Balappa Maharaj, Cholappa Maharaj, Nrusimha Saraswati Maharaj of Alandi, Anandnath Maharaj of Vengurla, Swamisut Maharaj of Mumbai, Shankar Maharaj of Pune, Ramanand Beedkar Maharaj of Pune [2]
Shri Swami Samarth (Marathi: श्री स्वामी समर्थ) also known as Swami of Akkalkot[3][4] was an Indian spiritual master of the Dattatreya Tradition. He is a widely known spiritual figure in various Indian states including Karnataka and Maharashtra,Swami Bhakts are spreading all over the world, in Maharashtra Every small areas now has Swami Math where Swami's Devotees sit and worship.[5] He lived during the nineteenth century.
Shri 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. According to legend, once when a disciple asked Swami a question about his birth, Swami responded that he had originated from a banyan tree (vata-vriksha in Marathi). On another occasion, Swami had said that his earlier name was Nrusimha Bhan.
Swami Samartha[6] died in 1878, but his legacy continues to inspire and guide people around the world. His teachings and spiritual practices continue to be taught and followed by his followers, and his ashram in Akkalkot remains a place of pilgrimage for many devotees.
Legend
Shri Swami Samarth is widely considered to be the fourth (third in physical form) incarnation of Dattatreya, the Lord Almighty. He is also believed to be a reincarnation of Narasimha Saraswati,[7][8] another earlier spiritual master of the Dattatreya sect.
Life
According to Shri Swami Samarth himself, he had originally appeared in the Kardali forests near Srisailam, a Hindu holy town in present-day Andhra Pradesh.Swami Samarth was from Andhra Pradesh later he migrated to different places .He might have moved through 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.[9][8]
Shri Swami Samarth is also believed to have visited Maniknagar, Karnataka to meet Manik Prabhu, an Indian saint and mystic considered to be another incarnation of Dattatreya.[10] According to the Shree Manik Prabhu Charitra (biography), Swami resided at Maniknagar for around six months. During this period, Manik Prabhu and Swami Samarth often sat under a cluster fig tree (Audumbar in Marathi) and had conversations on profound spirituality. It is claimed that Swami Samarth regarded Manik Prabhu as a brother.[11]
Shri 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 Shri Swami Samarth is read as “Aum Abhayadata Shree Swamisamarthaya Namaha”. His biography known as Shree Guruleelamrut was authored by Sant Wamanbhau Maharaj.
^Hanumante, Mukund M. (1999). A Glimpse of Divinity: Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj of Akkalkot. Kenner, USA: Akkalkot Swami Samarth Foundation ISBN978-0-9669943-0-8
