The Old Royal Palace of Akkalkot
Located approximately 38 kilometres from Solapur, the sacred town of Akkalkot is an ancient settlement with a history dating back to the medieval period. Historical evidence indicates that the town existed even before the 14th century CE. Since the time of Shri Swami Samarth, Akkalkot has held the status of a municipal town, making it one of Maharashtra’s few historically continuous urban centres.
In earlier times, Akkalkot was protected by massive fortifications and a deep defensive moat. As the capital of the princely state, it housed the royal palace, administrative offices, official residences, and impressive mansions belonging to members of the court. Among these historic structures, the Old Royal Palace of the Bhosale rulers and its imposing bastions continue to stand as enduring reminders of the state’s former grandeur.
The Palace of Shri Swami Samarth
The royal palace referred to throughout the biographies of Shri Swami Samarth is this very palace.
Shri Swami Samarth stayed here on numerous occasions and performed many extraordinary divine acts. He shared a particularly close spiritual relationship with the Bhosale rulers of Akkalkot, showering them with His constant grace and guidance.
Following the death of Shahajiraje II, Malojiraje II ascended the throne. Over time, a profound Guru-disciple relationship developed between Malojiraje and Shri Swami Samarth.
Throughout the king’s life, Shri Swami Samarth guided him during many difficult circumstances. Owing to the Master’s blessings, Malojiraje’s coronation was completed without obstacles, and his kingdom remained secure throughout his reign.
A Royal Tradition of Devotion
In gratitude for this divine protection, the Bhosale family established a lasting tradition of conducting special worship during the annual Punyatithi (Mahasamadhi Anniversary) of Shri Swami Samarth.
Even today, members of the royal family retain the privilege of performing:
- The ceremonial Abhisheka at dawn,
- The Maha Aarti at noon,
- The offering of Naivedya to the Master.
They also continue the long-standing tradition of serving meals to eleven Brahmins and married women (Suvasinis) on this sacred occasion.
Malojiraje’s Unwavering Faith
The biographies of Shri Swami Samarth recount numerous occasions when Malojiraje was protected from adversity through the Master’s grace.
On one occasion, while on pilgrimage to Ganagapur, Malojiraje experienced a remarkable dream.
Lord Dattatreya appeared before him and said:
“I Myself have come to your town. Why have you come here instead?”
Awakening from this divine vision, the king immediately returned to Akkalkot, convinced that Shri Swami Samarth was none other than the incarnation of Lord Dattatreya.
Thereafter, he ceremonially installed Shri Swami Samarth’s Padukas (sacred sandals) within the royal palace and began their daily ritual worship according to scriptural tradition. He also inaugurated the annual celebration of Guru Pratipada, a tradition that continues to this day.
It is said that, at the end of his life, Malojiraje peacefully departed this world while gazing upon the radiant face of Shri Swami Samarth.
A Palace with a Much Older History
Beyond its association with Shri Swami Samarth, the Old Royal Palace also preserves traces of a far earlier historical era.
Several architectural remains and sculptural fragments within the palace complex indicate the influence of the Chalukya dynasty. The Ashtamatrika (Eight Mother Goddess) sculptural panels discovered at various locations in Akkalkot are considered important evidence of this Chalukyan artistic tradition.
Historically, this region came under the rule of:
- The Early Chalukyas of Badami
- The Rashtrakutas
- The Later Western Chalukyas of Kalyani
Each dynasty contributed to the region’s artistic and architectural heritage.
The Royal Emblem of the Chalukyas
One of the palace’s most remarkable historical treasures is the Bhu Varaha (Varaha) emblem, the royal insignia of the Badami Chalukyas.
Located on the right side of the inner entrance gateway, housed within a small shrine-like structure, this magnificent sculpture depicts Lord Vishnu in His Varaha Avatar, lifting Bhudevi (Mother Earth) upon His left tusk while vanquishing the forces of evil.
The Chalukya rulers adopted Varaha as the symbol of royal authority, righteous governance, and the protection of Dharma, making this sculpture an important reminder of their political and spiritual ideals.
The Original Palace Entrance
The spacious courtyard seen today belongs to a comparatively later phase of the palace’s development.
Originally, visitors entered through a different route. After passing through the main gateway, they would turn to the right and proceed along an internal passage guarded by royal sentries.
Before entering the inner sections of the palace, it was customary to first pay respects to the Chalukyan Varaha emblem and seek divine blessings. Only then was one permitted to proceed into the royal residence.
A Living Heritage
Today, the Old Royal Palace is far more than a relic of the Bhosale dynasty.
It stands as a remarkable monument that preserves the intertwined legacies of:
- The Bhosale rulers of Akkalkot
- The divine life of Shri Swami SamarthThe artistic heritage of the Chalukyas
- The broader cultural and spiritual traditions of Maharashtra
As both a historical landmark and a sacred site, the palace continues to embody centuries of royal history, devotional faith, and architectural excellence, making it one of Akkalkot’s most significant heritage monuments.