Divine Datta Temple Institute Raver, T. Raver, Jalgaon

Raver is an important historical village situated on the main highway leading to Burhanpur, which was once the capital of Khandesh. Thorale Bajirao Peshwa breathed his last on the banks of the Narmada in this very village on 28 April 1740 (Vaishakha Shuddha Shake 1662). Plundered and destroyed by Yashwantrao Holkar in 1803, this village later came under the control of Suryajirao Nimbalkar. Today, serving as a taluka headquarters, this village holds great religious significance owing to its ancient Datta Temple. The Rath Yatra (chariot festival) of this temple, carrying a tradition of nearly 200 years, is renowned throughout the surrounding region.

The history of this temple states that Saint Datta Maharaj, alias Sachidananda Baba, established this temple in the nineteenth century, in 1833. For constructing this temple, he bought timber from an old fort in Burhanpur. Similarly, specifying the exact proportion of Panchadhatu (five metals) to a coppersmith, he got a 17-inch idol of Lord Dattatreya crafted by him. Regarding Swami Sachidananda, he was born in a Brahmin family at Mahur on Bhadrapada Shuddha 15 in the year 1780 CE. When he was 15 years old, his parents passed away. A short while later, Swamiji donated his home to a teacher and left the village. While meditating on the banks of the Godavari in Nanded in search of a Sadguru, he met Saint Haridas of the Nath Sampradaya. 

Thereafter, Swamiji undertook a pilgrimage across South India and then went to Mahur, where he performed intense penance for 12 years. It is said that in Mahur, he was blessed with the divine vision of Lord Dattatreya in His physical form (Saguna Rupa). He received a sacred stick and Padukas from Lord Datta. Subsequently, he traveled to Burhanpur. His fame had spread far and wide. Desiring that such a holy saint should grace their village, Supushet Wani of Raver, accompanied by a few Brahmins, met him. Acceding to their humble request, Swamiji arrived in Raver. In due course, he established a temple dedicated to Lord Dattatreya here.

An idol of Lord Krishna is also enshrined in this temple. There is an inspiring legend about how Lord Krishna appeared in this Datta Temple. It is said that once Swami Sachidananda was seated in deep meditation inside the temple. Suddenly he remarked, “Gopalji is arriving at our temple.” At that moment, no one understood his words. However, within a short time, a gentleman named Rairikar from the Khargone region of Madhya Pradesh arrived at the temple carrying a black stone idol of Lord Krishna. He narrated that he had been receiving a divine vision in his dreams for the past few days, where Lord Krishna Himself appeared and commanded, “Take me to Swami Sachidananda.” Accordingly, he brought the idol that day. This idol remains enshrined in the temple to this day. It is said that Swami Sachidananda performed many divine miracles here. At a serene location outside Raver, during a spiritual gathering (satsang) with Kunwarswami Maharaj and Mastanshawali Baba, he blessed devotees with divine experiences. At the age of 108, in 1888 CE on Bhadrapada Shuddha Navami, he took Sanjeevan Samadhi here.

This Datta Temple is situated inside a grand two-storeyed Maratha-style Wada (mansion) in Raver village. Constructed with extensive woodwork, this ancient mansion features pillared verandahs (owaris) on three sides. In the center is a spacious open courtyard containing a small Homakunda (sacrificial fire altar). On the right side, in a niche within the verandah, stands a marble idol of Lord Hanuman. To the left is the spacious Sabhamandap (assembly hall) of the Datta Temple and Swami Sachidananda Samadhi Temple. In it, elegant wooden Surudar pillars set upon carved stone pedestals are joined by ornamental arches. Portraits of Lord Datta, various revered saints of the Varkari tradition, and sacred deities adorn the walls of the Sabhamandap. In front, behind a wooden railing, lies the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). In front of the railing, on an elevated altar, are the holy Padukas and portrait of Swami Sachidananda. Inside the sanctum sanctorum, on a high pedestal, stands a beautiful silver-plated frame (makhar) adorned with fine carving. Within it, the divine idols of Lord Datta, Lord Krishna, and Lord Vitthal-Rukmini are enshrined. To the right of the sanctum sanctorum lies the sacred Gadi (revered seat) of Swamiji. 

Swami Sachidananda had initiated the Rathotsav (chariot festival) in the temple during his lifetime. For the annual Rathotsav celebrated on Datta Jayanti, Swamiji’s disciple, Rambhai Betawadkar, dedicated a grand eight-faced chariot (Ashtamukhi Rath) standing about 21 feet tall and weighing around seven to eight tonnes. Thousands of devotees from Raver participate in this grand festival. On the second day, a procession of the Krishna idol is taken out, while on the third day, the Palkhi (palanquin) of Lord Panduranga is carried in procession. The Sanjeevan Samadhi Day of Swamiji is also observed in the temple with profound devotion.

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