Historic Agashe Kaka Samadhi Temple Amritnagar, Khamgaon, Khamgaon, Buldana

The sacred land of Vidarbha has been sanctified by the touch of the feet of many saints. In this very tradition, Khamgaon, a city in Buldhana district, has risen to prominence as an important pilgrimage site (Teerthakshetra) due to the spiritual eminence of ‘Agashe Kaka Mauli’. Shri Arvind Agashe Kaka, lovingly bestowed with the titles ‘Kaka Mauli’ or ‘Dattadas’ by his devotees, established the ‘Barsana’ temple in the Amrutnagar area of Khamgaon, which today serves as a vibrant source of spiritual energy for thousands of devotees. The profound peace experienced upon entering this precinct is considered a living testament to Kaka’s prolonged penance (tapasya) and purity (sattvikata).

Tracing Kaka’s family heritage, his roots are found in Konkan. From there, his great-grandfather, Bhikajipant, settled in Hinganghat, Vidarbha, around 1884 for business purposes. He inherited the legacy of intellect and social service from his grandfather, Moreshwar Agashe. Moreshwarpant was highly educated in those days and always at the forefront of public service. Kaka was born to Raosaheb Agashe and Mother Akka on the auspicious occasion of Nagpanchami, August 18, 1931. As Nagpanchami is spiritually connected with the principle of Guru (Gurutatva) and Kundalini Shakti, Kaka’s birth is believed to have been a divine indication of a sacred mission.

Kaka’s childhood was spent in a mansion in Wardha. In the vicinity of the Shri Datta, Shri Ram, and Ganapati temples there, he was imbued with devotional values. His mother consciously instilled in him the values of equality. Consequently, even when discrimination was prevalent in society, everyone received equal affection and treatment in the Agashe household. These very values later shaped Kaka into the ‘Mauli’ (motherly figure) he became. After completing his schooling, Kaka turned towards the spiritual path and established ‘Barsana’ in Khamgaon in 2005. His vision was that this place in Khamgaon, like the original ‘Barsana’ in Uttar Pradesh, the birthplace of Radharani, should also shower devotion and love. Although this place is on flat land, devotees say that its spiritual vibrations are as potent as those of a sacred pilgrimage site (Teerthakshetra) on a mountain peak.

Many extraordinary legends are associated with the life of Agashe Kaka. Among them, the story of Lord Shri Krishna Himself accepting food from his hands is narrated with immense faith by devotees. The relationship between him and his Sadguru, P.P. Nana Maharaj Taranekar of Indore, was indicative of past lives; for both this Guru and disciple were born on the same Tithi, Nagpanchami. Kaka dedicated his entire life to the service of his Sadguru, and witnessing his spiritual authority, Nana Maharaj blessed him as his spiritual successor. Along with spiritual progress, Kaka made the simple path of ‘So’ham’ Sadhana and Namasmaran accessible to the common people through his literature. Through his literary works like ‘Amrutvani’, ‘Das Tarang’, and ‘Martand Stavan’, it is felt that he continues to communicate with devotees even today.

Kaka’s personality was not limited to being a spiritual Guru; he was also a visionary social reformer. He did great work to free youth from the clutches of addiction and provided financial assistance for the education of poor students and their modern computer training. Providing food grains to the poor and assistance for entrepreneurship to the needy, without any desire for fame, was an integral part of his daily life. Although he attained Mahasamadhi on September 15, 2008, the ‘Sadguru Seva Mandal’ continues to uphold his legacy uninterruptedly even today. The pedestrian procession (Palakhi) from Khamgaon to Karanja Lad, which has been taking place for the past 23 years, and the 41 grand Yagnyas performed by Kaka, demonstrate the vastness of his work. Many devotees believe that his ‘Smrutugami’ (one who comes to aid upon remembrance) power, which rushes to help when remembered in times of crisis, still provides support and peace in life.

This temple, located in the Amrutnagar area in the heart of Khamgaon city, is surrounded by a compound wall. Entry to the temple courtyard is through the entrance in this compound wall. The temple’s structure comprises a Sabhamandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). In the Sabhamandap here, devotees perform ‘So’ham’ Sadhana and recite scriptures. In front of the Garbhagriha are Agashe Kaka’s Padukas (footwear) and beyond them, his Samadhi Sthan (resting place). In the marble shrine behind the platform of this Samadhi Sthan, at the center, is an idol of Lord Shri Krishna. On both sides of the Shri Krishna idol are the idols of Shri Arvind Agashe Kaka (Kaka Mauli) and his Sadguru, P.P. Nana Maharaj Taranekar.

Throughout the year, various spiritual and religious festivals are celebrated with great devotion through the P.P. Shri Krishnadas Kaka Mauli Samadhi Seva Mandal, located at Shrikshetra Barsana. These include the Punyatithi (death anniversary) ceremony of P.P. Nana Maharaj on Chaitra Vadya Dashami, the Pranpratishtha Vardhapan Din (consecration anniversary) of P.P. Kaka Mauli Samadhi on Jyeshtha Vadya Panchami, the Punyatithi of P.P. Vasudevanand Saraswati Swami Maharaj on Ashadha Shuddha Pratipada, and the Guru Pournima festival on Ashadha Shuddha Pournima. On Shravan Shuddha Panchami, the joint Jayanti (birth anniversary) of P.P. Nana Maharaj and P.P. Shri Kaka Mauli is celebrated, while on Shravan Vadya Panchami, the Jayanti of P.P. Vasudevanand Saraswati Swami Maharaj is celebrated. In the same month, a grand Gokulashtami festival is celebrated on Shravan Vadya Ashtami, and the annual festivals conclude with the Punyatithi of P.P. Shri Kaka Mauli on Bhadrapada Vadya Pratipada. Mahaprasad is offered to devotees daily from 11 AM to 2 PM and from 7 PM to 9 PM. Devotees can have Darshan of Maharaj’s Samadhi Sthal in this temple daily from 6 AM to 12 PM and from 4 PM to 9 PM.

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