Sacred Vasudev Kutir Vasan Tilakwada, Narmada

Vasudev Kutir is the place in Vasan-Tilakwada (District Narmada, Gujarat) where Vasudevananda Saraswati (Tembe) Swami Maharaj, regarded as the fourth incarnation of Lord Dattatreya, performed his eighth Chaturmas (a four-month holy retreat). It was here that Tembe Maharaj translated the Telugu text of the ‘Kurma Purana’ into Marathi during the Chaturmas period. Tilakwada is considered a spiritually significant site in the northward Narmada Parikrama. Nearby the Kutir are shrines of Dnyanmudradhari Hanuman and Rameshwar Mahadev. Numerous devotees and Narmada Parikrama pilgrims visit this site regularly.

Located around 60 km from Vadodara, Tilakwada is an ancient place, historically ruled by a royal family known as Tilak, hence the name Tilakwada. It later became part of the Baroda State and was a key administrative revenue center. Religiously, it holds immense significance as both the starting and ending point of the northward Narmada Parikrama, which is an alternative to the full Narmada Parikrama for those unable to complete the entire journey on foot.

At Tilakwada, the Narmada River flows northward before turning back at Rampura. Pilgrims begin the journey from the northern bank at Tilakwada, cross the river to Rampura by boat, perform rituals at the Tirtheshwar Mahadev Temple, and begin their Parikrama along the southern bank, eventually returning to Tilakwada to complete the circle. According to the Skanda Purana and Narmada Purana, performing this 21kilometer Parikrama during the month of Chaitra yields the same merit as the entire Narmada Parikrama.

Amidst this holy land lies Vasudev Kutir. Originally a dharmashala (pilgrims’ rest house) was built by the Baroda princely state for pilgrims here. During one Chaturmas, Vasudev Anand Saraswati (Tembe Maharaj) resided here. Tembe Maharaj holds a revered position in the Datt tradition as a devotee of Dattaprabhu and has made extensive writings in Sanskrit and Marathi about Dattatreya. He established many Datt idols and promoted Datt worship through his works such as ‘Shri Dattamahatmya’, ‘Saptashati Gurucharitrasar’, ‘Shri Gurudev Charitra’, ‘Shikshatrayam’, ‘Shri Dattachampu’, ‘Shri Satyadatta Pujakatha’, ‘Dattleelamritabdhisar’, ‘Dvisahasri Gurucharitra’, ‘Shri Dattapurana’, and ‘Nitya Upasanakram’. He had a wide spiritual influence across Maharashtra, North India, and Gujarat.

It is said that on the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Vaishakh month, Swami Maharaj arrived at the Hanuman Temple in Tilakwada, believed to be established by Samarth Ramdas Swami. During that time, a plague outbreak had prompted the British government to restrict travel, so Swami Maharaj resided in a small hut here. This marked his eighth Chaturmas and his first in Gujarat, on the Narmada’s banks. The Chaturmas, a sacred period from Ashadh Ekadashi to Kartik Ekadashi, is traditionally observed with penance and spiritual practices. During his stay, Swami Maharaj transcribed the Telugu-script Kurma Purana into Devanagari Marathi and also wrote the Anusuya Stotra. Many devotees would visit him during this period.

The Vasudev Kutir is now established at the very site where he stayed. Nestled in a scenic location by the river and surrounded by nature, it is situated behind the Tilakwada Police Station, accessible via its entrance. Within the Kutir’s premises stands a beautiful Dattatreya idol beneath an Audumbar tree, and inside, a marble idol of Swami Tembe Maharaj. The walls display illustrations from his life story. The Kutir is managed by Vishnugiri Maharaj, who has served here for many years. The Kutir offers free accommodation and meals to pilgrims.

Adjacent to it is Maruti Dham. Upon entering the premises, one sees the Sitaram Annakshetra (free meal hall). A large image of meditative Hanuman is displayed on the wall. The main hall provides lodging for Parikrama pilgrims. There is a sacrificial altar (yajnakund), and to the left, a vermilion-coated Hanuman idol with a hand on his head stands. A smaller Hanuman idol is also present. The shrine is believed to have been founded between 1630–1650.

In front of the Hanuman shrine lies the living samadhi (final resting place) of a southern Yogi Maharaj. Within the complex is also the Rameshwar Mahadev Temple. In front of the sanctum are idols of Nandi (bull) and turtle. Inside, to the left is Hanuman, to the right Ganesha, and in the sanctum is the Shiva Lingam with a serpent hood, behind which is an idol of Goddess Parvati.

At Vasudev Kutir, various festivals are celebrated annually including Narmada Jayanti, Mahashivratri, Uttarvahini Narmada Parikrama during Chaitra month, birthday (August 13) and death anniversary (June 24) of Vasudev Anand Saraswati Tembe Swami Maharaj, Guru Purnima, Kojagiri Purnima, and Narmada Mahavastra offering ceremony. On Kojagiri Purnima, sarees are offered to the Narmada River which are then distributed among tribal women in the vicinity. The Kutir also organizes medical camps.

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