Swami Samarth Temple: Famous Temple in Akkalkot

Swami Samarth Temple, also known as Vatavriksha Swami Samarth Temple, is a famous temple in Akkalkot, a town in the Solapur district of Maharashtra. The temple is dedicated to Swami Samarth Maharaj, a 19th century saint who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. Visit during Pune to Akkalkot One day Trip by cab

The temple is located at the place where Swami Samarth lived for over two decades and attained samadhi (the final stage of liberation). Swami Samarth Temple complex encloses the banyan tree under which Swami Samarth used to preach his message and perform miracles. The temple is the hub of devotion for his followers and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Visit during 3D-2N Pune To Pandharpur-Akkalkot-Ganagapur Tour Package

Overview of Swami Samarth Temple

Swami Samarth, also known as Akkalkot Swami, Akkalkot Niwasi Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj, or Swami Samartha Ramdas, was a prominent spiritual master who travelled across India and settled in Akkalkot in the 19th century. He is regarded as the fourth incarnation of Lord Dattatreya, the supreme guru of the Dattatreya sect. He is also considered as a guru of the Nath sect, as he was initiated by Sri Nrusimha Saraswati, the second incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. He is revered by both Hindus and Muslims, as he preached the universal brotherhood of all religions.

Swami Samarth is known for his miraculous powers, such as healing the sick, reviving the dead, materializing objects, controlling the elements, and granting boons. He is also known for his compassion, wisdom, humor, and simplicity. He taught his disciples the principles of self-realization, devotion, service, and detachment. He also composed many verses and songs in various languages, such as Marathi, Hindi, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, and Urdu.

Swami Samarth attained samadhi on April 30, 1878, at the age of 145 years. He left his mortal body under the banyan tree in Akkalkot, where he had spent most of his time. His samadhi (tomb) and shrine are now located at the same place, which is the main attraction of the temple complex. The temple also houses his padukas (footprints), his belongings, such as his clothes, rosary, staff, and water pot, and his idols in various forms and postures. The temple also has a museum, a library, a meditation hall, a dharmashala (guest house), and an annachatra (free food distribution center).

Timings of Swami Samarth Temple

The temple is open for darshan (worship) from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm every day. The temple also performs various rituals and ceremonies throughout the day, such as:

• Kakad Aarti: The morning prayer at 6:00 am
• Abhishek: The ritual bathing of the idol at 7:00 am
• Madhyan Aarti: The noon prayer at 12:00 pm
• Dhoop Aarti: The evening prayer at 6:00 pm
• Shej Aarti: The night prayer at 9:00 pm

Swami Samarth Temple also celebrates various festivals and occasions, such as:

• Guru Purnima: The full moon day in the month of Ashadha (July-August), which is the birthday of Swami Samarth
• Ram Navami: The ninth day of the month of Chaitra (March-April), which is the birthday of Lord Rama
• Hanuman Jayanti: The full moon day of the month of Chaitra (March-April), which is the birthday of Lord Hanuman
• Datta Jayanti: The full moon day of the month of Margashirsha (November-December), which is the birthday of Lord Dattatreya
• Swami Samarth Punyatithi: The day of samadhi of Swami Samarth, which falls on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April)

Best Time to Visit Swami Samarth Temple

The best time to visit the temple is during the winter season, from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The summer season, from March to May, is very hot and dry, and the monsoon season, from June to September, is humid and rainy. However, the temple is open throughout the year and welcomes devotees from all over the world.

How to Reach Swami Samarth Temple

The temple is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. The nearest city is Solapur, which is about 40 km away from Akkalkot. Solapur is well connected by road and rail to major cities in Maharashtra and neighboring states. The nearest airport is Pune, which is about 250 km away from Solapur. From Solapur, one can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to reach Akkalkot. The temple is located in the heart of the town and can be reached by walking or hiring a cycle-rickshaw.

Things to Do Swami Samarth Temple

The temple is not only a place of worship, but also a place of learning, service, and entertainment. Some of the things that one can do at the temple are:

• Seek the blessings of Swami Samarth and his idols
• Participate in the rituals and ceremonies
• Listen to the discourses and bhajans (devotional songs)
• Read the books and magazines at the library
• Watch the documentaries and films at the museum
• Meditate and relax at the meditation hall
• Enjoy the prasad (sacred food) and annadan (free food) at the annachatra
• Stay at the dharmashala or the nearby hotels and lodges
• Shop for souvenirs and religious items at the stalls and shops
• Visit the nearby attractions, such as the Shri Siddheshwar Temple, the Tillus Agro Tourism, and the Dr Dwarkanath Kotnis Memorial

Nearest Tourist Places Swami Samarth Temple

Akkalkot is not only famous for the Swami Samarth Temple, but also for some other tourist places that are worth visiting. Some of the nearest tourist places are:

• Shri Siddheshwar Temple: A 12th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Solapur, about 40 km away from Akkalkot. The temple is known for its architectural beauty, its lake, and its annual fair.
• Tillus Agro Tourism: A farm resort that offers a variety of activities, such as boating, fishing, camping, and farming, located in Akkalkot, about 2 km away from the temple. The resort is ideal for a family outing and a picnic.
• Dr Dwarkanath Kotnis Memorial: A memorial dedicated to Dr Dwarkanath Kotnis, a famous Indian doctor who served in China during the Second Sino-Japanese War, located in Solapur, about 3 km away from the temple. The memorial displays his photographs, letters, and belongings, and also has a statue of him.

Significance of Swami Samarth Temple

The Swami Samarth Temple is not only a temple, but also a spiritual center that has a profound impact on the lives of the devotees. The temple is significant for the following reasons:

• It is the place where Swami Samarth lived, preached, performed miracles, and attained samadhi. It is the place where he manifested his divine power and grace.
• It is the place where devotees can experience the presence and blessings of Swami Samarth and Lord Dattatreya. It is the place where they can get their wishes fulfilled and their problems solved.
• It is the place where devotees can learn the teachings and values of Swami Samarth, such as self-realization, devotion, service, and detachment. It is the place where they can grow spiritually and morally.
• It is the place where devotees can participate in various activities, such as rituals, ceremonies, discourses, bhajans, prasad, annadan, and meditation. It is the place where they can express their gratitude, love, and faith.
• It is the place where devotees can meet and interact with other devotees, who share the same beliefs and sentiments. It is the place where they can form a bond of brotherhood and harmony.

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Conclusion

Swami Samarth Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who is interested in spirituality, history, culture, and nature. The temple is a tribute to the life and legacy of Swami Samarth, one of the most revered saints of India. The temple offers a unique experience of devotion, learning, service, and entertainment. The temple is also surrounded by some other attractions that add to the charm and beauty of Akkalkot. Swami Samarth Temple is a place where one can find peace, happiness, and enlightenment.