About Shri Siddheshwar Dham - How it all started
A Sacred and Historic Place
Siddheshwar Dham is an ancient and historic religious site located in Alibag tehsil, Raigad district, Maharashtra. It sits atop a hill overlooking Sindhu Sagar, the Arabian Sea. At the peak stands the ancient Sagargad Fort, where water flows from a Gaumukh (cow-shaped spout) into a small pond. During the monsoon season, a majestic waterfall cascades down the hill, enchanting all who visit.
The Ashram of Shri Mahant Shri Krushnadas Maharaj Ji
Beside the flowing stream lies the ashram of Shri Mahant Shri Krushnadas Maharaj Ji. Originally from Ayodhya Dham, he came to Shri Datta Kshetra, Chaul, before settling on the hill of Shri Siddheshwar with Mai Krishna Kumari Mata Ji about fifty years ago. They established a small hut-like ashram near the Shri Siddheshwar temple and installed the sacred footprints (Charan Paduka) and a Dhuni (sacred fire), which continues to burn to this day. During the month of Shravan, Mother Ganga manifests briefly at this Dhuni.
Caring for the Cows
Shri Krushnadas Ji Maharaj and Mai Krishna Kumari Mata Ji devoted themselves to serving Kamadhenu, nurturing a cow family that has grown into a Gaushala with over 80 cows. In later years, Shri Krushnadas Ji Maharaj took Samadhi at this sacred site. Mai Ji consecrated a Panchadhatu (five-metal) idol of Shri Krushnadas Ji Maharaj and continued serving the ashram and cows until her own Samadhi.
Community Feasts and Celebrations
Bhandara Prasad (community feasts) are held five times a year: Guru Purnima, the day of Shri Krushnadas Ji Maharaj, the day of Mata Krishna Kumari Ji, Shivratri, and Dussehra.
Current Management
The ashram and Gaushala are currently managed by Shri Ram Swaroop Ji Tyagi Maharaj, who continues the tradition of devoted service to cows and the ashram.
Challenges and Dedication
The ashram is located uphill on a mountain, making the transport of fodder, chaff, manure, and other essentials difficult. Despite these challenges, nothing from the Gaushala is ever sold, adhering to the instructions of Maharaj Ji and Mata Ji. Shri Ram Swaroopdas Ji Tyagi Maharaj tirelessly cares for the cows, often foregoing rest and food until the cows recover.
How you can help
All devotees and true worshippers of Mother Cow are encouraged to support the Gaushala through body, mind, and wealth (Tan-Man-Dhan) for the welfare of Gau Mata and the ashram.