Nirgun Math (Sri Dattatreya Temple)
The Main Temple in Ganagapur where Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati used to Stay about 550 years ago is known as Nirgun Math. Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati was a Paramahamsa Sannyasi of the Dashanami Order established by Shri Adi Shankara Bhagwatpada. As the Saraswati Order of Dasanami Sampradaya belongs to the Sringeri Sharada Peetha, Shri Narasimha Saraswati too belongs to the Sringeri Sampradaya. This is Clearly mentioned in the Guru Parampara mentioned in Shri Guru Charitra. Todays Temple is but literally a Matha of a Sanyasi. This Nirguna Math is adorned with the Nirguna Padukas of Sri Narasimha Saraswati who kept them there while his Avatara Samapti.There is a Holy Tree of Ashwattha in the Temple (Nirgun Math). Shri Kshetra Ganagapur is a Holy Place of Lord Dattatreya and the place is very important "Darshaneeya kshetra".
The Importance of Ganagapur Kshetra was explained by Shree Guru himself and it can be seen in "Shree Guru Charitra". There is an Assurance from Shreeguru that he would forever abide at Ganagapur and go round the village for ‘Biksha’ at 1200 noon is literally true even today. Offering "Madhukari" to the people at Ganagapur and taking Biksha from atleast 5 houses is having very importance at this Holy Place. Even today also, the process is continuing and the devotees are having faith that Lord Dattatreya is taking biksha everyday at Kshetra Ganagapur. Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati Swamy confirmed the same and it can be seen in Gurucharitra Adhyay (chapter) 21-22.
Shri Guru's Words to All His Devotees
Vasathi Rani Sangamase Jate Nithya Bikshese Taya Vare Gangapurase Madyana Kala Pareyasa. ("I Shall Stay at this Ganagapur Kshetra forever and shall accept Bhiksha daily at Noon")
Bheema Amarja Sangam
Sangam Kshetra is a Meeting Point of Bheema and Amaraja Rivers. Sangam is like Prayaga. Lord Sangameshwara at the Sangameshwara Temple here is like Shri Mallikarjuna at Shrishailyam (as said by Shri Guru himself while explaining the Importance of Ashta Teertha). The Importance of Sangam was explained by Shreeguru and it can be seen in Shree Gurucharitra. Who ever takes a bath in Sangam, he/she will free from his sins and his wishes will be fulfilled. There is a Temple in Sangam in which the Shree Narasimha Saraswati Swami performed the Anusthana (The Main Temple of Trimurti). The 'Shila Padukas' of Swami are located here.
Audumbar Tree at Sangam
The Audumbar Tree is situated at Sangam of river Bheema & Amaraja and is Extremely Holy. In shelter of Audumbar Tree many devotees Perform the Parayan of Shree Gurucharitra. (Reading of Shree Guru Charitra).
History of Audumbar Tree
Once a Brahmin 'Narahari' by name came to Shri Guru at Ganagapur and bowing to him said, 'My life is futile. I studied Yajurveda, but as I am suffering from leprosy. All people despise me and do not invite for Karma. I have visited several holy places but the disease is there, kindly bless me.' Shri Guru gave him a dry log of Audumbar and said, 'Go to the Sangam and plant it on the bank of Bhima in the east. After bath,worship Ashwattha at the Sangam. Again bathe and give water to this log thrice a day. When it sprouts green foliage, your sins will be wiped off and you will be free from leprosy. As instructed by Shri Guru, Narahari planted the log on the bank of Bhima and began to water it thrice. Shri Guru went to the Sangam to see the leper Brahmin. He was pleased to see his devotion. The Brahmin was giving water to the log. Shri Guru sprinkled the holy water of his bowl on the log and instantly green foliage sprouted on the log. The leprosy of the Brahmin disappeared and his body became healthy and bright. Narahari bowed to Shreeguru and began to pray him at that time. The 8 sloka stotra composed by Narahari became famous and are being reciting in the temple at night even today also. Each sloka ends with "VANDAYAAMI NAARASIMHA SARASWATHEESHA PAAHIMAAM". The stotra is now familiar as Narasimha Saraswati ashtaka. Shreeguru blessed Narahari and said, whoever recite the sloka every day with full devotion, they will get Ashta Aishwarya, Spiritual power, wealth, fame and noble offspring.
Ash Hill (Bhasma Dongar)
Ash Hill is nearer to Sangam and it is said that Lord Parashurama has performed a Yagnya here as per the directions of his Guru Lord Dattatreya himself and the Ash is of that Holy Yagnya. Lord Parashurama performed penance at this place. The Ash is very Powerful and the Devotees coming here take some quantity with them as Prasadam.
Shree Kalleshwar Mandir
This is the Temple of Lord Shri Kalleshwar (Shiva) which is quite famous in Ganagapur. It is Ancient then the Nirgun Muth in Ganagapur. This Temple is considered as equivalent to Gokarna Mahabaleshwara (that we read in shree Gurucharitra) and nearyby is one of the Ashta Teerth viz., Manmatha Teertha. There are also Temples of Lord Shani, Panchamukhi Ganesha,Navagraha,Maruti and Goddess Durga in the Premises. The Environment here is Very Pleasant and Devotees coming to Ganagapur visit it at large no. Manmatha Teerth, one of the Ashta Teerth is located nearby.
Ashta Teerthas (8 Holy Teerthas)
On the day of Deepavali, Shri Guru said to the disciple, 'We shall have bath at Trishali (3 Holy places i. e. Prayag, Kashi and Gaya ) with family and children. The disciple said, 'For such a long journey, we require some time for preparations'. Shri Guru says 'These holy places are near about. So there is no need for special preparation'. Shri Guru then takes everyone to Sangam and asks them to take bath in.
1) Shatakula Teerth ( Bhima-Amarja Sangam) and says that it is like Triveni Sangam of Prayaga.He says how the River Amarja was emerged from the Nectar that fell down from Indras Hands and hence Bath in this River Prevents Diseases and Untimely Death. Shri Guru then takes them to the Following Teerthas on the Way to Ganagapur.
2) Nrusimha Teerth The Bath in this Teerth and then worshipping Sangameshwara is like Worshipping Shrishailya Mallikarjuna and this fulfills ones Wishes. This Teerth is in front of the Sangam Mandir.
3) Bhagirathi (Varanasi) Teerth The Bath in this Teerth is as Holy as Bath in Manikarnika Kund at Kashi. It is because once a Shiva Bhakta Brahmin of Bharadwaj Gotra Pleased Lord Shiva with his Devotion and when Lord Shiva appeared he asked that he want to take bath in Manikarnika daily and have Darshan of the Lord.Lord Shiva granted and a Kund was emerged there and it joined the Bhima River here.
4) Papavinashini Teerth As the name indicates, Bath in this Teerth Destroys all the Sins. Shri Guru at this Teerth called his Purvashrama Sister Ratnai and Said, 'You had killed a Cat with a Stick and therefore you are having Leprosy. You bathe in this Tirth daily and your disease will disappear.' As advised, she bathed here for three days and her disease was wiped off.
5) Koti Teerth A Bath in this Teerth is like taking bath in all the Teerth of Jambu Dweepa. One should bathe here on Sankranthi, Grahan, Purnima and Amavasya and give a cow with a calf in Charity. A Charity done here is equal to a Crore Charity.
6) Rudrapada Teerth A Bath in this River is equivalent to a Bath in Gaya and Shraddha etc must be Performed here.
7) Chakra Teerth A Dip in this Teerth is Even More Holy than the Bath in Dwaraka. Lord Kesava and Chakreshwara Mandir are located beside this Teerth.
8) Manmatha Teerth This Teerth is in front of the Kalleshwara Mandir. The Bath in this Teerth and then worshipping Kalleshwara is like taking bath in Gokarna Teerth and worshipping Mahabaleshwara.
Devotees coming to Ganagapur do the Ashta Teerth Snan at Large Number. The Bath in Ashta Teertha's on Naraka Chathurdashi (in Diwali) day is very powerful. Even the sins and doshas will be removed by having bath in these Ashta Teerthas.
Importance Of Ashwattha Tree
There lived a 60 Year Old Women Called Ganga who used to come to Shri Guru and bow to him devotedly every day. Shri Guru being pleased, one day asked her,What do you desire? God will fulfill your desire. She said, 'Gurudev, a woman's life is futile without an issue. Without a son the home is like a forest. Issueless persons go to hell. Please give me a boon so that I will have a son at least in next life.' Shri Guru smiled and said, 'Service to the Ashwattha will not be futile. There is an Ashwattha tree at the Bhima Amarja sangam. I am present there after the bath in the river. Therefore worship the Ashwattha devotedly. The greatness of Ashwattha is narrated in the Puranas. Brahmadev is at its root, Vishnu is in its middle portion and the Rudra is on its top and the Agni (fire god) lies in the interior of this tree. In the months of Ashadha, Poush or Chaitra, when Guru and Shukra are not set, when the moon is favorable on an auspicious day, observe fast and start worshipping the Ashwattha. Do not touch the tree on Sunday, Sankranti and in the evening. The floor at the root should be smeared by cow dung and have Rangoli designs. Worship the Ashwattha thinking it as a Trimurti, with 16 upchars, then saying Purushsukta and observing 'moun' take rounds of the tree. Two lakhs rounds destroy even the sin of Brahmahatya. The Ashwattha gives four purusharthas. He also fulfills the desire of a son. Recitation of Mrityunjaya sitting at the Ashwattha on Saturday avoids accidental death and gives long life. One gets credit of feeding several Brahmins, if one Brahmin is fed under this tree. If one Ashwattha tree is grown, 42 generations are liberated; but if one Ashwattha is cut, it is a great sin performed. Home performed under the tree gives credit of a great sacrifice. Do Homa of one tenth of the number of rounds and feed Brahmins and give golden Ashwattha in c7ytharity. She started worshipping Ashwattha as advised by Shri Guru. On the third day, she had a dream. A Brahmin told her to go to Shri Guru at Ganagapur, have seven rounds of Shri Guru and take the prasad that is given to her and that her desire will be fulfilled. She awoke. On the fourth day she went to Shri Guru and had 7 rounds. Shri Guru gave her 2 fruits and said, 'Eat these fruits. Your desire will be fulfilled.' She then completed her vrata of the worship of Ashwattha, After 9 months she begot a daughter. Later on she had a son who became learned and won fame.
Shri Shri Shri Adi Shankaracharya Math
Recently on 25/06/2011, there had been the Grand Inauguration of Shri Adi Shankaracharya Math and there are the wonderful Idols of Shri Adi Shankaracharya , Goddess Sharadamba and Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati. This Place is on the Ganagapur-Sangam Road (beside the Gulvani Maharaj Ashram) and can be easily visited. The Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Sringeri Sharada Peetham visited Shri Kshetra Ganagapur on 18th March 2014 and during his stay here the Jagadguru had the Darshana of Nirguna Padukas and also performed an elaborate Pooja to Lord Dattatreya. The Jagadguru stayed at the Adi Shankara Math and also had performed the Auspicious Chandramoulishwara Pooja here. Sri Shankara Bharati Mahaswami of Sri Yedathore Yoganandeshwara Saraswati Math, Sri Swamiji of Kudali Sringeri Peetha and many other have Visited and Stayed at this Math.
Other Places at Shri Kshetra Ganagapur
Vishranti Katta
This is the Place on the way to Sangam. It is the Place where Shri Guru used to Relax while going to Sangam and while returning. It is in the Farm of the Farmer to whom Shri Guru blesses with Huge Yield of Crops even in the Scarcity and the Same can be Seen in Adhyay 48 of Shri Guru Charitra.
Shri Chakreshwar and Shri Keshav Dev Mandir
These temples are beside the Chakra Teerth and are very near to the Nirgun Math & can be reached by walk.
Sati Katta
This is the Place where the Young women Savitri (From Mahur) found her Husband Datta dead and started weeping. Later Shri Guru Revives his Life when the women visits Sangam for the Darshan of Shri Guru. The Story can be seen in the Adhyay 30 of Shri Guru Charitra. Even this Place is very near to the Nirgun Math.
Tantukeshwara Mandir
This is the Temple where Tantuk, a Weaver to whom Shri Guru took to Shri Shailyam on Maha Shivratri within some Moments (In Adhyay 44), used to Worship Lord Shiva. This Place is in front area of the Nirgun Math and can easily be visited.
Lord Maruti Mandir and Grama Devata Mandir
There is the Temple of Lord Hanuman at the Agasi (Starting Pt Of the Village) of the Village and also beside it is the Temple of Grama Devata. This Place too is Very Near to Nirgun Math.
There are also Temples of Maha Laxmi nearby Nirgun Math and Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir on way to Sangam.