Saturday, March 22, 2014

Are People affected by Evil Spirits Cured at Sri Kshetra Ganagapur ?

Nowadays in this society we find people questioning the generally accepted faith regarding a temple. Its the same in the case of Sri Datta Kshetra Ganagapur. In such matters nothing can be said confidently. The general belief of people is that by serving Shri Datta Guru at Ganagapur one gets relieved of the problems caused by the Evil Spirits. There are thousands of people who had experienced the Fact. But this cannot be generalized as there may be people who are suffering of some mental illness but mistook it as some Bhoot or Pishacha Badha. You can find daily many people in the Temple who stay here for years together serving the Lord and getting cured of their ailments. These people visit here on their own will and stay here till there problems are solved.
          But there are many instances of affected people getting cured here and so the belief developed. Such Instances can even be seen in Shri Guru Charitra (the main grantha of Datta Sampradaya) where a women whose babies were being killed by a Bramha Pishachi (Ghost) after their birth was rescued by Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati and in the other instance when Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati was entering Ganagapur the Brahma Rakshasa living on a Ashwattha Tree surrendered to the Lord and got mukti (Salvation). There are also mention of such instances in Sri Datta Purana etc by Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati (Tembe Swami) Maharaj. So it may be that some spiritual energy is working in Shri Kshetra Ganagapur and the Lord here is protecting his devotees coming here with their various Problems.

Shri Gurudeva Datt !

Daily Pooja (Archane / Worship) Schedule at Sri Kshetra Ganagapur

The Pooja at Sri Kshetra Ganagapur takes place at 3 times in a Day (i.e Trikala Pooja).
Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati Dattatreya Maharaj while proceeding to Kardali Van (Srisailam) for Avatar Samapti insisted his Disciples for offering Trikala Aarati to his Nirgun Padukas at the Math in Ganagapur and the same is followed by us till this Day and the Daily Pooja Schedule is :

Kakada Aarti and Morning Pooja (3am - 7am) :

The Day at the Temple starts with the Loud Ringing of the Bell at Sharp 3am by the Pujaris (Archakas) of the Temple. We (Priests) then open the Door of the Inner Temple and start the Daily Schedule by Performing Kakada Aarti to Lord Datta and Chintamani Ganapati. During the Aarti large drums in the Drum house (Nagarkhana) are Drummed loudly. This is Known as Chaughada (Holy Drumming Ritual).
Devotees are allowed for the Darshana right from Kakada Aarti only. The Pooja (Worship) continues till 7am when the Final Aarti is done to the Lord and again there will be Choughada indicating that the Morning Pooja had been Completed.
After this the pilgrims are allowed for the Pooja till 12pm.

Afternoon Pooja and Maha Naivedya (12pm - 1pm) :

The Maha Naivedya (Offering Food) to Lord Datta in Shri Kshetra Ganagapur takes place at 12pm. The Naivedya is prepared at the Houses of the Archakas(Pujaris) and is brought to the Temple at around 12pm. The Pooja and Naivedya takes place for an hour. The Choughada takes place after the Shankha Vadya (Blowing of Conch) and the Madhukari (Offering of Alms) starts.
As it is believed in Ganagapur that Lord Datta himself takes alms here at afternoon, the people visiting Ganagapur must offer alms to some people and accept alms from atleast 5 houses.
After the Maha Naivedya pilgrims are again allowed for pooja for an hour.

Evening Pooja and Pallakhi Seva:


The Evening Pooja to Lord Datta starts at 7.30 pm and after the Aarti the Utsav Murti of Lord Datta will be kept in the Pallakhi (Palanquin) after which the Pallakhi Seva starts (around 8.15pm).After the 3 rounds (With Bhajans) around the Temple the Utsav Murti is taken inside. The Day Schedule completes with the Shejarti (Last Aarti) during which Karuna Tripadi and other Stotras are Chanted by the Priests and residents. The Temple Closes at 9 pm.

Monday, March 17, 2014

How to Perform Ashta Teertha ( Bath at 8 Holy Teerthas) in Ganagapur ?

On the day of Deepavali, Shri Guru said to the disciple, 'We shall have bath at Trishali (3 Holy places i. e. Prayag, Kashi and Gaya ) with family and children.
The disciple said, 'For such a long journey, we require some time for preparations'. Shri Guru says 'These holy places are near about. So there is no need for special preparation.'
Shri Guru then takes everyone to Sangam and asks them to take bath in
(1) Shatakula Teerth ( Bhima-Amarja Sangam) and says that it is like Triveni Sangam of Prayaga.He says how the River Amarja was emerged from the Nectar that fell down from Indras Hands and hence Bath in this River Prevents Diseases and Untimely Death.

Shri Guru then takes them to the Following Teerthas in the Way to Ganagapur.

(2) Nrusimha Teerth : The Bath in this Teerth and then worshipping Sangameshwara is like Worshipping Shrishailya Mallikarjuna and this fulfills ones Wishes. This Teerth is in front of the Sangam Mandir.

(3) Bhagirathi (Varanasi) Teerth : The Bath in this Teerth is as Holy as Bath in Manikarnika Kund at Kashi. It is because once a Shiva Bhakta Brahmin of Bharadwaj Gotra Pleased Lord Shiva with his Devotion and when Lord Shiva appeared he asked that he want to take bath in Manikarnika daily and have Darshan of the Lord.Lord Shiva granted and a Kund was emerged there and it joined the Bhima River here.

(4) Papavinashini Teerth : As the name indicates, Bath in this Teerth Destroys all the Sins. Shri Guru at this Teerth called his Sister Ratnai and Said, 'You had killed a Cat with
a Stick and therefore you are having Leprosy. You bathe in this Tirth daily and your disease will disappear.' As advised, she bathed here for three days and her disease was wiped off.

(5) Koti Teerth : A Bath in this Teerth is like taking bath in all the Teerth of Jambu Dweepa. One should bathe here on Sankranthi, Grahan, Purnima and Amavasya and give a cow with a calf in Charity. A Charity done here is equal to a Crore Charity.

(6) Rudrapada Teerth : A Bath in this River is equivalent to a Bath in Gaya and  Shraddha etc must be Performed here.

(7) Chakra Teerth : A Dip in this Teerth is Even More Holy than the Bath in Dwaraka.


(8) Manmatha Teerth : This Teerth is in front of the Kalleshwara Mandir. The Bath in this Teerth and then worshipping Kalleshwara is like taking bath in Gokarna Teerth and worshipping Mahabaleshwara.

Devotees coming to Ganagapur do the Ashta Teerth Snan at Large Number. The Bath in Ashta Teertha's on Naraka Chathurdashi (in Diwali) day is very powerful. Even the sins and doshas will be removed by having bath in these Ashta Teerthas.

Lodging / Dharmashala or other Accommodation at Sri Kshetra Ganagapur

Shree Kshetra Ganagapur now have many accommodation facilities. One may opt for any of the Dharmashalas near the Temple within minimum charges or Good Lodges with A/c or Non A/c Rooms.
Normally we can arrange for you good accommodation if informed a day before your visit but if you are to visit Ganagapur on a Thursday/ Sunday or during Pournima(Hunvi) or any festivals make sure that you inform us well in advance so that we can reserve for you.Do contact me for any guidance regarding your Visit , accommodation or Pujas (sevas) to be performed at Dattatreya Temple @ 9035479569 / 9035352133.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Railways / Trains to Sri Kshetra Ganagapur from Mumbai / Pune / Hyderabad / Bangalore

Please Visit the Site www.indiarailinfo.com for the Updated Information regarding the Trains to / from Ganagapur  and enter your Source Station (eg Mumbai/pune etc) and Destination as Ganagapur Road (GUR).

Ganagapur Road (Station Ganagapur) is the nearest railway station for Sri Kshetra Ganagapur which is at a distance of around 22 kms from Ganagapur and there are frequent buses and also autos moving between the Station and Temple Ganagapur.
For details regarding Accomodation (Lodging), Food and Worship (sevas) at Ganagapur please contact @ 9035479569 / 9035352133

Shri gurudeva Datt !

How to Reach / Visit Sri Kshetra Ganagapur ?

Guide to reach Shri kshetra Ganagapur

Ganagapur Datta Temple is situated at 12 kms from 'Ganagapur Road' (Railway Station Name) in Karnataka

  • Nearest City is Gulbarga at 35 kms (approx)

  • Gangapur to Sholapur (Solapur) distance is around 95 kms (approx)

  • Hyderabad to Ganagapur is 250 kms (approx)

  • Mumbai to Ganagapur railway distance is 526 kms (approx) and Train fare around Rs. 240.


  • 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 AM on the next day morning. 

    Hyderabad to 'Ganagapur Road' by car via Humnabad, kamlapur, bidar, Gulbarga.
    Hyderabad to 'Ganagapur Road' by Bus Take bus to gulbarga 



    There are many trains to Gulbarga. One can reach Gulbarga and take a bus to Ganagapur. Buses are quite frequent 

    It takes around 2-3 hours maximum to perform Pooja / Abhishek at Ganagapur by a family. We are the Main Priest / Archaka (Pujari) at Ganagapur and can arrange for accommodation, food and stay for your Visit. Contact @ 9035479569 / 9035352133

    Poojas (Archane) / Sevas to be Performed at Sri Datta Kshetra Ganagapur

    Below is the List of Sevas / Poojas that one can Perform at Shree Kshetra Ganagapur :


    • Panchopachar / Alankara and Maha Pooja to the Nirgun Padukas of Shri Narasimha Saraswati Dattatreya Maharaj.
    • Keshar Lepan Puja to Nirguna Padukas of Shri Datta Guru : In this Seva devotees will get the Kesara Lepan (Saffron Paste) applied to Swamis Padukas as the Prasadam after Pooja. This Kesara Prasad is the Main Prasad of Shri Kshetra Ganagapur.
    • Rudrabhisheka to the Shivalingam in the Temple Premises / Abhisheka hall.
    • Shree Gurucharitra Parayan for Spiritual and Material Well Being of the Devotees. This Seva Can be done for 1week, 2weeks 7weeks.. etc
    • Madhukari Seva : Offering Alms (Bhiksha) to the People as it is still believed that Datta Maharaj himself accepts Bhiksha at Gangapur in the Afternoon Time.
    • Nandadeep seva (for Deepa's in the Garbha Gruha) for the Material and Spiritual well being. This Seva can be done for specified period of time like 1week, 2weeks, a month etc...
    • Pallaki Seva (Palanquin of Lord Datta) : This Seva is done in the evening from 7.30-8.30pm and the devotees can have the Darshan of the Utsav Murti of Lord Datta and participate in the Pallakhi Seva.
    • Sarva Seva (Includes all the Sevas from Morning to Night)
    • Other Sevas like Naivedya to Lord Datta, Datta Homam, Laghu Rudra etc Can be done. For More details about the Concerned Seva please Contact at 9035479569

    Monday, March 3, 2014

    Ganagapur Darshan : Places to Visit at Shree Kshetra Ganagapur

    Detailed Info about Shri Kshetra Ganagapur ;


    Shri Kshetra Ganagapur, One of the Most Famous Dattatreya Peethas, is associated with Shri Narasimha Sarasvati Swami, an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. It stands on the bank of the river Bhima in Afzalpur taluka in Gulbarga district of Karnataka.

    Nirgun Math :

    The Main Temple in Ganagapur where Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati used to Stay about 550 years ago 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). Shri Kshetra Ganagapur is a Holy Place of Lord Dattatreya and the place is very important “Darshaneeya kshetra”.

    The Kshetra Importance was explained by Shreeguru and it can be seen in “Shree Guru Charitra”. 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. Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati Swamy confirmed the same and it can be seen in Gurucharitra Adhyay (chapter) 21-22.

    Shri Guru's Words to All His Devotees :

    Vasathi Rani Sangamase Jate Nithya Bikshese Taya Vare Gangapurase Madyana Kala Pareyasa.

    Sangam Mandir at Ganagapur :

    Sangam Kshetra is a Meeting Point of Bheema and Amaraja Rivers. Sangam is like Prayaga. Lord Sangameshwara at the Sangameshwara Temple here is like Mallikarjuna at Shrishailyam (as said by Shri Guru himself while explaining the Importance of Ashta Teertha). The Importance of Sangam was explained by Shreeguru and it can be seen in Shree Gurucharitra. Who ever takes a bath in Sangam, he/she will free from his sins and his wishes will be fulfilled. There is a Temple in Sangam in which the Shree Narasimha Saraswati Swamy performed the anusthana (The Main Temple of Trimurti). The `Shila Padukas' of Swamy are here.

    Audumbar Tree at Sangam :

    The Audumbar Tree is situated at Sangam of river Bheema & Amaraja and is Extremely Holy. In shelter of Audumbar Tree many devotees Perform the Parayan of Shree Gurucharitra. (Reading of Shree Guru Charitra).

    History of Audumbar Tree:

    Once a Brahmin `Narahari' by name came to Shri Guru at Ganagapur and bowing to him said, `My life is futile. I studied Yajurveda, but as I am suffering from leprosy. All people despise me and do not invite for Karma. I have visited several holy places but the disease is there, kindly bless me.' Shri Guru gave him a dry log of Audumbar and said, `Go to the Sangam and plant it on the bank of Bhima in the east. After bath,worship Ashwattha at the Sangam. Again bathe and give water to this log thrice a day. When it sprouts green foliage, your sins will be wiped off and you will be free from leprosy. As instructed by Shri Guru, Narahari planted the log on the bank of Bhima and began to water it thrice. Shri Guru went to the Sangam to see the leper Brahmin. He was pleased to see his devotion. The Brahmin was giving water to the log. Shri Guru sprinkled the holy water of his bowl on the log and instantly green foliage sprouted on the log. The leprosy of the Brahmin disappeared and his body became healthy and bright. Narahari bowed to Shreeguru and began to pray him at that time. The 8 sloka stotra composed by Narahari became famous and are being reciting in the temple at night even today also. Each sloka ends with “VANDAYAAMI NAARASIMHA SARASWATHEESHA PAAHIMAAM”. The stotra is now familiar as Narasimha Saraswati ashtaka. Shreeguru blessed Narahari and said, whoever recite the sloka every day with full devotion, they will get Ashta Aishwarya, Spiritual power, wealth, fame and noble offspring.

    Ash Hill :

    Ash Hill is nearer to Sangam and it is said that Lord Parashurama has performed a Yagnya here and the Ash is of that Holy Yagnya. Lord Parashurama performed penance at this place. The Ash is very Powerful and have the Devotees coming here take some quantity with them.

    Shree Kalleshwar Mandir :

    This is the Temple of Lord Shri Kalleshwar (Shiva) which is quite famous in Ganagapur. It is Ancient then the Nirgun Muth in Ganagapur. This Temple is considered as equivalent to Gokarna Mahabaleshwara (that we read in shree Gurucharitra) and nearyby is one of the Ashta Teerth viz., Manmatha Teertha. There are also Temples of Lord Shani, Panchamukhi Ganesha,Navagraha,Maruti and Goddess Durga in the Premises. The Environment here is Very Pleasant and Devotees coming to Ganagapur visit it at large no.

    Ashta Teerthas (The Eight Holy Teerthas located at different points from Sangama to Ganagapur) :

    On the day of Deepavali, Shri Guru said to the disciple, 'We shall have bath at Trishali (3 Holy places i. e. Prayag, Kashi and Gaya ) with family and children.
    The disciple said, 'For such a long journey, we require some time for preparations'. Shri Guru says 'These holy places are near about. So there is no need for special preparation.'
    Shri Guru then takes everyone to Sangam and asks them to take bath in
    (1) Shatakula Teerth ( Bhima-Amarja Sangam) and says that it is like Triveni Sangam of Prayaga.He says how the River Amarja was emerged from the Nectar that fell down from Indras Hands and hence Bath in this River Prevents Diseases and Untimely Death.

    Shri Guru then takes them to the Following Teerthas in the Way to Ganagapur.

    (2) Nrusimha Teerth : The Bath in this Teerth and then worshipping Sangameshwara is like Worshipping Shrishailya Mallikarjuna and this fulfills ones Wishes. This Teerth is in front of the Sangam Mandir.

    (3) Bhagirathi (Varanasi) Teerth : The Bath in this Teerth is as Holy as Bath in Manikarnika Kund at Kashi. It is because once a Shiva Bhakta Brahmin of Bharadwaj Gotra Pleased Lord Shiva with his Devotion and when Lord Shiva appeared he asked that he want to take bath in Manikarnika daily and have Darshan of the Lord.Lord Shiva granted and a Kund was emerged there and it joined the Bhima River here.

    (4) Papavinashini Teerth : As the name indicates, Bath in this Teerth Destroys all the Sins. Shri Guru at this Teerth called his Sister Ratnai and Said, 'You had killed a Cat with
    a Stick and therefore you are having Leprosy. You bathe in this Tirth daily and your disease will disappear.' As advised, she bathed here for three days and her disease was wiped off.

    (5) Koti Teerth : A Bath in this Teerth is like taking bath in all the Teerth of Jambu Dweepa. One should bathe here on Sankranthi, Grahan, Purnima and Amavasya and give a cow with a calf in Charity. A Charity done here is equal to a Crore Charity.

    (6) Rudrapada Teerth : A Bath in this River is equivalent to a Bath in Gaya and  Shraddha etc must be Performed here.

    (7) Chakra Teerth : A Dip in this Teerth is Even More Holy than the Bath in Dwaraka.


    (8) Manmatha Teerth : This Teerth is in front of the Kalleshwara Mandir. The Bath in this Teerth and then worshipping Kalleshwara is like taking bath in Gokarna Teerth and worshipping Mahabaleshwara.

    Devotees coming to Ganagapur do the Ashta Teerth Snan at Large Number. The Bath in Ashta Teertha's on Naraka Chathurdashi (in Diwali) day is very powerful. Even the sins and doshas will be removed by having bath in these Ashta Teerthas.

    Importance Of Ashwattha Tree:

    There lived a 60 Year Old Women Called Ganga who used to come to Shri Guru and bow to him devotedly every day. Shri Guru being pleased, one day asked her,What do you desire? God will fulfill your desire. She said, `Gurudev, a woman's life is futile without an issue. Without a son the home is like a forest. Issueless persons go to hell. Please give me a boon so that I will have a son at least in next life.' Shri Guru smiled and said, `Service to the Ashwattha will not be futile. There is an Ashwattha tree at the Bhima Amarja sangam. I am present there after the bath in the river. Therefore worship the Ashwattha devotedly. The greatness of Ashwattha is narrated in the Puranas. Brahmadev is at its root, Vishnu is in its middle portion and the Rudra is on its top and the Agni (fire god) lies in the interior of this tree. In the months of Ashadha, Poush or Chaitra, when Guru and Shukra are not set, when the moon is favorable on an auspicious day, observe fast and start worshipping the Ashwattha. Do not touch the tree on Sunday, Sankranti and in the evening. The floor at the root should be smeared by cow dung and have Rangoli designs. Worship the Ashwattha thinking it as a Trimurti, with 16 upchars, then saying Purushsukta and observing `moun' take rounds of the tree. Two lakhs rounds destroy even the sin of Brahmahatya. The Ashwattha gives four purusharthas. He also fulfills the desire of a son. Recitation of Mrityunjaya sitting at the Ashwattha on Saturday avoids accidental death and gives long life. One gets credit of feeding several Brahmins, if one Brahmin is fed under this tree. If one Ashwattha tree is grown, 42 generations are liberated; but if one Ashwattha is cut, it is a great sin performed. Home performed under the tree gives credit of a great sacrifice. Do Homa of one tenth of the number of rounds and feed Brahmins and give golden Ashwattha in c7ytharity. She started worshipping Ashwattha as advised by Shri Guru. On the third day, she had a dream. A Brahmin told her to go to Shri Guru at Ganagapur, have seven rounds of Shri Guru and take the prasad that is given to her and that her desire will be fulfilled. She awoke. On the fourth day she went to Shri Guru and had 7 rounds. Shri Guru gave her 2 fruits and said, `Eat these fruits. Your desire will be fulfilled.' She then completed her vrata of the worship of Ashwattha, After 9 months she begot a daughter. Later on she had a son who became learned and won fame.

    Shri Shri Shri Adi Shankaracharya Math :

    Recently on 25/06/2011, there had been the Grand Inauguration of Shri Adi Shankaracharya Math and there are the wonderful Idols of Shri Adi Shankaracharya , Goddess Sharadamba and Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati. This Place is on the Ganagapur-Sangam Road (beside the Gulvani Maharaj Ashram) and can be easily visited.





    Other Places at Shri Kshetra Ganagapur :

    Vishranti Katta :
    This is the Place on the way to Sangam. It is the Place where Shri Guru used to Relax while going to Sangam and while returning. It is in the Farm of the Farmer to whom Shri Guru blesses with Huge Yield of Crops even in the Scarcity and the Same can be Seen in Adhyay 48 of Shri Guru Charitra.

    Shri Chakreshwar and Shri Keshav Dev Mandir :
    These temples are beside the Chakra Teerth and are very near to the Nirgun Math & can be reached by walk.

    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 Shri Guru. The Story can be seen in the Adhyay 30 of Shri Guru Charitra. Even this Place is very near to the Nirgun Math.

    Tantukeshwara Mandir :
    This is the Temple where Tantuk, a Weaver to whom Shri Guru took to Shri Shailyam on Maha Shivratri within some Moments (In Adhyay 44), used to Worship Lord Shiva. This Place is in front area of the Nirgun Math and can easily be visited.

    Lord Maruti Mandir and Grama Devata Mandir :
    There is the Temple of Lord Hanuman at the Agasi (Starting Pt Of the Village) of the Village and also beside it is the Temple of Grama Devata. This Place too is Very Near to Nirgun Math.

    There are also Temples of Maha Laxmi nearby Nirgun Math and Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir on way to Sangam.