Swami Samartha of Akkalkot

Swami Samartha of Akkalkot

Tradition: Hindu / Datta-sampradaya

The Place

• Location: Akkalkot, Solapur (17.5333°N, 76.2°E) Maharashtra
• Historical: 1878 CE samādhi

Story

Swami Samartha (died 1878 CE) — considered an avatar of Dattātreya — was a wandering ascetic who lived in Akkalkot, Solapur. He spoke little; his presence was said to instantly dispel devotees' worries. His lineage of disciples (Mahārāj paramparā) continues — Gajānan Mahārāj of Śegāon, Saibaba of Shirdi (per some traditions), and many others trace spiritual inheritance to him. His Vāṭavṛkṣa Mandir at Akkalkot (the banyan-tree shrine where he sat) receives ~10 lakh pilgrims annually. His core teaching: "Bhiu Nakos, Mī Tujhya Pāṭhishi Āhe" ("Don't be afraid, I am with you").

Worship & Mantra

Śrī Swami Samartha Mahārāj Kī Jai

Festival Cycle

• Chaitra Śukla 2 (samādhi day) (Chaitra (April), 3 days)
• Datta Jayantī (Mārgashīrṣa (Dec), 1 day)

Why This Entry Matters

Every tradition in India — textual, oral, tribal, regional, syncretic — deserves first-person recognition. This entry honours Hindu on its own terms.