Places Around Gulbarga
GANAGAPUR - THE PLACE OF SRI NRUSIMHA SARASWATHI, THE SECOND INCARNATION OF LORD DATTATREYA BRIEF INTRODUCTION Shri Kshetra Ganagapur is a place where second incarnation of Lord Dattatreya, Shri Nrusimha Saraswathi (1378-1458) resided for about 24 years blessing innumerable number of His devotees. The second incarnation was in Peethapur, Andhra Pradesh as SRI SRIPADAVALLABHA. Sri Kshetra Gangapur is one of the most famous Dattatreya Peethas. It stands on the bank of the river Bhima in Afzalpur taluk in Gulbarga district of Karnataka. This Nirguna Mutt is adorned with the Nirguna Padukas of Shri Nrusimha Saraswathi.The place where the Nirguna Mutt is there is known by the names DEVAGANAGAPURA/ DEVALGANAGAPUR.
Shree Nrusimha Saraswathi Swamy is the Purna avatar of Lord Dattatreya. He was born in Karanjapur which is modern Lad-Karanja or karanja in Maharashtra Vidharbha region. Shree Nrusimha Saraswathi Swamy (Shreeguru) was initially named as Narahari or Shaligramadeva. His father's name was Madhav and mother's name was Amba-Bhavani. His surname was Kale. He was born in a Deshastha Brahmin family Shulka-yajurvedi Brahman Kanva Shaka at Karanja. Shreeguru assured that he would forever abide at Ganagapur and go round the village for ‘Biksha’ at 12:00 noon. Offering “Madhukari” to the people at Ganagapur and taking Biksha from atleast 5 houses is having very importance at this holy place. Even today Lord Dattatreya takes biksha everyday at Ganagapur. ShreeGuru "Shri Nrusimha Saraswathi" 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 Ganagapurase Madhyana Kaala 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 mutt and accept Biksha in this village and accept your pooja and devotional services. 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 shreeguru Shri Nrusimha Saraswathi 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 and 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. HOW TO REACH SHRI KSHETRA GANAGAPUR Ganagapur Datta Mutt is situated at 22 kms from 'Ganagapur Road' (Railway Station Name) in Karnataka.Nearest City is Gulbarga which is approximately 40 kms. From Sholapur Ganagapur is at a distance of around 95 Kms. From Hyderabad Ganagapur is at a distance of about 250 Kms and from Mumbai to Ganagapur is approximately 526 Kms. Direct trains are available from Mumbai to Ganagapur Road. From Hyderabad one can reach Gangagapur by road via Humnabad, and Gulbarga. Plenty of buses are also available from Hyderabad to Gulbarga. From Ganagappur railway station the temple is about 20 kms. One can hire an auto from railway station which costs between Rs. 30-40/- per person. If you just walk for about a furlong you can get government buses as well. If a devotee is coming from Gulbarga, they should take a bus from the city bus stand to either Chowdapur or Gangapur. Frequent bus facility is available for Chowdapur. From Chowdapur it’s about 7 kms to Ganagapur temple. One can either hire an auto or travel by bus from Chowdapur to Ganagapur. Both private and Government buses are available but at specified scheduled times only. There is no airport in Ganagapur. Nearest airport to Ganagapur Road is Gwalior Airport (1017 km). ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES: Gangapur is a small village and hence there are no well-built hotels or lodges. But still there are good staying places like ashrams and mutts turned into lodging places. They provide separate rooms and hot water facility. One can get accommodation facility with food in the houses of Priests as well, as this village is comprising mostly of 50-100 priest family staying in the town. One such accommodation facility is provided by Gulavani Mutt. The room rent here is around Rs.200/- per day. PLACES OF INTEREST IN AND AROUND GANAGAPUR: Shri Nrusimha Saraswathi Swamy Mutt (Nirguna Padukas): The Main Mutt in Ganagapur where Shree Guru used to Stay is known as Nirguna Mutt. This Nirguna Math is adorned with the Nirguna Padukas.These holy padukas were worn by Sri Guru Nrusimha Saraswathi. The place where padukas are situated is the place where his holiness Sri guru used to sit and bless his devotees. As we enter the main temple, where nirguna padukas are situated, there is a small window through which we have to take darshan of padukas. This is common darshan. Only people who have special poojas will be allowed to have darshan from main door. Along with the padukas there is an idol of Lord Sri Dattatreya and in front of it a golden shivling with snake around it is also present.There is a Holy Tree of Ashwattha in the Temple (Nirguna Math). The temple is spacious inside. We can also find devotees reading gurucharithra and chanting “SRI DATTA” mantra. Along with this we can find devotees distributing prasad inside the temple premises. We can distribute anything as prasad according to our wish and there is no restrictions to this from the temple management. The Nirguna Padukas darshan can be done by devotees from morning 5:00 am to 1:00 pm. MADHUKARI: There is an Assurance from Shreeguru that he would forever abide at Ganagapur and go round the village for ‘Biksha’ at 12:00 noon is literally true even today. Offering “Madhukari” 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 Nrusimha Saraswathy Swamy confirmed the same and it can be seen in Gurucharitra Adhyay (chapter) 21-22. At 12.30 every day after main pooja there will be distribution of food from nearby houses. This is called MADHUKARI. These are different types of leaves available in the temple premises. Per leaflet is cost Rs.2/-. The Temple authorities first distribute prasad to devotees. After which the devotees will have to take Madhukari in at least 5 houses. The devotees need not search for any hotel to have noon food, since one gets stomach full of food from Madhukari itself. Pujas / Sevas at Dattatreya Nirguna Mutt -Ganagapur Paduka Keshar Lepan Puja to Nirguna Padukas ASHTA TEERTHAS: Nrusimha Teertha (Shatkula Teertha)(Confluence of Bhima and Amaraja River also known as Sangama), Sreepada Teertha, Rudrapada Teertha, Varanasi Teertha (Bhagirathi Teertha), Paapavinaashi Teertha, Koti Teerth, Chakra Teertha, Manmatha Teertha are termed as Ashta theerthas. BHEEMA and AMARAJA SANGAMA/ SHATKULA TEERTHA/NRUSIMHA TEERTHA: This is the first place from where we start our ashtateertha snan. This place is also called sangamA and it is as sacred as prayag where river Ganga and Yamuna meets. Sangam is formed by two rivers BHEEMA and AMARAJA which will be flowing throughout the year. In mythology (skaandapurana and jaalandhara purana) they give a brief instance about this amaraja river. In gurucharithra also we can find the instances. During war between asuras and devathas, devathas were defeated by asuras. Jalandhara Rakshas was on war. Indra went to Lord Shiva and said “we are killing Rakshasaas, but from each drop of their blood, new Rakshasaas are born and they have spread in three lokas. They have killed many Gods”. By hearing this Lord Shiva started to kill the Rakshasaas in the form of Rudra. Indra said you will kill the Rakshasaas, but please suggest any device to make the Gods alive. Then Lord Shiva recited Amritha mantra and gave a jar filled with nectar. Indra sprinkled the Amrutha on the Gods and made them alive.
While Indra was going back with the jar of the remaining nectar, some drops fell on the earth and a river called “AMARAJA” was created. Whoever takes bath in Sangam, he will be free from his sins and his wishes will be fulfilled. Bath in Sangam in Kartheeka Maasam, Maagha Maasam, Makara Sankranthi, Poornima and Amaavasya days, before and after Grahana period is very virtuous.In gurucharithra it has been mentioned by Sri guru that this sangam is equivalent to KASHI and Sri Guru likes this place very much and he used to perform trikala anushtana in this teertha. AUDUMBARA VRIKSHA (FIG TREE) After having bath in Sangam. Take a mug/pot/bottle of Sangam water and offer at the root of famous Audumbar tree. Do pradakshina with a minimum of 11/21/108 rounds to the tree by chanting Datta nama'DIGAMBARA DIGAMBARA SHREE PAADA VALLABHA DIGAMBARA".
According to Hindu mythology this tree is connected to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu took Narasimha avatar to kill Hiranya kashyap. Lord Vishnu killed Hiranyakashyap by tearing his stomach. The poison in Hiranya kashyap stomach caused severe burning to lord Vishnu's hands/ nails. At that time Goddess Lakshmi used fruits and leaves of oudumbar tree as medicines to treat Lord Vishnu. With this medicine the burning sensation for Lord Vishnu’s hands decreased. Lord Vishnu was pleased and blessed the oudumbar tree that He and Goddess Lakhmi will reside in that tree. According to Gurucharitra it is supposed to be the tree got shot from a dry twig by the grace of Sri Nrusimha Saraswathy Swami Maharaj while curing leprosy of a learned vedic pandit. At the base of the Audumbar there is an idol of Sri Guru. This was the place where Sri Guru used to sit down. Adjacent to Sri Guru idol we can find an idol of Lord Ganesh which is named as CHINTAMANI Ganpathy. In gurucharithra Sri Guru while mentioning about this Ganpathy had said that praying to this Ganpathy would relieve us from all tensions and all our wishes will be fulfilled. Around the Audumbar tree we can see people reading gurucharithra every day. The environment is really wonderful. It is so cool and at a moment seeing a large group of devotees reading gurucharithra with such devotion is very pleasing to the eyes.
SANGAMESHWARA TEMPLE: This shivling is called as SANGAMESHWAR situated at the banks of Bhima-Amaraja river. In front of this Sangameshwar Idol of Nandi has been installed. This Shivalinga is like Mallikarjuna of Srisailam. Bow to Nandi and Chandi and have 3 rounds like round from Nandi to Chandi and Chandi to Nandi back and have darshan of Lord Shankara. Praying to Sangameshwara with pradakshina as mentioned above is said to fulfill all our wishes.
Near to sangameshwara temple is auspicious peepal tree. In gurucharithra as well as in mythology peepal tree has been given great respect. It is said trimurthis (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva stays in this tree) as well as other deities in the branches of this tree. Praying and performing pooja to peepal tree would fulfill all our wishes and would give moksha. In guru charithra there is an instance that, a 60 year old lady with no children prayed to Sri guru to bless her with children. Then sri guru asked her to perform pooja to people tree and pray for children. With the blessings of Sri Guru and her prayers to peepal tree, she was blessed with two children. VARANASI TEERTHA/BHAGIRATHI TEERTHA: This river is equivalent to river Ganga in Kashi. In Gurucharithra Sri Guru has explained about this river in this way: Once there was a Brahmin saint in the place called NAGESHWAR. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. To his ultimate devotion lord Shiva used to give darshan to him very often. This saint had two brothers named Eshwara and panduranga. Once while going to kashi they invited their brother to accompany them. Smilingly Nageshwar told “When Kashi is nearby me, why do I need to travel a long distance”. Astonished brothers asked him that whether he can show Kashi and Lord Shiva to them also. When the saint prayed to lord shiva, Lord shiva gave darshan to him and his brothers on the banks of this river. The other end of the river is called as Bhageerathi teertha/ Manikarnika teertha. This Bhageerathi teertha and surrounding place has been blessed by the avadhooth and a great devotee of Dattatreya, SRI BHAGIRATHI MAHARAJ. It is said that he used to stay here for 6 months and rest 6 months he was spending in KADALIVANA at Shrisaila. SRI BHAGIRATHI MAHARAJ resided in this place for many years and devotees can visit the place. PAAPAVINASHI TEERTHA: As the name suggest taking bath in this holy river would remove all our sins from this and as well as past lives. To reach the river, the way is well built. This river is also a means of source for basic needs for the people in the village. In gurucharithra it is said that Sri guru's sister Rathnabai had leprosy and she prayed Sri guru to cure her. She was asked to take have a holy dip in this river and her leprosy was cured. On the banks there is an idol of lord Dattatreya. Carrying water from the river and doing abhishekam to the idol is followed as ritual. KOTI TEERTHA In Gurucharithra Sri Guru has said that, the name “KOTI” means “CRORE”. Taking bath in this river has the effect of taking bath in one crore rivers. Thus any offerings done near this river has the effect of offering done to one crore rivers. RUDRAPADATEERTHA Next to kotiteertha is Rudrapaadateertha. Sri guru has said that those who perform pooja here as it is performed in gaya, they will be blessed. Taking bath in this river in auspicious days would remove past life sins and give us mukthi. CHAKRA TEERTHA It is said that by worshipping this river improves our knowledge. Also who are having fear of enemies and black magic, taking bath here would release them from those problems. MANMATHATEERTA: Amongst all the rivers Manmathateertha river is cleanest. The water is crystal clear. It is said that by worshipping this river and the Kalleshwar on the banks would fulfil all our wish, especially those who do not have children will be blessed with children. Also by taking bath here would release from sarpa dosha. Apart from this this river is a main source of agriculture to the nearby lands. We can see people taking water direct from the river using irrigation methods. Most interesting was the soil near the river which reflects the skin of snake. The next most important and very sacred place is the KALLESHWAR TEMPLE on the banks of the Manmathateertha river. The temple environment is just eye pleasing and exquisite. We can find many neem trees around the temple.
In Gurucharithra Sri Guru mentioning about this temple had said that by performing akhandabhishek to this deity in the month of shravana, deepotsav in the month of karthika will fullfill all wishes and we will attain moksha. Devotees are not allowed near the god, so we cannot offer water to the Kalleshwar here. But opposite to this there is shivling where we can perform pooja. When the whole Ganagapur is blessed with Sri Guru even worshipping a small stone will also fullfill all our wishes. In Sri Sai sacharithra we can see sai baba mentioning that he and Sri Lord Dattatreya are not different. So it's obvious that the pooja which we perform here will be equal to performing pooja to Sai baba, and worshipping is equivalent to worshipping Lord Dattatreya. It is believed that performing pooja to Kalleshwar is equal to having darshan of 12 Jyothir lingas. There are other deities worshipped in this temple. Maa Durga, Panchmukhi Ganpathy, navagrahas and Lord Shani and navagrahas. The navagrahas along with their concerts have been installed here. ASHTA TEERTHA SNANA:
POOJA TO BE PERFORMED AT ASHTA TEERTHA: On the bank of all the 8 rivers we can find either a shivling or paduka. It is said that after taking a holy dip in each of these 8 rivers, we should carry some water from that river and we should do abhishekam for these padukas/ shivling. ASH HILL (PARASHURAMA GUDDA or BHASMADA GUDDA): One more interesting place to visit is ASH HILL, also called as PARUSHARAMA GUDDA/ BHASMADA GUDDA. Lord Parashurama performed penance at this place.It is said that Parashurama had performed number of yagnas in this place. Due to yagnas ash hill is formed here. This ash is considered to be very auspicious and propitious. Devotees visit this place and carry ash with them.
The ash is very powerful and now it is in the form of Mud only. The wearing of ash by mixing with udhi is very powerful and it will protect those persons from DRISHTI doshas. VISHRANTHI KATTA: Vishranti Katta is the Place on the way to Sangam from Ganagapur. It is the place where Shree Guru used to Relax while going to Sangam and while returning. SHRI SHRI ADI SHANKARACHARYA MUTT: This Mutt was inaugurated on 25th June 2011. Here there are the wonderful Idols of Shri Adi Shankaracharya, Goddess Sharadamba and Shri Guru Nrusimha Saraswati. SATI KATTA: This is the Place where the Young women Savitri (From Mahur) found her Husband Datta dead and started weeping. Later Shri Guru Revives his Life when the women visits Sangam for the Darshan of Shree Guru. The Story can be seen in the Adhyay 30 of Shri Guru Charitra. TANTUKESHWARA MANDIR: This is the Temple where Tantuk, a Weaver to whom Shree Guru took to Srisailam on Maha Shivratri within some Moments (In Adhyay 44), used to Worship Lord Shiva. This Place is in front area of the Nirguna Math and can easily be visited. SHIRDI SAIBABA KE MUTT: This Mutt is situated nearby to Nirugun Mutt and on the way to Sangam. TEMPLE ADDRESS & CONTACT INFORMATION: Shri Dattatreya Devasthana, (Source: Ganagapur Dattatreya Temple Official Website and Kum.Akshata Saibaba, Mysore, Karnataka) |
