Sri Datta Kshetra Hampiholi is located in Ramdurga Taluk of Belgaum district in the state of Karnataka. The temple is situated on the banks of the Malaprabha River in a peaceful and spiritual natural setting, attracting devotees who seek blessings and inner peace.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Dattatreya, who is worshipped here in the form of sacred Padukas, representing the divine presence of the Guru. Devotees believe that worship at this kshetra helps remove difficulties and brings spiritual growth. The association with Sri. Narasimha Saraswati makes this temple especially powerful among Lord Dattatreya devotees.
The history of this sacred kshetra goes back more than 200 years. Sri Ramanand Maharaj and his son Sri Sadanand Maharaj, also known as Sri Shivappayya Inamdar, who later attained Samadhi at Babanagar, played a key role in shaping this temple’s legacy. Sri Jayappa Desai of Shirasangi, a devoted follower, received Hampiholi village as an Inam (gifted land). Later, Sri Sadanand Maharaj gave this village to his brother Sri Nagappayya. After his time, the responsibility continued through the descendants of Sri Visappayya Inamdar, from whom the present Hampiholi Inamdar lineage originates.
Around 150-160 years ago, the Diwanji of Nargund who was suffering from a serious illness, had a divine dream at Ganagapura, where Sri. Narasimha Saraswati instructed him to visit Hampiholi and locate the sacred Padukas hidden in a bamboo grove near the Malaprabha River. The same vision was experienced by Sri Narasappayya Inamdar. When they found and installed the Padukas, the Diwanji was cured, and from then onwards Hampiholi became known as a sacred Datta Kshetra.
Later, Sri Vasudevanand Nashikar Maharaj, a disciple of Tembe Swami, established the tradition of Datta Pooja and Bhajana Saptaha. Important spiritual events like the Ati Rudra Yaga in 1955, the centenary celebrations in 2001, and the visit of Kanchi Paramacharya Chandrashekar Saraswati in 1979 further enhanced the importance of this kshetra. Today, development activities are progressing under the guidance of Sri Datta Avadhoot Maharaj- Hebballi.
The temple follows the Guru tradition with regular Lord Dattatreya Pooja, Bhajans, and the annual Saptaha. The lineage also includes traditions of Shri Devi worship and Gondhal practices guided by Sri Kumashi Narasimha Guruji, making this kshetra spiritually rich and unique.
This year marks the *125th year celebration* of the sacred Datta Bhajana Saptaha tradition, which has been continuously observed since 1902. The grand celebrations are scheduled from *07-04-2026 to 15-04-2026*, with various spiritual and religious programs conducted each day as per the official schedule.
The celebrations begin on 07-04-2026 with Ganahoma, Punyaha, and Sankalpa rituals. Dhwajarohana is performed, marking the formal commencement of the Saptaha. The following days include daily Datta Pooja, Bhajans, and Vedic rituals.
As per the official programme, the important homas and rituals performed during the celebrations include *Dhanvantari Homa,Maha Mrityunjaya Homa, Navachandi Yaga, Laksha Narayana Homa, Sudarshana Homa, Pavamana Homa, Rakshoghna Homa, Sri Rama Taraka Homa, Sri Datta Yaga and Sri Maharudrabhisheka, Sudarshana Homa, Mahapurnahuti*, along with other sacred offerings are conducted with great devotion.
A special highlight of this 125th year celebration is that *125 devotees will collectively perform the sacred reading of Guru Charitra*, continuing the powerful Guru tradition associated with Lord Dattatreya and his lineage.
The celebrations continue with Paduka-related rituals, homas, and special poojas on the following days, maintaining a spiritually vibrant atmosphere throughout the Saptaha.
The celebrations conclude on 15-04-2026 with Paduka Seva, final rituals, and Annadana (mass feeding), offering divine blessings to all devotees.
Every year, many devotees visit this sacred kshetra to participate in the Saptaha and receive the divine blessings of Lord Datta.
