| Temples & Legends Of
Maharastra |
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| Temples & Legends Of
India |
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GANAGAPUR -DATTATREYA |
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| The water of
the rivers Bhima and Amaraja, especially at the spot of their confluence, are considered
extremely holy. In an area of about three miles there are eight 'tirths’ in the
course of the Bhima. These tirths are equal in importance to those at Kashi, Gaya and
Prayaga and this was one of the reasons why Shri Nrisimha Sarasvati selected Gandharvapur
for his ultimate residence.He had visited probably every sacred spot in the course of his
sojourns, but preferred this kshetra to all others. The river Amaraja is the remnant of
ambrosia. Once the gods were engaged in a fierce struggle against a demon named
Jalandhara. So many of them died that it became necessary to carry ambrosia to the spot to
revive them. Some of it spilled in transport at the spot where the Amaraja rises.From then
onwards started the eternal course of this small river. On the confluence of the Bhima and
the Amaraja is the Shat-kula tirth. A bath in this tirth is equivalent to bathing at
Prayaga. The Nrisimha tirth lies opposite the Shiva temple on the confluence. If this
Shiva is worshipped after a dip in the Nrisimha tirth, it bestows on the pilgrim the same
punya as that of having worshipped Shri Shaila Mallikarjuna. The Bhagirathi tirth is
equivalent to the Manikarnika tirth. There is the Papavinashi tirth, which, as the name
suggests washes away all sin. Then there is the Koti tirth. The Rudra tirth equates with
Gaya a and the Chakratirth with Dwaravati. The Manmath tirth which is opposite the
Kalleshvar Mahadev is as good as Gokarna tirth. The snana in the sangam or confluence is
obviously the most important rite for the pilgrim. In addition to bathing, other rites
like shradha and kshaur are also performed at various tirths. The joshis, as stated
earlier are the best guides for a pilgrim in this matter. |
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