Devgad: The Devgad Datta Mandir is located on the picturesque banks of the Pravara River near Murme village in Nevasa Taluka of Ahilyanagar(formerly Ahmednagar) district in Maharashtra state. It is known for its spotlessly clean premises and serene atmosphere.
A different experience altogether: Visiting Devgad gives you a different experience in comparison to that of the well-known places of worship elsewhere. The welcome arch on the main road and that at the beginning of the premises are devoid of the usual gaudy colour structures.
Natural light pinkish-cream colour: Interestingly, nowhere in the entire premises can you notice any paint on the walls. Instead, the whole premises is full of a natural light pinkish-cream to beige stonework colour, as all the construction is being done with entirely carved natural stones and Rajasthan marble.
Earthy, light beige, or sand-toned look: There are three welcome arches, all along: one at the main road, the second one just before the premises begins, and the last one as you enter. All are built using beautifully carved natural stone, giving it a distinct earthy, light beige, or sand-toned look.
Four-foot-tall golden spire: The roof and spire feature a striking four-foot golden gopuram, gleaming prominently against the sky. Likewise, the flooring is laid with polished, high-quality white and patterned Rajasthani marble.
Pure and serene ambience: Even the main entrance gateway and complex structures are a blend of traditional architectural hues designed to evoke a pure and serene ambience. Maybe due to the absence of the typical hustle and bustle elsewhere, a clean and tidy atmosphere, peaceful riverside views, and beautiful gardens all take you to a different kind of rejoicable experience of its own.
Accommodation for 1,000 people: The Devgad Datta Mandir also has a provision for accommodation in Bhakt Niwas with 75 rooms at meagre maintenance prices, apart from serving simple, affordable, and delicious vegetarian meals/prasad.
Legacy of the saint Sadguru: It is associated with the legacy of the late saint Sadguru Kisangiri Baba, who is said to have performed intense penance here. Shree Ramakrishna Kshirsagar Swamiji is the founder of the Datta Mandir.
Boating: Behind the Mandir premises and on the banks of the Pravara River, there is a provision being made for boating. However, walking barefoot within the premises would be a patience-testing exercise for all those not habituated to such walking!
Any number of Deogarhs! Just for the sake of curiosity, googled the name Deogarh and was awestruck seeing the list. There were any number of Deogarhs across multiple states. Similarly spelt rural habitations are also found in Mandvi Tehsil of Gujarat, and Deogarh/Debagarh in Odisha! Deogarh, a historic town in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, is famous for the Deogarh Mahal. Deogarh in Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh is known for its Gupta-era and Jain temples near the Betwa River. Deogarh in Jharkhand is a holy city and also famous for the Baidyanath Jyotirlinga shrine.
1001% pure vegetarian hotels! On the way to Devgad, we came across several roadside eateries claiming to be pure vegetarian hotels. It also looked like most of them were vying with one another in proclaiming to be overpure vegetarian hotels. Initially, saw some hotels displaying boards claiming 100% pure vegetarian, only to be followed by 101% pure vegetarian, and later 1001% pure vegetarian hotels!
Boating: Behind the Mandir premises and on the banks of the Pravara River, there is a provision being made for boating. However, walking barefoot within the premises would be a patience-testing exercise for all those not habituated to such walking!
Not Alphonso Devgad! Initially, on hearing the name Devgad, mistook it for the one well-known for the bigger-sized Alphonso variety of Mangoes. However, Rushikesh Maruti Adsure, a young friend associated with the Mahatma Phule Krushi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, enlightened me about the Alphonso Devgad being located in the coastal belt under the purview of Sindhudurg district.
Any number of Deogarhs! Just for the sake of curiosity, googled the name Deogarh and was awestruck seeing the list. There were any number of Deogarhs across multiple states. Similarly spelt rural habitations are also found in Mandvi Tehsil of Gujarat, and Deogarh/Debagarh in Odisha! Deogarh, a historic town in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, is famous for the Deogarh Mahal. Deogarh in Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh is known for its Gupta-era and Jain temples near the Betwa River. Deogarh in Jharkhand is a holy city and also famous for the Baidyanath Jyotirlinga shrine.
1001% pure vegetarian hotels! On the way to Devgad, we came across several roadside eateries claiming to be pure vegetarian hotels. It also looked like most of them were vying with one another in proclaiming to be overpure vegetarian hotels. Initially, saw some hotels displaying boards claiming 100% pure vegetarian, only to be followed by 101% pure vegetarian, and later 1001% pure vegetarian hotels!
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