Audumbar — Sacred Datta Kshetra Beneath the Fig Tree on Krishna River
Audumbar near Sangli on the banks of Krishna river is one of the most sacred Datta Kshetras. The Audumbar (fig) tree here is believed to be the dwelling of Dattatreya. Connected to the Gurucharitra, this place is renowned for its peaceful and deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Audumbar — Sacred Abode of Dattatreya on the Banks of Krishna River
Nestled in Sangli district of Maharashtra, close to the Sangli-Miraj region, Audumbar is a celebrated Datta Kshetra situated on the sacred banks of the Krishna river. For devotees of the Datta sect, this place holds immense spiritual reverence. The Audumbar tree — the Indian fig tree — here is considered the actual dwelling place of Lord Dattatreya himself. Datta devotees worship this tree with the same reverence they offer to Dattatreya directly.
Significance of the Audumbar Tree
The Audumbar (fig) tree holds unparalleled importance in the Datta tradition. The word 'Audumbar' comes from Sanskrit and refers to the Ficus racemosa or cluster fig tree. In the worship of Dattatreya, sitting beneath an Audumbar tree, circumambulating it, and offering prayers to it are considered extraordinarily meritorious acts. Tradition holds that Dattatreya himself meditated under the Audumbar tree and granted darshan to his devotees from beneath its shade. Hence, every Audumbar tree is believed to be inhabited by the divine presence of Dattatreya.
The Audumbar tree at this kshetra is regarded as particularly sacred and ancient. Devotees believe that circumambulating this tree fulfills all desires. On Thursdays, large numbers of devotees come here to apply turmeric and vermillion to the tree, light oil lamps, and offer prayers in a deeply devotional atmosphere.
Connection to Gurucharitra
The Gurucharitra is the most important scripture of the Datta sect. This sacred text mentions Audumbar Kshetra at several places. The site is connected to both divine incarnations of Dattatreya — Shripad Shrivallabh and Nrusimha Saraswati. Devotees who complete a Gurucharitra parayana (reading) make it a point to visit Audumbar as the culmination of their spiritual journey. Taking darshan here after completing the parayana is considered extremely auspicious and is said to yield the complete fruit of the scriptural study.
According to the Gurucharitra, Nrusimha Saraswati resided in this region for a period and granted darshan to devoted seekers. This historical and spiritual connection has elevated Audumbar to a place of extraordinary religious significance in the Datta tradition.
Datta Temple and Padukas
Audumbar houses a beautiful temple of Dattatreya. The temple enshrines a Trimukhi (three-faced) idol of Dattatreya — representing the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh in one form. The temple also preserves the sacred Padukas (divine sandals) of Dattatreya. Receiving darshan of and touching these Padukas is considered deeply meritorious. Devotees report that the sight of the Padukas dispels all mental anxieties and bestows profound inner peace.
The inner sanctum of the temple glows with the soft light of oil lamps. The fragrance of incense and the resonance of bells create a deeply devotional atmosphere. Daily morning and evening aartis are performed, and special elaborate worship takes place every Thursday. The overall experience of the temple fills visitors with a sense of divine presence and spiritual fulfillment.
Significance of the Krishna River
The Krishna river is one of the most important and sacred rivers of Maharashtra. Since Audumbar is situated on its banks, bathing in the Krishna here is considered an act of great spiritual merit. Devotees first take a purifying dip in the Krishna river before proceeding to the Datta temple for darshan. The calm, clear waters of the river combined with the surrounding greenery create an extraordinarily peaceful and beautiful environment. Sitting on the riverbank at sunset and engaging in meditation or chanting is an unforgettable spiritual experience that devotees treasure deeply.
Festivals and Special Celebrations
Datta Jayanti on Margashirsha Pournima is celebrated as a grand festival here, drawing thousands of devotees from distant places. Every Thursday sees special worship and an influx of devotees. Each Thursday of Shravan month attracts particularly large crowds. Datta Navratri and full moon (Pournima) days also see special darshan arrangements. The temple management organizes special programs and cultural events during major festivals to enhance the spiritual experience for visiting devotees.
How to Reach
Audumbar is approximately 25-30 kilometers from Sangli city. It is easily accessible via the Sangli-Miraj route by private vehicle or bus. Sangli railway station is the nearest rail connection, making travel convenient from across Maharashtra. From Sangli, private auto-rickshaws and shared vehicles are available to reach the temple.