341. Temple Darshan – 3

Jayashree had told me that we should visit a Dattatreya temple in Kuruvapur.  I went about looking the way to reach there.  While looking I saw another Dattatreya temple somewhat nearby.  I made a note of it also to see if we can visit there also.  

We started at about 430am in the morning as the google maps showed about 3.5-4-hour drive to the temple.  We had taken idlis in tiffin boxes to eat on the way.  We reached the place at about 8am or so. Reaching there, we found out that we have to catch a boat to reach the temple.  And moreover, 2 boats since there was an island in between😊!  Catch one boat, reach the island, walk for some 3-4 minutes and catch another boat to reach the temple.  There is not proper pathway in the island and because of the rains before, the path was muddy.  My mother sprained her leg here while walking and said she will wait in the island itself and we can go and have the darshan.    She sat on a rock there which was visible from the temple also. So, we left her there alone and went to the temple in another boat. We were constantly watching her to see if she was alright!

Details about this temple from the internet…

Sripada Srivallabha Temple, Kuruvapur is one of the most important destinations of devotees of Lord Dattatreya. Sripada Srivallabha. First Avatar of Lord Dattatreya spent 35 years in penance in Kuruvapur and this is His Tapobhoomi. Kuruvapur is surrounded by the River Krishna and referred to as ‘Gurdweepa’ in the Skanda Purana.

This place is an island, surrounded on all sides by the Krishna River. Adjacent to the temple is the cave where Sripada Srivallabha meditated for 35 years. His footprints can be seen there.

Kuruvapuram has five important places to visit:

Swami’s Penance Site: Here, in a small cave-like enclave, Swami performed His daily penance. Padukas representing Swami’s divine presence are enshrined here. The daily evening aarti performed at this location is a mesmerizing experience.

The Sacred Banyan Tree: A majestic banyan tree with a small temple underneath stands as a testament to Swami’s divine connection with nature. It was here that Swami performed penance, and today, the tree remains a symbol of his spiritual energy

Surya Namaskaram Stone: Located in the Krishna River, this stone bears a resemblance to someone in a posture of obeisance. Swami used to perform Surya Namaskar on this stone daily, infusing it with His divine energy. (I got to know about this only while writing this blog, hence could not see it😊)

Cave with Shivalayam: A cave with a Shivalayam atop it holds historical significance. It was a place where a great snake performed penance for centuries. Later, it was blessed by the presence of Swami Himself. Visitors can meditate here and connect with the spiritual vibrations

Panchadev Pahad: Situated on the opposite bank of the Krishna River, this sacred site was often used by Sripada Vallabha Swami for gatherings and satsangs. Today, it houses a magnificent temple and offers Nitya Annadanam, serving free food daily.

We came back from the temple to the island and my mother joined us for the back journey to the opposite bank.  We then had our breakfast and I checked the route to the next temple. We reached here at about 1130am or so.  Luckily the temple was open and was just about to conduct an archana.  Details about this temple…

Manthangoud is a kshetra of Lord Dattatreya’s first incarnation, Shri Pada Shree Vallabha which has its own importance.

A true story happened at this place in 1351 A.D after Sri pada Sri vallabha (first incarnation of Dattatreya) disappeared from Kuruvapur in 1350 A.D.

The story proves a belief that if we are devoted to Sri Guru, it is never futile. Sri Guru never disappoints his disciples.

The story goes as follows.

Vallabhesh, a righteous Brahmin, was doing Turmeric business. He used to go to Shripad Shrivallabha Padukas at Kuaravpur every year. Once he declared that if he made good business, he would feed 1000 Brahmins at Kuravapur. Fortunately, he earned good profit that year. He started for Kuravapur with good money. Knowing this, 4 thieves also accompanied him. They told him that they were also business men like him. After two or three days, all the five reached a small village admist of a thick forest.

That night the thieves killed the Brahmin when he was asleep and wanted to take away all his money. Vallabhesh yelled Sripada’s name before he died and breathed last. immediately Shripad Shrivallabha, with locks of hair on his head and trishul in his hands appeared on the scene. He killed three thieves; but one, who surrendered himself saying, ‘I am innocent. I did not know that these three persons would kill the Brahmin. You are omniscient. Kindly save me’. Hearing his prayer, Shripad Muni told him to rub the “Vibhuti” (enchanted ashes) to the separated parts of the body of Vallabhesh, Then Sripada flowed his merciful vision on the body and immediately, made him alive. It was dawn when Shripad Muni disappeared from the place

Vallabhesh asked the person sitting by his side, ‘why have you held me; Who has killed these men? .

The person replied, ‘ A great ascetic had come here. He killed these thieves with his Trishul. He saved me for you. He asked me to rub enhanted Vibhuti to your body. He woke you and made you sit by his hands. He has just disappeared. He might be the great god Shri Shiva.

Hearing this the Brahmin realised that all this has been done by Shri Guru Shripad Shrivallabh. He also understood that he attained the capacity of feeding 1000 brahmins very long back, but due to his negligence he postponed his promise. So he was taught a lesson not to postpone the promises.

Taking the amount from the thieves, he then went to Kuravapur. He worshipped the Padukas (foot prints) of Shri Guru with great devotion and fed about 4000 Brahmins instead of 1000.

We had lunch on the way and returned home by about 4pm or so.  You can go through the photographs attached with this blog.

Cheers till next week for the next darshan😊!!