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 hardwork, 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 Tal (cymbal) and a Veena (Lute), he started singing the Bhajans (hyms) of Shree 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 Muth (Temple-shrine) 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 raised a Muth (temple-shrine). 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 persence 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 (Temple-shrine) 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, 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(the last conscious communion with God).