AvadhootaDatta Peetham

Rajamundry - Sri Datta Mukti Kshetram Inauguration

Rajamundry is a historic place in the coastal Andhra Pradesh. Initially founded and ruled by Rajaraja Narendra of Chola Dynasty, this city on the banks of Godavari River is famed as an apostle of Culture, Arts, Plant Nurseries, Social Reforms and of late Business. Sri Swamiji had undertaken an extensive pilgrimage trip in this region in 1970s and first official program was organised by Sri T Sarveshwara Rao and other devotees in 1982.

However, the first full scale program was hosted in 1995 in TTD Kalyana Mandapam. The run up to this program had its share of dramatic turn of events. To test the sincerity and dedication of inviting devotees, Sri Swamiji questioned their solid commitment towards the program and Sri Swamiji. One devotee among the group, Sri Gorugantu Subrahmanya Sharma, immediately returned to hometown and mortgaged his house to raise Rupees Two Lakhs for the program. This act of extreme dedication moved the hearts of other devotees, who joined hands to free the house from mortgage. Later, they formed a formidable team to host the program of Sri Swamiji for five days. On this occasion, KSN Chowdary donated 2 acres of land in Chakradwara Bandham village on the outskirts of the city for development of Ashrama. Sri Datta Paduka Kshetram was built there by KSN Chowdary along with Late Nuli Satyanarayana.

Datta Temple on the banks of River Godavari

In the year 2003, Godavari Pushkaram – an event recurring every 12 years - was conducted by Government in association with voluntary organisations. Impressed by the good work by Gnana Bodha Sabha members and volunteers, the Government allotted 1100 square yard land on the banks of River Godavari for the construction of a temple complex in 2004. The team of members led by Executive Trustee Sri VS Prakasa Rao; comprising Kantipoodi Sarvarayudu, Y Syama Sundar, T Sarveshwara Rao, Mudragada Srinivas, Bolla Satyanarayana, K Venkataratnam and KSN Prasad and members from Matrumandali worked hard for 2 years to complete the construction.

Important features:

• This Dattatreya Temple is named as Sri Datta Mukti Kshetram.
• Sri Dattatreya, Sphatika (Crystal) Sadashiva Lingam, Marakata Datta Paduka and Ganapati are consecrated here.
• It is ordained that Sri Dattatreya relieves the worshippers of all the sins and bondage. Hence, it is called Datta Mukti Kshetram.
• It is highly recommended to undertake a pilgrimage annually or at least once in life time to this Kshetram. Ablution in River Godavari, ceremony for deceased parents and Datta Bhiksha are essential parts of pilgrimage.
• Sri Swamiji invoked the story of Lord Dattatreya, in which He appeared to Vishnu Datta in the Shraaddha Ceremony for his parents.
• Hence, Amavasya (New Moon Day) is the principal day of worship in this temple(instead of Poornima in other Datta Kshetras).
• All the devotees are directed by Sri Swamiji to enroll their names for this Nitya Datta Bhiksha Seva without fail. On the day of Puja, one should chant the nine Mantras (Arghya Pradhana Mantras) and offer Rice on the Padukas in front of Sri Datta Mukteeshwara Swamy either in person or in absentia.
• A Sanskrit school for basic learning and higher learning under the name SGS Samskruta Vidya Peetham is proposed in this Kshetram for day scholars and residential training.
• Facilities are provided for pilgrims, Datta devotees in particular to perform ceremonies to their deceased parents. Further, devotees can enroll in special services in the names of deceased on the death anniversary days.
• Only those performing ceremonies to their parents will have an opportunity to offer Rice onMarakata Datta Paduka.