Akkalkot

<!-- See WikiProject Indian cities for details -->Akkalkot () |ಅಕ್ಕಲಕೋಟೆ is a city and a municipal council in Solapur district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is situated 40&nbsp;km southeast of Solapur and very close to the border between Maharsshtra and Karnataka states. Akkalkot was the home to Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj, a 19th century saint who is believed by his devotees to be an incarnation of God Dattatreya.

Geography

Akkalkot taluka is bordered by Solapur taluka to the west and by Karnataka state on all other sides. The district covers an area of 1,407&nbsp;km² and contains 138 villages, apart from the town. The total population of the district is approximately 290,000 (2001 census), giving a population density of 209 per km². The soil is classified as 'medium to deep black' and is of rich quality. Jowar, bajra and pulses are the main crops grown in the district. Akkalkot is routinely hit by drought as it falls in a rain shadow. No major river pass through this taluka.

Religious significance

Akkalkot is widely known for its association with Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj, held by some to be a reincarnation of Lord Dattatreya. Swami Maharaj lived for over two decades at Akkalkot, mainly at the residence of his disciple Cholappa, where his samadhi and shrine are now located. The shrine complex, which is known the Vatavruksh Mandir since it...
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