MUMBAI, 3rd SEPTEMBER, 2022 (GPN): The biggest attraction of the (Kaneri Matha (Siddhagiri Matha) is the Siddhagiri Museum. It is both a closed and an open-air museum which depicts village life that was a hundred or two hundred years ago. For more than a decade now, Siddhagiri Museum has proved to be the most popular tourist attraction of the State of Maharashtra. People from across the country visit this closed and open-air space and connect with their cultural roots.

Today, much of our enriched history is being erased or adulterated. The present young generation is daily distancing itself from the traditions of this land. Basic model of living which was ‘village’ has been losing ground. The village gave respect to everyone in the sense that every profession and every individual was respected. Each community in the village was allocated with certain roles and responsibilities and the whole community life was sufficient unto each other. The museum showcases the model of self-sufficient Indian village and its manifold demographic aspects. The museum is first of its kind attempt in India which preserves the convention of ‘Balutedari’, an economic yet socio-cultural model of living.There were 12 kinds ‘Balutedar’ (communities identified through their professions) and 18 kinds of ‘Alutedar’ (equipment providers). The museum throws light on the co-life of these ‘Balutedar’ and Alutedar’.

The first phase of the museum spans over 7 acres of area with almost 300 main scenes and around 3000 statues. Several subtle village lifestyles are taken into consideration. There is a unique combination of expression, accuracy and liveliness in the whole village. Each sculpture has a multidimensional effect and lifestyle theme.

Swamiji personally oversaw the construction of every statue, the creation of every visual story.

Gautirth and Gau-Vidnyan Kendra:

The Gaushala at Siddhagiri Math houses over 1000 cows of different indigenous breeds such as Sahiwal from Gujrat, Amritmahal from Rajasthan, Tharparkar from Andhra Pradesh and Khillari from Maharashtra. India used to have over 100 genetic varieties but over the period of time the number was reduced to just 35. At Siddhagiri Gau Shala, over 25 breeds are taken care of under one roof. At Gau Shala, one can find the breeds such as Amrut Mahal, Sahiwal, Geer, Devni, and Gidda which were on the verge of extinction.

Shri Adrishya Swamiji established the massive, elegant and peaceful Gurudev Dhyan Mandir (meditation temple) which is the samadhi place of 48th Mathdhipati PP Shri Muppin Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji Maharaj. Every Satsang program at Math starts with Aarati at Gurudev Dhyan Mandir. One should take blessings of his aaradhya Guru and start his work. And, PP Shri Muppin Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji Maharaj being ‘Upasya Devta’ of the Math, you can see this practice is being followed for years. Devotees from various parts of states like Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa often visit the Dhyan Mandir to take blessings of Swamiji Maharaj and meditate. Devotees gathers in huge numbers during festivals such as Gurupournima & Guru-aaradhana, and make various offerings as per their faith.

Murti placed in the Gurudev Dhyan mandir (temple), is the living embodiment of Swamiji Maharaj. Core of Swamiji Maharaj’s teachings and discourses was Mi Aatma Aahe(I am that), means self-realization of being the ultimate divine. And, meditation is a way to attain it. A person can experience eternal bliss and feels rejuvenated performing Meditatoin(Dhyan) here, in presence of Swamiji Maharaj. It is been built to inspire an individual to walk on the path of Spiritual Upliftment through the practice of meditation.

The Three Main Principles of this teertha is

1. Dhyanam: Is getting bestowed with the supreme knowledge.
2. Satyam: Is unfolding the secrets of the ultimate truth – the only thing which remains unchanged i.e. Atman are explored and practiced here i.e. self-realization.
3. Samata: Serving all for equal Rights and Provisions without any discrimination in terms of cast, creed and gender.

The Siddhagiri Math in Kaneri, Taluka Karvir, District Kolhapur is the highest seat of the Kadsiddheshwar tradition. It is the place where the first Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji, Shri Niramay Kadsiddheshwar came and settled in 7th century C.E. Since then the Math has been guiding its followers in both spiritual and worldly matters. Siddhagiri Math is the Sthir Peeth of the Kadsiddheshwar Tradition. It was previously known as Kaneri math. Siddhagiri Math had been rigorously working towards the betterment of society for centuries with primary focus on village development. Competent villages lead to a competent Nation.

Anna Chhatra is a place where the residents of the Math as well as visitors have Mahaprasad. It daily serves around 2000 to 3000 people. This is open for everyone without any distinction, which gives out strong message of ‘Samata’ and ‘Seva’.

The concept behind the Anna Chhatra is to provide food to anyone hungry without any fees or questions. Many volunteers provide their service in cooking and serving the Mahaprasad. The visitors of the Siddhagiri Museum can also have Mahaprasad here. On the days of festivals, more than 50,000 people are served at Anna Chhatra.

One of the principle strictly followed here is – One can get Mahaprasad as much as he/she wants, but shouldn’t waste it. Amount of food wasted could’ve fed a starving person. Timings of serving food is between 11 am to 3 pm and 7 pm to 8 pm. Anybody can voluntarily opt to serve a day’s meal in Annachatra. Donation of Rs. 11,000/- is a cost of a day’s food preparation. Abhishek is done at main temple in the name of food-donor.

Devotees and tourists’ major attraction at the entrance of Siddhagiri Math premises, is Massive Shiv and Nandi statue amidst green dense coconut trees. Shri Swamiji Maharaj renovated the Kaneri Math and renamed it Siddhagiri Math. This 42 ft tall idol of a meditating Shiva with an equally massive Nandi in front, were also constructed during same period.

The Kadappa Mandir at Siddhagiri Math, Kaneri, have been here since the 7th century. Shri Swamiji performs pooja every pournima i.e. on full moon day before the satsang begins. Every Monday, Palkhi (procession) happens. Chatushakal Pooja is performed at this temple. Everyday daily practices such as – Kakad aarti, morning Bhajan, Afternoon Bhajan, Evening Bhajan are performed at the temple. Agnihotra is performed daily at the temple. Mahashivratri Utsav is one of the major festivals celebrated by Siddhagiri Math. This festival celebrated over 3 days. Devotees from different states, gather in large numbers during Mahashivratri Utsav and performs Abhisheka at temple. It is considered to be Jagrut Devsthan. Many come to fulfil their Navas(a vow).

Kadappa Mandir’s architecture looks majestic. The Shiva Linga had been established there in the 7th century. The outer edifices have been predicted to have built later, possibly in 12th century. The temple was initially built without a fence. Shirasangi Desai of the Belgaum district built this massive cladding in the 14th century to safeguard the Matha. Since then, the wall has been protecting the temple precincts. Before independence, it used to shut its gates at dusk and no one was allowed in after sunset. The temple has three entrances, unlike Dravida vimana architecture and more like nagara style of the north. At the centre, the garbhagriha, there is Shiva Linga with a Nandi Mandapa adjacent to the main temple.

Address-SHRI KSHETRA SIDDHAGIRI MAHASANSTHAN

Kaneri, Tal Karveer, Dist Kolhapur 416 234