Ashram Shrines

 
ASHRAM SHRINES
 
Welcome to Datta Peetham, the sacred residence of Lord Dattatreya. Nestled in the tranquil city of Mysuru, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram also popularly known as Avadhoota Datta Peetham, is an internationally acclaimed institution dedicated to the social, moral, and spiritual upliftment of humanity. As you enter this revered place, you are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of tranquility and divinity. The soothing chants of Vedic hymns and the melodious singing of the Divine names create a harmonious resonance, offering you a profound sense of spiritual serenity and peace of mind. The experience at Datta Peetham is designed to inspire inner calm and foster a deep connection with the spiritual essence.
 
As you enter, you are greeted by the grand Hanumadwaram, a magnificently sculpted 'welcome arch with Hanuman idols.' As you walk further, you are welcomed by an intricate carving of the infant form of Lord Dattatreya. From a nearby area, the sound of Vedic chants fills the air, performed by young boys under the attentive guidance of their teacher.
Avadhoota Datta Peetham offers a range of facilities to support one's spiritual pursuits. At the heart of the Peetham is Lord Dattatreya, the presiding deity who embodies the Sadguru, or the Master Teacher principle. Lord Dattatreya guides seekers on their journey from the shadows of the material world to the illumination of the inner soul. As you spend time in the Ashram, you will find your presence subtly directed, ensuring that the Supreme Energy leads you to a deeply refreshing and soul-touching experience. This sacred environment fosters spiritual growth and enlightenment, whereas the divine energy facilitates your transformation and inner awakening.
His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, the Peethadhipathi (Senior Pontiff) of Avadhoota Datta Peetham, exudes an authentic, self-realized spiritual presence, and embodies and communicates the true vision of Lord Dattatreya.
 
Mysore Ashram Shrines:
1. Universal Prayer Hall (Datta Temple, Panchayatana Devasthana)
2. Raja Rajeshwari Temple
3. Hari Sannidhi
4. Sri Datta Venkateshwara Temple Complex (SDVT)
5. Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple
6. Kalabhairava Temple
 
1.Universal Prayer Hall (Datta Temple, Sachchidanadeshwara, Panchayatana Devastana)
The Universal Prayer Hall, as its name implies, is an auditorium where daily congregational prayers take place, drawing a large number of devotees who gather in the divine presence of Sri Swamiji. This hall is the venue for significant spiritual and religious functions held throughout the year. This Hall houses the main deity of the Peetham - Kaalaagni Shamana Dattatreya Swami. The most revered worship, the Sri Chakra Puja, is performed at the Sri Chakram Meru, which is enshrined in a special Mantap (ornamental canopied pedestal) to the right side . This Pooja Peetha (worship shrine) is a focal point for thousands of devotees visiting the Ashrama. When Sri Swamiji conducts the Sri Chakra Puja, the entire sacred scene and the spiritual atmosphere of the place are indescribable. To truly appreciate and experience the sanctity and the profound spiritual ambiance of this Puja, one must witness it in person.
 
Universal Prayer Hall
 
On the right side of the hall, there is a Panchayatana Devastana, which houses five small temples. These temples are dedicated to Ganapathy, Narasimha Swami, Shiva, Surya Narayana, and Vishalakshi Devi.
On the left side of the hall, there is a Shivalaya, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Sachchidanandeshwara. This sacred space is devoted to the worship of Shiva, embodying the tranquil and divine presence that pervades the Ashrama.
 
2. Rajarajeshwari Temple
On the left side of the Universal Prayer Hall is the most beautifully designed temple for Mother Goddess Rajarajeswari, which was consecrated by Sri Swamiji on Dec 28, 2023. As devotees circumambulate around the deity, they can witness the intricately designed forms of Nava Durgas namely - Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. The miniature forms of the deities of 18 Shakti Peethams, several Devi Yantras and Mandalams are also designed in the premises where devotees circumabulate. Sri Swamiji has also installed a big Sri Chakra in the premises of Goddess Rajarajeshwari to which devotees can personally offer prayers with Kumkum Archana.
 
Rajarajeshwari Sannidhi
 
3. Hari Sannidhi
The most spectacular Hari Sannidhi is located to the immediate right of the Rajarajeshwari temple which was unveiled by Sri Swamiji on Dec 28, 2023. Sri Hari Sannidhi houses rare Salagramas numbering 2,108 in the form of Ananthanaga Shayana. Trivikrama Salagrama and Manoratha Kurma Salagrama weighing 300-kg have also been installed inside the Sannidhi. A specially made Sudarshana Yantra on the top of the Sannidhi was designed and conceptualized by Sri Swamiji.
 
Hari Sannidhi
 
4. Sri Datta Venkateshwara Temple
For those who are seeking spirituality and peace, a visit to Sri Datta Venkateswara Kshetram is a must. The experience is profoundly soothing. Pilgrims say that this temple for Lord Venkateswara pulsates with Divine Energy. Thousands of devotees visit this auspicious complex to offer Pooja in the Temples of Sri Datta Venkateshwara Swamy, Goddess Padmavati (Maha Lakshmi), Dhanvantari, Sarva Doshahara Shiva, Sri Marakata Subrahmanya Swamy, Lord Karyasiddhi Hanuman and the Navagraha Devatas. Several thousands of local people throng the temple to take a glimpse of Lord Venkata Ramana Swamy on the most auspicious day of Vaikuntha Ekadashi every year.
 
Sri Datta Venkateshwara Temple Complex
 
5. Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple
 
Sri Swamiji had consecrated the maginificent 70 Feet tall Karya Siddhi Hanuman Statue in 2012 in the Mysore Ashram.  This monolithic Hanuman statue is the tallest stone statue of Hanuman in India. The temple has three Hanuman idols representing the three forms of Hanuman as per Ramayana - one being the tall monolithic statue, another for general worship and prayers, and the third idol is "Pancha mukha Hanuman", located in the underground.
 
After the recent monumental Rajasthan Jaisalmer Stone based renovation, this is one of the most enchanting Hanuman temples in this part of the country. Adding technology to the marvel, 3D Digital Projection Mapping synchronizing with the Hanuman Chalisa Audio on weekends is an added attraction. Devotees visiting these sacred sites have the unique opportunity to worship Hanuman by participating in the Poorna Phala Deeksha, which involves tying a dry coconut for wish fulfilment. They can also participate in the Archana and Alankara sevas for Lord Hanuman. Through these practices, devotees seek the divine intervention of Hanuman to fulfill their desires and overcome challenges.
 
Sri Swamiji has established several "Karya Siddhi Hanuman" temples at various Ashrams across India. Notably, He has also installed an impressive 85-foot Hanuman statue in Trinidad, West Indies, which stands as the tallest statue of an Indian deity in the Western Hemisphere. 

6. Kalabhairava Temple
Ashta Bhairava temple was consecrated by His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji in Avadhoota Datta Peetham on 14 December 2016. Eight Bhairava idols were consecrated as per Shaiva Agama rites in the South-East corner of Ashrama. When Ashrama started in 1966, an underground tunnel existed at this place. The destination of the long dark tunnel was not known. The tunnel was closed in mid 80s. Recently a small temple for the eight Bhairava idols was constructed. This subterranean temple has one main shrine for Pradhana Bhairava murthy. Seven small niches aroound the shrine contain the othe seven Bhairava Murtis.
 
Birth Date Pillars
366 pillars are installed on either side of the pathway in the Ashrama. These pillars are called "Date of Birth Pillars". Each pillar has a specific deity and demigod for that particular day.