Ancient Datta Temple Bhowale, Chaul, Alibaug, Raigad

A famous shrine of Datta Digambar is situated on a picturesque hill in Bhovale, near the renowned village of Chaul in Alibaug Taluka. One can reach this temple by climbing approximately 750 steps built through lush greenery. Since the temple is located at a height, it offers breathtaking views of the coconut and areca nut groves below, verdant hills, and the Revdanda creek. A panoramic view of the towns of Revdanda and Chaul can also be captured from here. The five-day fair held here on the occasion of Datta Jayanti is one of the largest fairs in the district.

After crossing the Chaul Naka, one reaches the Bhovale Lake. The path leading to the Datta Mandir is located beside this lake. There are three routes to reach this temple from the foothills. Devotees believe that the darshan of Datta Guru becomes even more meaningful after the physical effort of climbing the steps. It is said that this temple was built in different stages during the 18th century. Swami Brahmendra built a small temple here in 1810. A few years later, a devotee of Lord Dattatreya came to live there. He possessed the padukas (footprints) of Shri Datta, which he consecrated in the temple in 1831. Three years later, some devotees came together to build the kalash (spire) and the pradakshina path (circumambulation path). Between 1843 and 1852, the mandap (hall) in front of the temple and a house for the priests were constructed. Because the temple was on a high hill, the climb was difficult and dangerous. Therefore, around 1857, a devotee named Narayan Khatri had 750 steps built to access the temple. Until then, there were only padukas in the temple. In the same year the steps were completed, a beautiful idol of Datta Guru with ‘three heads and six arms’, carved in black stone, was consecrated. The temple was renovated in 1963, resulting in the sturdy structure seen today.

The main route to the temple is along the side of Bhovale Lake. After passing through the arch on this path, the stairway begins. On the right side of the first step, there are the padukas of Lord Datta. Devotees who are unable to climb to the top can offer their prayers to these padukas. Along the way, water stations (panpoi) have been built for rest and to quench thirst. On the right side of the path, there is a massive, ancient Gorakh-chinch tree.

After climbing approximately 500 steps, the first stage is completed. Here lies the Math of Akkalkot-resident Swami Samarth, which houses an idol and a portrait of the Swami. There is a ghat road via Varande Devghar to reach this point. Two-wheelers and four-wheelers can reach this stage, allowing visitors to avoid the exertion of the first 500 steps. Beside the Swami Samarth Math, there is a Samadhi Sadhana Kuti and rooms for rest. After climbing a few more steps, there is a dilapidated deepmal (lamp tower) on the right. It is said that Swami Brahmendra built this lamp tower along with the temple in the beginning. To the left here is the Samadhi of Burande Maharaj. Beside the Samadhi is a small Datta Mandir, where one can see the idol of Datta Guru in the center, an idol of Ganpati on the right, and a Shivling on the left. After climbing a few more steps, one finds the Hare Ram Baba Math, Hare Ram Dhuni Mandir, and Sai Baba Mandir. Beside them is the main arch of the Datta Mandir and a lamp pillar (deepstambh) next to the arch. From here, the domed spire of the temple is visible. There is a third path to reach the Datta Mandir nearby; one can reach here via a footpath from the Hingulja Devi temple located to the north. There are iron railings along the valley side of this footpath.

After entering through the arch and climbing eight to ten steps, one enters the main temple. A large brass bell from the olden days hangs in the compact assembly hall (sabhamandap) of the temple. In the sanctum sanctorum, there is an idol of the three-headed Dattatreya with six arms, carved in black stone, along with 400-year-old padukas. The wall behind the idol is covered with metal sheets embossed with designs of leaves, flowers, and auspicious symbols. Above the idol, the Guru Datta mantra ‘Digambara Digambara Shripad Vallabh Digambara’ is inscribed on the metal sheet. To the right of the Datta idol is a metal idol of Ganesh. To the south of the Datta Mandir is the Math of Mai Jankibai and Hanumandas. It is said that both of them lived here many years ago and served Datta Guru. The Math contains clay statues of both, along with idols of Shri Ram, Lakshman, Sitamai, Ganpati, and a Shivling. There is a platform in front, which features idols of Shegaon-resident Gajanan Maharaj, Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sai Baba, Sant Tukaram, and Vitthal-Rakhumai. Looking down from the western side of the temple, one can see the Agrav creek where the Kundalika river meets the sea, the Salav bridge, Revdanda, Korlai fort, and the Bhovale lake area. The entire temple premises are extremely scenic, and this beauty is further enhanced during the monsoon.

Every year, a five-day fair is held here on the occasion of Datta Jayanti. During this time, thousands of devotees seek blessings and pray to Shri Datta Guru for a happy life. On the first day of the fair, a silver mask is brought to the temple in a procession with music and fanfare from the nearby Chaul Theronda. After performing puja, it is adorned on the Datta idol. A seven-day Saptah is observed in the temple before the fair. At other times as well, the temple remains crowded with devotees throughout the day. The temple is open for darshan all day. This is a highly awakened (jagrut) place of Dattatreya, and many devotees share that their wishes have been fulfilled by visiting here. During the fair, thousands of devotees come to the temple for darshan. Additionally, a Datta Yag is performed here on the last Thursday of every month.

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