Divine Swami Samarth Math Samarthgad, Advali, Malvan, Sindhudurg

The worship of Dattatreya, described by the Puranas and Upanishads as the upholder of the Varnasrama Dharma, the ideal of the Guru principle, and the teacher of Yoga, has been practiced since ancient times. In the fifteenth century, through the divine personality of Nrusimha Saraswati, it attained the form of a tradition. Sripada Srivallabha is considered the first avatar of Dattatreya. Nrusimha Saraswati is the second avatar, and historically, Swami Samarth of Akkalkot is considered the third avatar of Dattatreya. There are small and large Maths dedicated to him in villages across Maharashtra. One such magnificent Math, which resembles a fortress, is located in the village of Adavali in Malvan.

Swami Samarth, in whom countless devotees have the faith that “He will make the impossible possible,” has an unknown early life. In the ‘Shri Swami Charitra Saramrita’, there is a legend that Dattatreya’s second avatar, Nrusimha Saraswati, went to the Kardali forest of Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh at the end of his avatar. There, he performed penance for 350 years. During that time, an anthill formed around him. One day, a woodcutter’s axe accidentally fell on this anthill. Swami Samarth manifested from that anthill. From there, he traveled through Kashi, Calcutta, and Jagannath Puri to reach the banks of the Godavari, and in the year 1838, he manifested in Mangalwedha. The text ‘Swami Lilamrita’ states: “In the year 1760, for the salvation of the world, Swami manifested in Mangalwedha as Dattatreya himself.” Thereafter, in the year 1858, he arrived in Akkalkot. In 1878, on Chaitra Vadya Trayodashi, he took Samadhi there.

Swami Samarth blessed many during his lifetime. Through his assurance, “Do not fear, I am with you,” he gave courage to many. It was his promise that he personally takes care of the spiritual and material well-being of those who worship him with single-minded devotion. Many stories of his miracles and experiences are told. Today, he has devotees not only throughout India but also abroad. Even today, Swami resides in a state of consciousness. His devotees believe that the experience of his words, “I have not gone, I am alive,” is felt even today. It is because of this that his devotees have established Shri Swami Maths in many places. Out of this same devotion, a Swami Math has also been established in Adavali. On 26 March 2020, the idol of Swami Samarth was consecrated in this Math.

This Math, named Samarthgad, stands on a plateau in the village of Adavali in Malvan Taluka. This Samarthgad was realized on 18 acres of land through the vision and efforts of the Swami devotee Jagdish Sakharam Ghadigaonkar, also known as Bhai Maharaj. The fortifications of this octagonal fort, situated on a large meadow, can be seen from a great distance. The fortifications have bastions similar to those built for Diwali forts, with statues of Mavlas (warriors) placed upon them. Just like the statues of Mavlas on the ramparts, there are two life-sized statues of Mavlas near the entrance of the fort. Next to these statues of Mavlas, who are blowing conch shells and holding ceremonial umbrellas, are two decorated elephants that stand up to their waists. At their feet lies a small cannon. Upon entering through the gate, one sees a path with many steps, just like those found in forts. One must enter the fort after performing Achaman (ritual purification) at the washroom located on the right side of the entrance. Above is a wide entrance gate, which has a glass door. The temple of Swami Samarth is located there. This temple, situated in the center of the ramparts on high ground, is also octagonal. Its walls are fitted with glass. In the temple, there is a golden idol of Swami Samarth sitting on the platform of an Audumbar tree. In front of the idol is the face-idol of Swami. There is a tall lamp tower in the temple premises. Just like the Diwali forts, along with the statues of Mavlas, there are large statues of horses, fawns, a cow and calf, a peacock dancing with its feathers spread, and rabbits placed in various spots here. In the temple premises, there is a small temple of the Goddess, and it also houses beautiful idols of Saint Namdev, Saint Savta Mali, and Saint Gora Kumbhar.

This Math, which was inaugurated during the peak of the Covid pandemic, did not see much footfall of devotees in the beginning. Aarti is held here every Thursday. Even then, initially, few Swami devotees would come. Now, however, hundreds of devotees and servants attend the Thursday Aarti. Every Thursday, there is a Bhajan program from 5 to 8 in the evening. After that, at 8 o’clock, the Maha Aarti takes place, followed by a devotee-interaction program by Bhai Maharaj. Thereafter, Maha Prasad is served. A stage has been built in the courtyard of Samarthgad. Every Thursday at 9:30 PM, entertainment programs such as Dashavatar, Double-bari, Dindi Bhajan, as well as Karaoke shows and folk dances are held here.

Dattatreya Jayanti, Swami Jayanti, and all festivals related to Swami Samarth are celebrated here with great enthusiasm. One can have the Darshan of Swami daily from 9 AM to 1 PM and from 4 PM to 8 PM.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery