The Akkalkot Swami Samarth Mandir, officially known as Shri Vatavruksha Swami Maharaj Devasthan, is one of Maharashtra’s most sacred pilgrimage sites . Located in the small town of Akkalkot in Solapur district, this temple is dedicated to Swami Samarth Maharaj, a 19th-century saint revered as the third physical incarnation of Lord Dattatreya . Devotees from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and across India flock to this divine shrine seeking blessings, peace of mind, and solutions to their life’s problems.

Swami Samarth Maharaj lived for over two decades at Akkalkot, primarily at the residence of his disciple Cholappa, where his samadhi (final resting place) is now the core sanctum of the temple . He was known for his intense spiritual teachings, miraculous deeds, and compassionate nature, offering solace to countless followers. His abode has transformed into a powerful spiritual hub where devotees can experience divine energy and participate in various sacred rituals including aarti and abhishekam.
The temple is managed by the Swami Samarth Seva Mandal, which works tirelessly to provide a better environment for pilgrims . Today, the temple complex includes free accommodation facilities (Anna Chhatra) and meal services, embodying Swami Maharaj’s teaching of selfless service to humanity.
Babulnath Temple 2026 : Timings, Abhishekam/ Pooja Offerings
Akkalkot Swami Samarth Temple Timings 2025 (Monday to Sunday)
The temple remains open throughout the week with consistent timings. Here are the complete opening and closing hours for 2025:
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 5:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 5:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 5:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 5:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
Source:
Darshan and Pooja Schedule at Akkalkot Temple
The temple follows a structured daily schedule for darshan and various rituals. Note that there is an afternoon break when the temple remains open but darshan is paused.
| Darshan/Pooja Activity | Timing |
|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break (No Darshan) | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Kakad Aarti (First Morning Aarti) | 5:00 AM |
| Abhishek Pooja | 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Laghu Rudra Pooja | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
| Aarti & Maha-Naivedya | 12:00 PM |
| Shej Aarti (Night Aarti) | 8:00 PM – 8:45 PM |
Source:
It is important to note that while the temple opens at 5:00 AM for Kakad Aarti, general darshan for all devotees begins only at 6:00 AM. The temple remains open throughout the break period, but the sanctum is closed for darshan between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Online Darshan Booking for Akkalkot Swami Samarth Mandir
In response to the heavy crowd of devotees, the temple authorities have introduced an online darshan booking system . This facility allows devotees to book their darshan slots in advance and avoid long queues at the temple.
Step-by-Step Guide for Online Booking
Follow these simple steps to book your darshan online:
Visit the Official Website: Open the official website of Akkalkot Swami Samarth Temple at https://swamiannacchatra.org
Navigate to Services Section: On the homepage, locate and click on the “Services” or “Online Booking” section
Select Darshan Type: Choose your preferred darshan type from available options:
- General Darshan (Free)
- Special Darshan (Paid)
- VIP Darshan (Paid)
- Abhishekam Seva (Paid)
Fill Devotee Details: Provide required information including:
- Full name
- Age and gender
- Complete address
- Mobile number
- Number of visitors
Choose Date and Time: Pick your preferred date and time slot for darshan. Check availability before proceeding
Make Payment: Complete the payment using credit/debit card, UPI, or net banking if booking a paid darshan
Receive Confirmation: After successful payment, you will receive a booking confirmation via email and SMS with a QR code or ticket reference number
Carry Ticket to Temple: Remember to bring a printed copy or digital version of your ticket along with a valid photo ID proof at the time of darshan
Entry Ticket Price and Darshan Charges
General darshan and food services at Akkalkot Swami Samarth Mandir are completely free for all devotees . However, charges apply for special darshan categories and specific rituals:
| Darshan/Entry Type | Charges (INR) |
|---|---|
| Entry Fees | No Fees |
| General Darshan | Free of Cost |
| Special Darshan | ₹100 |
| VIP Darshan | ₹500 |
| Abhishekam Seva | ₹1,000 |
Source:
The temple also provides free meals to all devotees through the Swami Anna Chhatra Trust . This noble service ensures that no pilgrim goes hungry while visiting the divine shrine.
Accommodation Booking at Akkalkot Temple
The temple offers accommodation facilities for devotees who wish to stay overnight. Due to high demand, charges may apply for rooms, and advance booking is recommended.
How to Book Accommodation Online
- Visit the official website: https://swamiannacchatra.org
- Navigate to the “Services” section on the homepage
- Read all guidelines, terms, and accommodation fee structures carefully
- Contact the temple using the provided phone numbers to confirm your booking
- Make payment for accommodation charges (if applicable) as per the instructions
Contact Information for Booking
| Purpose | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Helpline Number | 02181-221180 |
| Enquiry/Booking | 02181-222587 |
| Mobile/WhatsApp | +91 90673 00555 |
| [email protected] |
Address: Swami Samarth Mandir, Vidyanagar, Akkalkot, Maharashtra – 413216
Important Guidelines for Devotees
To ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling visit, please follow these important guidelines:
Dress Code and Conduct
- Wear modest and respectful clothing when visiting the temple
- Maintain silence and decorum inside the temple premises
- Follow instructions given by temple staff and volunteers
What to Bring
- Valid ID proof (Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID) if you have booked online darshan
- Printed or digital copy of your darshan ticket confirmation
- Small change for offerings and donations (optional)
Prohibited Items
- Mobile phones (ideally kept on silent mode or switched off)
- Cameras and video equipment inside the sanctum
- Leather items like belts and bags (if possible)
Best Time to Visit
- Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends
- Early morning darshan (6:00 AM to 8:00 AM) offers a peaceful experience
- Avoid peak festival seasons if you prefer a quieter visit
- The best time to visit overall is during off-peak months for a more serene experience
Major Festivals at Akkalkot Temple
The temple celebrates several important festivals throughout the year that attract thousands of devotees:
| Festival | Significance |
|---|---|
| Guru Purnima | Celebration of the Guru-disciple tradition, very important for followers |
| Swami Samarth Jayanti | Birth anniversary of Swami Samarth Maharaj |
| Datta Jayanti | Celebration of Lord Dattatreya’s appearance, Swami Samarth being his incarnation |
During these festivals, the temple is beautifully decorated, and special rituals are performed. Devotees should expect larger crowds and plan their visit accordingly, booking darshan and accommodation well in advance.
Private Accommodation Options Near the Temple
For devotees who cannot secure temple accommodation or prefer private stays, several hotels and homestays are available near Akkalkot. One such option is the Shri Swami Samarth Home Stay, located at GT NO 703/1/A, PLOT NO.5, Salunkhe, Akkalkot .
Features of Shri Swami Samarth Home Stay:
- 50 rooms available for guests
- Free WiFi with 25+ Mbps speed
- Free uncovered self-parking on site
- 24-hour front desk service
- Housekeeping provided once per stay
- Children are welcome
- Private bathrooms with showers
- Basic amenities including soap, towels, and shampoo
Hotel Policies:
- Check-in time: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Check-out time: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Minimum check-in age: 18 years
- Pets are not allowed
- Debit cards accepted; cash not accepted
- The property does not have elevators
For more hotel options near the temple, including properties in nearby Kolhapur (approximately 2-5 km away), devotees can check travel platforms like Trip.com . Options include Hotel Swamini Kolhapur, Hotel Tulsi, and premium properties like Sayaji Kolhapur with rates starting from approximately US$19-31 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the darshan timings at Akkalkot Swami Samarth Mandir?
Morning Darshan is from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Evening Darshan is from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The temple remains closed for darshan between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM .
Q2: Is there any fee for darshan at the temple?
No, general darshan and food services are completely free for all devotees. Charges only apply for accommodation or special pooja services .
Q3: How can I book darshan online for Akkalkot temple?
You can book darshan online by visiting the official website https://swamiannacchatra.org. Navigate to the Services section, select your darshan type, fill in your details, choose a date and time, make payment (if applicable), and receive confirmation via email/SMS .
Q4: What is the cost of VIP darshan at the temple?
VIP darshan costs approximately ₹500 per person, while special darshan is available for ₹100. Abhishekam seva costs around ₹1,000 .
Q5: How can I book accommodation at the temple?
Visit the official website and follow the accommodation process in the Services section. You can also call the booking numbers directly at 02181-222587 or +91 90673 00555 for confirmation .
Q6: Is there any food facility available at the temple?
Yes, free meals are provided to all devotees through the Swami Anna Chhatra Trust. The temple’s free meal service is one of its most cherished facilities .
Q7: What is the earliest pooja performed at the temple?
The earliest pooja is Kakad Aarti, performed at 5:00 AM every day, before the temple opens for general darshan .
Q8: What documents do I need for online darshan booking?
You will need a valid government ID proof (Aadhaar card, passport, etc.) at the time of darshan to verify your booking. Keep a printed or digital copy of your confirmation ticket handy .
Q9: Are private hotels available near the temple?
Yes, several private accommodation options are available, including Shri Swami Samarth Home Stay with 50 rooms, offering free WiFi and parking . More hotels can be found in nearby Kolhapur .
Q10: When are the major festivals celebrated at the temple?
The main festivals celebrated are Guru Purnima, Swami Samarth Jayanti, and Datta Jayanti. During these times, the temple sees a huge influx of devotees .
This comprehensive guide provides all the information you need for a smooth and blessed visit to Akkalkot Swami Samarth Mandir in 2025. May your pilgrimage be filled with divine grace and spiritual fulfillment.