Ganagapur Dattatreya Temple Timings, Karnataka Trip, Tickets Info

Ganagapur (also spelled Gangapur) is one of the most revered Dattatreya pilgrimage sites in India. Located in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) district, this temple town is believed to be the place where Sri Narasimha Saraswati Swami — considered an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya — spent a significant part of his life. For devotees of Dattatreya, a visit here is considered as important as a visit to any of the major Datta Peethas in India.

This guide covers everything you need for your trip: temple timings, seva costs, how to reach Ganagapur from Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune, where to stay, and the nearby holy sites worth visiting.

History and Significance of Ganagapur

In ancient Puranic texts, this town was known as Dhanpur. Local tradition holds that Sri Narasimha Saraswati Swami resided here for many years, and the sanctum’s inner sanctuary still enshrines his Padukas (holy footprints) rather than an idol — these Padukas are the primary object of worship at Ganagapur.

The temple itself is modest in scale but deeply significant. The sanctum has a small partition wall with a silver-plated opening through which pilgrims can view the Padukas, since the innermost sanctuary is not open for direct entry.

Just outside the temple stands an Ashwatha (peepal) tree, regarded by devotees as being as powerful as the Kalpavriksha — the wish-fulfilling tree of legend. Around it lie several sacred water bodies (teerthas), including Narasimha Teertha, Papavinasini Teertha, Varanasi Teertha, Rudrapada Teertha, Chakra Teertha, Koti Teertha, and Manmadha Teertha. Devotees typically visit these teerthas as part of the temple parikrama (circumambulation).

A distinctive local custom is Madhukari (or Biksha) — where devotees, following in the tradition of Guru Ganagapur, go door to door in the village at noon asking for alms from at least five households. This practice is still followed by many pilgrims today and is considered an important part of the spiritual experience at Ganagapur.

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Ganagapur Temple Timings

Time needed to explore: Around 30 minutes for a basic darshan, though most pilgrims spend longer to complete the teertha parikrama and Madhukari.

Note: Temple timings can change during festivals like Guru Pournima and Datta Jayanti. It’s a good idea to call ahead before you travel.

Seva and Pooja Costs at Ganagapur

What is Pallaki Seva? This is one of the most popular sevas at Ganagapur. Devotees who take part lie in Sashtanga Pranama (a full prostration) on the ground, and the palanquin (pallaki) is carried over them. It is believed that this seva helps remove doshas (afflictions) and supports recovery from ill health.

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Prasadam and Annadanam (Free Meals)

• Laddu Prasadam: Available for ₹30 for 2 laddus, sold until 9:00 PM daily.
• Annadanam (free meals): Provided by the temple management.
  • Lunch: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
  • Dinner: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

How to Reach Ganagapur Dattatreya Temple

Ganagapur lies in the Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) district of Karnataka, about 40–45 km from Gulbarga city.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Ganagapur Road, located roughly 22–23 km from the temple. From the station, local buses and autos are available to reach the temple.

By Road: Regular state-run buses connect Gulbarga to Ganagapur.

Distance from Major Cities

Route from Hyderabad by car: Hyderabad → Patancheru → Sangareddy → Jahirabad → Gulbarga → Chowdapur → Ganagapur.

Where to Stay in Ganagapur

Accommodation options are simple but sufficient for a short pilgrimage stay:

• Private lodges in the town, offering 2-bed and 3-bed rooms, with and without A/C.
• Rooms arranged by the Archak (priest) family of the Ganagapur temple, which many devotees prefer for the personal connection.

For a wider range of hotel options nearby, check listings on Karnataka Tourism’s official site before you travel.

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Nearby Places to Visit Around Ganagapur

If you have time beyond the main darshan, these sites are all within walking or short driving distance:

• Sangam Mandir
• Sangameswaralaya
• Tantukeshwara Mandir
• Nirgun Paduka Math
• Chinthamani Ganapathy Temple
• Shree Kalleshwara Mandir
• The Audumbar Tree
• Ashta Teerthas (the eight sacred water bodies), including Shatakula, Nrusimha, Bhagirathi, Papavinashini, Koti, Rudrapada, Chakra, and Manmatha Teerthas

Ganagapur Temple Address & Contact

Address: Shivaji Chowk, Afzalpur Taluka, Kalaburagi District, Ganagapura, Karnataka 585212 Contact: 090354 79569 Gate Timings: 3:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Ganagapur Dattatreya Temple timings? The temple is open for darshan from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with the overall complex accessible from 3:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

How much does Pallaki Seva cost at Ganagapur? Pallaki Seva costs ₹1,100. Rudrabhishekam costs ₹2,500, while normal darshan and pooja are free of cost.

How far is Ganagapur from Hyderabad? Ganagapur is approximately 250–311 km from Hyderabad, depending on the route taken, and takes around 5–6 hours by car.

What is the nearest railway station to Ganagapur temple? The nearest station is Ganagapur Road, about 22–23 km from the temple.

Is food available for pilgrims at Ganagapur temple? Yes. The temple provides free Annadanam (lunch 12–1 PM, dinner 7:30–8:30 PM), and laddu prasadam is sold separately for ₹30 per 2 laddus.

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