Prasanna Shree Dattaguru Sangulwadi, Vaibhavwadi, Sindhudurg

Just as in other parts of Maharashtra, devotion to Lord Dattatreya is seen on a grand scale in Konkan as well. In the land of Konkan, there are ancient Datta temples in many villages such as Mangaon, Talwade, Patgaon, Math, and Raipatan. Similarly, there are monasteries (Mathas) of the Datta Sampradaya in several places. The Dattaguru Math, nestled in the mountain cliffs of Sangulwadi in Vaibhavwadi Taluka, is one such sacred place. It was established by Ambarnath Rane Maharaj. Maharaj’s Samadhi is located right here. Nestled amidst picturesque natural surroundings in the lap of the hills, this Dattaguru Math attracts large crowds of devotees during Datta Jayanti and other festivals.

The early life history of Ambarnath Maharaj is that his native village was Sangulwadi itself. From here, he went to Mumbai for employment. He worked in the Customs Department of the Government of India. During that time, he met Harinath Baba in Kalyan. Harinath Baba belonged to the Datta Sampradaya. Through him, Ambarnath Maharaj turned towards spirituality. Harinath Baba initiated him. Following his instructions, Ambarnath Maharaj began practicing Japa, Tapasya, and Yoga Sadhana. During this period, he experienced divine miracles of Dattaguru on several occasions. Once, Ambarnath Maharaj fell gravely ill. At that time, he resigned from his job and returned to Sangulwadi. Here, he was bedridden. During this time, he requested his mother to pray to Dattaguru, saying, ‘I surrender my child to Lord Datta.’ Soon after his mother offered this prayer, Ambarnath Maharaj sat up, recovered from his illness, and started meditating under a Banyan tree in Sangulwadi. The date was 24 May 1931. This tree still stands in the Math premises today.

Thereafter, he had a divine vision (Sakshatkar) of Dattaguru. He carved out a portion of the hill near the Banyan tree, constructed a small tiled temple of Lord Datta, and performed the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) of the idol of Dattaguru. He began practicing Japa, Tapasya, and Yoga Sadhana here. Gradually, people from the surrounding region began visiting to seek his blessings. Celebrations of Datta Jayanti and other sacred festivals began in the temple. Ambarnath Maharaj took Samadhi in 1957. After Ambarnath Maharaj, his spiritual lineage was carried forward by his sons, Avadhut Maharaj and Maruti Maharaj. 

A path leads through the dense foliage of Sangulwadi towards the Math. The Math is situated a short distance away, nestled high in the mountain cliffs. There is an old pathway with steps to reach here, while a new asphalt road allows direct access to the Math by vehicle. Inside this Math is the temple of Dattaguru. The temple structure consists of a Sabhamandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The main entrance of the Sabhamandap is made of wood with intricate carvings on its lintel. On the Lalatabimba (central crest) of this entrance, an idol of Lord Ganesha is carved in wood, and above it, images of Goddess Mahalaxmi, Dattaguru, and Lord Vitthal-Rukmini are adorned. Upon entering through the doorway, the Garbhagriha is located on an elevated platform above the Sabhamandap. Three steps lead up into the Garbhagriha. Devotees are not permitted to enter the Garbhagriha, except for the priests. Therefore, devotees must take Darshan of the idol of Lord Datta in the sanctum sanctorum from the Sabhamandap itself.

Inside the Garbhagriha, enshrined upon a Vajrapeetha within a large wooden shrine, is a three-faced (Trimukhi) marble idol of Dattaguru. Around 1000 CE, the worship of Lord Dattatreya as the combined manifestation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh began, and that very divine form is represented here. Behind this three-faced Dattatreya is a cow, and near His feet are two dogs. The cow is considered symbolic of Earth, while the dogs symbolize the Vedas. Near this idol, there are brass idols of Bal Krishna, Shri Ram-Sita-Laxman, as well as a brass Shivlinga. Silver Padukas (holy footwear) are also enshrined here.

In front of the Datta Temple stands the Samadhi of Swami Ambarnath Maharaj. His descendants mention that Maharaj took Sanjeevan Samadhi in 1957. According to spiritual science, Samadhi is the eighth and final limb of Ashtanga Yoga. The ultimate culmination of a seeker’s penance is the state of Samadhi. In common parlance, the terms ‘Jivant Samadhi’ and ‘Sanjeevan Samadhi’ are prevalent; there is a distinction between the two. In Jivant Samadhi, natural death occurs over time leading to the shedding of the physical body. Beside this Samadhi is also the Samadhi of his wife, Anusuya. Nearby, near a pillar, stands a statue of Ambarnath Maharaj’s eldest son, Avadhut Maharaj, seated in a chair with his legs relaxed. Behind the Datta Temple, there are two shrines—one houses an idol of Swami Ambarnath Maharaj, while the other houses an idol of Lord Ganesha. In the upper area of the temple premises are the Samadhis of Avadhut Maharaj and Maruti Maharaj as well.

The festival of Datta Jayanti is celebrated over three days at Dattaguru Math. The event features programs such as Ghatasthapana, daily Puja, Abhishek, Mahaprasad, Aarti, Bhajans, Kirtans, Pravachans, Datta Yaag, and Hom-Havan. Numerous devotees from Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts attend this grand festival. Similarly, the monthly Purnima (full moon) festival is also celebrated here. In addition, the Punyatithi observances of Swami Ambarnath Maharaj, Mata Anusuya, Swami Avadhut Maharaj, and Maruti Maharaj are solemnly held here.

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