and his wish in
giving salvation to everybody! And told that this can be considered as a
pious challenge to him and that after the Yagna was over, he can
continue to grow in height and give salvation freely to all the people.
He has to face the sins of all people before giving salvation. He has to
face many vighnas(obstacles) to fulfill his desire. They told that the
capabilities of Gayasura can be pre-tested in helping this Yagna.
Gayasura has accepted. That Yagna was conducted on the pious body for
seven days. He developed his etheric-body with his power and slept on
earth.
Yagna performed on Gayasur’s Body
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SYMBOL SHOWING LORD SHIVA TAKING FORM OF A COCK
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Lord Trimurtees has started the Yagna., he has bore the fire on his
body. He was counting the days with the help of crowing of cocks in the
early morning. He became frustrated that day by day, because of the fire
but not moving his body for the word he gave. On the seventh day Lord
Shiva took a form of the cock and crowed at midnight. Gayasura has
Considering that it has the sign of morning and he woke up. Then the
yagna was destroyed. Trimurthees has asked Gayasura, “if you couldn’t
control for seven days how you will be willing to bear the sins of
entire humanity for unlimited time by growing in size.” Gayasura has
realized his mistake and he accepted his fault. Trimurthis has appeared
before him and told that his body will be present as it is and the
entire land will become sacred because of him only. He was granted
Moksha too and blessed. He entered into samadhi and nirantara
tapascharyam and stopped his asinine act of growing in size. Lord Vishnu
punished him by stamping Gayasura with his feet into the Earth. As a
result Lord Vishnu’s foot prints remained on earth.
Lord Dattatreya had been SWAYAMBHUVU here.That means the idol present
in the Temple is not carved by any one. Instead he appeared on his own .
Unlike other Datta kshetras Idol is worshipped here. Sripada Vallabha
charita proves that Here Datta had been worshipped since 1350 A.D by
Appala Raja Sharma (father of sripada).
A Temple is erected for Datta and a audumbar tree is also planted
beneath which we can see the footprints(padukas) of the lord and
Sripada’s idol is also placed.
Localites believe that if anyone goes to this Datta Temple with a
desire to be fulfilled they have to carry a coconut and after performing
pooja that coconut is placed behind Lord’s idol. It is believed that
doing this Datta fulfills the desires within 3 months.
Datta Mandir
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Sripada and footprints under audumbar tree
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Padukas At Swayambhu Datta Temple
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8. Shree Kshetra Narasimha Wadi
Shri Narasimha Saraswati Swami Dattadeva temple is situated at
Narsimhawadi, Kolhapur district in Maharashtra which is situated about
30 km from SANGLI. It is popularly known as “Narsobachi Wadi”or
Narasimha Wadi
Shri Nrusinha saraswati swamy stayed in this area with full of
Oudumber
trees for 12 years and he flourished this region. Shri Nrusinh saraswati
while travelling after completing Chaturmas at Oudumber, reached this
place . The place has natural beauty and refreshing scenery due to
confluence of Krishna and Panchaganga and thick forests of Audumber
trees. The Paduka established by Swami are there in that temple.
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
Following is an extract from Guru Charitra Chapter 18:
Sri Narasimha Saraswati visited the Pancha Ganga Sagar. Here is the temple of
Amareshwar on the other bank of river 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.
There is an Audumber tree at the center below which Shri Guru used to
sit, and the Paduka are established there facing Krishna river there is
a open space in front.
Old photograph of Srikshetra Nrusimha wadi
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Audumbar tree below which Shreeguru used to sit (now also one can see vriksha)
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The worshippers sit there & adore & worship the Paduka in a
sancturay (Gabhara). The door of the Gabhara is very small. The devotee
hall in which Paduka are placed has silver metal lining on face portion.
At center there is Ganeshpatti on top & sides Peacock, Jay-Vijay
images & on upper side Nrusinh Saraswati’s image is carved with
silver metal-cover. Main worshippers sit here & do worship rituals.
Padukas In Gabhara With Alankara
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Main View Of The Teample
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Front View Of The Teample
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Narsobawadi is a holy place of pilgrim located on the banks of river
Krishna. River Panchganga meets river Krishna at this holy place. Shri
Narasimha Saraswati was considered as ‘Siddha Purusha’ (Perfect, almost
Godlike being) with Divine powers of healing physical ailments and
alleviating worries of his devotees. When people were in utter despair,
Shri Nrisimha Saraswati brought about a religious and spiritual
renaissance and restored their morale. The Master can be seen even today
by the virtuous and the devout. In fact, he has been blessing devotees
with his divine acts (leelas) on countless occasions. The aspirations of
those who worship him there with true love will be fulfilled. Indeed,
the Lord is ever present with those who incessantly adore him. The
miraculous experiences of such will ever remain hidden in their own
hearts. He is the granter of prayers.
Adhyayaas 20 and 21 of Shree Gurucharitra explaining that how the
Padukas of Shreeguru of Narsobawadi are responding to the prayers of the
devotees. 20th Adhyay describes that even after the Guru Nath’s leaving
from Panchaganga Kshetra (Narsobawadi), how his Padukas left under the
Audumber Tree continued to respond to the prayers of devotees as per the
assurance given to the Yogini-Ganas by Guru Nath. A woman was freed
from the Brahma Rakshasa, who caused death to all the children born to
her again. The women after worshipping Shri Guru had a dream in which
Shri Guru gave her 2 coconuts and as a result 2 sons were born to her.
But one of the sons, just when the parents were planning to do his
Upanayanam ceremony, dies. Guru Nath in the guise of a Yogi, appears to
her and gives philosophical teaching about the inevitability of death
and tries to reconcile her to the event, but the woman remained
inconsolable..
21st Adhyay describes how Shri Guru Nath, moved by pity at the sorrow of the woman, brings back to life the dead child.
Adhyay 20 – Gangadhar’s wife getting riddance from persecution by the Brahmin Ghost
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Adhyay 21 – The Revival of the Dead Child (The Gurusthan Mahima).
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9. Manthangoud
Story Of Vallabheshwara Sharma.
Manthangoud is a kshetra of Lord Dattatreya’s first
incarnation, Shri Pada Shree Vallabha which has its own importance .
There is a reference about this place in
SREE GURU CHARITRA in chapter
10.
A true story happened at this place in 1351 A.D after Sri pada Sri
vallabha (first incarnation of Dattatreya) disappeared from Kuruvapur in
1350 A.D.
The story proves a belief that if we are devoted to Sri Guru it is never futile. Sri Guru never disappoints his disciples.
The story goes as follows.
Vallabhesh, a righteous Brahmin, was doing Turmeric business. He used
to go to Shripad Shrivallabha Padukas at Kuravpur every year. Once he
declared that if he made good business he would feed 1000 Brahmins at
Kuravpur. Fortunately he earned good profit that year. He started for
Kuravpur with good money. Knowing this, 4 thieves also accompanied him.
They told him that they were also business men like him. After two or
three days, all the five reached a small village admist of a thick
forest.
That night the thieves killed the Brahmin when he was asleep and
wanted to take away all his money. Vallabhesh yelled Sripada’s name
before he died and breathed last. immediately Shripad Shrivallabha, with
locks of hair on his head and trishul in his hands appeared on the
scene. He killed three thieves; but one, who surrendered himself saying,
‘I am innocent. I did not know that these three persons would kill the
Brahmin. You are omniscient. Kindly save me’. Hearing his prayer,
Shripad Muni told him to rub the “Vibhuti” (enchanted ashes) to the
separated parts of the body of Vallabhesh, Then Sripada flowed his
merciful vision on the body and immediately, made him alive. It was dawn
when Shripad Muni disappeared from the place
Sripada SriVallabha’s continued showering of His Grace on his devotees even after his Mahaprasthan.
Vallabhesh asked the person sitting by his side, ‘why have you held me; Who has killed these men? .
The person replied, ‘ A great ascetic had come here. He killed these
thieves with his Trishul. He saved me for you. He asked me to rub
enhanted Vibhuti to your body. He woke you and made you sit by his
hands. He has just disappeared. He might be the great god Shri Shiva.
Hearing this the Brahmin realised that all this has been done by Shri
Guru Shripad Shrivallabh. He also understood that he attained the
capacity of feeding 1000 brahmins very long back , but due to his
negligence he postponed his promise. So he was taught a lesson not to
postpone the promises.
Taking the amount from the thieves, he then went to Kuravpur. He
worshipped the Padukas (foot prints) of Shri Guru with great devotion
and fed about 4000 Brahmins instead of 1000.
PlaceWhere The Thives Killed Vallabheswara Sharma
According to chapter 18 of Sripada charitamrutham This story was
predicted by Sripada himself to Vallabheswara sarma that it would take
place. The reason behind the death and re birth of Vallabhesh is that
the four thieves were maternal uncles of Vallabhesh in his past life who
deceived him and grabbed his property. Because of this they took a
birth as thieves but the hatred towards Vallabhesh still continued and
they killed him. BUT LORD SRIPADA WHO KNOWS THE PAST , PRESENT AND THE
FUTURE OF ALL LIVING BEINGS IS ALWAYS THERE TO PROTECT THOSE WHO RELY ON
HIM.
TEMPLE AT MANTHANGOUD
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Lord Dattatreya Original vigraha in the Temple
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