A little bit of context before you begin reading this book review. I have recently enrolled for an MA in Philosophy at the University of Mumbai. Philosophy is something I have been getting interested in, over the past few years, as those of you who have been reading my blogs and Instagram posts would know. During the pandemic, I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do next, and this is what I eventually came up with. It has been a challenge, getting back into academics as a student at this age, especially in a subject I have no academic background in. However, it has also been very exciting, especially thanks to my wonderful classmates (who, surprisingly, are of all age-groups, including some quite near my own) and my teachers, who have been very supportive and understanding. How well I will do is something that remains to be seen, but so far, I am enjoying this new journey and look forward to where it leads. Now that you know the background , you probably get an idea of how

All the buses and jeeps drop you at the Bhakta Niwas, built by the Devasthan for the convenience of pilgrims. It has basic lodging facilities, with small and big rooms, but only common bathrooms for the whole floor. The premises and the toilets are surprisingly clean, considering that the charge for a whole family (up to 10 people) is around Rs.150.There is also another Bhakta Niwas, recently built, for people who like to be comfortable, even during a pilgrimage. Here, the rooms all have attached bathrooms, and there are also large rooms for groups. The charges here start from Rs.250. Both the complexes have a vegetarian restaurant on the premises. The food is both cheap as well as tasty.
The Swami Samarth Samadhi Devasthan, the temple housing the Samadhi is a small and neat place, calm and tranquil, transporting one back to the days of yore when the swami was alive. If one reaches the temple before 11:30 AM, one can perform Abhishek and puja of the Padukas of the Swami for as little as Rs.25 per person. It is worth it, as one is allowed into the sanctum sanctorum, and can see the Samadhi and the Padukas up close. After 11:30, the Padukas are decorated and kept for viewing only.
In and around Akkalkot, there are other minor places of interest like the ashrams and samadhis of various disciples of Swami Samarth. These places are not as popular as the main temple, but are worth a visit simply because the places have been maintained quite well, and are exactly as they used to be, and one can still feel the atmosphere that comes from years of meditation and penance. The best way to visit all these places is to hire a local auto driver as a guide. The chaps are only too happy to take one around the village for 50 Rupees.

The Arms museum


All in all, Akkalkot is worth a visit, whether or not one is spiritually inclined.
Somehow I missed this post, I used to pray to this saint before , as they have this picture in saibaba temple and also I remember reading abt him in Swami rama 's living with himalyan masters . Feel so blessed to have read about the ashram, thanks so much for writing :)
ReplyDeletecan u pls tell me where swami rama had mentioned abt swami samarth?...
DeleteSomehow I missed this post, I used to pray to this saint before , as they have this picture in saibaba temple and also I remember reading abt him in Swami rama 's living with himalyan masters . Feel so blessed to have read about the ashram, thanks so much for writing :)
ReplyDeleteHi...
ReplyDeleteGood info... V r planing our tour to dis place. Dis info wil definitely help me. Thanks.
U can add by giving info of good places to stay overnight at Akkalkot..
Thanks Amit! Its been over 6 years since i visited, so am sure there will be lot more options now...
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