Akkalkot – Vatavriksha Swami Samarth Temple

History of Vatvriksha Swami Samarth Temple

Vatavrikhsha Swami Samarth temple in Akkalkot is dedicated to Swami Samarth. Swami Samarth is also known as ‘Akkalkot Swami’. He was a great spiritual master and belongs to the Dattatreya sect. Swami Samarth is believed to be an avatar of Lord Dattatreya and has a huge following of devotees. He spent over 20 years in Akkalkot at the residence of his disciple – Cholappa. He preached his message from under a banyan tree. Now a temple has been built around that tree. That is why this is known as Vatvriksha Mandir. Akkalkot was a princely state ruled by the Bhonsale dynasty during British rule. The Bhosales had supported the temple and endowed it to facilitate worship.

Swami Samarth was known to have travelled widely across India, Tibet and Nepal. In India he visited places like Jagannath Puri, Varanasi, Haridwar, Girnar, Kathiawar and Rameshwaram. He arrived in Akkalkot in about 1856 and lived there for nearly 22 years. His origins are unknown, as is the case with many great Masters. He Himself said that He originated from a Banyan tree (Vatvriksha). Swami Samarth has a huge following in India, mainly from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Swami Samarth’s Samadhi is also located in Akkalkot, about 1 km from the temple. The temple authorities also run Annachatra Mandal which provides free food  to all devotees who come. The legacy of Swami Samarth is alive in Akkalkot.

Puja in Akkalkot – Vatavriksha Swami Samarth Temple

Pandit Ji in Akkalkot – Vatavriksha Swami Samarth Temple

Accomodation in Akkalkot – Vatavriksha Swami Samarth Temple

• Akkalkot – Vatruksha Bhakta Niwas
• Akkalkot – YD Stay 15601

Nearby Attractions

• Shri-Siddheshwar-temple-solapur
• Pandharpur – Vitthal Rukmani Temple
• Bhuikot Fort (Solapur)
• Swami Samarth Samadhi

Temple Location