Divine Gangagiri Maharaj Samadhi Temple  Sarala Island, Shrirampur, Ahilyanagar

Sarala Bet is a sacred site sanctified by the presence and noble deeds of Yogiraj Sadguru Brahmaleen Gangagiri Maharaj. This island was formed by the bifurcation of the Godavari River, which is known as the ‘Dakshin Ganga’ (Southern Ganges). The island spans an expansive 65 acres. A bridge has been constructed to provide access to this island, which is surrounded by river waters. Sarala Bet, a place of deep faith for millions of devotees from the districts of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Ahilyanagar, and Nashik, is also recognized as a scenic tourist destination.

Gangagiri Maharaj was born in 1814 into a Gosavi family. His birthplace was Kapus Wadgaon, located on the banks of the Godavari, 25 km from Puntamba. His father, Devgiri, performed religious duties and recited scriptures in the village, which instilled religious values in Gangagiri Maharaj from a very young age. He began reciting scriptures in the village at the age of twelve. Wrestling was his favorite sport, and he was a renowned wrestler. At the age of twenty, he accepted discipleship under the saint Nathbaba. The lineage of Nathbaba is traced back to Adinath Bhagwan Shiva, Machindranath, Gorakshanath, Gahininath, Nivruttinath, and Sant Dnyaneshwar. Following his Guru’s command, Gangagiri Maharaj performed rigorous penance at Sarala Bet. Due to this penance, he came to be addressed as Yogiraj. During the British and Nizam rule, he worked to awaken spiritual and cultural consciousness among the people in this region. 

“Take the name of Hari, give food in charity. To transcend, be humble; to drown, be proud.” This was the motto of Maharaj. He was a saint who practiced what he preached. On the occasion of the Harinam Saptah, he would organize grand food donation drives (Annadan). In that era of the nineteenth century, he had people of all four varnas sit in a single row to dine together, aiming to eradicate social divisions. Many had accepted his discipleship. 

Gangagiri Maharaj remained a celibate throughout his life and followed the path of Sannyasa. In the year 1902, at the age of 88, he took Samadhi at Sarala Bet. After him, the tradition of Gangagiri Maharaj was carried forward with selfless devotion by his disciples: Sadguru Shridattagiri Maharaj, followed by Sadguru Shrinathgiri Maharaj, Shri Someshwargiri Maharaj, and Shri Narayangiri Maharaj. After the Mahanirvana of Mahant Narayangiri Maharaj on March 19, 2009, his foremost disciple and Mahant of Bajathan Ashram, Ramgiri Maharaj, has been presiding over the seat of Sarala Bet. In 2022, he renamed Sarala Bet as ‘Shri Sadguru Gangagiri Maharaj Godadham’.

On this island stands the grand Samadhi Mandir of Sadguru Gangagiri Maharaj. Spanning about 19 acres, this magnificent stone structure resembles an ancient palace and bears a resemblance to the ancient Rajput architectural style. The entire premises are enclosed by a tall, stone, yet highly attractive fortification. Built at a height from the ground, the structure features a grand courtyard. Beyond this, there are a total of 20 to 25 stone steps built in four high tiers with some distance in between. Upon crossing this paved area, one reaches the two-storied Darshan Mandap, which serves as the main entrance. This distinctive Darshan Mandap features carved stone arched pillars, walls adorned with latticed windows, and large wooden carved doors at the entrance, flanked by life-like elephant statues on pedestals. 

From here, one enters the spacious Sabha Mandap (assembly hall). After taking darshan of the Padukas at the Samadhi site of Narayangiri Maharaj, housed within a marble canopy, one enters the main temple. Here lies the Samadhi of Yogiraj Gangagiri Maharaj, with stone idols of Vitthal-Rukmini placed behind it. The inner sanctum of the temple features a domed ceiling with intricate carvings. The temple has three shikhars—one tall and two smaller ones. The entire temple premises feature stone construction and stone paving, which further enhances the grandeur of the structure. The premises also include a Dattatreya temple, a Hanuman temple, sculptures depicting the meeting between Saibaba and Gangagiri Maharaj in Shirdi, and a two-storied Gurukul building.

In 2014, the temple at Shri Kshetra Sarala Bet was renovated, and the current spacious structure was erected. At that time, a Pran-Pratishtha ceremony for various deities and a Shri Harihar Mahayajna were organized. Countless devotees from Ahilyanagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Nashik districts, who have faith in Yogiraj Gangagiri Maharaj, participated in this ceremony. 

Religious festivals celebrated here include the Punyatithi Saptah of Brahmaleen Gangagiri Maharaj from Margashirsha Vadya Ashtami to Amavasya, the Punyatithi of Mahant Narayangiri Maharaj on Phalgun Vadya Ashtami, Guru Purnima Utsav on Ashadh Purnima, Shravan Saptah from Shravan Shuddha Panchami to Dwadashi, and the Durgashtami Homyajna during Navratri. Apart from these, devotees continuously visit this religious site for darshan. During the period of Mahashivratri, a large number of devotees arrive here to bathe in the Godavari. A fair is also held in the area on Mahashivratri. The island functions as a Gurukul for imparting knowledge. A grand Goshala (cow shelter) has also been established for cow service. Following the teachings of Gangagiri Maharaj, the institution provides Annadan (food donation) on the island. The facilities include tea from 7:00 to 7:30 AM, breakfast from 8:30 to 9:30 AM, lunch from 12:00 to 2:00 PM, tea from 4:00 to 4:30 PM, and dinner from 8:00 to 9:00 PM. Accommodation facilities are also available for devotees on the island.

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