Whenever Dharma has been treanted in bharatvarsha, god has come in the form of an Avtaar, every time to save each and every devotee and protect them. It is for this purpose that Sri SwamiSamarthMaharaj of Akkalkot manifested Himself. He is the most famous Datta Avataar in the Sri Datta Sampradaya,        

       Who can adequately describe the glorious appearance of Sri Swami Samarth ? All human faculties fail in this attempt, at best one may give a superficial account. our mortal eyes can seldom hope to even see his glory - swami appears like a glorious sun.

      Sri Swami Samarth's Appearance :-  Sri Swami Samarth is the extension of the fifteenth century incarnation of Lord Dattatraya, namely Sri Narasimha Saraswati. It is mentioned in the holy book "Gurucharitra" that Sri Narasimha Saraswati entered mahasamadhi in Kardalivana (near Shri Shailya) in 1458.

       After remaining in mahasamadhi for over 300 years there was a complete transformation in the personality of Sri Narasimha Saraswati. That divinely transformed personality is Sri Swami Samarth. He emerged from an encircling anti-hill because a woodcutter accidentally cut through a tree and hit Sri Swami Samarth. This awakened Him from the prolonged samadhi.

Sri Swami Samarth looked like a Purana Purush - A Rishi from ancient times. there was always a "Tilak" on His forehead and his Body would be smeared with sandal paste. he used to wear only a Kaupin (cod piece), 
He had a fine set of teeth and He wore "Tulsi Mala" (necklace) and ear rings inset with gems. 
  
   Sri Swami Samarth was an Avadhoot - A   maha Yogi possessing great spiritual powers.   He was always muttering mystic 'Mantras' or something few could understand. He was an Jnana - Murthi exemplar of wisdom and knowledge. He expressed oneness and kinship with all creations. His merge glance could bless His presence sanctify and His silence a sermon. His touch could trigger spiritual change and transformation would begin. 

  After emerging of Sri Swami Samarth from the anti-hill, He traveled all over the country. Little is known about His movements, as there was none with Him to record these events, (His 'active' manifestation was for 400 years).

   Maharaj  had stayed in Mangalwedha (a town near Pandharpur in Sholapur district). He decided to leave for Mahol via Pandharpur.  After staying in Mahol for 5 years, Maharaj went to Sholapur and stayed in a corner of Datta mandir (temple). it is said that when Maharaj first came to the Datta Mandir, it was the time for the Maha prasad and the seats were laid. Maharaj went straight in and occupies a front seat.

   The person in charge asked Swamiji to get up and sit at the back. Swami Samarth left the temple immediately and went to the adjoining "Muth" where He sat playing like a child near a pillar, A lady was wonder-struck, as she saw Lord Dattatraya in all His divine splendor, where Swamiji was sitting. She protested at His feet. (The pillar where swami appeared as Lord Dattatraya is still venerated). She went and told the priest in the Datta Mandir about her vision. The people in charge of the Datta Mandir subsequently begged to be forgiven. 

    The splendor of Sri Swami Samarth and his glorious mission became more fully manifest, after His arrival in Akkalkot. Sri Swami stay there, for 22 years from 1856 onwards till his Mahasamadhi, Teaching the common man spiritual precepts, Taking them to  "POORNATVA" i.e. God.  Akkalkot, formerly known as Prajna Puri (town of wisdom), The town gained special significance because of Sri Swami Samarth's stay.
   
     People of all religions - Muslims, Parsees, Christians and Jews used to come for his darshan. He used to visit mosques and dargas, just as he visits temples and "Muths" (place of spiritual authority.) devotees often found him in various postures and poses; at time sitting under a tree, lying by the river bank, yet His appearance always commanded respect. Even those who saw Him for the first time, could recognize His towering spiritual   stature. While His face was full of compassion, love and kindness, occasionally He also looked like a fierce lion; the Narasimha Avatar of lord Vishnu.     

    On the 3rd April 1878, He completed His mission on earth and took Mahasamadhi. His spiritual magnetism has not waned even now, as is indicated by the constant flow of thousands of pilligrims to Akkalkot. Those who go there for a Darshan of the samadhi, still feel the subtle power of swamiji. They feel a definite response to their prayers; Some are cured of their suffering; other find their desire fulfilled. More than that they fill guided onto the right spiritual path. Even though Sri Swami Samarth is no longer in bodily manifestation, He still guides His true devotees and manifest Himself even now !!!!.

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