Sacred Ekmukhi Dutt Temple Akalapur, Sangamner, Ahilyanagar

Akalapur village in Sangamner Taluka of Ahilyanagar district is famous for its divine and spiritually vibrant Ekmukhi Datta Temple. The unique feature of this ancient and self-manifested (Swayambhu) holy place, dating back 1,200 years, is the famous Mahaprasad of a special kind of Sabudana Khichdi served every Thursday and on Pournima (full moon day). Generous devotees wishing to sponsor this Prasad (Annadaan) face a waiting period of about six years from the time of registration, and this waiting period continues to grow day by day. Datta Jayanti is a grand festival celebrated here, and records state that three lakh devotees visit for the Darshan of Lord Dattatreya on this day.

According to the temple legend, Lord Dattatreya appeared in a dream vision to Kondaji Baba, the Talkari (cymbal player) of Saint Shri Mahipati Maharaj of Taharabad in Rahuri Taluka, revealing that His divine abode was on the Anusaya Hill near Akalapur village. Thereafter, Kondaji Baba searched the area with the help of the villagers and discovered a beautiful one-faced sand idol (Valukamaya Murti) of Lord Datta. That day was Vaishakha Shuddha Dwadashi. Subsequently, the villagers constructed a small temple at Akalapur and consecrated the idol within it. According to another legend, when Saint Dnyaneshwar and his holy siblings were traveling from Paithan to Alandi along with the male buffalo (Reda), they halted at this place for 2 days as the buffalo grew exhausted during the journey.

The present temple complex is spread over a vast area at the foothills of Anusaya Hill in Akalapur. One enters the sacred premises through a newly constructed, beautiful archway. While proceeding for Darshan, devotees first come across an ancient Audumbar tree, followed by the Samadhis of several Datta devotees, a unique cow sculpture, a sacred Homakunda (fire altar), and then the main temple. A beautiful garden has been developed within the temple premises, adorned with ornamental plants and flowering trees that enhance the beauty of the shrine. The temple stands elevated at approximately 7 to 8 feet from the ground.

On 29th November 2003, the temple was renovated at the revered hands of Gagangiri Maharaj, and a golden Kalash weighing about 5 kilograms was installed atop the temple spire. The temple comprises a grand Sabhamandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The Sabhamandap was newly constructed in front of the original shrine. Upon entering the temple doorway, one first encounters the Samadhi shrine of Kondaji Baba. Further ahead, at the entrance of the Garbhagriha, the holy Padukas of Lord Dattatreya are enshrined. As devotees are not permitted inside the sanctum sanctorum, they offer their reverence and take Darshan of these holy Padukas. On either side of the sanctum’s entrance stand sculptures of Dwarapalas (guardian deities), and inside, seated within a beautiful golden throne (Makhar), is the sand idol of Lord Dattatreya. The idol is magnificently adorned with a golden crown and divine ornaments.

Within the temple premises, there are sacred idols of Saint Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, Nivruttinath Maharaj, Muktabai, and Sopandev. There are also smaller shrines dedicated to Swami Gagangiri Maharaj, Rangdas Swami—a Brahmin who arrived from Kashi—and Kaal Bhairavnath.

Beneath the sacred Peepal and Neem trees here lies the divine seat of Goddess Annapurna. There is a traditional custom of offering Naivedya to the Goddess during festivals. In the space adjacent to the temple, numerous Hanuman trees have been planted. These Hanuman trees are considered rare, and it is said that they hold special significance in Ayurveda.

The grand festival of Datta Jayanti is celebrated here on Margashirsha Pournima. On this sacred day, holy rituals such as Puja, Abhishek, and Kirtan take place starting from early dawn. As per local records, over 3 lakh devotees arrive for the Darshan of Lord Dattatreya. For the convenience of pilgrims, special MSRTC (ST) bus services operate from Sangamner on this day. A joyous festive aura also prevails on Vaishakha Shuddha Dwadashi (Prakat Din) and Guru Pournima. A Maha Aarti is performed every Thursday and on Pournima, attended by thousands of devotees. On all these occasions, Mahaprasad is distributed to all pilgrims by the Devasthan Trust.

Devotees can visit the temple and seek the divine Darshan of Lord Dattatreya every day from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The morning Aarti is held at 7:00 AM. The Devasthan Trust provides Bhakta Niwas (pilgrim lodging) facilities for the comfortable stay of devotees. This sacred pilgrimage center has been included in the ‘Category B’ list of pilgrimage sites by the State Government. (Shrines visited by more than 4 lakh devotees annually receive ‘Category B’ pilgrimage status from the State Government, ensuring periodic government funding to enhance infrastructure and facilities for visiting pilgrims.)

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