Sacred Heritage
History of Shri Bhimashankar Math, Sindagi
A living spiritual tradition rooted in devotion, discipline, Guru Parampara, Nath Sampradaya, and the sacred Bindige Mahime.
Bharat – A Sacred Cradle of Spiritual Traditions
India, our beloved Bharat Bhoomi, has long been a vibrant confluence of diverse spiritual paths. From Buddhism and Jainism to Shaivism and Vaishnavism, this sacred land has nurtured countless religious lineages. Among these stands the revered Shri Bhimashankar Math of Sindagi — a living testament to India’s deep-rooted spiritual heritage.
Origins Rooted in Nath and Dattatreya Traditions
Established in the 17th century, Shri Bhimashankar Math is a seat of Nath Sampradaya, rooted in Shaivamata Siddhanta and later aligned with the Shaakta Dattatreya lineage. One of the Math's sacred traditions is Bindige Mahime, centered around the worship of Kolkur Shri Siddhabasaveshvara.
The Legacy of Shri Siddhabasaveshvara
In the 16th century, Siddhabasaveshvara journeyed from Shivakanchi to Mashyal village in Gulbarga. There, he meditated under a suspended saffron cloth, a divine vision witnessed by Kulkarni Ambaraya, who became his devoted disciple. Thus began the sacred Gurupada Pooja, performed during Margashira Shuddha Tritiya.
The Emergence of Bhimashankar
Born as Sankanna Shankara around 1658–1660 AD in Sindagi, he showed deep spiritual inclination from childhood. Initiated by Yogi Gurappayya in 1680 and renamed Bhimashankar, he installed the sacred Siddhabasaveshwara Linga at Balaganur and came to be revered as a siddha purusha.
Spiritual Leadership and Foundation of the Math
In 1722 AD, Bhimashankar took sanyasa deeksha from Sri Shankara Bharati of Sringeri and founded the Shri Math at Sindagi. After a life of pilgrimage and divine service, he attained live samadhi at the Math, leaving behind an everlasting legacy.
Jakkappayya – The Enlightened Successor
Bhimashankar’s son, Jakkappayya, brought the Bindige Pooja to the public and helped the Math grow spiritually and materially. Known for spiritual power and compassion, he attained samadhi in 1779 AD.