Akkalkot

Situated 40 kilometers southeast of Solapur and fairly close to the Maharashtra-Karnataka state border, Akkalkot is a religious city. Akkalkot has become extremely popular for its association with Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj, who is considered by many as a reincarnation of Lord Dattatreya. This religious figure is believed to have lived for more than two decades at Akkalkot, primarily at the home of his choicest disciple Cholappa. You can see his Samadhi and shrine here even today. During the British Raj, Akkalkot was a princely State that was ruled by the Bhonsale dynasty.

The holy complex is known as the Vatavruksh Mandir. It encloses the great banyan tree from under which the Swami preached his sermons. The tree now serves as the hub of devotion for his followers. According to folklore common among devotees, religious sermons often emanate from the body of the banyan, while some say that the tree utters words in praise of the Swami Maharaj. You should certainly visit this place once at least in your lifetime to pay your homage to the Maharaj. There are many people who keep coming back again and again in search of peace and to pray for a better future.

Food and accommodation for pilgrims arriving at the Mandir are provided free of cost by Shri Swami Samarth Annachhatra Mndal. This is a trust that runs all religious activities at Akkalkot. Incidentally, the other significant shrine located at Akkalkot is related to the Samadhi of Akkalkot Swami. Akkalkot is also known for Gajanan Maharaj’s Shivpuri where the ancient Vedic Therapy Agnihotra is performed.

How to reach: You can take a train or flight to reach Sholapur. Akkalkot is located about an hour east of Sholapur. There are buses, taxis and auto rickshaws available at the railway station and airport. Alternatively, you can get down at the Akkalkot railway station as well.

There are many hotels in Akkalkot, resorts in Akkalkot, and home stays in Akkalkot you can choose from. Most of them are extremely affordable.