Swami Samarth, also known as Swami
of Akkalkot was an Indian spiritual master of the Dattatreya Tradition. He is a
widely known spiritual figure in various Indian states including Maharashtra. He
lived during the nineteenth century.
Swami Samarth traveled all across
the Indian subcontinent and eventually set his abode at Akkalkot, a village in
present-day Maharashtra. He is thought to have initially arrived at Akkalkot on
a Wednesday, during either September or October in 1856. He resided at Akkalkot
for close to 22 years. His parentage and
origins remain obscure.
Life
A painting depicting a meeting
between Swami Samarth and Manik Prabhu's under the holy cluster fig (Audumbar
in Marathi) tree at Maniknagar.
According to Swami Samarth
himself, he had originally appeared in the Kardali forests near Srisailam in
Andhra Pradesh. He might have moved through China, Tibet and Nepal during his
travels across the Himalayas and its adjacent regions. He is also believed to
have visited various Indian regions such as Puri, Varanasi (also Kashi),
Haridwar, Girnar, Kathiawar and Rameswaram. He might have also briefly lived at
Mangalvedha, a town near Pandharpur in present-day Solapur district,
Maharashtra. He finally settled at Akkalkot.
Swami Samarth is also believed to
have visited Maniknagar to meet Manik Prabhu, an Indian saint and mystic
considered to be another incarnation of Dattatreya.
Swami Samarth probably arrived at
Akkalkot in 1856 on receiving an invitation from Chintopant Tol and then stayed
on the outskirts of the town for about 22 years. He usually lived at the
residence of his disciple Cholappa, where his shrine is presently located.
A common mantra commemorating Swami Samarth is read as “Aum Abhayadata Shree Swamisamarthaya Namaha”. His biography known as Shree Guruleelamrut was authored by Sant Wamanbhau Maharaj.