Friday 28 December 2007

Solapur and Akkalkot

Solapur
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Solapur (Marathi: सोलापूर))), is a city and a municipal corporation in south eastern Maharashtra, India near the Karnataka border and is the administrative headquarters of Solapur District. It is an important junction on the north-south railway line. Solapur is a town with an array of small and medium scale industries. Solapur is a leading center for cotton mills and power looms. Solapur bed-sheets ('chaddars') have earned fame and reputation for their novel designs and durability. The chief deity of the city is Shri Siddeshwar. The "Nandidhwaj" procession on Makar Sankranti fair is attended by millions of devotees.
Solapur District leads Maharashtra in beedi production. The Martyrs’ Memorial here is saluted daily by thousands of visitors. Kudalsangam, Karmala and Barshi have adopted the path of development through industry and education. Akkalkot is the site of Akkalkot Swami Maharaj Math, visited yearly by huge number of people from Maharashtra and neighbouring Karnataka. Also a annual fair is held in the month of January wherein huge croud comes from various parts of country, which is called as Gadda Fair in vernacular language. The very famous and most following almanac दाते पंचांग *[1] is also published from Solapur.

It is an ancient historical and religious place with Shri Siddharameshwar as its "Gramadaiwata". Shri Siddharameshwar was a historical figure of the 12th century whose "Karmayoga" on his own native land-Solapur, turned him into a God-figure over the course of time.
Siddharama was a great conributor to Lingayata religion and he is considered as one of the six prophets of Lingayat religion. He had gained the "Siddhi". As Solapur was a drought prone area, Shri Siddharameshwar dug a lake with the help of 4000 "Sharanas" to solve the problem of potable water. He entombed himself alive (Shivyogsamadhi) at Solapur.


Akkalkot (35 KMs from Solapur)
Akkalkoth is widely known for its association with Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj [1]held by some to be a reincarnation of Lord Dattatreya. Swami Maharaj lived for over two decades at Akkalkoth, mainly at the residence, where his Samadhi and shrine are now located. The shrine complex, The Vatavriksh Mandir , 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 by Shri Swami Samarth Annachhatra Mandal also.The other shrine is of Samadhi of Akkalkoth Swami located at some distance from the main shrine but in the city limits.


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Born and bought up in Coorg, now staying at Bangalore. Interested in trekking, travelling and getting to know people and cultures....