“सत्पुरुष” म्हणजे अलौकिक व्यक्तीमत्व होय.आपल्या नश्वर मानवी देहाचे स्वरूप व नाते कळून आल्यामुळे ज्याची वृत्ती तदाकार म्हणजेब्रह्मरूप होते तो सत्पुरूष होय.अर्थात ही प्रक्रिया त्याच्या जन्मापासून सुरु होते.सत्पुरुष कोणत्याही ककारांच्या बंधनात सापडतनाही.किर्ती,पैसा,स्री,जागा,कुळ ( जात्याभिमान,धर्माभिमान ) , परद्वेष , परनिंदा,हिंसा,हिडिस राजकारण, स्वार्थीपणा यात तो अडकून रहात नाही. सत्पुरुषाच्या केवळ दर्शनानेच समस्या सुटू लागतात.व ईशभक्तीची प्रेरणा होऊ लागते.खरा सत्पुरुष ओळखणे अतिकठीण काम असते कारण तो एरवी सामान्य माणसासारखा आपली उपजीविका करीतअसतो.पण त्याच्या प्रत्येक कृतीमागे अहंभावाचा अभाव असतो. आपले अलौकिक स्वरूप उघड होऊ नये यासाठी तो अधिकाधिक जागरूक असतो. कारण अलौकिकत्व दिसले की उपाधींचा झपाटा आलाच हे त्याला पुरेपूर माहित असते. ते सर्वसामान्यासारखे वागण्याचा प्रयत्न करीत असतात. तरीही त्यांचे तेज कुठे ना कुठे तरी जाणवतेच.ते स्वतःहून कधीच चमत्कार करीत नसतात.त्यांच्यावर अनन्य श्रद्धा असलेल्या चाहत्यांना त्याच्या प्रत्येक कृतीत चमत्कार दिसून येतो.

सध्याप्रमाणे माघेही बिकट काळ अनेक वेळा प्राप्त झालेला होता.सत्पुरुषांचे कार्य त्यावेळीही चालू होतेच व आजही चालू आहेच. ज्याप्रमाणे विषारी सर्पाशी झगडताना विषबाधा झालेले मुंगुस झगडा चालू असतानाच मधेच पळुन जाते व शेतात जाऊन ठराविक वनस्पतीचा पाला खाऊन पुन्हा झगडा करावयास येते त्याप्रमाणे या आसक्ती व महामोह निर्माण करणाऱ्या संसाररुपी शत्रूशी झगडताना जीवाला मोह नष्ठ करणाऱ्या सत्पुरुष्याच्या सहवासाची आत्यंतिक आवश्यकता असते.ज्यांना हे मर्म कळले त्या व्यक्ती दिवसातून थोडा वेळ राखून ईशसेवा सत्पुरुषाराधन करीत असतानाच अर्थात हल्ली शिष्य “चित्तापहारक “ “सत्पुरुषापेक्षा “शिष्यवित्तापहारक “ भोंदू गुरु संख्येने अधिक झाल्यासारखे असे वाटते.

लोकसंखेच्या मानाने सत्पुरूषांच्या संख्येत वाढ होत असते पण त्यातील फारच थोडे सत्पुरुष प्रकट कार्य करीत असतात.प्रकट कार्य करणाऱ्या सत्पुरुषांची संख्या घटत चालल्यामुलेच “ सत्पुरुष दुर्मिळ होत चालले आहेत.” असे वाटते. असे अप्रकट सत्पुरूष शोधून त्यांची सेवा व सहवास घडणे ही परमार्थातील प्रगती होय. शिवाय सत्पुरुषाने जडदेह सोडला तरी तो सूक्ष्म रूपाने कार्यरत असतोच.

कित्येक महनीय सत्पुरुषाचे कार्य अद्यापही अविरत चालू आहे. जडदेहात असताना त्यांनी जितके कार्य केले त्याहून कितीतरी पटीने अधिक कार्य ते अवतार समाप्तीनंतर करीत असतात. तेंव्हा सध्याच्या बिकट परिस्तिथीत सत्पुरूष दुर्मिळ झालेले नसून सत्पुरुषाविषयीचा भक्तीभाव दुर्मिळ होत चालला आहे असे म्हंटल्यास जास्त सयुंक्तिक ठरणार आहे.शिवाय जो काही थोडा भक्तीभाव असतो तो या विज्ञानयुगात हास्यास्पद ठरतो.शिवाय तशातून शिल्लक राहिलेला भक्तीभाव ,सत्पुरुष व देव देवता यांच्या सहाय्याने प्रपंचातील अडचणी सोडविण्यासाठी व स्वार्थी मनोरथ पुर्ण करण्यासाठी खर्च होतो. म्हणून खरा भक्तिभावाच दुर्मिळ होत चालला आहे हे खरे. विशवकल्याणाकरिता ज्या वेळी ज्या दृष्टीकोनातून धर्म समजावला गेला पाहिजे त्याचे प्रात्यक्षिक दाखविण्यासाठी परमेश्वर तत्कालीन सत्पुरुष रुपात अवतरीत होतात.

चैतन्यघन परमात्मा जगताला मार्ग दर्शन करू इच्छीतो परुंतु तो तर निर्गुन,निराकार आहे. निर्गुन निराकार मार्गदर्शन कसे करणार ? म्हणून आत्मीय सत्पुरूष जणांच्या डोळ्यांनी तो आपली पाहण्याची हौस भागवतो.गुरुमुखी तो उपदेशामृत पाजतो.

“This book attempts to showcase the life of the exalted masters of the Swaroop Sampradaya and gives a brief outlook of the tremendous humanitarian work undertaken by the followers of this sect for the spiritual and material upliftment of the common man”

In our age-old Vedic-Aryan religion, based upon the standards set by the Vedas1, the institution of disciplic succession is of unique importance. Since time immemorial, India has witnessed the emergence of traditions of different sects and their decline too in the course of various times. Yet there were some, which besides standing the tests of time rose to fame, lasted and gained recognition because of manifestation in them of some eminent personages endowed with divine splendour and they also appeared before the world in their renewed form.

The Swaroop – Sampradaya2, a sect that follows the Advaita3 philosophy and the philosophy of meditation, has come from the divine Preceptor Adinath Bhagwan Shankar4. It was when Lord Dattatreya, manifested Himself in the form of Shree Swami Samarth in its sub-sect called 'Saraswati', that the sub-sect came to be more popularly known as Shree Datta Sampradaya.

1 Vedas - Holiest Hindu scriptures
2 Swaroop Sampradaya - A sect wherein the aspirant concentrates on viewing the 'Atman' –the soul.
3 Advaita - The doctrine of the identity of the human soul or the universe and the divine essence
4 Adinath Bhagwan Shankar - Lord Shankar

The attributeless one without a second Brahman desired to be many and it created Maya5. The Maya then created the triad of Gods Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh who were personifications of three Gunas6 - Satva7, Rajas8, Tamas9. The Lord Brahma then created infinite sons, amongst whom, were the seven great Rishis10. The senior most amongst them was the Atri Rishi. His wife Mahasati Anasuya was the daughter of the highly devoted and pious couple, Kardam Rishi and Devahuti. Atri Rishi & his wife Anasuya desired for a son, who would be an incarnation of Nirguna Parabrahma11. Atri Rishi performed tapasya12 standing on one leg for 100 years on the Ruksha mountain abjuring food and water. Pleased with his tapasya12, the Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh appeared before him to grant him a boon. On hearing Atri Rishi's desire, the Gods explained that since the Nirguna Parabrahma cannot be seen, they, as manifestation of the Nirguna13 have appeared. They blessed him saying that his wish would be fulfilled. In the course of time, the Gods Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh took birth in the form of Atri Rishi's sons namely Chandra14, Dattatreya and Durvas Rishi. Amongst them,

5 Maya - illusion
6 Guna’s - Qualities of nature
7 Satwa - Stands for qualities like goodness, purity, and excellence
8 Rajas - Stands for passion, attachment and fickleness
9 Tamas - Stands for darkness, Ignorance, worldly delusion, blindness of lust and pride
10 Rishis - Sages
11 Nirguna Parabrahma - The Infinite Supreme
12 Tapasya - Penance
13 Nirguna - Infinite / Attributeless
14 Chandra - Moon

Chandra and Durvas wanted to perform tapasya and hence they left home, assuring Atri Rishi that they would remain in microform in Dattatreya, who was to stay with him. Thus the attributeless, formless Parabrahma, which had manifested itself in three different forms, integrated again in one form of Lord Dattatreya and enlightened people.Out of the 24 incarnations of God described in Shrimad Bhagawat15, the incarnation in the form of "Dattatreya Avadhoot16" is the sixth one.

Lord Dattatreya - the Ascetic

The typical form in which the Lord Dattatreya appears is that of an ascetic with 3 heads & 6 arms17. His whole body is covered with Vibhuti18. He has an aura of a rising Sun around him and has lustrous Jatta19 tied in a knot over his head. He is dressed in a deerskin and is a radiant and assuring figure for the devotees. His arms are seen to be holding various objects each of which has a spiritual connotation. Thus, he is seen with a Mala20, Kamandalu21, Damaru22, Trishul23, Shankh24 and Chakra25. A cow behind him represents the mother earth and four dogs at his feet, the four Vedas. Lord Dattatreya 'the ascetic', is known to have disciples through the Yugas26, well known among them are Lord Parashuram, Sahasraarjun, Prahlad, Ayu Raja, Yadu, Alarka, Samvarta etc. Lord Dattatreya 'the ascetic' helps the devotees in times of calamity and also leads them to Moksha27 and hence is worshipped widely by the masses.

15 Shrimad Bhagwat – Among the Holiest Hindu scripture.
16 Avadhoot - Ascetic
17 3 heads & 6 arms - Symbolizes the unification of the three Gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh.
18 Vibhuti - Holy ash
19 Jatta – Long Matted Hair
20 Mala - Rosary
21 Kamandalu – Holy Pot
22 Damaru - Holy musical instrument.
23 Trishul - Trident
24 Shankh - Conch
25 Chakra – Holy Weapon
26 Yugas - Cycle of creation
27 Moksha - Freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth

In a place called Karanja, near Akola28 there lived a pious Brahmin couple, Madhava and Ambabhavani, in the 13th century. To this God-fearing & religious couple, was born a son around 1275 A.D. This child was the incarnation of Lord Dattatreya and came to be known as the great sage Shrimad Nrusimha Saraswati. The child was unique in the sense that, he was chanting only 'Aum29' since his birth. The parents were concerned about his dumbness till his 'Vratabandha30', when this child was merely eight years old; he started reciting all the four Vedas to the great astonishment of all the learned people. After the aforesaid incident, the child left for Kashi31 for Tapas32. Pleased with his rigorous tapasya, a learned ascetic named Shree Krishna Saraswati Swami, initiated him into Sanyasashram33 and gave him the name, Shrimad Nrusimha Saraswati.

Biography

The biography of Shrimad Nrusimha Saraswati "Shree Gurucharitra", gives us the details of his work in guiding the devotees and the various miracles he performed to help the devotees. He stayed at Ganagapur34 for a long time and then gave his "Nirguna

28 Akola - In Maharashtra State, Western India
29 Aum - The Hindu holy chant: The Holy Vibration
30 Vratabandha - The sacred thread bearing ceremony.
31 Kashi - In Uttar Pradesh State, Northern India
32 Tapas - Penance
33 Sanyasashram - Ascetism
34 Ganagapur - In Karnataka State, Southern India

Padukas" to his disciples and devotees, before leaving for the Kardali forests to perform Tapas. His disciples prepared a floating seat of flowers for him on which he sailed against the current of the river Patalganga and disappeared.

Rigorous Penance

He performed rigorous tapasya12 on the Shree Shail mountain in the Kardali forests for nearly 150 years. After this he took an extensive pilgrimage, covering even places, now known as Jawa, Sumatra, Indonesia, China, Japan, Australia etc., relieved many people from their miseries, and guided them on the spiritual path. Finally, he came to the ranges of Himalayas where he enlightened many devotees. Later he sat under a Deodar tree for tapasya. This Tapasya in the Himalayas lasted for nearly 250 years, but a woodcutter unknowingly axed the anthill enveloping the body of Shrimad Nrusimha Saraswati. This resulted in the break in Tapasya and Shrimad Nrusimha Saraswati then left for an extensive travel throughout the Indian sub-continent guiding the devotees.

Akkalkot Niwasi Shree Swami Samarth

During this travel, he became popular by various names at various places. Thus at one place he was known as Chanchal Bharati and at another place he would be called Digambar Swami. As he travelled and stayed at various places, he became the Guru 35 of many great souls like Shree Ramkrishna Paramahansa, Shree Saibaba of Shirdi, Shree Shankar Maharaj, Shree Gajajan Maharaj of Shegaon etc. Finally he settled down at Akkalkot36 and stayed there for 24 years from 1854 A.D. to 1878 A.D. and thus came to be known as the Akkalkot Niwasi Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj. Here he enlightened many disciples, such as Shree Dev Mamledar, Shree Balappa Maharaj, Shree Cholappa Maharaj, Shree Nrusimha Saraswati Maharaj of Alandi, Shree Ramanand Beedkar Maharaj of Pune etc.

35 Guru - Preceptor
36 Akkalkot – In Maharashtra State

Mahasamadhi

On April 30, 1878 (Chaitra Vadya Trayodashi of Hindu year 1800) after nearly 600 years of the incarnation, the great sage adopted Mahasamadhi37 under his favourite Banyan tree. Devotees still experience his divine presence and feel reassured because of his quote "I have not gone, I am still present" and “Be afraid not, I am with you”.

Akkalkot Niwasi Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj

wished that the unique school of theosophy viz. Swaroop Sampradaya be propagated once again enthusiastically and hence designated his most ardent and able disciple, Shree Sadguru Ramanand Beedkar Maharaj to establish a hermitage in Pune City in the state of Maharashtra. Shree Sadguru Ramanand Beedkar Maharaj was born on November 22, 1839 in a rich family of Shri Balavantrai and Gangutai and was named as Ramanand. His father was working as Chieftain under British rule. At the tender age of seven, he lost his father. The British rulers offered a pension of two hundred rupees to his mother; who declined to accept it on the grounds of self-respect and her resolve not to subsist on the help of foreigners. In his childhood, he went alone on a pilgrimage to Pandharpur38. Though there was the hustle and bustle of the crowd, it was no less than the Almighty Himself assuming the form of a Badava39 who guided him and put him straight at the feet of the idol of the deity in the Gabhara40. When he had gone to Goddess Saptashrungi at the Saptashrungi, Nasik District, Maharashtra State, Western India, the Veeda41, which was kept in the mouth of the idol of the Goddess as an offering, suddenly fell in his hands indicating great favour of that Goddess rarely experienced.

38 Pandharpur - Holy place in Solapur District, Maharashtra State, Western India
39 Badava - A member of the establishment of the Brahmins entertained at the temple of Lord Vithoba at Pandharpur for the service of idol.
40 Gabhara - Innermost apartment in a temple where the idol of the deity is installed
41 Veeda - A roll of pepper betel leaf with areca nut, cloves, lime etc. enclosed in it

Disillusionment - Yearning for spiritual blessing.

After his father passed away the family fortune started dwindling and hence immediately after his schooling, he started trading. He earned good reputation in diamond valuation as well as in the trade of gold, silver, precious stones and also scents and perfumes. To gather immense wealth, he travelled crazily in search of yogis42 who could teach him techniques to amass wealth. From one such person, he learnt the practices of the much-desired Art of Alchemy43 and thus became immensely wealthy. He relished the wealth and enjoyed every pleasure one can imagine. However, ultimately he was disillusioned with material comforts. He yearned for spiritual development and worshipped Lord Hanuman as his Lord of the Heart. His upasana bore fruit and he was guided by Lord Hanuman to seek the blessings of Shree Swami Samarth of Akkalkot. In the very first meeting, Shree Swami Samarth tested him by a show of his fiery temper. Shree Beedkar Maharaj became an ardent devotee of Shree Swami Samarth and took regular pilgrimages to Akkalkot. On his third visit, when he was massaging the feet of Shree Swami Samarth at night, a dark poisonous cobra emerged out of Shree Swami Samarth's knee and started hissing at Shree Beedkar Maharaj. However, Shree Beedkar Maharaj courageously continued his service. The next moment Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj got up and slapped Shree Beedkar Maharaj. With this slap, Shree Beedkar Maharaj instantly passed into trance and entered samadhi44, which, lasted for 12 hours. Since the very moment, he experienced himself totally detached from worldly matters. Shree Beedkar Maharaj thus attained Vairagya45.

Narmada Parikrama

Shree Swami Samarth ordered him to undertake Narmada Parikrama, an arduous circular pilgrimage of the entire route of the river Narmada. With only two pieces of clothes on his body, he took up this pilgrimage. During this pilgrimage he faced extremely tanning conditions in terms of severe cold, burning hot sun, continuous bare foot walk on the sand, no food or water for 45 days etc. But it helped him to destroy his

42 Yogis - Transcendentalists
43 Alchemy - Art of converting base metals into gold
44 Samadhi - Superconscious experience
45 Vairagya - Non-attachment for worldly pleasures

body identification. Further, during this extensive travel he enlightened many devotees. Finally after 21/2 years of highly eventful pilgrimage, he returned to Pune where he stayed for most of the part of his life.

Promoting the 'Swaroop Sampradaya'

In obedience to the order of Shree Swami Samarth, Shree Beedkar Maharaj set up a Muth46 in Pune and worked towards spreading of Swaroop Sampradaya. He enriched many seekers of self with spiritual experiences of a very high order. He spread the spiritual lore with the help of a few ardent disciples like Anna Maharaj Bahutale and Mukundrao Moghe. He blessed Shree Sadguru Baba Maharaj alias Shree Raosaheb Sahasrabuddhe with his grace by placing his hand on the latter’s head and entrusted to him the task of continuing the tradition of Swaroop Sampradaya. Shree Beedkar Maharaj propagated spiritualism for the upliftment of his devotees through simple teachings such as "alertness in day to day material life is the first step towards the goal of spiritualism". Shree Swami Samarth had warned him thus, "Ramya serving food to somebody unless he is hungry, will fail to serve any purpose. The food will be wasted". There upon Shree Beedkar Maharaj said, "Anybody can feed a hungry person". It was with such magnanimity that he distributed freely amongst his devotees the wealth of spiritualism. Never would he feel tired of preaching. He used to say, "People shouldn't take to treachery or perfidy for the sake of material gains. Only by the truthfulness and following principles of the Hindu religion, can a person get earthly and heavenly gains." "One can recover the material losses by putting in more efforts and doing more work but one can never recover the loss due to corruption of one's character, values and religious principles and when such loss occurs the downfall of the society as a whole, is imminent.”

46 Muth – Temple Shrine, Hermitage

He used to assure his disciples "Just as the cow-dung fallen on the earth, bound to lift some earth with it; you too, who have taken my refuge, shall definitely achieve some spiritual development" (depending upon individual capacities).

Mahasamaadhi

On 1st April 1913, he attained Mahasamadhi in Pune. Amongst his disciples the most noteworthy was Shree Baba Maharaj Sahasrabuddhe

The Swaroop Sampradaya has the principle by which the Preceptor takes birth to become the disciple of his own disciple in order to continue the tradition of apostles of the Swaroop Sampradaya. In keeping with this tradition, Akkalkot Niwasi Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj took birth in the form of Shree Baba Maharaj who became the disciple of Shree Beedkar Maharaj and later the apostle of the Swaroop Sampradaya. Shree Baba Maharaj was also known as Shree Raosaheb Sahasrabuddhe alias Shree Vasudevanant Saraswati Maharaj.

Birth and Education

He was born to the most devout and deeply religious couple Shri Narayanrao and Laxmibai of the family of the Sahasrabuddhe on November 14, 1883 at Hubli in the state of Karnataka in Southern India and was named Ramchandra. He pursued his studies in Engineering. He completed the Engineering (L.C.E.) in 1904. He joined Public Works Department in 1909. In 1906, Shree Beedkar Maharaj blessed him by placing his hand on his head and said "Raosaheb I have made you permanent". With these words, Shree Beedkar Maharaj blessed him by bestowing on him the ultimate self-realization with the help of Shaktipat47. Since then, Shree Baba Maharaj always remained in a Videhi48 state.

47 Shaktipat - Ancient method of awakening and activating the kundalini energy in the shortest possible time
48 Videhi - A state of trance, detached from the worldly matters

Service - Government Department

He worked in Public Works Department as Assistant Engineer and was posted at various places like Ratnagiri, Pen, Mahad, Panvel, and Nagothane, all in Maharashtra State in Western India. In 1923, he was appointed as P. A. to the Chief Architect of Mumbai. During this service, his knowledge of Engineering Science and his general intelligence was well acknowledged by his British superiors.

Marriage & Retirement

Shree Baba Maharaj got married upon his Preceptor's insistence but it did not bring any change in his way of life. He used to be so much engrossed in meditation, that on one salary-day he dropped his pay-packet in the hands of a beggar, standing outside his office and returned home penniless. Sometimes his wife could not cook food because she had no money to buy firewood. Finally in 1928, he took invalid pension and retired. He came to Pune and stayed at Dhumal building in Narayan Peth Area in the vicinity of Muth established by his preceptor Shree Beedkar Maharaj.

Dedication to the service of the Preceptor

He used to attend the Muth thrice during a day for Darshan to pay his respects to his Preceptor. He made himself free even from traces of ego to such an extent that, he used to view the universe as manifestation of his Sadguru. He used to prostrate before everybody who even slightly reminded him of his revered Sadguru, may it be a kitten or else. His meditation would continue unperturbed in any condition of his health, let he be having fever as high as 1050 F. Once he performed the difficult and vigorous tapasya [penance] of meditating continuously for 21 days by staring at the Sun with naked eyes from sunrise to sunset. After the death of his wife in 1945, he started getting his food from outside. Some of his devotees sometimes brought food and snacks for him and many a times that food remained untouched for several days. Then one day he would take a little from it for himself and distribute the rest to his devotees. It was a common experience that this stale food tasted like fresh food.

Supernatural Powers - Preaching

During this period, many people had the experience of the supernatural powers, which Shree Baba Maharaj possessed. By his inner vision Shree Baba Maharaj provided valuable spiritual guidance to many of his devotees and thus helped them in their spiritual pursuit. Shree Baba Maharaj preached his devotees and his disciples thus "Look in the sky. Look at the stars. Meditate for half an hour before having your meals. See whatever appears. See as much as you can and see till the vision lasts". Shree Baba Maharaj would always say, "I want to bring Satya Yuga49 now". The great sages like Shree Shankar Maharaj, Shree Meherbaba, Yogi Aurobindababu's Guru Shree Lele Maharaj, Shree Shivaji Maharaj of Kolhapur had great respect for Shree Baba Maharaj.

Initiation of Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj

In 1953, Shree Baba Maharaj blessed Shree Vitthalrao Ganesh Joshi who later on came to be known as Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj, with his absolute favour and ordered him to propagate Swaroop Sampradaya

Mahasamadhi

On 18th August 1954, he left his mortal coil and merged with the Nirguna Parabrahma [the Infinite Supreme Lord]. His last rites were performed on his own plot at Chatushrungi road in Pune, Maharashtra State, Western India. His disciple and apostle of Swaroop Sampradaya Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj, later built the "Shree Sadguru Baba Maharaj Sahasrabuddhe Samadhi Mandir" on that land. Shree Baba Maharaj had promised his disciples and devotees that he would stay in the Samadhi Mandir for 1,000 years for the well being of his disciples and devotees. To date the devotees experience his divine presence in the premises of the Samadhi Mandir.

49 Satya Yuga - Rule based on religion and justice

In keeping with the tradition of Swaroop Sampradaya. Shree Sadguru Ramanand Beedkar Maharaj took birth to become the disciple of his disciple Shree Sadguru Baba Maharaj and in this birth, he came to be known as: "Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj" On October 17, 1912, in a small village Pomendi (Budruk), which is in a coastal province of Konkan and 12 Kms. from the city of Ratnagiri of Maharashtra State in Western India, a son was born to a devout and deeply religious couple Shri.Ganesh Vishnu Joshi & Smt. Janakibai. The child was named Vitthal Ganesh Joshi and later came to be known as Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj alias Shree Sahajanand Saraswati alias Shree Maharaj.

Penance - Initiation

Since his childhood, he was completely detached from the worldly matters. At the tender age of 18 during 1929-30, he left his home in search of a Guru. He came to Pune city and stayed at the Muth established by Shree Sadguru Beedkar Maharaj and started rigorous tapasya12. It was here that he was blessed with the graciousness by Shree Sadguru Baba Maharaj Sahasrabuddhe. Shree Baba Maharaj initiated him into the Swaroop Sampradaya and made him the apostle of the sect. Later Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj worked for a short while as a medical representative. Soon he left it, went back to Ratnagiri, and started his rigorous tapasya.

Blessed with graciousness by Shree Baba Maharaj

On July 24, 1953, when he had gone to offer his obeisances to Shree Baba Maharaj, Shree Baba Maharaj removed his finger ring, having the pattern of serpent's head, and put it round the right index finger of Shree Maharaj and said "the ring from the preceptor's finger has been put back in the finger of the preceptor only. Vithoba, right from this moment I have taken all your ego. Henceforth you will not do anything of your own will. Rather, I will perform my role on your behalf." Then Shree Baba Maharaj ordered him to propagate the Swaroop Sampradaya amongst the discerning persons. About a year later, on August 18, 1954, Shree Baba Maharaj took Mahasamadhi.

Erection of Temple-shrine of Shree Baba Maharaj

Last rites of Shree Baba Maharaj were performed on Plot No. 937-D, Chatashrungi Road, Shivaji Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra State, Western India - a place that Baba Maharaj had owned. Though his devotees decided to build His Samadhi, no one was ready to shoulder the responsibility. Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj took upon himself the entire responsibility. At the site of the Samadhi, a neat temple structure was erected. The atmosphere in the temple shrine was made very lively and full of devotion by various celebrations like the birthday, death anniversary of Baba Maharaj, Shree Datta Jayanti, Shree Swami Samarth Jayanti. etc. He attracted a lot of devotees of Shree Baba Maharaj and for their welfare he worked relentlessly organizing various programmes and functions to spread morality, devotion and the holy messages of Hindu religion.

Extraordinary Personality

His personality was extraordinarily pleasing, powerful and imposing. His discipline, his ever alertness, his very keen sense of observation and his meticulous planning etc were of such supreme standard that it would be almost impossible for anyone to emulate him. He was like an ocean of Mercy. The phrase "Harder than a stone yet more tender than a flower" could aptly describe Shree Maharaj’s personality. The Swaroop Sampradaya 20

Master of 64 Arts

Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj had the knowledge of all the 64 Kalas50. Some of these Kalas are classical music, Astrology, Astronomy, Agriculture, Drama, Painting, Veterinary Science, Architecture etc. He had the command over many languages like Marathi, Gujarthi, Konkani, Kannada, Bengali etc. When he delivered spiritual discourses, audience listened with rapt attention and would get soaked in devotion.

Preached Sanatan Arya Vedic Dharma

He always practiced and advocated the preaching’s of the Sanatan Arya Vedic Dharma51. These preaching’s advised simple living and detachment from the material world, sacrifice for the well being of others and experience of God’s existence in all the living beings etc.

Eternal principle of Righteousness

In the past, Bhagwan Vyasa Maharshi while commenting on YugaDharma52 has clearly stated that the abode of Dharma Mandir53 is in the heart of human being and the foundation of this mandir is in one's stomach. We have forgotten this important maxim. The real meaning of Karma54 or selfless service has been shown to the world by Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj by practising it through the work he undertook at Dervan, Pune & Mumbai. Further Bhagwan Vyasa Maharshi states: "Ashanam Vasanam Vaasah Yeshaam Chaivaavyavasthitam! Magdhen Samaa Kashi Gangaapyangaaravaahini !!"

50 Kala’s – Art’s
51 Sanatan Arya Vedic Dharma - The original form of Hindu religion based purely on the Holiest Hindu scriptures - the four Vedas
52 YugaDharma - The eternal principle of righteousness or religion that upholds all creation
53 Dharma Mandir - Temple of righteousness or religion
54 Karma - Actions

This means that for one, who does not get adequate food, clothing and shelter, the sacred places like Kashi (Banaras), and Magadha are alike, and pure water of river Ganga would be like burning embers. In short, one would not be in a position to understand the spiritual teachings, human values etc. unless one's basic needs are satisfied. Providing the necessities of life is a must for spiritual, intellectual or material well-being. With this aim Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj established two trusts viz. Shree Sitarambua Walawalkar Charities Trust at Shree Kshetra Dervan, Taluka - Chiplun, District – Ratnagiri, Maharashtra State, Western India and Shree Vitthalrao Joshi Charities Trust at Pune city, Pune District, Maharashtra State, Western India. Through these trusts, Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj carried out the numerous religious, educational and social activities for the upliftment of the masses. Shree Swami Shivanand of Hrishikesh, Shree Anandamaye Maa, Shree SaiBaba’s disciple Shree Rambaba, Shree Gagangiri Maharaj, Shrimad Jagadguru Shankaracharya Bharateetirth of Shringeri Peeth (a sect) and many others had often expressed their great respect for Shree Digambardas Maharaj.

Retention of tradition of Vedic Learning

In 1982, with the express intention of retaining the rich past and tradition of Vedic learning, he set up a school imparting the Vedas in Shree Sadguru Baba Maharaj Sahasrabuddhe temple Shrine in Pune, where deserving students are being taught the Vedas and sacrificial ceremonies. Shree Vitthalrao Joshi Charities Trust has shouldered the responsibility of providing the trainees with residence, food, clothes and medicines in the temple-shrine itself. The trust also makes provision for the honorarium to the teachers and scholarships to the pupils. He performed various Yadnyas55 every year to ensure that the respect and gratitude towards the Vedas and Brahmins who protect them, be developed in the common man so that people perform their duties as laid down by the four Vedas.

55 Yadnyas - Religious rites as per the four Vedas

Shiv Samarth Gad

His devotion to the Maratha King of the 17th Century, Shree Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj was total. No words would be adequately describing his sense of deep reverence and pride for the great king. Those who considered Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj like a deity would call him as Shivprabhu. The thought that his country should witness the reincarnation of personalities of the stature of Shree Ramdas Swami and Shree Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj thereby rekindling and restoring the people’s pride in Hindu faith, that the Hindu community which was in majority should get well-organized and united; that this community should solve its problem through its own ability and strength had taken deep roots in his mind. It was his earnest desire that his country should again assume the role of world-preceptor. It was this desire that prompted him to build a fortress-like structure called Shiv Samarth Gad at Dervan.

Patriotism

Shree Maharaj’s patriotism would match with the intensity of his unflinching faith in his religion. During 1940-42, Shree Maharaj, besides participating in the freedom struggle had organized people through his wanderings that took him to many villages. Thus, he had contributed appreciably to the freedom movement. He had also some meetings with the great freedom fighter Shri Vinayak Damodar Sawarkar. Shree Maharaj would shun publicity of every sort. He had tremendous contempt for injustice. He would not compromise with self-honour. His whole self symbolized fearlessness. Whatever work he would undertake, it would be accomplished perfectly. Indeed, he was a genius possessing the ability of discernment and to top it all, he has the rarest and most important quality of being a man of action very much down to earth.

Social Works - Shree Kshetra-Dervan

Dervan is a small village, which had remained totally backward for a long period, about 19 Kms from the town of Chiplun, Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra State, Western India. To reach this place one has to come to Savarde, a village on Chiplun-Ratnagiri Road. From here, one has to turn to left and follow the path that leads to Durgawadi. After covering a distance of 3 Kms, one comes to a place where every visitor feel as if he she is being welcomed by the Mavalas (soldiers) of King Shivaji and then the visitor can be sure of the fact that he/she has reached Shree Kshetra Dervan and the magnificent Shiv Samarth Gad. This village Dervan came on the world map as a historic and religious centre only after Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj served there with all his might and built Shiv Samarth Gad, Temple-shrines, schools, hospital etc. In Savarde village, a great saint in Swami Samarth Sampradaya, Shree Digambarbaba Wahalkar Maharaj took Mahasamadhi on January 19, 1951. As per the instructions of his preceptor, Shree Baba Maharaj, Shree Digambardas Maharaj built a shrine and a small temple of Lord Hanuman at the site where the last rites had been performed.

Later on, Shree Sant Sitarambua Walawalkar took Mahasamadhi on January 18, 1969. His last rites were performed on the piece of land newly purchased by Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj for Shree Sitarambua and a trust known as “Shree Sant Sitarambua Walawalkar Charities Trust” was formed on July 17, 1969. After completing the memorial of Shree Sant Sitarambua, Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj wanted to depict King Shivaji’s valorous, chivalrous and virtuous deeds through a memorial, which would kindle the fire of patriotism in the minds of the visitors. It was Shree Maharaja’s conviction that the depiction of each memorable incident of this great personality King Shivaji in an exquisite form would serve the purpose of that flash of lighting that would fill the heart of every visitor with the light and fire of the supreme form of self-honour. In addition to this Shree Maharaj also took the decision of raising a memorial in the honour of Shree Samarth Ramdas, the preceptor of King Shivaji. Finally on May05, 1981 on Shivjayanti Day, Shiv Samarth Mandir was inaugurated. Later on, sculptors started creating the soldiers and troopers and masons started working on the fortification around the mandir. Thus, Shivshrushti at Shiv Samarth Gad had rather started assuming a concrete form. It was like erecting a monument upon the sacred land of Dervan, which would be seen by the coming generations of Indians as the highest symbol. A symbol which would cherish feelings of self-respect and self-honour, and would inspire one to be virtuous and upright. It was a remote corner of India hidden from publicity of any kind, that was now

witnessing the emergence of a true but artistic depiction of the glorious cultural past of our nation, something to be proud of, something that deserved to be cherished in the best possible way, that which left behind a tradition of highest order to be inherited by the coming generations for their upliftment and constant progress. Every year, Shree Shivaraya birth anniversary celebrations are held in Shree Shiv Samarth Gad on ”Falgun Vadya Trutiya”(third day of Falgun month after full moon) Visitors from various corners of Maharashtra come here and take part in the celebrations. Till now innumerable eminent personalities, social workers, political leaders, religious leaders etc. have visited this place and have gained a feeling of being blessed. When the visitor after observing the exterior of Shiv Samarth Gad crosses the main gate, his/her eye catches the glimpse of Shree Sant Seetharambua Walawalkar temple-shrine. By its side can be seen Shree Swami Samarth Shree Ram Mandir. In the mandir you will find the idols of Shree Swami Samarth and Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj, made of five metals like Gold, Silver, Copper etc, on two sides and the idols of Lord Rama, Mother Seeta, Lord Laxman and Lord Hunaman in between. In front of Shree Ram Mandir, one finds a small Lord Hanuman temple. Backside of this temple is the Lord Datta Temple. Right behind this Lord Datta Temple there are three Audumber56 trees. The note worthy about it is this; about 27 years ago, whenever Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj used to come here, it was open space in those days, he would sit at a particular place. After a few days there appeared three Audumber saplings, which grew into trees. In 1995, it was under the shade of these trees that the Lord Datta temple was built.

Besides the architectural or structural importance of Shree Kshetra Dervan and its surroundings, Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj wanted the area to be the centres of providing food, clothing, shelter etc. to the needy and downtrodden villagers. In view of this, the following schemes were undertaken: - _ ‘Work for anyone who is ready to work’, providing cash in return for the work done. A number of construction works of public places like temples, post office, Talati office, Police outpost, road building, water supply scheme etc. 56 Audumber Tree – The glorious and respected fig trees. This tree has religious significance in Hinduism. The Swaroop Sampradaya 25 _ Free dispensary, cash assistance to surgeries, free distribution of notebooks, raincoats. Scholarship to students, cash assistance to higher studies, supply of equipments to laboratories, assistance to building extension. _ Provision of potable water to villages, cash assistance for construction of new wells arranged. _ Provision of free cattle, free supply of fodder and seeds. _ Supplying of rice, edible oil, sugar etc, at subsidized rates undertaken 4-5- times a year. _ Free distribution of clothes, blankets to the needy, free supply of Manglore tiles for roofing purpose. _ A beautiful garden for the children was planned. This was later on completed and inaugurated on December 18, 1994 and named as ‘Shree Swami Samarth Udyan’. _ A hospital equipped with all modern facilities mainly catering to the needs of the downtrodden population was planned. This was later on completed and inaugurated on February 01 1996.

Mahasamadhi

Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj took Mahasamadhi on May 21, 1989 in Pune. Before taking Mahasamadhi, he had already blessed Shree Ashok Raghunath Joshi alias Shree Kaka Maharaj as his successor. The Swaroop Sampradaya 26

With a view to further propagate Swaroop Sampradaya after Him and to complete the goal set by Him and to provide proper direction and guidance to His devotees for whom He had tremendous affection, Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj, also known as Shree Maharaj, blessed Shree Ashok Raghunath Joshi alias Shree Kaka Maharaj as his successor. It is with tremendous zeal and efficiency, the parallel of which cannot be found elsewhere, Shree Sadguru Kaka Maharaj also known as Ashok Kaka, shouldered this responsibility and has carried out the enormous task left behind by his preceptor, Shree Maharaj. Shree Ashok Kaka alias Shree Sadguru Kaka Maharaj was born in a religious and spiritually oriented family in a village Khanumath of Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra State, Western India. His father Raghunathrao was blessed by Shree Maharaj as well as by Shree Nana Maharaj of Dabhol, Shree Bhalchandra Maharaj of Kankavli , Devgad, and by Shree Rahul Maharaj of Kudal. Hence the childhood of Shree Ashok Kaka was fully blessed by the association of saints. When he attained the age of 7-8 years, very often during his sleep, he used to experience the explosion of a brilliant and illuminated spark in his head. As a result he used to get up and cry. Since this experience continued Shree Maharaj advised him to worship Lord Maruti57.

57 Lord Maruti – Lord Hanuman

In 1954, when Shree Ashok Kaka attained the age of 10 years, Shree Maharaj initiated him as his disciple. During school and college days till he joined the town-planning department in Kolhapur Shree Ashok Kaka was blessed by Shree Sadguru Tembe Maharaj, who predicted and told the future happenings in advance to Shree Ashok Kaka. After his transfer to Pune city in Maharashtra State, Shree Ashok Kaka came directly under the association of Shree Maharaj. During his stay in Pune, Lord Maruti, came in his dream for three consecutive days ordering Shree Ashok Kaka to go to Himalayas for worshipping Shree Prabhu Ram. He was not allowed to go by Shree Maharaj as he had dependant aged parents, wife and children.

Since 1976, Shree Ashok Kaka started visiting the Pune temple-shrine regularly. As per advice of Shree Maharaj, he also quit his government job and joined Shree Samarth Development Corporation run by Shree Walawalkar. Further, on the advice of Shree Maharaj, Shree Ashok Kaka started staying permanently in Pune to carry out civil works pertaining to the Temple-shrine. This also enabled him to render service to his preceptor, Shree Maharaj. This was achieved by Shree Ashok Kaka entirely due to support of his wife, who stayed in Mumbai and shouldered all family responsibilities. Shree Ashok Kaka has been from the beginning, sincere, honest, fearless and without any feeling of greed or attachment for the material things. He also made rapid progress on the spiritual side. Due to his exceptional capacity to work for 16-18 hours a day, Shree Maharaj had allotted all the important responsibilities of the temple-shrine in addition to the ongoing construction work to Shree Ashok Kaka. The relationship between Shree Maharaj and Shree Ashok Kaka was based upon lofty sentiment and on a very higher spiritual plane. Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj, before leaving his mortal body, to clear all the doubts, declared in the presence of some devotees "Ashok himself is my son. He will shoulder all the responsibilities after me. I myself will continue to carry all the works on his behalf."

Later when Shree Maharaj attained Mahasamadhi on May 21, 1989, the question of who would succeed him arose. After a lot of discussion with the devotees and entreaties and persuasion on their part and mainly to honour Shree Maharaj’s wishes, Shree Ashok Kaka started to manage the affairs of the temple-shrine. To the selfilluminated personality of Shree Ashok Kaka, was then added the resplendence of his superhuman capability. Later on, within a short period Shree Ashok Kaka built an exquisitely beautiful temple-shrine of Shree Baba Maharaj and Shree Maharaj at Pune, a marvellous temple of Shree Swami Samarth at Swami Samarth Nagar, Andheri (west), Mumbai and a beautiful garden Shree Samarth Udyan at Shree Kshetra Dervan. He arranged for "Akhand Namasmaran58" namely "Shree Swami Samarth Jay Jay Swami Samarth" at temple-shrines of Shree Baba Maharaj of Pune and Shree Sant Sitarambua of Dervan respectively. Further Shree Ashok Kaka (Sadguru Kaka Maharaj) also treats all devotees with transcendental affection and engages himself day and night in his task working out their material as well as spiritual well being. During January 1992, at Pune temple-shrine, with utmost ease, he arranged the performance of "Lakshachandi Yadnya" – a sacrifice for the benefit of the entire humanity. It is to be noted here that, during the last fifty years, this Yadnya55 was never performed either in Maharashtra or entire India as only virtuous personalities of tremendous eminence can successfully perform this yadnya. Successfully carrying out and performing all aspects of the Lakshachandi Yadnya is considered to be very difficult due to the complicated and stupendous scale of the religious rituals involved in it. The yadnya was conducted during January 08, 1992 and went on for 17 days till January 24, 1992 during which 980 Brahmins from various corners of India had come to Pune. The rituals connected with the sacrifice would begin at 06:30 AM and continue upto 04:00 - 05:00 PM. Then there would be prasad59 in the form of meals. All the senior Brahmins gathered in the yadnya remarked in unanimous voice:

58 Akhand Namasmaran - non-stop or continuous chanting of the name of God
59 Prasad - A sweet dish or meal distributed at a religious place

" Never in our lifetime had we ever seen a sacrifice of such magnitude performed with such discipline and we really doubt whether even in future we would be able to witness the performance of such sacrifice. It would become possible only if Shree Ashok Kaka himself again decides to perform such a sacrifice." After witnessing that yadnya all the devotees were convinced that, Shree Ashok Kaka (Sadguru Kaka Maharaj) was not an ordinary human being but some great divine power. Again during Jan 5th to Jan 12th 2003, Shree Ashok Kaka (Sadguru Kaka Maharaj) performed Panchayatan Yag Sahasrachandi Yadnya at Pune. This is being performed every year since 1989 onwards.

Shree Swamisut Maharaj alias Haribhau is one of the dedicated devotees of Akkalkot-Niwasi Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj. He was born to a couple Shri Bhau alias Daji Saheb and Kakubai, aslo known as Anusuya, in a village Iliya, Taluka Rajpur, District Ratnagiri, Maharashtra State. Since childhood, he was pious, frank and fearless. After completing his education in his native place and in Mumbai, he joined Municipal office for service on a monthly salary of rupees twenty only. Due to his intelligence and hard work, he rose to a higher position. But God willed otherwise. Destiny took him to Akkalkot-Niwasi Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj. Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj blessed him with all grace and said, "You are my son (sut). You forget your job, house, family etc. and raise one Muth (temple-shrine) in Mumbai and hoist my flag". Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj gave his silver padukas and also his saffron dress. After coming to Mumbai, he resigned from the job and gave away all gold ornaments pertaining to his wife Tarabai, to the poor. Himself wearing a saffron dress, his wife wearing white saree, he became a perfect mendicant and with Tal60 and a Veena61, he started singing the Bhajans62 of Shree

60 Tal - Cymbal 61 Veena - Lute 62 Bhajan – Hyms glorifying the preceptor or god.

Swami Samarth Maharaj. While singing Bhajans (hyms) he would be so much drowned in the sea of devotion that he would loose his consciousness. First, he established a Muth46 of Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj at a place called Kamatipur, near Grant Road, Mumbai and later on at a place called Kandewadi, Girgaum, near Charni Road, Mumbai. He celebrated the birthday of Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj during the year 1871, for the first time in Mumbai at Kandewadi Muth. Thereafter, in the year 1872 he personally celebrated the birthday of Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj at Akkalkot, that too in the presence of Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj despite strong objections by local people. He blessed Shree Baba Sherbhai, Shree Govindpant Ketkar, Shree Babasikaka, Shree Harishchandra Gajanan etc. Thousands of devotees used to visit the Muth at Kandewadi, irrespective of caste and creed. Shree Swami sut Maharaj was called by his name "Chandulal" by Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj. A number of devotees, who went to Akkalkot, were directed by Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj to go to Shree Swamisut Maharaj at Kandewadi Muth in Mumbai and the devotees used to get their wishes fulfilled. Once Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj expressed to Shree Swamisut, "I am going towards Northern India. You have to look after my seat at Akkalkot". Shree Swamisut Maharaj got a shock of his life and he decided to end his existence earlier to Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj. He fell sick at Mumbai. Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj instructed Shree Swamisut to come to Akkalkot but Shree Swamisut did not go to Akkalkot. All the efforts made by Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj to bring Shree Swamisut from Mumbai to Akkalkot even by sending personal messengers failed. Ultimately Shree Swamisut succeeded in his wish and took Mahasamadhi.

Shree Gopalbua Kelkar Maharaj alias Shree Preetinand Swamikumar Maharaj was blessed by Akkalkot-Niwasi Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj. Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj gave him 'Silver Padukas', one 'Wooden Dand'63, one 'Jholi64' and instructed him "For your maintenance collect alms on every Thursday. There would be no shortage for you at all". He came to Mumbai from Akkalkot to the Muth46 at Kandewadi, Mumbai and stayed with Shree Swamisut Maharaj. Shree Swamisut Maharaj instructed Shree Gopalbua Kelkar Maharaj to go to a place Markandi, Chiplun Taluka, District Ratnagiri, and worship the 'Silver Padukas' of Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj installed by Shree Brahmacharibua Maharaj. Accordingly, Shree Gopalbua Kelkar Maharaj along with his wife came to the village Markandi65 raised a hermitage and started staying there. On every Thursday he used to collect the alms and with available rice, the husband and wife used to pull on for a week. Gradually the saintliness of Shree Gopalbua Kelkar Maharaj spread in the village Markandi and the devotees started crowding the hermitage for his blessings. Later, on Shree Gopalbua Kelkar Maharaj raised a Muth and installed the 'Silver Padukas' given by Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj.

63 Wooden Dand – Wooden arm rest during meditation
64 Jholi - A beggar’s wallet to collect alms
65 Markandi – A small place in Chiplun Taluka, Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra State, Western India

Shree Sant Digambarbaba Maharaj was born during in year 1872 in a village Wahal from Chiplun Taluka; and was named Shri Ramchandra Narsimha Wahalkar. He was married and was having two daughters and his both daughters were happily married. Until the age of 29 years, he was in service. He was employed by one well-known lawyer Shri Nanal to look after the miscellaneous works like property matters etc. Due to some difference of opinion with the employer, he resigned from the job out of disgust and went to the village Sawarde, Chiplun Taluka, Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra State, Western India. There he sat in front of the Lord Dattatreya temple under a fig tree, without food and clothes for seven days chanting Gods name (Namsmaran) continuously. On the eighth day, some villagers gave him food. During this period of eight days, he had the Divine Vision of Akkalkot-Niwasi Shree Swami Samarth, because of which he lost all outward consciousness, but he was continuously chanting God’s name. He even lost his awareness for food and clothes. Villagers started calling him as Digambarbaba. Shree Wahalkarbua’s wife and other friends and relatives tried their best to divert his attention towards family life but it failed and one fine day, without informing anybody, he left Sawarde and came to Markandi65 and met the great saint Shree Gopalbua Kelkar Maharaj. Shree Gopalbua Maharaj initiated him as a disciple. Thereafter Shree Wahalkarbua performed rigorous tapasya12 for nearly 12 to 14 years.

During this period he was blessed by many great saints like Shree Sant Gondvalekar Maharaj, Shree Tembe Swami, Shree Chounde Maharaj, Shree Narayan Maharaj Kedgaonkar, Shree SaiBaba, Shree Vagdev Maharaj, Shree Gadge Maharaj, Shree Kaka Puranik Maharaj. Thereafter, he went on an extensive pilgrimage right from KanyaKumari at South India to Himalayas at North India, met a number of philosophers and saints, and discussed with them about spiritual matters. On the way, he stayed in a number of places like Pandharpur, Nashik, Banaras, Gaya, Rameshwar, SajjanGad, Vani, Narsobawadi etc. During the pilgrimage, his wife also accompanied him. She was also very much devoted to God and made fast progress in the realm of spiritualism. The first meeting between Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj and Shree Wahalkarbua took place during 1942. Shree Digambardas Maharaj always offered his obeisance to Shree Wahalkarbua and in turn Shree Wahalkarbua showered his love and affection on Shree Digambardas Maharaj. In the first meeting between the two, Shree Wahalkarbua remarked, "Your Sadguru (Shree Baba Maharaj) has already blessed you with graciousness. I cannot give you anything better or more than that. But I can shower a mother’s affection on you". From the time he left job till the public recognized him, Shree Wahalkarbua had undergone lot of harassment from the people. It is observed from the past that whoever seek God or a person who is in a fully realized condition always faces some kind of opposition and harassment from the public. In the past also, the great Saints had undergone similar harassment. It is possible that God might be testing his devotees. Since Shree Wahalkarbua had surrendered himself totally at the feet of God, he came out with flying colours by the grace of God and those who tried to harass him had to accept defeat. He took Mahasamadhi on January 19, 1951 in the vicinity of the temple of Shree Swami Samarth and Lord Dattatreya.

Shree Sant Sitarambua was born in 1899, in a poor family in Village Terase Bambarde, Taluka Kudal, District Sindhudurg, the then Sawantwadi State but now Maharashtra State. He did some elementary schooling up to eleventh standard. Thereafter for about 8 to 9 years he took small jobs in textile mills, cloth shops and in the Police department in Mumbai but he was not destined for this commoner’s life. From his childhood, he had attraction for spiritual life, devotion, Pooja, etc. He would gather colleagues and would perform Namjagar 66. While working in Textile mill, his salary was 100 Rupees per month. Since he was not interested in his own pleasures, he used to distribute all his salary to the poor and needy people. Occasionally a strong urge for God-Realization would arise in him. One such day, he wore a ‘langoti67’ and a ‘Kafani68’ and came to Dabhol in Ratnagiri District with his beard grown and his body smeared with Vibhuti18 he looked very different. There he met an old colleague from Police Department. With his help he came to Kondmala, a village near Chiplun and stayed in the Hanuman Temple. Seeing this man young in age and looking extraordinary in that attire and continuously repeating "Shivam", the villagers were pleasantly surprised and took him to the great Saint Shree Sant Digambarbaba Wahalkar staying in Datta Mandir in nearby Savarde Village.

66 Namjagar - Reciting God’s name loudly and continuously
67 Langoti - A small stripe of cloth used to cover private parts.
68 Kafani – A long shirt

Shree Sant Shembekarbua was also present there. Shree Sitarambua started serving both the Saints and also started serving in the Datta Temple, doing jobs such as cleaning, washing etc. He lived on alms collected in ‘madhukari69’ and stayed in the Datta Temple. Later on, Shree Sant Digambarbaba Wahalkar Maharaj gave him ‘Diksha70’. Then as per his preceptor’s directives he undertook pilgrimage71. He visited the holy places like Pandharpur, Akkalkot, Ganagapur and came to Saikheda on the banks of river Narmada. From there he visited Chitrakoot and then came to Prayag. Then he went to Banaras, Gaya and Vaijnath Jyotirling. He came back to Akkalkot where he was blessed with Divine Darshan of Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj. Later he returned to Savarde via Kedgaon, Patan and Helwak. After coming to Dervan-Savarde he commenced service to Sadguru Shree Digambarbaba Wahalkar Maharaj in Datta Temple. In 1951, Shree Sant Digambarbaba Wahalkar Maharaj attained Mahasamadhi. Shree Sitarambua constructed ‘Samadhi- Mandir’ of his Sadguru and a small Muth to stay.

Shree Sant Sitarambua was well built and six feet high. He was well accustomed to hard work. His service to Sadguru included hard physical labour such as farming, breaking stones for construction work etc. He was a celibate and looked radiant. He was very kind hearted. Nobody had ever seen him loosing temper. After getting initiated from his Sadguru he spent every moment of his life and used every bit of his well-built physique in serving his Sadguru’s cause, in meditation, in devotion and spiritual pursuit. It was a totally dedicated life. He knew some rare herbal medicines and was well versed in Mantra-Sadhana also. He utilised these skills selflessly in ameliorating the woes of the poor. His life was a beacon of dedicated spiritual life. More than 40 years passed like this. In order that Shree Sant Sitarambua should not suffer hardship in his old age in pursuing his spiritual path and also enable young devotees to learn lessons from his totally dedicated life, Shree Vitthalrao Ganesh Joshi alias Shree Digambardas Maharaj established a Seva Mandal in Mumbai in 1958 which later served as stepping stone for the formation of Shree Sant Sitarambua Charities Trust after the Mahasamadhi of Shree Sant Sitarambua Maharaj on January 18, 1969.

69 Madhukari – Also called Bhiksha – Food donated to the person on the self realization path.
70 Diksha - Discipleship
71 Pilgrimage - Visiting sacred places

Revered Shree Sant Sitarambua was a great Saint in the Parampara72 of Shree Akkalkot Swami Samarth Maharaj. The ‘Muth46’ in Dervan is named after him and the Trust also started in his name work for the cause cherished by him namely his selfless service for the down trodden. In Shree Sant Sitarambua’s case the saying "One lamp lights the others" comes true. The dictum of Shree Samarth Ramdas: "Maraave Pari Kirti Roope Ooraave" (One is remembered after one’s death by the good deeds done by him) holds good in respect of Shree Sant Sitarambua Maharaj. Our humble salutations to this great Saint!

72 Parampara - Tradition