Today is Guru Pratipada
Bhima–Amaraja Sangam is one of the most sacred Datta Kshetras associated with Shri Narasimha Saraswati Swami, the second incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. This holy place is a river confluence, where River Bhima meets River Amaraja (also known as Amaravati), near Ganagapura in Kalaburagi district of Karnataka. Unlike regular temples built with stone and towers, this Sangam stands as a reminder that Datta Guru chose nature itself as his dwelling.
The Sangam is located a short distance from the main Ganagapura Dattatreya Temple, and devotees usually walk along the riverbanks to reach it. The gentle flow of the two rivers, open sky, and serene surroundings create a deeply spiritual atmosphere. In Sanatana Dharma, river confluences are considered highly sacred, symbolizing the union of energies and the dissolution of duality.
Bhima–Amaraja Sangam is not a man-made temple and therefore does not have a construction date. Its sanctity dates back more than 600 years, to the period when Shri Narasimha Saraswati Swami lived and moved freely in this region during the 14th–15th century. The greatness of this kshetra comes not from architecture, but from the living presence of the Guru, who sanctified the rivers through his tapas and divine movements.
The presiding deity of Bhima–Amaraja Sangam is Lord Dattatreya, worshipped here as Shri Narasimha Saraswati Swami. There is no main idol inside a garbhagriha. Instead, devotees worship the flowing rivers as Datta Guru himself. Simple Padukas (holy footprints) placed near the riverbank are the focus of devotion. This form of worship teaches that Guru Tattva is formless, all-pervading, and ever-living.
According to Shri Datta Guru Charitra, Shri Narasimha Saraswati Swami spent significant time living, walking, and performing silent tapas along the Bhima–Amaraja Sangam. Though Ganagapura later became the centre for his Sanjeevani Samadhi and formal worship, the Sangam region was his preferred place for spiritual movement and inner work. Many devotees believe that several miracles described in the Datta tradition are connected to this river area.
The Sthalapurana says that Lord Dattatreya consciously chose the Bhima–Amaraja Sangam as a place of subtle residence because a Sangam represents the union of Jeevatma (individual soul) and Paramatma (Supreme Soul). Just as two rivers lose their separate identities when they merge, the ego of a seeker dissolves in the presence of the true Guru.
It is believed that Datta Guru still resides here in an invisible form, moving along the river banks and testing the faith of devotees. Those who come with pride see only water, while those who come with humility experience inner guidance, protection, and peace. The Sangam is especially powerful for removing Guru dosha, pitru-related disturbances, mental confusion, and fear. Many devotees report that prayers offered here bring clarity in life decisions and strength in difficult times.
Bhima–Amaraja Sangam plays an important role in the sacred Ashta Teertha Snana associated with Ganagapura. This ritual involves bathing in eight holy water bodies, many of which are directly or indirectly connected to the Bhima and Amaraja rivers. The practice teaches that purification happens not only through water, but through surrender to Guru Tattva.
Guru Pratipada holds supreme importance in the Datta Sampradaya because it is the sacred day on which Shri Narasimha Saraswati Swami, the second incarnation of Lord Dattatreya, consciously left his physical body and entered Sanjeevani Samadhi at Kardali Vana, near Srisailam.
After entering Sanjeevani Samadhi at Kardali Vana, Datta tradition believes that Shri Narasimha Saraswati Swami’s subtle movement continued strongly in regions sanctified by his tapas, especially Ganagapura and the Bhima–Amaraja Sangam, where he had spent significant years blessing devotees.
Though there are no grand celebrations here, Bhima–Amaraja Sangam becomes especially sacred on Guru Pratipada, Guru Purnima, Datta Jayanti, and on Amavasya and Purnima days. Devotees perform snana, Paduka puja, japa, and silent meditation, seeking the blessings of Datta Guru.
