Narsobachi Wadi: Famous Sacred Abode of Lord Dattatreya

Narsobachi Wadi, also known as Narsobawadi or Nrusinhawadi, is a small town and a holy pilgrimage site in Shirol taluka of Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. It is situated on the banks of the Krishna river, where it meets the Panchaganga river. The town is famous for the temple of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati, the second incarnation of Lord Dattatreya, who is considered as the supreme guru of all gurus and the embodiment of the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. You can visit during One day Pune to Narsobawadi Darshan By cab

Overview

Narsobachi Wadi derives its name from the presence of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati, who is also known as Narsobha or Narasimha. He was a saint and a scholar who lived in the 14th and 15th centuries and propagated the teachings of Advaita Vedanta. He is believed to have performed many miracles and blessed his devotees with spiritual and material benefits. He is also the author of several works, such as Shri Guru Charitra, Shri Guru Gita, Shri Guru Upanishad and Shri Guru Geeta.

The main attraction of Narsobachi Wadi is the temple of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati, which houses his padukas (footprints) and a swayambhu (self-manifested) linga. The temple is located under an ancient Audumbar tree, which is considered as the abode of Lord Dattatreya. The temple also has a small shrine of Lord Ganesh and a silver idol of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati. The temple is surrounded by the waters of the Krishna and the Panchaganga rivers, which create a serene and divine atmosphere.

The temple is open for the devotees from 5 am to 10 pm every day. The daily rituals include kakad aarti, rudrabhishek, maha puja, dhoop aarti, palkhi and shej aarti. The temple also celebrates various festivals, such as Datta Jayanti, Narasimha Jayanti, Gopal Kala Utsav and Sripada Srivallabha Jayanti. The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over India and abroad, who come to seek the blessings of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati and experience his divine presence.

Narsobachi Wadi temple Timings

The temple timings are as follows:

Rituals in Narsobachi Wadi

The temple performs various rituals and ceremonies for the devotees, such as:

• Kakad Aarti and Paduka Puja: This is the first ritual of the day, which starts at 5 am. The padukas of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati are worshipped with flowers, incense, lamps and chants. The aarti is performed with camphor and bells.
• Rudrabhishek: This is a special ritual that is performed from 8 am to 12 pm. The swayambhu linga of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati is bathed with water, milk, curd, honey, ghee and other sacred substances. The devotees can participate in this ritual by paying a nominal fee. The ritual is accompanied by the recitation of the Rudram, Chamakam and other Vedic hymns.
• Maha Puja and Aarti: This is the main ritual of the day, which takes place from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. The padukas and the linga of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati are adorned with clothes, ornaments, flowers and sandalwood paste. The maha puja is performed with various offerings, such as fruits, sweets, coconut, betel leaves and nuts. The aarti is performed with lamps, camphor, incense and bells.
• Pavamana Sookta Parayan: This is a special recitation of the Pavamana Sookta, a Vedic hymn that praises the purification of the mind and the soul. The parayan is performed from 3 pm to 4 pm by the priests and the devotees.
• Dhoop Aarti: This is the evening ritual, which takes place at 7:30 pm. The padukas and the linga of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati are worshipped with incense, lamps and chants. The aarti is performed with camphor and bells.
• Palkhi: This is a procession of the padukas and the idol of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati around the temple premises. The palkhi is carried by the devotees and accompanied by music and singing. The palkhi takes place at 8 pm every day.
• Shej Aarti: This is the last ritual of the day, which takes place at 10 pm. The padukas and the linga of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati are covered with a cloth and put to rest. The aarti is performed with lamps, camphor, incense and bells. After the aarti, the temple is closed for the night.

Best Time to Visit Narsobachi Wadi

The best time to visit Narsobachi Wadi is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the rivers are full. The devotees can also visit during the monsoon season, when the surroundings are green and beautiful. However, they should be careful of the heavy rains and floods that may occur during this time.

The devotees can also plan their visit according to the festivals that are celebrated in the temple. Some of the major festivals are:

• Datta Jayanti: This is the birth anniversary of Lord Dattatreya, which falls on the full moon day of the Margashirsha month (November-December). The temple celebrates this festival with great fervor and devotion. The devotees can witness the grand abhishek, puja, aarti and palkhi of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati. The temple also hosts a cultural program, where various artists perform music, dance and drama based on the life and teachings of Lord Dattatreya.
• Narasimha Jayanti: This is the birth anniversary of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati, which falls on the 14th day of the bright fortnight of the Pushya month (December-January). The temple celebrates this festival with great joy and gratitude. The devotees can participate in the special abhishek, puja, aarti and palkhi of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati. The temple also distributes prasad and annadan (free food) to the devotees.
• Gopal Kala Utsav: This is a festival that commemorates the playful and mischievous acts of Lord Krishna, who is considered as an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. The festival is celebrated from the full moon day of the Magha month (January-February) to the fifth day of the Phalguna month (February-March). The temple organizes various games and activities for the devotees, such as breaking the earthen pot filled with curd, throwing colored water and powder, singing and dancing. The temple also offers various delicacies, such as butter, milk, curd and sweets to the devotees.
• Sripada Srivallabha Jayanti: This is the birth anniversary of Sripada Srivallabha, who is considered as the first incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. The festival falls on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of the Bhadrapada month (August-September). The temple celebrates this festival with great reverence and devotion. The devotees can offer their prayers and homage to the padukas and the linga of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati. The temple also conducts a special puja, aarti and palkhi of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati.

How to Reach Narsobachi Wadi

Narsobachi Wadi is well connected by road and rail to the major cities of Maharashtra and India. The nearest airport is Kolhapur Airport, which is about 60 km away. The nearest railway station is Jaysingpur Railway Station, which is about 17 km away. The devotees can also reach Narsobachi Wadi by bus from Kolhapur, Sangli, Miraj, Pune, Mumbai and other nearby towns. There are also private vehicles, such as taxis, jeeps and rickshaws available for hire.

The distance and approximate travel time from some of the major cities are:

Things to Do of Narsobachi Wadi

Apart from visiting the temple of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati, the devotees can also do the following things in and around Narsobachi Wadi, the devotees can also do the following things in and around the town:

• Take a boat ride: The devotees can enjoy a scenic and relaxing boat ride on the Krishna and the Panchaganga rivers. The boat ride offers a panoramic view of the temple, the Audumbar tree, the ghats and the surrounding nature. The boat ride also gives an opportunity to witness the confluence of the two rivers, which is considered as a sacred spot. The boat ride is available from 6 am to 6 pm and costs Rs. 20 per person.
• Visit the Datta Mandir: The devotees can also visit the Datta Mandir, which is a small temple dedicated to Lord Dattatreya. The temple is located on a hill, about 2 km from the main temple. The temple has a beautiful idol of Lord Dattatreya, along with the idols of his four dogs and a cow. The temple also offers a splendid view of the town and the rivers. The devotees can reach the temple by walking or by hiring a vehicle.
• Explore the nearby tourist places: The devotees can also explore the nearby tourist places, such as:
  • Kolhapur: Kolhapur is a historical and cultural city, which is famous for its Mahalakshmi Temple, Rankala Lake, New Palace Museum, Panhala Fort and Kolhapuri cuisine. Kolhapur is about 52 km from Narsobachi Wadi and can be reached by bus or taxi.
  • Sangli: Sangli is a city of temples, which is known for its Ganapati Temple, Irwin Bridge, Sangameshwar Temple, Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and Sangli Fort. Sangli is about 22 km from Narsobachi Wadi and can be reached by bus or taxi.
  • Miraj: Miraj is a musical and artistic city, which is renowned for its Miraj Tanpura, Miraj Musical Instrument Makers, Miraj Cinema, Miraj Dargah and Miraj Kupwad. Miraj is about 19 km from Narsobachi Wadi and can be reached by bus or taxi.

Significance of Narsobachi Wadi

Narsobachi Wadi is a place of great significance for the devotees of Lord Dattatreya and Shri Nrusinha Saraswati. The place is believed to have been the residence and the samadhi of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati, who is revered as the supreme guru and the incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. The place is also considered as a kshetra, a sacred land where the divine energy is manifested and the spiritual vibrations are high. The devotees who visit Narsobachi Wadi experience the grace and the blessings of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati, who fulfills their desires and removes their obstacles. The devotees also feel the peace and the bliss of being in the presence of the guru and the lord.

FAQ’s

Some of the frequently asked questions about Narsobachi Wadi are:

Conclusion

Narsobachi Wadi is a sacred and serene place, where the devotees can feel the presence and the grace of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati and Lord Dattatreya. The place is also a cultural and historical heritage, where the devotees can learn about the life and the teachings of Shri Nrusinha Saraswati and the tradition of Advaita Vedanta. The place is also a natural and scenic beauty, where the devotees can enjoy the view of the rivers, the trees, the birds and the flowers. Narsobachi Wadi is a place that offers a holistic and enriching experience for the devotees, who can attain peace, happiness and fulfillment by visiting this holy abode of the guru and the lord.