Pitambara Peeth
Shri Peetambra Peetha is a complex of Hindu temples (including an Ashram), located in the city of Datia, in the Madhya Pradesh state of the central India. It was, according to many legends 'Tapasthali' (place of meditation) of many mythological as well as real life people. The shivlingam of shree Vankhandeswar Shiva is tested and approved by the Archaeological Survey of India to be of the same age as that of the Mahabharata. It is primarily a Shakta place of worship (devoted to Mother Goddess).
Overview
Shri Peetambara Peetha is one of the most famous temples of Baglamukhi which was established by Shree Swami Ji in 1920s. He also established the temple of goddess Dhumavati within the ashram. Dhumavati and Bagalamukhi are the two of the ten Mahavidyas. In addition to those, there are temples of Parshuram, Hanuman, Kal Bhairav and other god and goddess spread across the large area of Ashram.
Currently the Peeth is maintained by a trust. There is a Sanskrit library which was established by the Pujyapaad, and is maintained by Ashram. One can get the books explaining the history of the Ashram and secret mantras of various kind of sadhanas and tantras. One of the unique feature of the Ashram is its endeavor to spread the light of Sanskrit language to young children, free of cost. Ashram conducts Sanskrit debates across the years.
Pujyapaad was called 'Swamiji'or 'Maharaaj' by the devotees. No one knows from where he came, or his name; nor did he disclose this to anyone. However, he was a Parivrajakachrya Dandi Swami,who stayed on in Datia for a longer period.He was and still is a spiritual icon for many who visit the Peeth or have been associated with him directly or indirectly.He did/led many anushthans and sadhanas for the protection and welfare of both humanity and the country. Living legend who knows about Swamiji is Pt Shri Gaya Prasad Nayak ji (Babuji) of Garhi Malehara. Pujya Swamiji Maharaj and Babuji's Guruji were Gurubhai.
Pujyapaad was a strong devotee of the Goddess Pitambara. He had a natural liking for the Sanskrit language. He was having good knowledge of Urdu, Persian and Arabic, English, Pali, Prakrit languages. He liked the classical music and various great classical musicians of that time used to visit the ashram. Some of the musicians who visited the ashram are Pundit Gundai Maharaj, Siyaram Tiwari, Rajan and Sajan Mishra, Dagar Bandhu etc. One of the greatest classical musician Acharaya Brhaspati was follower of Pujyapaad.
Location
The ashram is located in Datia town of Madhya Pradesh, India approx 75 km from Gwalior ( Airport) and approx 29 km from Jhansi. It is well connected by train and the ashram is around 3 km from the Datia railway station. Some of the trains which stop at Datia coming from or going towards Jhansi or Gwalior are MALWA EXPRESS, DAKSHIN EXPRESS, BDTS JHANSI EXP, CHAMBAL EXPRESS, PUNJAB MAIL, CHHATISGARH EXP, GWL BJU MAIL, TAJ EXPRESS, UDZ KURJ EXP, JHELUM EXPRESS, KALINGA UTKAL EXP, BUNDELKHAND EXP, MAHAKOSHAL EXP etc.
This shakti peeth has Vankhandeswar Shiva Temple as well which is said to be of the time of Mahabharata.
People of Datia are very simple and live religious life. One should visit the ashram with very pure heart and full devotion and should maintain purity of the place in all circumstances. Irrespective of your status, every one has to follow Peeth's discipline for Mai Darshan. No one is allowed to carry leather items i.e. waist belt, wallet, purse etc. inside temple premises even after removing your footwear. One is treated at par with other devotees. If possible, wear yellow garments during Sadhana.
Baglamukhi Mantra is one of the most powerful mantra to attain powers to control over enmity feeling of your opponents be it human or animals. But it should be practiced after qualifying eligibility and under guidance of a Guru/Qualified Sadhak who are authorized by the Peeth. There is a set of discipline to be observed by the practising Sadhak both in terms of self-discipline and also correct pronunciation of poorna Mantra. One has to be strong enough to hold the power of the Mantra. It is strongly suggested not to venture under influence of any novice Sadhak.
Note: Some of the details published above has been taken from the booklet "Shee Peethambara Peeth -Ashram Ek Parichay" and most of information is based on the experience and knowledge of the one of the devotee. This is just an introduction about the Peeth and we will try to add more to this by working more with the Ashram people and devotees and going through some more reading materials.