Residing in Karanja Nagar, Southern India, during the 13th century, a devout Brahmin couple, Madhava and Ambabhavani, welcomed a son, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya and known as Shrimad Nrusimha Saraswati, revered as Shri Swami Samarth. Sri Swami Samarth was the epitome of wisdom and knowledge and is considered an Avadhoot: Maha-Yogi possessing great spiritual powers.
From infancy, his unique practice of chanting ‘Aum’ captivated many. After showcasing his profound knowledge of the Vedas at the age of eight, he embarked on penance in Kashi, Uttar Pradesh, where he was initiated into Sanyasashram by Shree Krishna Saraswati Swami, henceforth known as Shri Swami Samarth.
The biography “Shree Gurucharitra” recounts Shri Swami Samarth’s miracles and guidance to devotees, notably in Ganagapur, Karnataka, where he bestowed his “Nirguna Padukas” before disappearing into the Kardali forests.
For around 150 years, he performed rigorous tapasya on Shree Shail mountain in the Kardali forests, followed by an extensive pilgrimage across various regions, earning names like Chanchal Bharati and Digambar Swami. Sri Swami Samarth was always muttering mystic ‘Mantras’ or words that very few could understand. He expressed oneness with all creations. The splendor of Shri Swami Samarth and his glorious mission became more fully manifest after he arrived in the town of Akkalkot in Maharashtra.
Sri Swami stayed in Akkalkot for 22 years until his Mahasamadhi, showing the common man the path to God. Swami Samarth is known to have performed several miracles for his devotees. On April 30, 1878 (Chaitra Vadya Trayodashi of Hindu year 1800), he entered MahaSamadhi under his beloved Banyan tree, yet his devotees continue to feel his divine presence, reassured by his proclamation, “I have not gone, I am still present.”