GANAGAPUR KSHETRA ENTRANCE

SRIGURU TEMPLE ENTRANCE OF GANAGAPUR

GURU DATTATREYA…..SHREE PAADA RAAYA……SRI NRUSIMHA SARASWATHY YATHIRAAYA…………………………………

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 :

 

Garbhalaya of Main 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).

ROUTE TO GANAGAPUR

Sreekshetra Ganagapur is in the Gulbarga district of Karnataka State in India. It is around 45 kms from the district headquarter Gulbarga. Karnataka state road transportation buses are there from Gulbarga to Ganagapur for every 1 or 1.5 hours and the journey is around 1.5 hours from Gulbarga to Ganagapur. Ganagapur Road railway station is also there, but some trains are not haivng halt/stop at this station and the if at all stop is there, the halting period of the train is negligible when compared to the halt at Gulbarga. So, it is always better to getdown at Gulbarga and it is also convinient to take lunch/tiffins in the hotels or for booking reservations for bus/trains to any stations or for return journeys etc.

Ganagapur Datta Mutt is situated at 22 kms from ‘Ganagapur Road’ (Railway Station Name) in Karnataka. Nearest City is Gulbarga at 40 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)

From Bangalore:

The Railway Station at Gangapur is called Gangapur Road. Bangalore to Ganagapur Road Rail Distance is 612 Kms. From Railway Station Ganagapur Road to Ganagapur Town where Datta Mandir is situated is around 30 minutes journey by road.The best mode to reach Ganagapur is by Udyan Express Train. It starts around about 8 pm from Bangalore and reaches Ganagapur Road station at 9 am next day. From here there are plenty of private transport Vehicles and few government run buses. The actual place to visit is Deval Ganagapur which is 25 kms from Ganagapur road railway station.The Udyan express departs as return journey from Ganagapur Road at 5:45 pm. It will reach Bangalore by 9 am.
Even Karnataka Government/Private luxury/Hi-Tech buses are running from Bangalore to Gulbarga.
From Chennai: There are direct trains from Chennai to Gulbarga. The trains running towards Mumbai/Pune are having halt at Gulbarga.

From Hyderabad:

Direct buses of KSRTC/APSRTC are there from Imlibun Busstation of Hyderbad to Gulbarga for every one hour even in the midnight also. Journey period is around 5 to 6 hours.
Hyderabad to ‘Ganagapur Road’ by Bus, Take bus to Gulbarga. There are many trains to Gulbarga. One can reach Gulbarga Bus standand(Auto charge Rs.25.00) and take a bus to Ganagapur.
One direct bus is also there to Ganagapur running by APSRTC from Imlibun Bus stand, Hyderabad.
Trains are also available to reach Gulbarga/Ganagapur road. Hyderabad to Mumbai trains are having stop at Gulbarga.

BY CAR:

Hyderabad to ‘Ganagapur Road’ by Car is Hyderabad to Patancheru – Sangareddy-Jaheerabad – to Gulbarga – to Chowdapur – to Ganagapur

From Pune/Mumbai: 

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.
Chennai mail, Hussainsagar express and other trains are also available.
List of trains from various places to Gulbarga:
Basava Express from Mysore

Bijapur – Bolarum Passenger from Bijapur

Bijapur – Raichur Passenger from Bijapur

Chennai Mail from Mumbai and Chennai

Coimbatore – Lokmanya from Coimbatore and Lokmanya

Gulbarga – Solapur Passenger from Gulbarga and Sholapur

Hubli – Secunderabad Express from Hubli

Husainsagar Express from Mumbai

Hussainsagar Express from Hyderabad

Hyderabad Bijapur Passenger from Hyderabad

Mumbai Mail from Chennai and Mumbai

Raichur – Bijapur Passenger from Raichur

Secunderabad – Hubli Express from Secunderabad

Udyan Express from Bangalore.

Near By Airports to Ganagapur Road Railway Station
Closest airport to Ganagapur Road Railway Station is Sholapur Airport – (76.49 Km / 47.53 Miles).Following are the nearest airports to Ganagapur Road and Ganagapur Road Railway Station. Distance to the two airports is given in bracket.
Sholapur Airport – (76.49 Km / 47.53 Miles)
Osmanabad Airport – (103.91 Km / 64.56 Miles)

Important places should visit in Ganagapur:

1.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

Datta Darbar at Ashwatha vriksha

Padukas in the mandir

 2.Ashta Teerthas:

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. 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 Sangam.

Puranich historyof Sangam: There is a puranic history that Jallundhara Rakshasas were on war. Indra went to Shri Shankara and said “we kill Rakshasaas, but from each drop of their blood, new Rakshasaas are born and they have spread in three lokas. They have kelled many Gods”. By hearing this Shri Shankara was 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 Shri Shankara recited Amritha mantra and gave a jar filled with nectar. Indra sprinkled the nector onthe Gods and made them alive. While Indra was going with the jar of the remaining nectar, some drops fell on the earth and a river was created called “AMARAJA”. Taking bath in this river prevents deceases and untimely death. This river meets Bheema river and the point is known as Sangam. Hence, Sangam place is a virtuous place and adviced the devotees to take bath in the Sangam without fail.

(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.

(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 Teertha:

(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 bath in this Teerrth 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) udrapada 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.

3.The Audumbar Tree:

It 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). Do the pradakshina with a minimum of 11/21/108 rounds to the tree by chanting Datta nama ‘DIGAMBARA DIGAMBARA SHREE PAADA VALLABHA DIGAMBARA”. Somany Sadhus/devotees are continuously doing Shreegurucharitra parayan in the presence of the tree. One who perform Gurucharitra parayan with sapthaha deeksha at the premises of this oudumbar tree, he will definitely have the darshan of Lord Dattatreya in any form and their desires will be fulfilled. It is really true and even for today also.

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.

Audumbar Vriksha at Sangam

Devotees performing Pradakshina to Audumbar tree

4.Sangameswaralay:

Sangameswaralay is situated at backside of Datta Darbar mandir. The importance of sangameswaralay is explained in Shree Gurucharitra. Darshan of Lord Shiva
In Sangameswaralay is same as Kashi Vishweswara Darshan.

5.Nirgun Paduka Math:

Nirgun Paduka math is the main temple of Shree Nrusimha saraswathy swamy Maharaj. One can have darshan of Swamy padukas and Murthy roopa in Alankara. Paduka darshan is available

From 7 AM to 12 noon only. Nivedan to Shreeguru will start at around 12 noon. Only Murthy darshan is available after 1 pm. Darshan of Padukas, Murthy and Performing Puja/Seva is really
A great experience. Having darshan means, the devotee is already having blessings of Lord Dattatreya.

6.Chinthamani Ganapathy:

One can seen the chinthamany Ganapathy inside the temple of Nirgunmath. The power of this Ganapathy is explained in shree Gurucharitra.

7.Shree KALLESWARA 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.

Kalleshwar Temple

Shani Mandir at Kalleshwar

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. SAIBABA KE MUTT:

Saibaba ke Mutt is a mandir of Shirdi saibaba and is administered by Akhanda sainama saptaha samithi. The great and important noting point of the temple is 24 hours continuous sainama smaran “om sai sree sai jai jai sai” is doing by the devotees in the temple. Regular annadana is also performing by the trustees of the temple.

12. Madhukari:

Madhukari is a tradition here, it is believed that Lord Dattatreya had told the people that every day he would come to their homes for Biksha. So all the people visiting here need to participate in this. You are supposed to go for Biksha. There is an assurance from Shreeguru that he would forever abide at Ganagapur and go round the village for ‘Biksha’ at noon is literally true even today. Offering “maadhukari” to the people at Ganagapur and taking biksha from atleast 5 houses is having very improtance at this holy place. Even today also, the process is continuing and the devotees are having faith the Lord Dattatreya is taking biksha everyday at Ganagapur kshetra. Shri guru Sri Nrusimha saraswathy swamy confirmed the same and it can be seen in Gurucharitra

SEVAS IN THE MATH:

Different charges/dakshina will be collected for different sevas in the Math. Temple office is situated inside the temple to sell the tickets for the sevas. Devotees can perform the Sevas by purchasing the tickets from the Devasthan counter or one can perform the sevas through the Archaka.

1. Paduka Keshar Lepan Puja to Nirguna Padukas: A mixture of Sandal powder and Attar will be applied on Nirgun padukas as a seva and will give a small quantiy of paste of this lepan as prasada. A powerful
Seva to Shreeguru.

2. Pallaki Seva (During Evening 7:30 PM till 8:30 PM):Pallaki seva is also an important seva in the math. Devotees who are performing the seva have to take a position of Saashtanga pranama. Pallaki will move On them. Devotees will feel that all doshas and graham peeda will be cured and ill health will be cured by doing this seva.

Utsamurthy in different alankaras for Pallaki sevas on different days

3. Rudrabhishek in the premises of Devasthan / Abhishek Hall:The importance of Rudrabhisheka is explained in Shree Guru charitra. Ek avarthan, Ekadasa avarthan, Satha rudra and Maharudra
Abhisheka will be performed in the Abhisheka hall by doing sankalpa. Different fees will be collected for different avarthans.

4.Shree Gurucharitra Parayan:Shree Gurucharitra parayan will be done by doing sankalpa.

5.Shree Datta Homam:Dattahoma is also performed

6.Madhukari Seva (Annadaan):Annadana will be performed as a bhiksha

7.Bhoga Naivedya :Nivedan to Murthy in Math.

8.Nandadeep Seva (for Deepam in the Garbhalaya):Deepa seva in Garbhalaya. Sankalpa will be performed for the seva

9.Sarva Seva (All the pooja’s in the temple from morning to night):All the sevas to be performed to Murthy will sankalpa.

Datta devotees are requested to enquire the charges for the sevas and perform the sevas at their convenience and have the blessings of Lord Dattatreya

DIGAMBARA DIGAMBARA|| SHREE PAADA VALLABHA DIGAMBARA||
DIGAMBARA DIGAMBARA || AVADHOOTHA CHINTHANA DIGAMBARA||
YATHIVARA YATHIVARA|| SHREE NRUSIMHA SARASWATHY YATHIVARA||