Manik Prabhu Temple

Introduction to the Manik Prabhu Temple

The Manik Prabhu Temple stands in the small village of Maniknagar, Humnabad, Bidar district, North Karnataka. It lies on the outskirts of Humnabad. The Manik Prabhu Temple lies where two holy streams, Viraja and Guru Ganga, converge at Maniknagar. It is dedicated to a great ascetic, Sri Sadguru Manik Prabhu Maharaj.

History of the Manik Prabhu Temple

Sri Sadguru Manik Prabhu Maharaj was a great ascetic believed to be the fourth incarnation of Dattatreya. Manik Prabhu Maharaj was born in 1817 and attained Samadhi in 1865. Many of his devotees visit the Manik Prabhu Temple to worship him.

Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi, Shri Akkalkot Swami Maharaj, and Shri Gondavalekar Maharaj were contemporaries of Manik Prabhu Maharaj. They often met and discussed spiritual matters. Manik Prabhu Maharaj's name is associated with the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. This great saint healed the pain and suffering of his devotees through his mystic powers. He often preached on the Bhakti Marg.

Manik Prabhu Maharaj had contributed innumerable poems and dedicated them to Brahma. He bore the title of Sakalamatacharya, as people from all communities revered and respected him. Manik Prabhu Maharaj established a new school of thought that insisted on equality and diversity of faith, persuasions, and religion.

Manik Prabhu attained the Sanjeevani Maha Samadhi on Mokshada Ekadashi in 1865, Tuesday, November 29.

Manik Prabhu Maharaj called out Manohar, his brother's elder son, and blessed him to be the successor by transferring his eternal energy to him before his Samadhi. Thus, the Guru-Parampara of Shri Manik Prabhu Maharaj Sampradaya was established. The successors to the Gadi (spiritual seat) after Shri Manik Prabhu's Samadhi are Shri Manohar Manik Prabhu, Shri Martan Manik Prabhu, Shri Shankar Manik Prabhu, and Shri Siddharaj Manik Prabhu.

The Architecture of the Manik Prabhu Temple

The Manik Prabhu Temple is in Indo-Mughal architectural style. It is built on the Samadhi of Sri Sadguru Manik Prabhu Maharaj. It attracts people of all faiths, especially Hindu and Muslim devotees. The Manik Prabhu Temple is under the administration of the Sri Manik Prabhu Samsthan, which runs several social and charitable institutions.

Sri Manik Prabhu Maharaj established the Manik Prabhu Temple in 1845 to disseminate the message of religious harmony and universal brotherhood. Today, it has become an important pilgrimage center, drawing thousands of devotees. The temple is famous for its intricate carvings, beautiful architecture, and calm atmosphere, attracting devotees and tourists worldwide.

The Manik Prabhu Temple sprawls over a vast area. The fort-like entrance welcomes devotees, and there is a vehicle parking area. Next to the entrance, visitors can see a large ground where chairs and tables are kept under the trees for shade. Colorful Rangolis are drawn on the floors. A Goshala and Yagna area can also be seen there. Many small resting places are found in the ground.

After climbing a few steps, devotees can reach the main sanctum where Sri Sadguru Manik Prabhu Maharaj Samadhi can be seen. His sanctum is beautifully decorated with flowers. There are separate shrines for Shivalinga and Dattatreya in the Manik Prabhu Temple.

Festivals in the Manik Prabhu Temple

The Manik Prabhu Temple grandly celebrates Sri Manik Prabhu Jayanti, which is held on Dattatreya Jayanti in December.

Mahotsavas, Ram Navami, Akshaya Tritiya, Manik Pournima Parva, Vijaya Dashami, and Aashadhi Ekadashi are other Hindu festivals celebrated in the Manik Prabhu Temple.