Introduction and Philosophy

  • Location and Significance: Shri Dattashram is located in Jalna, Marathwada (Central Maharashtra), a region known for its saints. It is described as a “finest culmination of ideas, thought streams and influences” from different saints and Sampradayas (traditions) like the Datta Sampradaya, Waarakari Sampradaya, and Ram Sampradaya.

  • Core Philosophy: The Ashram unwaveringly signifies that “all paths lead to only one reality.”

  • Focal Points of Life at Dattashram:

    1. Naamasmaran: Incessant chanting of the Lord’s name.

    2. Anna-Daan: Serving food (Prasad) to others free of charge.

Founder and Inspiration (Parampara)

  • Founder: The Ashram was founded by Parama Poojya (P. P.) Sau Tai Maharaj.

  • Name Dedication: The Ashram is named Shri Datta Ashram in honor and memory of P. P. Shri Datta Maharaj, who was the Guru to P. P. Tai Maharaj.

  • Influences: The unique way of life created by Tai Maharaj at Dattashram is influenced by the teachings of several Gurus and saints:

    • P. P. Shri Dhundiraj Maharaj: Her Guru.

    • P. P. Shri Kajalkar Maharaj: Her father.

    • P. P. Shri Datta Maharaj: The son and disciple of her Guru, and also the Guru to Tai Maharaj.

Objectives and Activities

  • Objectives:

    1. To create a conducive environment for a contended and successful life and for the spiritual development of the human being.

    2. To achieve the above through Naamasmaran and incessant Anna-Daan.

  • Premises (Temples and Shrines): The Ashram hosts many temples within one premise:

    • Ram Temple: ‘Raghavalaya’

    • Shrine for the Saints: ‘Shri Santadham’

    • Shri Guru Paduka Mandir

    • Shiva Temple: ‘Shri Abhirameshwar Mandir’

  • Peculiar Traditions and Programmes:

    • Worship of deities (Pooja).

    • Early morning prayers (Kakad Aarati and Prabhat Pheri).

    • Festivals commemorating saints through incessant chanting (Naam Saptaha).

    • Waari on Ekadashi (ladies walk a distance to the Ashram with Tulsi saplings, commemorating Vithoba).

    • Performing various Yag and Go-seva (service of the cow).

    • Welcoming Waarakaris (pilgrims of different sects who walk to religious places).

  • Recent Events (Example): On Shri Ram Navami (March 25, 2018), which was the 79th birthday of P. P. Tai Maharaj, devotees took a common oath to chant the mantra ‘Shri Ram Jairam Jai Jai Ram’ 13 crore times.

Contact Details and Literature