Divine Datta Temple Shingave Dattache, Pathardi, Ahilyanagar

Shingve village in the Pathardi taluka of Ahilyanagar district is famous as ‘Shingve Dattache’ due to its renowned and Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shri Datta Devasthan. It is believed that Lord Shri Datta of Ganagapur manifested here and made this place His abode. The three branches emerging from the ground of the ancient Audumbar tree here are considered the original shrine of Lord Shri Datta. Worship is offered to these branches by placing three silver masks upon them. Devotees firmly believe that distressed individuals and those suffering from mental afflictions who stay here for a few days are cured. Consequently, this holy shrine has become a sacred sanctuary of faith for thousands of devotees.

The legend associated with this sacred place states that Vatsalabai Sable, affectionately known as Akka, came to Shingve village at the age of 9 (in 1963) to care for her maternal uncle’s young child. While rocking her uncle’s child on a swing, she perceived a flash of lightning emanating from the nearby Audumbar tree. Approaching the tree at that moment, she witnessed Lord Shri Datta Himself manifesting directly from the tree. Overwhelmed by this sudden divine event, Akka fainted on the spot. Upon regaining consciousness, she related the experience to her uncle and the villagers. Faithfully trusting Akka’s words, the villagers created a shrine for Lord Shri Datta around the tree. Day by day, the glory of this divine shrine spread throughout the region, taluka, and district, drawing thousands of devotees daily for Darshan. Today, even after 60 years, Akka practices lifelong celibacy (Brahmacharya), devoting herself to the worship of Lord Shri Datta and the service of the devotees.

On every Amavasya (new moon) and Purnima (full moon), Akka provides spiritual guidance to distressed devotees and suggests remedies to help them overcome their suffering. Accordingly, it is said that mentally frail and afflicted persons find complete relief after offering Seva (service) here. Every Thursday, as well as on Amavasya and Purnima, thousands of devotees visit for Darshan. On these sacred days, Annadana (free blessed meal) is served to all visiting devotees.

The Shri Datta Temple complex at Shingve Dattache is spacious, featuring a large tin shed in front of the temple for the convenience of pilgrims. The temple courtyard is paved, and upon stepping inside, devotees first receive the divine Darshan of Lord Shri Datta’s brass Padukas (sacred footprints). The shrine here is not a conventional temple structure; instead, the three main branches of the Audumbar tree are adorned with garments and ornaments, embellished with three silver faces representing the Holy Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh—as Lord Shri Datta. Devotees offer worship directly to this sacred tree. Beside it stand a brass Trishula (trident) and Damru. A protective railing and a Pradakshina (circumambulation) path have been built around the Audumbar tree. Ordinarily, devotees take Darshan from outside this railing, but during special festivals and while observing sacred purity (Sowale), they are permitted closer to the tree. Behind the Audumbar tree, a new Shri Datta temple has been built, consecrating a beautiful marble idol of Lord Shri Datta. The Kalash (spire) of this new temple is plated in gold.

Every day at 12 noon, the Maha Aarti is solemnized in the temple, attended by hundreds of devotees. The Aarti is preceded by the sacred sounding of the conch (Shankhanada), and traditional musical instruments along with the Nagara (kettledrum) accompany the prayers. Daily, hundreds of pilgrims sit in the temple premises engaged in the devout recitation (Parayana) of the Shri Guru Charitra.

On Tripurari Purnima (Kartik Purnima), the divine birth festival of Lord Shri Datta is celebrated with great grandeur. On this occasion, an Akhand Harinam Saptah (a seven-day continuous devotional chanting of the Divine Name) is organized for the following 8 days. A grand Yatra (fair) is held on Datta Jayanti. During this festival, holy Abhisheka is offered to Lord Shri Datta with sacred water brought in Kavads from the Godavari River, initiating the festivities. In the month of Ashadha, a traditional Palkhi (palanquin) procession travels from this Datta Devasthan to Pandharpur, joined on foot by thousands of Varkaris and devotees.

For the convenience of afflicted devotees visiting the shrine, a Bhakta Niwas (pilgrim rest house) has been constructed by the Devasthan Trust, offering complete lodging and boarding arrangements. Apart from the Datta Temple, the village of Shingve Dattache is blessed with ancient shrines including the Keshav Govind Temple, Kalabhairavnath Temple, Laxmimata Temple, and Shri Ram Temple. The Shri Datta Devasthan has been listed under Category ‘C’ Pilgrimage Centers by the State Government. (A holy shrine visited by over one lakh to four lakh devotees annually for Darshan is granted Category ‘C’ Pilgrimage status by the State Government.)

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery