Sacred Datta Mandir Institute Subhash Maharaj Samadhi Temple Malkapur, Kalamb, Dharashiv

In Hindu Dharma, many saints have advocated for pure spirituality by opposing empty rituals. However, they have also demonstrated that spiritual powers can provide relief from physical suffering. Common devotees consider this a miracle, which is why unwavering faith is established in such places. The Datta Mandir and Subhash Maharaj Samadhi Mandir in Malkapur, Dharashiv district, is one such sacred site. Devotees believe that visiting this place resolves all kinds of life problems.

This shrine is approximately one hundred years old. It is said that Subhash Maharaj was a great devotee of Lord Dattatreya from his childhood. He would chant the name of Datta at every moment. Pleased by his devotion, Shri Dattatreya appeared before him in person and bestowed upon him various spiritual powers (Siddhis). Shri Dattatreya commanded him to use these powers for the welfare of the common people. Consequently, Subhash Maharaj began to resolve the problems of the masses while sitting under a Peepal tree here. Later, he established this Datta shrine. It is said that in 1970, a direct ST bus service from Mumbai to Malkapur was started specifically for the devotees coming to seek the blessings of Subhash Maharaj.

Thousands of devotees bear witness that their physical and mental ailments have been cured after visiting this place. There are accounts of devotees being cured of heart disease, bone disorders, spinal issues, cancer, AIDS, and brain disorders simply by taking darshan of the Samadhi. Devotees believe that even after the passing of Subhash Maharaj, his Samadhi continues to resolve all problems. For this reason, thousands of devotees gather here every Thursday and on Purnima (full moon day) to seek blessings.

The first welcome arch of the temple is located on the road leading to the shrine, a short distance from Malkapur village. There is a paved road leading up to the shrine, which is about one kilometer from the arch. The temple is enclosed by a three-foot-high boundary wall with an entrance gate. The spacious courtyard, covered with paver blocks, has seating arrangements for devotees. In the courtyard, there is a large hall for Kirtan and Pravachan. This open-style hall features a dais at the front, with two rooms on either side. Beyond this, there is a staircase about twenty feet long leading upwards, followed by the Samadhi Mandir of Subhash Maharaj.

The temple structure consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). There are niches on both sides of the entrance to the Sabha Mandap. In front of the entrance are five steps, with vertical carvings on the door frames and a Chakra on the lintel. The entrance has ornate wooden doors. The enclosed Sabha Mandap has ventilators for light and air. The hall features carved square pillars, and in the center of the floor, there is a tortoise sculpture in a circular design. It is said that Subhash Maharaj’s funeral pyre was lit here, and on the third day after the cremation, an Audumbar tree emerged from the ashes. In the room on the right side of the Sabha Mandap is the ‘Gadi’ (seat) of Subhash Maharaj. Sitting on this seat, he used to resolve the difficulties and problems of the devotees. In this room, on the back wall, there is a large portrait of Subhash Maharaj. Further ahead is the Garbhagriha. The wooden door frames of the sanctum are adorned with floral carvings, and the entrance has ornate silver doors. In the center of the Garbhagriha lies the Samadhi of Subhash Maharaj, and against the back wall, on a pedestal, is a meditative idol of the Maharaj. The idol is adorned with clothes and a turban. There is a circumambulation path (Pradakshina Marg) around the exterior of the Garbhagriha. The roof of the Garbhagriha features a three-tiered square Shikhara, decorated with pillar carvings and lotus petal designs. At the top of the Shikhara is a Stupika topped with a Kalash.

Adjacent to the temple in the courtyard are the Bhakta Niwas (pilgrim lodging) buildings. There are rooms available for devotees coming from outside. Next to the Bhakta Niwas is the kitchen and the Annachhatra Mandap, where Mahaprasad is distributed throughout the day. In the courtyard, there is a small temple of Shri Dattatreya, where a three-faced idol of Dattatreya sits on a pedestal in the center, with an idol of Subhash Maharaj to its left.

Datta Jayanti is the main annual festival celebrated here with great enthusiasm. Every Thursday and on Purnima, thousands of devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings of Subhash Maharaj’s Samadhi. All festivals and holy days throughout the year are celebrated at the temple. Programs such as Bhajans, Kirtans, Pravachans, music, and Mahaprasad are ongoing throughout the year. The number of devotees visiting the temple daily reaches into the thousands.

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