At Akkalkot in Maharashtra stands the Vatavruksha Swami Samarth temple, the sacred seat of Shri Swami Samarth, one of the most revered saints of Maharashtra, honoured as an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. In the nineteenth century the Swami dwelt at Akkalkot for many years beneath a great banyan tree (vatavruksha), drawing seekers from far and wide with his boundless grace and miracles, and the assurance he gave his devotees that he would ever stand behind them.
The temple, grown around that sacred banyan, is thronged by devotees who feel his continuing presence and protection. Akkalkot is a great centre of the Dattatreya tradition and one of the most beloved saint-shrines of Maharashtra, drawing pilgrims from across the land.
