Divine Datta Mandir / Swami Samarth Mandir Peb Fort, Neral, T. Karjat, Raigad

Situated at the highest peak of Peb Fort, also known as Vikatgad, at an altitude of 2,100 feet above sea level near Neral in Raigad district, stands the temple of Lord Dattatreya and Shri Swami Samarth. Built in a simple architectural style, the temple houses a seated idol of Lord Datta carved out of a single stone block, having one face (Ekamukhi) and six arms, with the holy Padukas (sacred footprints) of Swami Samarth consecrated before it. Owing to its sacred resemblance to Girnar, this place is revered as ‘Prati Girnar’ (Mini Girnar). A large gathering of devotees visits here on Guru Purnima and Datta Jayanti in the auspicious month of Margashirsha.

Situated near Neral in Karjat taluka, this Peb fort resembles the face of Lord Ganesha, which is why it is also known as ‘Vikatgad’. The fort derived its name ‘Peb’ from the temple of Goddess Pebi situated on it. This fort was strategically used to keep watch over the trade routes and adjoining regions of Kalyan and Karjat, as well as for the defense of Swarajya. Historical documents record that during the glorious era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the caves on this fort were utilized as granaries. Even today, remnants of ancient fortifications and plinths of houses can be seen on the fort.

On the way from Neral to Matheran, about four kilometers away, there is a path leading to Peb Fort. Following the route towards the Kadyavarcha Ganpati shrine, one must walk approximately two kilometers along the tracks of the Matheran Mini Train. Thereafter, after trekking along a challenging mountain trail for about an hour and a half, one reaches the fort. After leaving the mini-train track, one must descend one hill and climb back up to the upper plateau of another mountain. This path is so narrow that only one person can pass at a time. It features a deep valley on one side, and at some points, a narrow ridge with deep gorges on both sides. Along this route, one has to climb up and down iron ladders at three to four places. After a trek of approximately two and a half hours, one reaches the temple. This fort and its sacred Datta Temple are mentioned as the pinnacle of the fort in Milind Gunaji’s famous book ‘Majhi Avadti Durgbhramanti’, as well as in ‘Durgvedh’ and other mountaineering texts.

At the highest and narrow peak of the fort stands the temple of Lord Dattatreya and Shri Swami Samarth of Akkalkot. This sacred shrine is constructed in a simple architectural style that harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding natural rock. This compact temple has no walls and stands on four pillars, enclosed with iron mesh on all sides. The temple features a pinnacle (Kalash) that is visible even from Neral and Matheran. Inside the sanctum, there is a seated idol of Lord Datta carved from a single stone, featuring one face and six arms. On one side of the idol is a small deity of Lord Ganesha and on the other, Lord Hanuman. In front of the main deity, the holy Padukas of Swami Samarth are enshrined and worshipped as ‘Pebchya Paduka’.

The renovation of the old temple was undertaken around 2004 by Shri Swami Sakha and other Datta devotees. At that time, holy Padukas brought after touching the original Padukas at Girnar were consecrated here. A circumambulation path (Pradakshina path) has been built around the temple, offering a breathtaking view of the deep valley below. Near the main temple stands a Shiva temple housing a sacred Shiva Lingam. There are natural caves on the fort, one of which is spacious enough to seat at least a hundred people. Records indicate that many ascetics used to perform penance and meditation here in ancient times. It is also mentioned that Shri Swami Samarth performed intense spiritual penance (Sadhana) here for a long period, and his holy Padukas are preserved in one of the main caves. The fort houses three natural water cisterns carved into the rock. These cisterns contain pure drinking water throughout the year, which is used for daily rituals and holy worship at the temple. A Swami Samarth Math is located in the vicinity where devotees can rest; however, as food facilities are not available, visitors must carry their own provisions. As this holy spot is situated at a high altitude like Girnar and features a Lord Shiva temple, a space for meditation, and abundant pure water, devotees lovingly call it ‘Prati Girnar’. From the top of the fort, one can behold panoramic views of Prabalgad and the Matheran region.

Trekkers, tourists, and devout pilgrims visit this temple throughout the year. Datta Jayanti and Guru Purnima are the main festivals celebrated here with great devotion. Special grand celebrations are also organized on the occasion of Swami Samarth Punyatithi. The festival of Datta Jayanti, celebrated in the month of Margashirsha, is the grandest annual event. On this auspicious day, early morning Abhishekam, special worship, and devotional Bhajans take place in the temple. Thousands of devotees from Neral, Mumbai, Pune, and various other regions climb the fort to seek divine blessings.

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