Ancient Datta Temple Prayag Chikhli, Karveer, Kolhapur

Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh is an ancient holy pilgrimage site. Just like Prayagraj, which is the confluence of the three rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the hidden Saraswati, there is also a Prayag Kshetra in Karveer Taluka. This place is known as Nand Prayag, Dakshin Kashi, Dakshin Prayag, or Prayag Chikhali. Considered a boon for Kolhapur district, as many as five rivers meet at this Prayag Kshetra, which is the origin of the Panchganga River. Devotees believe that Lord Dattatreya Himself comes here to take a holy bath. Therefore, this temple is always crowded with devotees seeking the Darshan of Lord Datta.

In Hinduism, since ancient times, the Kumbh Mela is held at four major holy places. These four places are Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, and Prayagraj. During the Mughal period, Prayagraj was renamed Allahabad. In 2019, its ancient name was restored. Devotees believe that Prayag Chikhali in Karveer holds the same sacred glory and significance as described for Prayagraj. Every year, lakhs of devotees visit this place during the month of Magh as well as on Kartik Purnima. A period of one month starting from Makar Sankranti is celebrated here as the Magh Snan Mahotsav. During this time, immense crowds of devotees gather to take a holy dip at the small ghat along the confluence. This is because Prayag Chikhali is believed to be the confluence of five rivers.

The names of these five rivers are mentioned in the eighteenth chapter of the ‘Shri Gurucharitra’. In the sixteenth verse, it is stated: “Shiva Bhadra Bhogavati | Kumbhinadi Saraswati | Panchagangakhyati | Mahapataka Samhari ||” The Gurucharitra also mentions the confluence of these five rivers in the context of Kuravpur, which is present-day Kurundwad. In the thirteenth verse, it is stated: “Kuravpur Gram Gahan | Kurukshetra Tenchi Jan | Panchagangakrishnasangam | Ati Uttam Pariyesa ||” Owing to this holy confluence, Prayag Chikhali has also been revered as a sacred place since ancient times. This holy site is also mentioned in the text ‘Karveer Mahatmya’.

A legend regarding this place states that when Lord Vishnu asked Lord Brahma to create living beings, Lord Brahma came to Panhala, also known as Brahmagiri, and performed severe penance. Thereafter, he performed an unprecedented Yajna. Upon its completion, a holy bath was required; however, there was no major river at that place. Then, the sages Kashyapa, Galava, Vashistha, Vishwamitra, and Gargya each created a river. It is said that four of these rivers are visible, while the river Saraswati remains hidden. After taking a holy bath here, the deities installed a Rudrapada Linga at this site. It is located inside the Kartik Swami Temple here.

Here, situated in a spacious area on the riverbank, stands the temple of Gurudev Datta. Located alongside the main road in a large space, this temple is of modern construction. Remnants of an ancient temple are visible here, reflecting the antiquity of this place. The architecture of this new temple consists of a Sabhamandap (assembly hall), Antarala (vestibule), Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), and a spire (Shikhara) somewhat shaped like a Kalash above it. In front of the Sabhamandap, there are two Samadhi shrines that resemble square-stepped pyramids. A Shivling is enshrined at one, while Padukas (holy footprints) are placed at the other. Stone structures resembling a Homa Kunda (fire pit) as well as some broken pillars of the ancient temple can also be seen here. The Sabhamandap of the temple has a flat roof and is semi-open. To the right side of the Sabhamandap’s entrance, there is an idol of Lord Ganesha in a small niche, while an idol of Lord Hanuman is in the niche on the left. A beautifully decorated wooden Palanquin (Palkhi) of Lord Dattatreya is kept in the Sabhamandap. There is a Pradakshina (circumambulation) path around the Garbhagriha from the Sabhamandap. Inside the Garbhagriha, on a raised platform within a large marble shrine, resides an exquisitely carved marble idol of the three-faced (Trimukhi) Lord Datta. Below this idol, a silver Trimukhi mask (Mukhawata) is enshrined.

In the temple premises, there is an intricately carved upright rectangular stone slab. It is known as the Navagraha Shila. A Kirtimukha is carved on the upper portion of this stone slab. It is said that the nine planets (Navagrahas) and twenty-seven Nakshatras (lunar mansions) are engraved on this stone, and in ancient times, the Panchang (astrological calendar) was referred to with the help of this very stone. A short distance behind the temple lies the Sangam Ghat, where a small Mandap (pavilion) has been constructed. There is also a temple dedicated to Lord Kartik Swami in the temple complex. Devotees can seek his Darshan only once a year during the Krittika Nakshatra period.

Just like during the Magh Snan Mahotsav, a large crowd of devotees gathers at the temple on Datta Jayanti. Various festivals and religious celebrations are observed here with great enthusiasm. A free meal service named ‘Shripad Shrivallabh Swami Annachhatra’ is also run here by the temple management.

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