Akalkot

Akkalkot is a town in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It lies in the district of Solapur and is the administrative center of the taluka of Akkalkot, a sub-division of that district. The town lies at the border between Maharashtra and Karnataka and at a distance of 38 km from the city of Solapur.

Akkalkot taluka is bordered by the sister-taluka of south Solapur to the west, and by the state of Karnataka (districts Gulbarga and Bijapur) on all other sides. The taluka covers an area of 1,407 sq.km. and contains 138 villages, apart from the town. The total population of the taluka is approx. 290,000 (census of 2001), making for a population density of 209 to the sq.km. The soil is 'medium to deep black' and of rich quality. Jawar, Bajra and Pulses are the main crops grown in the taluka.

The major languages spoken in the taluka are Marathi and Kannada. Marathi is the language of administration in the taluka; however, Kannada is so widely spoken that major parts of Akkalkot taluka are claimed by Karnataka, based on the Kannada-speaking population of those areas being allegedly in a majority.

Akkalkot is widely known for its association with Swami Samarth Maharaj, held by some to be a reincarnation of lord Dattatreya. The Swami lived for over two decades at Akkalkot, mainly at the residence of sri Cholappa, where his Samadhi and shrine are also now located. The shrine complex, which also encloses the famous banyan tree beneath which the Swami would preach his message, is the hub of devotions for his followers; free accommodation and meals are provided to pilgrims.

The temple to lord Siddhayappa, near the town of Hannur, is another famous attraction that lies within Akkalkot taluka. Many devotees, especially those belonging to the Lingayat sect, come from far and wide to worship here. Of late, the idol is kept outside and prayers are chanted in Kannada by the priest. Free meals are offered to the devotees.