Here is one story which says Shri Swami Samarth is an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. Shri Wamanboa Brahmachari was a devotee of Lord Dattatreya and was staying in a village called Wambori in Ahmednagar Distircct of Maharashtra. He used to pray to Lord Dattatreya right from his childhood. Wamanboa worked in many places in various capacities and he had the occasion to meet many holy men, fakirs and sadhus. He was still not satisfied with the life he was leading. Once in Pune a Brahmin came and told that life without a Sadguru is waste. Wamanboa wanted to know where he could find the real Sadguru.
The Flooded River
The Brahman asked him to go to Akkalkot and told him to meet Swamiji. He added that Swamiji was the incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. Wamanboa immediately set off his journey to Akkalkot. It was in the year 1872 and Swamiji had gone to Honde at particular time. Wamanboa had decided to meet Swamiji and set off to Honde. He reached near Honde but could not reach the village because the river which he was supposed to cross to reach Honde was flooded and there was no way to reach to the other side. Wamanboa was disappointed and he could see Swamiji standing on the other side of the river.
Wamanboa prayed and prostrated Swamiji from this side of the river and Swamiji came near him walking across the flooded river. Wamanboa was delighted and was jumping out of happiness. He prostrated on the lotus feet of Swamiji and was literally in tears because of joy because of the kindness and concern shown by Swamiji towards him. Swamiji knew the sincerity of Wamanboa and told him that he is His son. He asked Wamanboa to be with Him and serve. Swamiji blessed him and told him that he will surely attain Brahmanishta. Swamiji also asked him to reject the world totally. Wamanboa hearing this straight away threw away his clothes and belongings and was with only a kaupin.
Swamiji’s Grace
Swamiji then gave him the kandalu (water pot of a sanyasi) and initiated him and showered blessings on him. In the year 1876, Wamanboa had some health problems and unable to bear the sufferings he sent a letter to Swamiji to cure him with the grace of Swamiji. There was no reply from Swamiji and the health situation was worsening. Wamanboa, unable to bear the pain decided to commit suicide and went towards the Surasagar Lake to drown himself. Swamiji suddenly appeared caught hold of the man and slapped him on his face. Swamiji told him that what he is suffering because of the debts incurred in his previous life.
