Location of Ekmukhi Dutta
Ekmukhi Dutta Narayanpur is a small village located in Purandar valley in Pune district of Maharashtra, India. It is situated at the bottom of the famous Purandar fort, about 35 km south of Pune city One can reach Narayanpur from Pune either from Dive ghat and Saswad or from Katraj Ghat and Mumbai-Pune-Satara Road, Famous temple in Pune, Visit during Pune to Jejuri-Prati Balaji One day Trip By cab
Opening Timing/ Entry Fees Ekmukhi Dutta
Ekmukhi Dutta Narayanpur is open for visitors from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm every day. There is no entry fee for visiting the village or the temple. However, visitors are expected to pay a nominal donation at the temple for maintenance and cleanliness purposes
Things to Do /Must See Ekmukhi Dutta
Ekmukhi Dutta Narayanpur is a place of religious and historical importance. Visitors can do the following things at Narayanpur:
- Have a darshan (viewing) of the idol of Lord Dattatreya, which is made of panchaloha (five metals) and depicts him with one face and six arms. The idol is adorned with jewels and flowers. The idol is also flanked by his two wives, Mhalsa and Banai, who are also worshipped as goddesses
- Witness the rituals and ceremonies that are performed at the temple, such as abhishek (bathing), aarti (waving of lamps), bhajan (devotional songs), etc. The temple also hosts various festivals throughout the year, such as Datta Jayanti in December, Somvati Amavasya (new moon on Monday), Mahashivaratri in February-March, etc
- Explore the other temples and shrines that are located in the village, such as Narayaneshwar Temple, Sakharbai Temple, Mhalsakant Temple, Kalbhairav Temple, etc. These temples are dedicated to various forms and aspects of Lord Dattatreya and his family
- Enjoy the scenic view of the surrounding landscape from the village. Visitors can see the Purandar fort, the Karha river, the Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale, etc. from the village. The village also offers a spectacular view of the sunset and sunrise
Significance of Ekmukhi Dutta
Ekmukhi Dutta Narayanpur is considered to be one of the most sacred places for the devotees of Lord Dattatreya. Lord Dattatreya is regarded as an avatar of Lord Shiva who killed two demons, Mani and Malla, who were harassing people. According to legend, Lord Dattatreya chose Narayanpur as his abode after killing the demons and married Mhalsa and Banai, who were incarnations of Parvati and Ganga respectively
Ekmukhi Dutta Narayanpur is also a place of historical importance as it was witness to many battles and events that shaped the history of Maharashtra. The fort was built by Yadavas in 12th century and later controlled by various dynasties such as Bahmani Sultanate, Nizam Shahi, Adil Shahi, Mughals, Marathas, etc. The fort was also visited by many saints and personalities such as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Sant Tukaram, Shivaji Maharaj, etc
Ekmukhi Dutta Narayanpur is also a place of cultural importance as it showcases the rich heritage and traditions of Maharashtra. The temple is built in Hemadpanthi style of architecture with stone and lime mortar. The temple also has many paintings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and folklore. The temple also hosts various cultural events such as folk dances, music, puppet shows, etc. during festivals and fairs
FAQ’s
Some of the frequently asked questions about Ekmukhi Dutta Narayanpur are:
- Q: How to reach Ekmukhi Dutta Narayanpur?
- A: Ekmukhi Dutta Narayanpur can be reached by road, rail, or air. The nearest airport is Pune International Airport, which is about 60 km away from Narayanpur. The nearest railway station is Jejuri Railway Station, which is about 2 km away from Narayanpur. From Pune or Mumbai, one can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to reach Narayanpur. Narayanpur is also well connected by road to other cities in Maharashtra and India
- Q: When is the best time to visit Ekmukhi Dutta Narayanpur?
- A: The best time to visit Ekmukhi Dutta Narayanpur is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. This is also the time when the Datta Jayanti festival takes place, which is the main festival of Lord Dattatreya and attracts lakhs of devotees and tourists. However, one can visit Ekmukhi Dutta Narayanpur anytime of the year as it has a spiritual and historical significance throughout the year
- Q: What are the rules and regulations for visiting Ekmukhi Dutta Narayanpur?
- A: Visitors are expected to follow some rules and regulations while visiting Ekmukhi Dutta Narayanpur. These include:
- Dressing modestly and respectfully as Ekmukhi Dutta Narayanpur is a sacred place for Hindus.
- Removing shoes and leather items before entering any temple or shrine in the village.
- Not consuming alcohol, meat, or eggs in Narayanpur as it is a vegetarian town.
- Not littering or polluting the village or the temple or its surroundings.
- Not taking photographs or videos of people bathing or performing rituals at the temple without their permission.
- Respecting the local culture and customs and not disturbing the peace and harmony of the place
Conclusion
Ekmukhi Dutta Narayanpur is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the spiritual and historical vibes of Maharashtra. The village and the temple offer a serene and scenic view of nature as well as a glimpse of history and mythology. The village and the temple also host various events and activities that make it a lively and vibrant place. Ekmukhi Dutta Narayanpur is a place where one can find peace, joy, and enlightenment.
