In the *Gurucharitra*, we learn that Lord Dattatreya often resided beneath the Audumbar tree (the holy fig tree). After completing His daily disciplines, He spent most of His time beneath this sacred tree. Over time, it became a well-known truth that “where there is an Audumbar, there is Datta; and where there is Datta, there is an Audumbar.” Because of Lord Dattatreya’s deep love for this tree, the Audumbar came to be worshipped as sacred. Even today, sitting quietly under its shade brings positive thoughts, removes negativity, and fills the mind with enthusiasm, courage and devotion. Regularly sitting under the Audumbar — even for an hour — strengthens mental stability, purity and spiritual progress, and students find their concentration naturally improves.
The Audumbar is also known for its healing properties. If the body becomes overheated or irritated, place 9–10 fallen leaves in a glass of water overnight and drink this water in the morning for cooling relief. Dried and powdered leaves taken with water also reduce internal heat. The fruit increases vitality and strength, while water obtained from the tree’s trunk or roots is considered medicinal for various ailments. Bathing with water kept overnight under the tree helps remove suffering and even past-life afflictions. Traditionally, it is noted that crows rarely sit on an Audumbar, symbolising its purity.
Great Nath saints of the ancient lineage often described the Audumbar as a Kalpavriksha, a divine wish-fulfilling tree. The Nath Shakti Peeth houses a naturally manifested Audumbar that is considered extremely sacred. The *Gurucharitra* narrates a story explaining its divine status: after Lord Vishnu, as Narasimha, destroyed Hiranyakashipu, His intense anger did not subside. Goddess Mahalakshmi offered Him Audumbar fruits and asked Him to place His fiery nails within them. As His anger cooled, He blessed Mahalakshmi and the tree, saying it would forever flourish as a sacred Kalpavriksha, removing sins and fulfilling desires — especially for children and prosperity.
Performing spiritual practices under the Audumbar gives extraordinary results. Sitting beneath the tree while chanting multiplies the benefits manyfold. Datta worship performed here is especially powerful. Bathing the tree with water while reciting the *Purusha Sukta* greatly enhances spiritual strength, after which devotees offer turmeric, kumkum, incense and light a lamp. Worship under this tree removes sorrow, suffering and obstacles. Daily practices include lighting a lamp in the evening, meditating at dawn, noon and dusk, and performing three or more pradakshinas. Water kept under the tree overnight gives the same merit as bathing in the Ganga, and Audumbar wood, leaves and fruit used in havans carry immense spiritual power. Sincere wishes for wealth, food, land, health and prosperity are believed to be fulfilled through regular worship.
Bathing beneath the Audumbar during solar or lunar eclipses or during auspicious planetary transitions brings the merit of performing an Ashwamedha Yajna. Feeding even a single Brahmin under this tree grants the merit of feeding many. Chanting or performing havan here multiplies its fruits, and reciting the Rudra chant on Ekadashi gives the merit of a great Ati-Rudra. Slow, mindful pradakshina is especially meritorious, and scriptures state that one lakh pradakshinas can even cure severe diseases such as leprosy.
Lord Dattatreya performed His Narasimha mantra sadhana beneath the Audumbar, and devotees believe that Narasimha’s protective presence resides under this tree. Thus the Audumbar is regarded as a living seat of divine power.
At the Nath Shakti Peeth, both a naturally manifested Audumbar and an Ashwattha (Peepal) tree stand behind the sanctum. Devotees performing *Gurucharitra* parayana, mantra chanting, pradakshinas, havan and guided meditation under these trees experience deep peace and fulfilment of desires. Many testimonies describe resolution of difficulties, removal of karmic obstacles and healing of emotional suffering. For 28 years, the Nath Shakti Peeth has maintained this sacred lineage through Guru’s grace. The centre has also published *Revival of Fortune through Vedic Mantras*, helping many devotees progress spiritually. As Samarth Ramdas Swami said, “Only by accumulated merit of many past births does one obtain the path of liberation.” The Audumbar provides such an opportunity even today for all who approach it with devotion.