Shri Swami Samarth during his visit to different parts of the country visited Ambejogai after his visit from Girnar. This place was famous and known for the temple of Goddess Ambejogai and has been the abode of many saints and sages. Swamiji was behaving like a small child here and mixed with the local cowherds. There was a five year old girl child in the group and she became friendly with Swamiji. She used to talk with Swamiji and offered him food brought from her home. Her parents argued that the girl would leave their house after marriage so decided to dress her like a boy and give her away to the local childless wealthy businessman.
Dressed As a Boy
They took the girl dressed in the boy’s clothes and the businessman adopted the boy. The girl dressed as a boy started growing into a beautiful youth but was always worried that one day she will be exposed. The business decided to marry the “youth” off and arranged for a good bride. The date was fixed and when the bride’s people came to apply turmeric, as per tradition, they found out that it was a girl. The businessman complained to the King and the cowherds were punished. The girl was passed a death sentence and the King ordered she should be taken deep intothe forest and executed.
The girl was taken to the forest and her last wish was to meet Swami Samarth. When she got the permission she ran to where Swamiji was sitting and fell at his feet. Swamiji understood the matter and called for the businessman. They businessman and the group of people who came to meet Swamiji saw that the “girl” was a boy and did not have any hint of feminity. The businessman performed the marriage and the sons born developed into good and educated individuals. Swamiji, from Ambejogai, went to Rameshwaram in the South of India. Swamiji was such a great soul that He would at many places at the same time. Swamiji seemed to be present both outside and insde the temple.
At Akkalkot
Shri Swami Samarth lived for more than two decades (22 years) at Akkalkot. This was after his travel all over the country. After Ambejogai, Swamiji went to Rameshwaram, Rajur, Mangalwedhe, Mohol and many other places. In every place he visited he had marked his presence and helped many of the devotees. At Akkalkot he stayed at the residence ofhis disciple Cholappa and it is in this place where his Samadhi and shrine is located now. The temple encloses the banyan tree under which Swami would sit most of the time and preach his message.
