On 11th of July 2007, the Pranpratishtha of Bhagwan Sri Dattatreya was performed at the most sacred lotus hands of His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Bharathi Teertha Mahaswami, the Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham at Shri Datta Devasthan, Ahmednagar.

The Jagadguru in His anugraha bhashya said “I had come in 1995 for the Bhoomi Pujan of the temple site and now I have come for the Pranpratishtha and the Kalash Pujan. It was the wish of Sri Bramhachariji that the Pratishthapana should be performed by the Jagadguru of Sringeri.”

His Holiness’ affection for Bramhachariji was evident in His anugraha as the relationship between Sringeri and Shri Datta Devasthan go back a long way. In 1982, on His Vijayayatra, Hs Holiness Sri Sri Sri Abhinava Vidyateertha Mahaswami visited Shri Datta Devasthan along with Sri Sri Sri Bharathi Teertha Mahaswami for the first time.

Their Holiness’ were simply enthralled with the Divine presence in Shri Datta Devasthan and felt that it was just like being in Sringeri.

So impressed were the two Acharyas that they returned to Shri Datta Devasthan within two months along with Sri Sri Sri Swaroopananda Saraswati Mahaswami, the Shankaracharya of Sri Dwarka Peetham.

Their Holiness’ affection towards Sri Bramhachariji was evident during their visits. They invited Sri Sadguru to visit Sringeri along with His devotees for the Navaratra Utsav. In the following years Their Holiness visited Shri Datta Devasthan several times. During one of Their visits, it so happened that the Sri Adi Shankaracharya Jayanthi was falling on one of the days. It was very unusual for Their Holiness’ to be away from Sringeri during the Jayanthi celebrations. However since Shri Datta Devasthan was like the second Sringeri to them, they celebrated the Jayanthi in Ahmednagar itself.

It was then that Sri Sri Sri Bharathi Teertha Mahaswami made His wish to Sri Sadguru that thenceforth the Adi Shankaracharya Jayanthi was to be celebrated in Shri Datta Devasthan in the same fashion as Shri Dattatreya Jayanthi. He also announced that the Murthi of Bhagvad Poojyapad would be given by the Sringeri Peetham and asked Sri Sadguru to personally come to Sringeri to collect it.

It is since that time that the Adi Shankaracharya Jayanthi is being celebrated at Ahmednagar with a lot of devotion.

In one of His visits He remarked that the Devasthan should construct an independent building to start a Vedanta Vidyapeetham that could provide facility for at least a 100 students. He took a keen interest in the activities of the Devasthan and also suggested that it should have a fully equipped library containing scriptures, texts and books related to Vedanta.

In His Anugraha Bhashya during the 1995 visit of His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Bharathi Teertha Mahaswami, He said ‘the relationship between Sringeri and Shri Datta Devasthan is like that of the Sun with the Lotus. The sun’s rays fall all over the earth everyday but they affect the lotus most. The same is the case with Shri Datta Devasthan and Sringeri’.

Even when the trustees of Shri Datta Devasthan went to invite His Holiness to perform the Pranpratishtha of Bhagwan Sri Dattatreya, His Holiness said ‘Sri Bramhachariji would be very happy if I were to perform the Pranpratishtha of Sri Dattatreya’ and He being very compassionate consented to perform the Pranpratishtha .

The temple of Bhagwan Sri Dattatreya is unique in India. The Sankalpa of the temple was set by Sri Bramhachariji, the Bhoomi Puja, Kalash Puja and Pranpratishtha was performed by Sri Sri Sri Bharathi Teertha Mahaswami.

The Shilanyas of the temple was performed on 30th October 2002 and His Holiness had sent His representative, Sri. Devadatta Patil Sastri, to perform the Shilanayas rituals on His behalf.

His Holiness was kept informed about the progress of construction from time to time. When His Holiness consented to come for the Pranpratishtha to Ahmednagar He said, “I am coming there to meet Bhagwan Sri Dattatreya”.

The religious ceremonies for the Pranpratishtha of Sri Dattatreya were fixed from 7th July 2007 to 14 July 2007. There was a buzz of excitement, pride and happiness on the morning of 7th July. Devotees started assembling in large numbers to be a part of the historic moment. Early that morning the trustees of Shri Datta Devasthan went to the various temples in Ahmednagar to seek the blessings of the presiding deities.

Under the guidance and instructions of Vedmurti Sri. Dattatreya Nawathe, the various rituals started. The trustees performed Pada Puja of Sri Sadguru to obtain His blessings and aashirwad for the entire event.

On the morning of 8th July the Murthi of Sri Dattatreya was taken from Vedanta Vidyapeetham to Sri Datta Kshetra through a grand procession. The Murthi was placed in a specially prepared Rath, beautifully decorated with flowers and garlands. The sweet scent of flowers along with Agarbattis created an atmosphere of purity. Women performed the deep Puja and Arti. The assembled Vedics and the students of the Vedanta Vidyapeetham chanted Vedic Mantras and rented the air with the Shankha Nada. The assembled devotees glorified the moment with the Jayjaykar of Sri Sadguru and Sri Dattatreya. On the way, the devotees sang devotional songs and fire crackers were burst. Rangolis with flower decorations were found all over; Women devotees, carrying the sacred tulsi plants on their heads led the procession along with a band and decorated horses. Traditional dance and music also accompanied the procession.

Once the Murthi entered the Sri Datta Kshetra it was taken to the Yagnya Mandapam. Various Pujas and archanas were performed on the Murthi. While the various rites were being performed on the Murthi, other rituals and religious rites like the Punyaha Vachana, Shanti Paath, Maha Sankalpa etc. were continuing elsewhere.

In the evening from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm ‘Anantarupe – Anantaname’ a program of devotional songs was presented by various devotees of Sri Sadguru. The songs reflected the sanctimonious mood of the assembled devotees. The entire ensemble was full of gaiety, joy and pride.

On 8th July His Holiness was to come to Baramati on His way to Ahmednagar. The trustees of Shri Datta Devasthan along with the students and teachers of the Vedanta Vidyapeetham had gone to Baramati to welcome Him. The arrangements of His Holiness’ stay at Baramati were done on behalf of Shri Datta Devasthan Trust.

The next day (9th July) the various rituals continued in the Yagnya Mandap. Sri. Shukla, one of the devotees of Sri Sadguru interviewd Sri Godbole Sastri of Satara. Sri. Godbole Sastri answered queries related to the Pranpratishtha and explained the importance of various rituals that were being conducted.

9th July was also the day when His Holiness was to come to Ahmednagar. Preparations for His Holiness’ welcome were in full swing. The Sri Dattatreya Mandap and Sri Nrusinha Saraswati Mandap was decorated with festoons and flowers. Posters of His Holiness were placed everywhere. A separate entrance was created specially for His Holiness. A carpet of colorful flowers was set out to welcome Him. As per His itinerary, His Holiness was to arrive at Vedanta Vidyapeetham around 5:30 – 6:00 pm in the evening. The trustees of Shri Datta Devasthan along with the all the Vedics and devotees were waiting for His Holiness at the entrance of the Devasthan. Women with lamps and artis were also present. When His Holiness arrived, He was welcomed with a Purna Kumbha. He was then taken in a magnificent procession to Sri Datta Kshetra. Fire crackers were burst and the joy and happiness of all present knew no bounds. The entrance of Sri Datta Kshetra was also decorated. A red carpet covered with flowers was set out to welcome Him.

His Holiness was led to an impressive stage. The Secretary and Trustee of Shri Datta Devasthan Trust – Sri. Sanjay Kshirsagar read the welcome address on behalf of the trust. After which His Holiness gave a short Anugraha to all the devotees present. In His Anugraha Bhashya He said “This entire event is taking place as per the Sankalpa of Bhagwan Sri Dattatreya. Bramhachariji Kshirsagar Maharaj was an ardent devotee of Sri Dattatreya and had a lot of Shraddha and affection towards the Jagadgurus of Sringeri. In 1982 I came with Mahasannidhanam (Sri Sri Sri Abhinava Vidyateertha Mahaswami) and then I visited 3 more times. It was the wish of Bramhachariji that the Pranpratishtha of Sri Dattatreya be performed at the hands of the Jagadguru of Sringeri. With the grace of Sri Dattatreya His wish is being fulfilled. Sringeri Peetam is a place of peace and tranquility. It has been 12 years since I have left Sringeri. As per the wish of Sri Bramhachariji and the grace of Bhagwan Sri Dattatreya the Pranpratishtha will be performed in the Uttarayan.”.

Then at 8:30 pm all the devotees thronged to see His Holines perform the Chandramouleswara Puja.. A special stage was prepared in the Laxmi Mandap for His Holiness to perform the Puja. After the Puja, the Vedics chanted Mantras from all 4 Vedas in front of His Holiness.

The 10th of July saw the end of the pre Pranpratishtha rituals of the Murthi. In the morning there was a rush of devotees to take the darsan of His Holiness. Devotees performed Padya Pujas. Instrumental Music Seva was also performed in the Sri Dattatretya Mandap in the morning.

In the evening from 4:00 to 8:30 pm ‘Bhakti Sangeet Yatra’, a program featuring devotional songs was conducted. The compeering for this program was done by the famous television personality Sri. Subodh Bhave. Several artists from Mumbai and Pune sang songs. A small girl of performed a Ganesh Vandana dance and enthralled the spectators.

At 8:30 pm the devotees again gathered in thousands to witness the Chandramouleswara Puja. The flute of Sri. Keshav Ginde and the Tabla of Sri Nandakumar Tiwari left everyone spellbound.

Jestha Krisna Dwadashi, dawned on 11th July 2007. The day everyone had dreamt of, the day that the Pranpratishtha of Bhagwan Sri Dattatreya would be performed at the most sacred lotus hands of Srimad Bhagvad Poojyapad, Sri Sri Sri Bharathi Teertha Mahaswami, the illustrious Acharya to ascend the throne of transcendental wisdom.

Early in the morning the devotees flocked in large numbers at Sri Datta Kshetra. An estimated 6 – 7 thousand devotees were present on that day. His Holiness entered the temple on a carpet of flowers which was specially laid out for Him for the Pranpratishtha . A special elevator was constructed to take His Holiness for Kalash Pujan and Dhwajarohan (hoisting of the flag). It was the crowning moment for all assembled. They had strived hard to collect the funds through Bhiksha, they had overcome obstacles, constructed the temple against time to fulfill the wish of their Guru.

At 2:00 pm that same afternoon the darsan of Bhagwan Sri Dattatreya was opened for the first time. At 4:00 pm His Holiness entered the Sri Dattatreya Mandap. Vedic Mantras of all the 4 Vedas were chanted to welcome Him. The program started with Sharada Stawan. His Holiness felicitated the Vedic Bramhins. Then Sri. Ashok Kale placed the Krutadnyata Patra at the lotus feet of His Holiness on behalf of Shri Datta Devasthan Trust. He also gave information to all present about the construction of Sri Datta Kshetra.

Afterwards His Holiness gave His Anugraha Aashirwad to the assembled devotees. He said, “It is only in the human birth that one can strive for Atma Gyan. For the Atma to gain Aparoksha Gyan it is important to perform sadhana. There is only one God in the Hindu religion who is in different forms. ‘Ekoham Bahusyam’ Even if He is One, we can pray to Him in several ways. To solicit His grace one has to reverentially pray to Him and surrender to Him. For this purpose temples are created. Bhagwan Sri Dattatreya is a Gyan Avtar and Sri Ramakrishna Kshirsagar Bramhachariji was an Upasak of Bhagwan Sri Dattatreyta. This temple has been constructed as per His wishes and Sankalpana. In the entire India no other temple like this exists."

The events of the day were forever marked in the hearts of all those who were present.

From the 12th July the temple was open for darsan from 7:00 am onwards. Religious rituals were going on in the background. At 10:00 am everyone assembled in the Sri Dattatreya Mandap to chant the Vishnu Sahasranama. In the evening a Bhakti Sangeet program featuring singers Ajit Kadkade and Padmaja Phenani was conducted.

On 13th July Sangeet Seva and Kirtan Seva was conducted in the new temple. As usual the devotees thronged for the darsan of His Holiness. In the afternoon everybody was again pleased to hear the devotional songs sung by various devotees form Aurangabad.

On the morning of July 14th, His Holiness blessed each of the volunteers who had toiled hard to ensure that nothing was left wanting. He congratulated them on their efforts and praised their Gurubhakti.

The religious ceremonies came to an end with the Purnahuti of Maharudra and Mahavishnu homas. The entire surrounding was reverberated with the chanting of Vedic Mantras.

It was a week of absolute joy and happiness.