Maharashtra: Swami Samarth of Akkalkot, revered as an incarnation of the Divine Trinity Dattatreya, is one of Maharashtra’s most respected spiritual figures. His extraordinary life, full of miracles, teachings, and profound wisdom, continues to inspire millions of devotees today. Known as the Maharaj of Akkalkot, he resided in this town in Solapur district for 22 years, before taking Mahasamadhi in 1878. His legacy as a perfect master, who transcended religious boundaries and uplifted humanity, remains as relevant today as ever.
Swami Samarth: A Mystic Who Transcended Boundaries
Swami Samarth’s life is a fascinating tale of spiritual awakening and divine intervention. His early life remains shrouded in mystery, much like that of his contemporary, Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi. Both spiritual leaders shared a common destiny and performed similar miracles, pointing to a deep, unspoken connection between them. Before his Mahasamadhi, Swami Samarth instructed his disciples to worship Shri Sai Baba at Shirdi, saying he would remain there in the future. This prophecy, coupled with their shared teachings and actions, suggests that Swami Samarth and Sai Baba were manifestations of the same divine spirit in different forms.
Swami Samarth’s spiritual journey is believed to have started centuries before his incarnation at Akkalkot, linking him to the earlier manifestation of Shri Dattatreya in the form of Shri Narasimha Saraswati. After centuries of meditation in the Himalayas, Narasimha Saraswati is said to have reappeared as Swami Samarth to continue his divine mission. His travels took him across India, including visits to sacred cities like Puri, Benaras, and Rameswaram, before finally settling in Akkalkot in 1856.
Miracles That Defied Explanation
Like many revered saints, Swami Samarth was known for his miraculous powers. One of the most famous stories recounts how he once smoked a ‘Chilum’ (a traditional smoking pipe) without tobacco, astonishing a local Muslim Risaldar. Recognising the spiritual power of Swami Samarth, the Risaldar apologised and invited him to stay in his home. Over time, stories of his miracles spread, drawing countless devotees from different walks of life.
One of the most well-known miracles is the “Annapurna Siddhi”—a feat where Swami Samarth multiplied food to feed hundreds of people. When a devotee, Rawaji, found himself unable to serve the large crowd of guests, Swami Samarth magically multiplied the food supplies, ensuring that no one went hungry. This act of compassion demonstrated not only his mystical powers but his deep concern for humanity.
Universal Compassion and Inclusive Teachings
Swami Samarth’s approach to spirituality was marked by inclusiveness and universality. He treated people of all religions with equal respect, and both Hindu and Muslim festivals were celebrated in his presence. His teachings emphasised the importance of selfless service and devotion, and he often fed the poor and the needy. Thursdays were special days of celebration, just like in Shirdi, where devotees gathered to seek his blessings.
His kindness extended beyond the material world; he had the ability to read people’s minds and reveal their past and future. Devotees like Baba Saheb Jadhav, who was forewarned of an impending death, were saved by Swami Samarth’s divine intervention. Another devotee, a European engineer, received a prophetic blessing from the saint, assuring him of the birth of a son, which materialised within a year.
Spiritual Transformation and Legacy
Swami Samarth’s power to transform individuals spiritually was legendary. He is said to have converted people from all walks of life, including those who had lived immoral lives. One such individual, Ramanand Bidkar, was transformed into a saint called Bidkar Maharaj after receiving Drishti Diksha (the gift of divine sight) from Swami Samarth. Under his guidance, many other saints, including Sri Balappa Maharaj, Sri Gangadhar Maharaj, and Sri Gajanan Maharaj, rose to spiritual prominence, contributing significantly to society.
Perhaps one of the most poignant aspects of Swami Samarth’s life was his ability to lead devotees on a path of self-realisation. A Jewish doctor who had once been proud of his professional skills was humbled by a question from Swami Samarth about the patients he had treated who had lost their eyesight forever. The encounter changed the doctor’s life, and he became a devoted follower, eventually settling in Akkalkot to serve the saint.
Mahasamadhi and Prophetic Words
In 1878, Swami Samarth announced that the time had come for him to shed his physical form. On the auspicious day of Chaitra Sudha Trayodashi, he entered into Mahasamadhi while seated in Padmasana (Lotus Posture), his last words echoing the timeless message of his spiritual mission: “No one should weep, I shall always be present at all places and I shall respond to every call of the devotees.” These words mirrored the teachings of Shri Sai Baba, who had made similar statements before his own Mahasamadhi.
As a final act of compassion, Swami Samarth gave his sandals to a devotee, Keshav Nayak, with instructions to worship them. He assured him that he would continue to protect his devotees even after leaving his physical form. Other devotees, like Krishna Ali Bagkar, experienced divine visions of Swami Samarth, further linking him to the presence of Shri Sai Baba at Shirdi, affirming that both were manifestations of the same divine energy.
Enduring Miracles and Divine Presence
The legacy of Swami Samarth did not end with his Mahasamadhi. Even today, devotees continue to experience his miracles, both visible and invisible. His divine presence is felt in Akkalkot and beyond, as devotees recount personal encounters with him in various forms. These experiences are not limited to rural devotees but are also reported by well-educated individuals, including doctors and professionals, who testify to his miraculous interventions.
Swami Samarth of Akkalkot, like Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi, remains a guiding light for millions. His teachings, which transcend religious and cultural boundaries, continue to inspire spiritual seekers around the world.
