Ganagapur Dattatreya Temple, also called Sri Kshetra Ganagapur, is a holy place. It is located in Ganagapur village, Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) district, Karnataka.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Dattatreya and his second incarnation, Shri Narasimha Saraswati Swamy.
In this guide, you will know the temple’s location, why it’s famous, the best time to visit, and how to reach there.
Where it is located?
The temple is in Ganagapur village, about 40 km from Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) city in Karnataka.
It sits on the banks of the Bhima River, near where it meets the Amarja River, called the Sangam.
Why Is the Ganagapur Dattatreya Temple Special?
Ganagapur Dattatreya Temple is famous as a “Darshaneeya Kshetra” (must-visit holy place). It is linked to Shri Narasimha Saraswati Swamy, believed to be the second form of Lord Dattatreya, who combines the powers of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
The temple has the Nirgun Padukas (holy footprints) of Shri Narasimha Saraswati, which are worshipped daily.
People believe that visiting the temple, taking a bath in the Bhima-Amarja Sangam, and offering bhiksha (alms) at five houses can remove sins, cure problems like illness or evil spirits, and fulfill wishes.
The book Shri Guru Charitra explains the temple’s importance and stories of Shri Narasimha Saraswati.
Best Time to Visit the Temple:
The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Festivals like Guru Pournima, Shravana Masam, Maha Shivaratri, Datta Jayanti, and Narasimha Saraswati Jayanti are great times to visit, as the temple is lively with prayers and celebrations.
Early mornings (3:00 AM to 9:00 PM) are best for darshan, especially before noon for Paduka darshan.
How to reach there?
Ganagapur is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easy to reach from cities like Kalaburagi, Solapur, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai. Here are the ways to get there:
1. By Car (Your Own or Taxi)
- Route: From Kalaburagi (40 km), take the road to Afzalpur taluka and follow signs to Ganagapur village. From Solapur (105 km), Hyderabad (250 km), Pune (356 km), or Mumbai (515 km), drive via NH-65 or NH-50 to Ganagapur.
- Travel Time: About 1 hour from Kalaburagi, 2-3 hours from Solapur, 5-6 hours from Hyderabad, 7-8 hours from Pune, or 10-12 hours from Mumbai.
- Parking: The temple has parking space for cars.
- Road Condition: Most roads are good, but the last few kilometers to the temple may be rough, so drive carefully.
- Tip: Use Google Maps or Waze, searching for “Ganagapur Dattatreya Temple.”
2. By Train and Auto-Rickshaw
- Nearest Station: Ganagapur Road Railway Station, on the Chennai-Mumbai line, is 20-21 km from the temple.
- Train Details: Trains from Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, or Bangalore stop at Ganagapur Road. The journey from Mumbai takes 8-10 hours, Pune 6-7 hours, or Hyderabad 4-5 hours.
- Auto-Rickshaw: From Ganagapur Road station, take an auto-rickshaw or shared auto to the temple (20-30 minutes, ~Rs. 50-100, bargain if needed).
- Note: Walking from the station is not practical due to the distance.
3. By Bus
- State Buses: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses run from Kalaburagi (1 hour), Solapur (2-3 hours), or Hyderabad (5-6 hours) to Ganagapur Bus Stand, near the temple.
- Private Buses: Private AC/non-AC buses connect Ganagapur to Mumbai, Pune, or Hyderabad. Get off at Ganagapur or Afzalpur and take an auto-rickshaw (5-10 minutes).
- Booking: Book private buses via RedBus or local travel agencies.
- Tip: Confirm the bus stops at Ganagapur village or nearby.
4. By Taxi or Cab
- App-Based Cabs: Book Ola, Uber, or local taxis from Kalaburagi (~Rs. 800-1,200), Hyderabad (~Rs. 4,000-6,000), or Pune (~Rs. 6,000-8,000). Travel times are similar to driving.
- Group Travel: Local agencies offer group taxi packages for families or pilgrims.
- Tip: Tell the driver “Ganagapur Dattatreya Temple” to avoid confusion.
5. By Air and Road
- Nearest Airport: Kalaburagi Domestic Airport (55.7 km, ~1.5 hours by road) or Hyderabad Airport (275 km, ~5-6 hours by road).
- From Airport: Hire a taxi or take a bus from Kalaburagi or Hyderabad to Ganagapur. From Hyderabad, you can also take a train to Ganagapur Road station and then an auto-rickshaw.
- Tip: Book taxis in advance for a smoother journey.
6. By Two-Wheeler
- Route: Ride from Kalaburagi, Solapur, or Hyderabad via NH-65 or NH-50. The ride from Kalaburagi takes 1 hour, Solapur 2-3 hours, or Hyderabad 5-6 hours.
- Safety: Wear helmets and carry rain gear if traveling during monsoons, as some roads may be uneven.
- Tip: The scenic route is enjoyable, especially in cooler months.
Tips for Visiting the Temple
- When to Go: Arrive early (3:00 AM-12:00 PM) for Paduka darshan. Plan your trip during festivals for a special experience.
- Clothes: Wear simple, full-length clothes (no shorts or sleeveless shirts). Women may need a dupatta or scarf.
- Food: Outside food is not allowed. The temple offers annadana (free food) and madhukari (bhiksha) from five houses, which is a holy tradition.
- Photos: Photography rules vary, so follow temple guidelines and ask priests.
- Nearby Places: Visit the Bhima-Amarja Sangam for a holy bath, Audumbar tree for prayers, Kalleshwar temple (like Gokarna), or Ashta Theertha (eight holy ponds).
- Stay: Stay in dharmashalas (basic, low-cost rooms), lodges, or hotels near the temple. Book in advance during festivals. Contact: Devasthan Counter (08470-274768).
Also Check: Manas Mandir Bhuvanbhanu Jain Temple Shatrunjay Tirtha
Why You Should Visit
Ganagapur Dattatreya Temple Sri Kshetra Ganagapur is a holy place where you can feel peace and get blessings.
Whether you pray, take a holy bath, or offer bhiksha, the temple’s divine energy will leave you refreshed. Plan your visit, choose your travel option, and experience the magic of this sacred place.
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