Shridatta Mandir Sathgaon, Chimur, t. Chandrapur

Situated on a hill in Sathgaon, Chimur Taluka, the Shri Dattatreya Temple is one of the most significant religious sites in Chimur. This location lies on the border of Chandrapur, Nagpur, and Bhandara districts. It is believed that the original sanctum of the single-faced Shri Dattatreya idol in this temple contains a ‘Vishesh’ (a sacred stone), which is considered a divine fragment of the deity residing at Mahur Gad. The three-day fair held here during Datta Jayanti is famous. This fair has a tradition spanning approximately 160 years, and this site is considered a spiritually awakened and special place among the followers of the Mahanubhav Panth.

According to the ‘Mahanubhav’ scriptures, in 1785, the Bhonsle Kings fought a war against the British at Chandrapur (formerly Chandapur). At that time, the Bhonsle administration was managed from the Mahur state. Following their victory in the war, the Bhonsle Kings would honor their victorious army commanders. In accordance with this, a valiant hero from the Gawande family was granted the Malgujari rights of the Sathgaon Pargana. Subsequently, the Gawande family settled in Sathgaon from Digras in the Yavatmal district. However, due to natural calamities and raids by Pindaris (marauders), Sathgaon was completely devastated. Even in such dire circumstances, the Malguzar Gawande Patil struggled to restore the former glory of Sathgaon. During this period, he would travel by bullock cart every month to the Devdeveshwari Temple in Mahur, which is the resting place of Shri Dattatreya, to seek his blessings.

According to the faith of the Mahanubhav Panth, if one touches the ‘Vishesh’ (sacred) stone of Shri Dattatreya at Mahur Gad, a fragment of it comes into one’s hand, and this fragment is worshipped as Lord Dattatreya himself. While returning to Sathgaon after offering prayers to Shri Dattatreya and the holy sites at Mahur as usual, a ‘Vishesh’ stone became lodged in the hoof of the Malguzar Gawande Patil’s bullock. In the past, upon returning from a pilgrimage, one was not allowed to enter the village directly but had to stay at the village boundary or in a temple there. Accordingly, Malguzar Gawande Patil spent one night on the hill at the boundary of Sathgaon. At that time, he had a divine vision: “I have arrived in the hoof of the bullock. Arrange for my worship here, and the fortune of the village will flourish.” Upon checking, Gawande Patil found the ‘Vishesh’ stone lodged in the hoof. Following the vision, he consecrated it at that very spot and built a hut-like temple. Since then, the worship of this sacred stone, which is a fragment of the deity from Mahur, began in this temple.

According to historical records, Radhabai Dharmajirao Gawande renovated this temple in 1864. Since then, the Datta Jayanti festival began here. Every year, the Datta Jayanti festival is celebrated for 3 days in the month of Margashirsha. After this, Radhabai discontinued the long-standing pilgrimage to Mahur and started a pilgrimage to Dakram-Sukli (a place sanctified by the footprints of Chakradhar Swami) in the Gondia district. This pilgrimage continues to this day, with hundreds of devotees participating. After Radhabai, her son Kawduji Patil, and subsequently Ramchandraji, Harichandraji, Devidasji, and Umeshji Patil, have upheld the legacy of the Shri Datta Jayanti fair.

Sathgaon is located near Bhiwapur on the Nagpur-Gadchiroli State Highway. The Shri Dattatreya temple is situated on a hill here, housing a stone image of Shri Dattatreya. This image is anointed and adorned with a silver mask of the single-faced Dattatreya. This is primarily a place of faith for the followers of the Mahanubhav Panth. Devotees of the Mahanubhav Panth worship Lord Krishna and the single-faced Dattatreya.

The Shri Datta Jayanti festival begins here from the full moon day of Margashirsha. The first day marks the birth anniversary of Shri Dattatreya. Thereafter, the idol of Dattatreya is installed on a wooden chariot. Following tradition, this chariot first goes to the mansion of the Malguzar, i.e., Kawduji Patil Gawande. An Aarti is performed there, and ‘Kala’ (a mixture of food) is distributed as Prasad. Later, the chariot is taken around the village amidst the sound of musical instruments and brought back to the temple. The fair takes on a grand scale on the second day. On this day, Bhajans, discourses, Kirtans, Dahi Handi, Gopal Kala, and a grand feast (Mahaprasad) are organized. The festival concludes on the third day with Gopal Kala and Mahaprasad. Along with religious programs, health camps, blood donation camps, outdoor sports, and plays are organized during the fair. Many devotees from Vidarbha attend the fair during this period. There is also a large participation of devotees and Mahants of the Mahanubhav Panth.

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