After witnessing the serene beauty of Malvan, we visited the temple of Bharadi Devi on our way and then proceeded to Kudal. As we entered the town, a board displaying the universal prayer of Sadguru Vamanrao Pai immediately caught our attention. The mention of Kudal instantly brings Pinguli to mind, a place known for two notable attractions—the Shri Rawool Maharaj Math and the Thakarwadi Tribal museum.
A Visit to Shri Rawool Maharaj Math: A Sacred Experience
The Shri Rawool Maharaj Math is considered a sacred place, as Shri Rawool Maharaj is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. We decided to visit the Math first and spend some time in its divine atmosphere. Since we had taken a short break before setting out, we reached the Math a bit late. The day after our visit was Datta Jayanti, and preparations for the celebration were in full swing. The temple was being decorated for the occasion.
As we entered through the gate, we noticed that the temple floor had been freshly cleaned. A Fiat car was parked nearby. We then proceeded inside the Dattatreya temple to seek blessings. At that moment, the son of Annamaharaj arrived and warmly welcomed us. He inquired about us and where we had come from. He then called a priest and asked him to give us a tour of the entire temple and Math premises.
We then set out to explore this sacred place, which was established by Annamaharaj, a devoted disciple of Shri Raoul Maharaj.
Exploring the Sacred Temples and Samadhi Shrines
First, we visited the Samadhi Temple of the revered Shri Rawool Maharaj. The idol of Rawool Maharaj was so lifelike that, for a moment, I felt as if he was truly blessing us.
As we stepped out of the Samadhi Temple, we noticed a well nearby. An Audumbar (holy fig) tree stood beside it, further enhancing the sanctity of the temple premises. Right in front of the Samadhi Temple was the Gauri Shankar Temple. Adjacent to it was the Vitthal-Rukmini Temple, and next to that, the Hanuman Temple. We visited each of these temples one by one, seeking blessings.
Between the Vitthal-Rukmini and Hanuman temples, there was a stage where community events and gatherings were held. Beside the Hanuman temple stood the Samadhi Temple of Guru Kaka Maharaj, the younger brother of Annamaharaj. Near the Audumbar tree, Shri Rawool Maharaj had once performed a grand yajna (sacred fire ritual). Today, a Deepmala (sacred lamp tower) stands in that very spot, symbolizing the spiritual energy of the place.
The Establishment of the Dattatreya Temple
After the completion of the Samadhi Temple, Annamaharaj established the Dattatreya Temple. In 2003, three idols were consecrated—Lord Dattatreya in the center, with Lord Shiva on either side.
Behind the idol of Dattatreya, a striking oil painting of Shri Rawool Maharaj and Annamaharaj captures attention. Adjacent to the temple, there is a small room where Shri Rawool Maharaj used to rest on a particular cot, which is still preserved there.
Divine Rituals and a Miraculous Tale
This sacred land has witnessed the grand Atirudra Swahakar ritual twice. After exploring the place and learning about its rich history, Annamaharaj’s son warmly insisted that we stay and partake in the Mahaprasad before leaving.
Before that, however, I couldn’t resist asking about the Fiat car we had noticed earlier, which had sparked my curiosity. That’s when we learned that it had belonged to Shri Rawool Maharaj. There was even a fascinating story about it—once, when the car ran out of petrol, Rawool Maharaj miraculously made it run by filling the tank with water instead of fuel.
A Divine Feast and a Heartfelt Farewell
We then proceeded for Mahaprasad. Words fall short in describing the divine taste of the meal cooked on a traditional wood fire! The simple yet delicious spread—steamed rice, amti (a flavourful lentil curry), yam sabzi, potato sabzi, and pickles—felt like nectar. Annamaharaj’s son himself served us with great warmth and generosity.
His humility, straightforward nature, and heartfelt hospitality left a deep impression on us. As we prepared to leave, one thought became clear—we had to return. The next time, we decided, we would stay in the Bhaktanivas (devotee lodging) and spend a few days immersing ourselves in the spiritual atmosphere. With this resolve, we bid farewell to the Pinguli Math.
