Historic Dattadham Temple, Karegaon-Parbhani, uka Parbhani, rict Parbhani

Parbhani city, the headquarters of Parbhani district, was known as ‘Prabhavatinagari’ in ancient times. Located on Basmat Road in this historical city, the sacred abode of Dattadham is well-known to countless Datta devotees across Marathwada and Vidarbha. Shri Akhandanand Saraswati (Oak) Swami, a supreme devotee of Lord Dattatreya, established this temple. His Samadhi Mandir has also been built here. Every year, a month-long Datta Jayanti festival is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm at the Dattadham Temple from Kartik Purnima to Margashirsha Purnima. On the auspicious day of Datta Jayanti, the birth celebration of Lord Dattatreya is commemorated amidst the devotional chants of “Digambara Digambara Shripad Vallabha Digambara” and “Avadhuta Chintana Shree Gurudev Datta” in the presence of numerous devotees.

The establishment of this temple has a special history. Shri Akhandanand Saraswati (Oak) Swami, an ardent devotee of Lord Dattatreya, used to conduct programs of Gurucharitra Parayan on various occasions in Parbhani city. One year, such a Gurucharitra Parayan was held at the Shri Laxminarayan Temple in the city. Swami Ji earnestly desired that the funds collected from this religious program be utilized for a noble cause. From this thought arose the vision of constructing a temple dedicated to Lord Dattatreya. Swami Ji began searching for a suitable site for the temple’s construction. During his search, he selected the present temple location in the Karegaon farm area near Parbhani city. The owner of this land, Shri Karegaonkar, was also a devotee of Lord Dattatreya. He voluntarily donated this land for the temple. Subsequently, this grand temple was built here. Shri Makarand Maharaj, a disciple of Shri Akhandanand Swami, has been looking after all the temple affairs as the Mathadhipati (head of the monastery) since 1988. In 2017, on the auspicious occasion of Guru Pratipada, the idol of Swami Ji was consecrated in his Samadhi Mandir within the temple complex, following a grand procession taken out through Parbhani city.

The temple is located on Basmat Road. Upon entering through the main entrance into these serene grounds, one first arrives at the Samadhi Mandir of Akhandanand Saraswati (Oak) Swami. A few steps from there, adjacent to a two-story structure, stands the main temple. The temple’s architecture features a spacious Sabhamandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). On the right side of the temple’s enclosed Sabhamandap is the Shri Akhand Gurucharitra Parayan Hall. A beautiful idol of Akhandanand Saraswati (Oak) Swami is enshrined here. The walls of the Sabhamandap feature portraits of revered saints and holy personages including Shri Nrisimha Saraswati, Sant Eknath, Shri Loknath Tirthaswami, Shri Swami Samarth, Shri Manik Prabhu Maharaj, Shri Rangavadhut Maharaj, Shri Pantmaharaj, and Shri Pachlegaonkar Maharaj. Sacred Padukas (holy footprints) are placed on a platform near the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. From here, one enters the main Garbhagriha. Inside the sanctum sanctorum, an exquisitely captivating marble idol of Lord Dattatreya is seated on a high pedestal, surrounded by a beautifully carved Prabhavali (halo/aureole). In the small shrines built along the Pradakshina (circumambulation) path of the temple, idols of Adi Shankaracharya, Shri Vasudevanand Saraswati (Tembe Swami), Machhindra Maharaj, Shri Nrisimha Saraswati (Ayodhya), Sitaram Maharaj, and Shri Yoganand Saraswati are enshrined.

Situated right in front of the main temple, the Samadhi Mandir of Akhandanand Saraswati (Oak) Swami is constructed out of black stone. The structure of this shrine consists of a semi-open Sabhamandap and a central Garbhagriha. The stone pillars are adorned with intricate and attractive artistry. Inside the sanctum sanctorum, an idol of Akhandanand Saraswati (Oak) Swami is consecrated. The niches (Devakoshtas) on the outer walls of the Garbhagriha feature idols of various deities along with Lord Garuda. The Samadhi Mandir is crowned with a beautiful Shikhara (spire) carved with numerous divine sculptures. A Goshala (cow shelter) is also maintained within the temple complex. Beneath an Audumbar (sacred fig) tree on the premises, there is a small shrine.

The Dattadham Temple witnesses a constant flow of devotees throughout the day. Every Thursday, numerous devotees from the city arrive for Darshan. Programs such as Shri Gurucharitra Saramrit Parayan, Shri Datta Yagya, Shri Gurucharitra Kathamrit, and Kirtan Saptah are organized regularly here. Every year during the month of Ashadha, the Palkhi (palanquin procession) of Shri Gajanan Maharaj from Shegaon halts here for a one-day stay.

Every year, a month-long Datta Jayanti festival takes place from Kartik Purnima to Margashirsha Purnima. During this sacred period, Laghurudrabhisheka is performed daily. Around 1,500 devotees visit the temple daily for Darshan during this festival. On the occasion of this festival, religious events such as Gurucharitra Parayan, Mahabhisheka, Bhajan, and Kirtan are organized. On the day of Datta Jayanti, a grand carpet of fresh flowers is laid out in the Sabhamandap. Elaborate Rangoli artwork is drawn across the premises. The entire temple is illuminated with beautiful lights, and a magnificent Deepotsav (festival of lights) is also celebrated on this day.

On this auspicious day, long queues of devotees assemble for Darshan right from dawn. After the morning Mahabhisheka, various religious rituals are performed. Mahanaivedya (sacred food offering) is offered in the afternoon. Following the Aarti, Mahaprasadam is distributed to all the devotees.

In the evening, the Datta Janmotsav (birth celebration) is commemorated amidst joyous chants of “Digambara Digambara Shripad Vallabha Digambara” and “Avadhuta Chintana Shree Gurudev Datta” in the presence of thousands of devotees. The birth celebration concludes with a solemn Aarti.

Following the Janmotsav, a Palkhi procession is taken out within the premises. The temple remains open for devotees for Darshan every day from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

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