Kurupuram – Tapobhumi of Sripada Sri Vallabha, the First Datta Avatar

September 16, 2025 , , , ,

 

Kurupuram, also known as Kuruvapur, Kurugadda, or Vallabhapuram, is a spiritually potent island located on the banks of the Krishna River, straddling the border of Telangana and Karnataka. This sacred site is revered as the Tapobhumi (penance ground) of Sri Sripada Sri Vallabha, the first incarnation of Lord Dattatreya in Kali Yuga.

Location & Access

  • District: Raichur, Karnataka
  • Nearest Towns: Raichur (25 km), Makthal (Telangana side)
  • Geography: Kurupuram is an island (Dweepa) surrounded by the Krishna River, accessible by boat from either side.

Presiding Deity

  • Sri Sripada Sri Vallabha – revered as the first Datta Avatar, embodying divine knowledge (Jnana), detachment (Vairagya), and compassion.
  • Worship is offered to his Nirguna Padukas (footprints), symbolizing his eternal presence in Sukshma Rupa (subtle form).

Subshrines & Sacred Spots

  • Nirgun Paduka Mandir – housing the divine footprints of Sripada Sri Vallabha.
  • Dhyana Guha (Meditation Cave) – where the saint performed intense penance; now refurbished for darshan.
  • Audumbar Tree & Banyan Tree – sacred trees associated with Datta tradition.
  • Gayatri Suryodaya Sthala – a spiritually charged sunrise point.
  • Agrahara Temple – built in Hemadpanthi style, donated by a Rajaka devotee.
  • Nagarkhana – constructed by Shri Tukdoji Holkar.

Temple Significance

  • Mentioned in Shri Guru Charitra, Skanda Purana, and Sripada Charitamrutam.
  • Believed that 28,000 yogis and siddhas from the Himalayas visited this site for darshan of Lord Dattatreya.
  • Tembe Swami Maharaj performed Chaturmasya Vratha here in 1911, followed by disciples like Sri Rangavadhootha and Gulavani Maharaj.
  • Known as Gurudweepa, this island is a spiritual powerhouse for Datta devotees.

History and Legends

Divine Birth & Avatar

  • Born in Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh, to Appalaraju Sharma and Sumathi, Sripada Sri Vallabha was a child of divine brilliance.
  • At age 16, he renounced worldly life and traveled to Kurupuram, where he performed intense penance for 35 years to attain Jnana (wisdom) and Vairagya (detachment).

Avatar Conclusion

  • He concluded his physical avatar on Ashwija Bahula Dwadashi (Hastha Nakshatra) by merging into the Krishna River.
  • This day is commemorated as Guru Dwadashi, a sacred observance for Datta devotees.

Spiritual Magnetism

  • According to the Skanda Purana, 28,000 yogis and siddhas from the Himalayas visited Kurupuram to receive darshan of Lord Dattatreya.
  • Even today, Sripada Sri Vallabha is believed to reside in Sukshma Rupa (subtle form), granting blessings to devotees with unwavering faith.

Rituals & Worship Practices

Daily Sevas

  • Nirgun Paduka Darshan – Devotees worship the divine footprints of Sripada Sri Vallabha.
  • Archana Vidhi – Performed with flowers, incense, and betel leaves.
  • Bhajans & Parayana – Recitation of Sripada Charitamrutam, Guru Charitra, and Datta Sahasranama.

Major Festivals Celebrated

Guru Dwadashi

  • Marks the Nijagamana Dinam (avatar conclusion) of Sripada Sri Vallabha.
  • Celebrated with Annadanam, bhajans, and Paduka puja.
  • Considered the most sacred day at Kurupuram.

Datta Jayanti

  • Celebrates the birth of Lord Dattatreya.
  • Includes Deep Aradhana, special abhishekam, and bhajan sessions.

Shripada Jayanti

  • Commemorates the birth of Sripada Sri Vallabha in Pithapuram.
  • Devotees perform Palaki Seva, Annadanam, and Guru Parayana.

 Adhika Maas Sevas

  • During the extra lunar month, devotees perform monthly pujas, Annadanam, and bilvarchana.

Beliefs & Spiritual Significance

Kurupuram (also known as Kuruvapur, Kurugadda, or Vallabhapuram) is considered the Tapobhumi of Sri Sripada Sri Vallabha, the first incarnation of Lord Dattatreya in Kali Yuga. Devotees believe:

  • Sripada Sri Vallabha still resides here in Sukshma Rupa (subtle form), granting darshan to those with unwavering faith.
  • Worshipping his Nirguna Padukas (divine footprints) cleanses sins and grants spiritual liberation.
  • The site is mentioned in the Skanda Purana as Gurudweepa, where 28,000 yogis and siddhas once gathered for darshan.
  • Devotees who chant Datta Nama, read Sripada Charitamrutam, or perform Annadanam here are believed to receive blessings equivalent to visiting all sacred pilgrimages.

Temple Hours

4.30 am – 12.00 noon

4.00 pm to 7.30 pm

  • Paduka Darshan, Archana, and Bhajans are performed daily.
  • Annadanam is offered during major festivals like Guru Dwadashi, Datta Jayanti, and Shripada Jayanti.

Getting Here

By Train

  • Nearest Railway Station: Raichur Junction (35 km)
  • Trains available from Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, and Vijayawada.

By Road

  • From Raichur, take a bus to Atkur village (1.5 hours).
  • From Atkur, take a 20-minute boat ride across the Krishna River to reach Kurupuram.

By Air

  • Nearest Airport: Raichur Airport (31 km)

Tips

  • Boat rides operate throughout the day but may pause during heavy rains—plan accordingly.
  • Carry drinking water, snacks, and basic medicines, as facilities on the island are minimal.
  • Bring Datta Sahasranama, Sripada Charitamrutam, or Guru Charitra for parayana.
  • Accommodation is limited—basic rooms may be available through temple priests or nearby ashrams.
  • Offer Annadanam, clothes, or Dakshina to Brahmins for added merit.
  • Photography is allowed in outer areas but avoid inside sanctum unless permitted.

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