Historic Sridatta Temple / Kardam Rishi Ashram Karanji, Dindiri, Nasik

Recognized as the ‘maternal grandparents’ home of Shri Dattatreya’, the Kardam Rishi Ashram is situated at the holy site of Karanji in Dindori Taluka. The temple here houses a three-faced idol of Shri Dattatreya in the Padmasana (lotus) posture. It is believed that because Shri Dattatreya performed his spiritual practices at his maternal grandparents’ home, this idol is in the Padmasana posture. It is said to be the only idol of Shri Dattatreya in this posture in the entire state.

According to ancient texts, Lord Brahma himself created Kardam Rishi from his own shadow to design and expand the universe. Kardam Rishi, through the power of his knowledge, constructed an aircraft. Impressed by his work, Manu Rishi proposed that Kardam Rishi marry his daughter, Devahuti. Accepting this proposal, he entered into matrimony with Devahuti. They were blessed with one son and nine daughters. Their son, Kapil Rishi, is considered an avatar of Lord Vishnu and is included among the twenty-four avatars of Vishnu. Kardam Rishi arranged the marriages of his daughters—Kala, Anasuya, Shraddha, Havirbhu, Gati, Kriya, Khyati, Arundhati, and Shanti—to the sages Marichi, Atri, Angira, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Bhrigu, Vashistha, and Atharva, respectively.

Kapil Rishi received lessons in devotion and detachment from his mother, Devahuti, while residing at the Kardam Ashram. Devahuti renounced worldly life and chose the spiritual path. After some time, Kapil Rishi moved from the Kardam Ashram to the Ishan-kon (northeast) Ashram. The son born to Anasuya and Atri later became known as Dattatreya. It is believed that Dattatreya was raised in this very ashram of his grandfather, Kardam Rishi.

Karanji in Dindori Taluka is nestled in a region rich in nature. Kardam Rishi performed penance in this area, which was once the Dandakaranya forest. It is said that because there were many Karanji trees here, the area came to be known as Karanji and the ashram as Kardam Ashram. Above all, this site is best known as the maternal home of Shri Dattatreya. Consequently, hundreds of devotees visit daily to seek the blessings of the Dattatreya idol in the Padmasana posture.

Another unique feature of this ashram is the belief that the Ganga of Kashi descended here. Therefore, during the Kumbh Mela, thousands of sadhus and mahants visit the Kardam Rishi Ashram to bathe in this Ganga, which is why this site is also called ‘Prati-Gangapur’ (the second Gangapur). Since ancient times, sadhus from the akharas of Nashik have also visited this place in large numbers.

A ghat has been built at the Ganga bathing site in Kardam Ashram. Near this ghat is the Ganga Temple. Additionally, there are temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Mahadev, Saptashrungi Mata, and Vitthal-Rukmini. The samadhi shrines of Swami Shivdayal Giri and Ramchandra Maharaj are also located here. It is said that due to the power of Swami Shivdayal’s penance, the Ganga manifested here, and the idol of Shri Dattatreya appeared. Once, on Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami, an elderly couple visited Swami Shivdayal. The Swami himself stayed with them until Dashami, Ekadashi, and Dwadashi. After the meal, he performed the traditional ritual of offering a saree and blouse to the woman and bid them farewell. When devotees asked the Swami about this, he revealed that Lord Vitthal and Rukmini from Pandharpur themselves had visited. The Swami took living samadhi in this area in the year 1827. It is said that he remained alive for six months after his samadhi. A copper tube was installed up to the ground level to allow him to breathe, and that tube can still be seen here today.

Karanji also maintains the tradition of the Datta Akhara. The responsibility of this akhara has been managed by Mathadhipati Shivdayal Giri Swami, Sadguru Ramchandra Brahmachari, Mukund Maharaj Brahmachari, Hari Giriji Brahmachari, Bhaskar-anand Brahmachari, and subsequently Mahant Subhashgiri Maharaj.

Festivals such as Chaitra Shukla Purnima and Hanuman Jayanti are celebrated at the Kardam Ashram. During the period from Jyeshtha Shukla Saptami to Purnima, Ganga Dashahara (Ganga Utsav) and Nama-Saptah are organized. The Datta Janmotsav is celebrated from Margashirsha Shukla Saptami to Purnima. The temple trust operates a residential school for students, a guest house for devotees, and a cowshed (Goshala).

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