Akkalkot
Akkalkot is a Holy place of Shri.Swami Samarth Maharaj. It is located at a distance of 38 kms. by road from Solapur District headquarters. This Saint is believed to be the reincarnation of Lord Dattatraya. The Samadhi of this Saint is worshipped by the devotees. The Death Anniversary is celebrated on Chaitra Shuddha Trayodashi every year. Large number of devotees visit the place everyday.
The present temple is built around famous banyan tree. This is the same banyan tree sitting under which Shri.Swami Maharaj used to meditate and preach the followers. The temple consists of main temple, sabha mandap and accommodation. Annacchatra (free meals to devotees) is organized daily (two times in day) by temple authorities.
The Swami Samarth Maharaj came to Akkalkot at the beginning of Shake 1779. The total period of reincarnation of Swamiji as the fourth Avataar of Shri. Datta is forty years of which he spent 21 years in Akkalkot.
From the historic point of view Shri.Swami Maharaj brought to an end his avatar in Shake 1800. But after three months, he resurrected and appeared before the faithful in Kashi (Varanasi). The holy Samadhi of Shri. Swamiji is loacated in the house of shri. Cholappa in the place already reserved for it before his bodily demise. This is known as Samadhimath. The spiritual fearless slogan in marathi ‘BHIU NAKOS MI TUJHYA PATHISHI AAHE’ (Don’t fear, I am with you) is given by Shri. Samarth Swami Maharaj himself.
How to Reach:
By Air
Nearest Air port is Pune.
By Train
Akkalkot road railway station is about 11 kms from Akkalkot city. This station falls on the Solapur-Wadi route of central Railway.
By Road
Akkalkot is 40 kms from Solapur.