Pavitra povan Ashram Mangrol, Nandod (Rajpipla), Narmada

Tapovan Ashram of Swami Purnanand Saraswati in Mangrol is a prominent spiritual site located on the path of the northward-flowing Narmada Parikrama. Nestled in a scenic natural environment along the banks of the Narmada River, this ashram is believed by devotees to be the residence of an avadhut incarnation. Swami Purnanand Saraswati has resided here for over 30 years and thousands of Narmada parikramavasis (pilgrims) visit for his darshan. His devotees are not only from Gujarat but also in large numbers from Maharashtra.

Swami Purnanand was born in Tamil Nadu on Buddha Purnima (Vaishakh Shuddha Purnima) in 1947. At the age of eight, he renounced worldly life and began a pilgrimage across India, eventually arriving in Maharashtra. In the Ganeshpuri region of Thane district (Bhiwandi Taluka), he met Swami Nityanand, a revered saint originally from Kerala, who had settled in Vajreshwari since 1937, where a major ashram stands today. Legend says that young Purnanand, around age 14, sat at the steps of Swami Nityanand’s ashram for three consecutive days, waiting for darshan. Eventually, a devotee brought him before Swami Nityanand, who offered him sherbet from his cup, thus initiating him into the spiritual path. This event is believed to have occurred around 1961.

Swami Purnanand later visited all 12 Jyotirlingas and the three and a half Shakti Peethas, performing spiritual rituals at each. He also spent years performing penance at Aundha Nagnath, a sacred Jyotirlinga temple from the Yadava period located in Hingoli Taluka, Maharashtra. Over time, many devotees were drawn to him, and his spiritual family grew.

In the 1980s, Swami Purnanand came to the Rajpipla region of Gujarat, where his disciples established the Tapovan Ashram in Mangrol. Initially, there was only a simple hut among the trees, but now the area includes several large buildings. He undertook the northward Narmada Parikrama three times, accompanied by his disciples and devotees. According to them, since 1994, at the age of 47, he has been living permanently in this ashram, offering spiritual guidance. Due to age, he now gives darshan only once a week, every Thursday evening from 7 to 8 PM.

Situated on several acres along the Narmada Parikrama route, the ashram is surrounded by a high boundary wall. Inside are gardens and a variety of trees. Just inside the iron gate, on the left side, stands the main two-storey ashram building. The upper floor houses Swami Purnanand Saraswati’s residence. Inside a hall, his asana (seat) is placed, where he sits to give darshan to devotees.

In front of the building is a Sai Baba Temple, which includes a sabhamandap (assembly hall) and a sanctum (garbhagriha). The temple has a pyramid-shaped central spire and two smaller ones. Inside the sanctum, on a marble platform within a silver canopy, is a marble idol of Sai Baba adorned with garments and ornaments. On either side are smaller marble idols of Swami Purnanand Saraswati and his Guru, with silver lion statues flanking the platform. 

In the right corner of the sanctum stands a Ganesh idol, crafted in the Tandala style from stone. The idol features an ornate crown and decorative metal ears and trunk. In the left corner, there is a platform with a Shri Yantra, and in front of it, marble elephant sculptures. In the center of the sanctum, embedded below floor level, is a Shivalinga with a silver-plated base, over which a silver Nagraj (serpent deity) is poised. In front of the linga are idols of Nandi and a tortoise, while behind it is a marble idol of Goddess Parvati, adorned with a silver crown and umbrella. Beside her stands a large five-headed metal idol of Nagraj. Aarti is performed twice daily at 7 AM and 7 PM.

The ashram also includes a Hanuman temple, a Goshala (cow shelter) and the ‘Saidham Vishramsadan’ guesthouse for devotees. Nearby, a large open-air Yagna Mandap is constructed in front of a tree. In the center is a Havan Kund and above it, an opening in the roof for smoke ventilation. Opposite the havan mandap is a covered shed for devotees. Every Thursday and on full moon (Purnima), a Satyanarayan Puja is held at 10 AM, attended by numerous devotees. Mahaprasad is distributed afterward. A path from the ashram leads to the banks of the Narmada, where devotees perform Narmada Puja.

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