Swami Samartha — 19th c. Dattātreya-avatar
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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").
Śrī Swami Samartha Mahārāj Kī Jai
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