Akkalkot Nivasi Sri Swami Samarth Maharaj had initiated a number of devotees and made them disciples. Out of these known-unknown numerous disciples, the primary disciples who got the blessing-symbol from Sri Swamiji returned to their own places and fluttered the banner representing devotional loyalty to Sri Swamiji. They are as follows.
Swamisut
In Itiya village belonging to Ratnagiri District Swamisut was born to the ‘Khot’ family. His name was Hanbhau Tawade Khot. It was a prosperous house. For his education he came to Mumbai. After finishing his education he joined the Mumbai Municipality for employment. Gajanan Khatri was his co-worker at the time. Both joined hands and started doing some speculation in the opium business. They suffered heavy losses. They got into heavy debts. Hence both of them went to Laxman Pandit whom they knew. Laxman Pandit was a family priest of Govindrao’s house. Govindrao was the same person whose cook Kanojia Brahmin, by the kind favour of Sri Swami Samarth, had unexpectedly received Rupees ten thousand as charitable donation from the Sethani (Govindrao’s wife).
Laxman Pandit was also in debt. When he heard the surprising story about Kanojia Brahmin he took a vow to come to Akkalkot for Sri Swamiji’s ‘Darshan’ if his burden of debt gets cleared within eight days. By this time both, Haribhau and Khatri had reached Laxman Pandit’s residence and requested him that, if he stood as a guarantor for their loan debt then he would be able to get equal share in profit, if any, in their business venture. When Haribhau and Khatri heard the story of Kanojia Brahmin from Pandit, they both got very impressed. Soon a miracle took place in their business. Pandit made a profit of rupees two thousand from the business. Haribhau and Khatri also got freed from their debt and further they also made some profit. All the three took a vow that, till they go to Akkalkot and take the ‘Darshan’ of Sri Swamiji; they will not accept any food.
When they reached Akkalkot Sri Swamiji was in the palace. Sri Swamiji had just taken food and was resting. Cholappa took Sri Swamiji’s partly finished food platter and was on his way back, when Haribhau begged for the portion of the food tasted by Sri Swamiji. Haribhau ate the same with love. When all the three went inside the palace where Sri Swamiji was resting and took his ‘Darshan’, Sri Swamiji spoke “You started business and suffered a loss. You took a vow and made profit. Now go away”. Hearing this all the three were surprised and at the same time overwhelmed with joy.
When they all went on the second day for the ‘Darshan’, Sri Swamiji looked at Pandit and said, “you put on a turban on your head”. Then he spoke to Khatri “You go to the market and tie a dhotee on your head”. Finally, he spoke to Haribhau “You sacrifice your family and become my son, Go now and come back with white – white thing”. Haribhau was perplexed and did not understand the meaning of the ‘white-white’ thing. Later on, he came to know that Sri Swamiji had asked him to bring the Padukas (foot Prints) made of white silver. Later on, they offered ‘Naivedya’ to Sri Swamiji and returned to Mumbai.
After coming back to Mumbai Haribhau started getting mentally depressed with regards to his family life and he started to see Sri Swamiji idol everywhere he looked. With strong desire he started yearning for the kind favour of Sri Swamiji in his heart. As Sri Swamiji’s order he prepared the silver Padukas and came to Akkalkot. Sri Swamiji wore those Padukas for fourteen days. Every devotee was strongly desirous of getting those Padukas. Eventually, Sri Swamiji announced, “This is my Atmalinga [1]. I will not give this to anybody”. Sri Swami Samarth called Haribhau and spoke to him “Give up your occupation and become my son. On the bank of the ocean, build up a fort and hoist my flag”. Then Sri Swamiji took the Padukas, touched his entire body with the Padukas, and then bestowed on Haribhau those sacred Padukas.
One night Haribhau woke up from sleep, got up, and started rendering service to Sri Swami Samarth. There were secret talks between the two. Sri Swamiji threw his clothes on Haribhau and said, “Dispose off your entire household in charity”. Haribhau obeyed with great reverence the orders of his Guru. He wore the red-ochre dress and returned to Mumbai holding the Padukas close to and touching his heart. As per the orders of Sri Swamiji he gave away all his material possessions in charity. He had 800-900 grams of gold in his house. He sold it and gave the money in charity to the Brahmins. His wife Tarabai started crying but Haribhau did not pay any attention. He kept a Kafani [2]for himself and a white saree for his wife. Then he got himself deeply absorbed in singing hymns in the praise of Sri Swami Samarth. His wife was crying and wailing but he made her listen to the following song:
“Now Tara, you take up singing hymns in the praise of Sri Swami,
Hold this ‘Ekatari’ (one stringed musical instrument) in your hand,
Start singing in the praise of Sri Swami Samarth by concentrating your attention at the lotus feet of Sri Swami”.
Haribhau built a Temple of Sri Swami Samarth at Kamathipura, Mumbai and he absorbed himself in worshipping and singing hymns in the praise of Sri Swamiji. He started calling himself Swamisut. Thousands of people of all religions started coming to his Muth for his blessings. Swamisut’s fame started spreading everywhere. Later on this Muth was shifted to Kandewadi, Mumbai.
Swamisut came to Akkalkot 2 to 4 times a year. Once when he reached Akkalkot, Sri Swamiji was in the Queen’s palace. They did not allow anybody to take Sri Swamiji’s ‘Darshan’. However, Swamisut was earnestly longing for the ‘Darshan’. So standing at the palace gate he started singing:
“My mother, since it is your house, I have come to the door. I do not want anything! Only show me the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji!”
Seeing Swamisut’s distress the Queen allowed him to take Sri Swamiji’s ‘Darshan’.
Once when Swamisut had come to Akkalkot, Sri Swamiji said, “Now I am going to wind up my incarnation. You carry the flag and look after my seat”. Hearing these words Swamisut became very much displeased. He did not agree with the fact of separating forever from his Sadguru Sri Swamiji, before his very own eyes. Feeling very much offended; he went back to Mumbai and fell sick. To bring him back to Akkalkot Sri Swamiji sent Shiubai and also sent Sripad Bhat. Sri Swamiji even gave order to capture Swamisut and bring him to Akkalkot. However, Swamisut did not budge an inch from his decision. Finally Sri Swamiji got disappointed and said; “Now if he fails to come, I will blow up that cottage. I have kept ready, a battle front of cannons”.
Due to the very thought of the separation from his Sadguru, which had caused him intense grief, Swamisut gave up his existence from this world. Sri Swamiji also was becoming restless doe to the separation from his son Swamisut. Later, Sri Swamiji initiated Swamisut’s younger brother Dada alias Babu and got him seated in the place of Swamisut at Mumbai. Later on, Babu became known as ‘Sachhidanand Swamikumar’.
Deo Mamaledar
Yashwantrao Bhosekar was a mamlatdar. When he was in Parner, he developed a strong desire to get the ‘Darshan’ and blessings of a Sadguru. He was virtuous, fully devoted, and ever desirous for a Sadguru. Sri Swami Samarth manifested Himself in his dream in an Ajanubahu [3] form and ordered Yashwantrao to come to Him for his ‘Darshan’.
During those days, Sri Swamiji resided in Mangalvedha and therefore, Yashwantrao went there. When he met the great lustrous personality of Sri Swamiji, he immediately recognized that it was the same person in his dream that had blessed him with visionary intuition. He prostrated at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji and remained clinged on to his feet. Sri Swamiji placed his hand Yashwantrao’s forehead, blessed him and said “wait, I will open up your past memory”. Yashwantrao enjoyed the perception of being absorbed into the Supreme Spirit. Sri Swamiji patted Yahawantrao with love and said, “Today, you are repeating the name of god constantly. But when the past memories are revived, people themselves will start calling you as God”. Sri Swamiji blessed him and gave a Shaligram [4]. Yashwantrao later paid his obeisance by washing the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji and worshipped him before returning back to his hometown.
Deo Mamaledar never compensated with truth during his service. He tried to experience the presence of God in every human being, right from a peon up to an officer and further even up to the level of a prisoner. He always maintained his family within the small limited income he earned. Sometimes he borrowed money, but he never accepted any bribe. Four children took birth in his family but each child died within a period of three months. He consoled himself and his family saying that God granted these children in his family and took them all away too. He always helped beggars, saints, mendicants, helpless women as well as children who came to his door as if they were his own.
While going to work, if he ever saw any hungry person he would immediately arrange for their food. Similarly, if he met any sick person, he would arrange for their medicines. If he saw any unclaimed body lying on the streets, he would immediately arrange for the funeral of that body by spending money from his own pocket. If he ever found any cart-man beating up his bulls, he would go for their rescue and say, “Do not beat God”. His heart was filled with boundless compassion.
Once he was the taluka Magistrate of Satana near Nasik. During the year 1870-71, there was dreadful famine in Satana. The animals started to die of hunger. People started becoming restless through pain and dehydration. In that situation, Deo Mamaledar sold all the gold ornaments as well as costly items of his house and helped the needy. Finding it unbearable to see the sufferings of the people. He became so restless that he went to his office, took the keys to the Government Treasury, and distributed a handful of money amongst the thousands of needy people. The people gave their solemn blessings and went away, but his senior officer was highly surprised. The Deputy Collector came for inquiry, but it was a miracle that the treasury was not short even by a single penny.
Highly overcome with intense emotions due to this incident, Deo Mamaledar went home and bowed his head in front of the Shaligram given to him by Sri Swamiji. Suddenly a miracle took place and Lord Vishnu himself appeared in front of him in place of the Shaligram. Deo Mamaledar was filled with joy and said “Oh! Lord Vishnu! Oh! The Lord of the Universe! What a miracle this is! How much troubles have you taken for a petty man like me? ”.
After this divine visit, Deo Mamaledar resigned from his service. He crossed and went beyond all worldly boundaries. He moved from Satara to Nasik and began resolving difficulties of the devotees there. He stayed there unfurling the flag of devotion. It is said that Sri Swamiji had sent Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon after duly initiating him to Deo Mamaledar in Nasik for a few days.
Deo Mamaledar was a great saint. He was extremely compassionate, which was rare to find sometimes even in God. He left this world in the year 1887.
Srikrishna Saraswati-Kumbhar Swami
A Brahmin named Appa Bhat Joshi lived in
During the year 1835, Srikrishna took birth in Nandani village. The astrologer prepared the horoscope and said, “This child will become a great saint. People may consider him as a mad person, but he will become an emancipator to this world. He will remain a bachelor and lead people on the right path”.
During his childhood, Srikrishna was very mischievous and often disappointed his mother with his childish pranks. To make him wise a thread ceremony was conducted, but they still did not see any improvement in his nature. One day Srikrishna went alone to a place called Maugasuli to visit and take blessings of the family deity, Khandoba [6]. At Maugasuli he vowed not to intake any food until he gets the actual ‘Darshan’ of Lord Khandoba in indisputable real form. Impressed with the true devotion of this little boy, Lord Khandoba manifested Himself in front of Srikrishna. Lord Khandoba placed His bountiful hands on the head of Srikrishna and said, “You are none other than a part of me. Lord Dattatrey Himself has incarnated as Sri Swami Samarth in Akkalkot, so go and take the ‘Darshan’ of Sri swami Samarth”.
When Srikrishna reached Akkalkot, Sri Swamiji took hold of his little hands and guided him into a deep forest. There, Sri Swamiji initiated Srikrishna and blessed him. Srikrishna went into absolute trance continuously for seven days after initiation. Sri Swamiji then awakened him from this trance and instructed him to go to Kolhapur and settle there. During his stay with Sri Swamiji, he gave Srikrishna a ‘prasad’ of the sweetmeat prepared from ‘Choorma’.
A Brahmin suffering from leprosy was rendering devotional service to Lord Dattatrey at the holy place of Ganagapur. He had a visionary intuition and therefore came to Akkalkot to take blessings from Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji then ordered him saying, “You must accompany Srikrishna to Kolhapur and render service to Srikrishna. Your mental wish will be fulfilled then”. The leper Brahmin thus accompanied Srikrishna to Kolhapur and stayed there to render service to him. Srikrishna later liberated him from the disease of leprosy.
Srikrishna Sarswati Maharaj, just like Sri Swami Samarth Maharaj carried out miraculous plays, which appeared like mischievous childish pranks with demoniac possession. Since Srikrishna Saraswati Maharaj resided in Kumbhar Lane, he was later known as Kumbhar Swami.
A Brahmin had vowed that he would make an offering to Sri Swamiji if he got a son in his family. When the Brahmin got a son, he could not go to Akkalkot in time for offering Pedhas to Sri Swamiji. By that time Sri Swamiji had taken his Samadhi. The Brahmin repented upon hearing this, but Sri Swamiji Himself appeared in his dream and said, “I am present at Kolhapur in the form of Lord Hanuman and staying at Kumbhar Lane in the name of Srikrishna Saraswati. You can complete your vow of offering by visiting him.” The Brahmin was very much pleased and went to Kolhapur. He took the ‘Darshan’ of Srikrishna Swami and offered the Pedhas. The Brahmin was confused as to why Sri Swamiji had mentioned that he would be present at Kolhapur in the form of Lord Hanuman. Understanding his mental dilemma, Srikrishna Saraswati turned his back and showed his tail.
Kumbhar Swami took Samadhi in the year 1900. His Temple shrine is located at Gangavesh, Kolhapur.
Vamanbua Vamorikar (Badodekar)
Vamanbua was born in the village of Vamori, Ahmednagar District in Maharashtra. He was completely absorbed in the contemplation of Brahma. From early childhood he had a great desire to achieve the ultimate goal, the divine truth. He wandered to a number of places to get associated with ascetics and saints. He worked as a teacher and also worked in a press. Hearing the fame of Sri Swami Samarth of Akkalkot he became very restless for the ‘Darshan’ of Sri Swamiji. When Vamabua went to Akkalkot for the ‘Darshan’ of Sri Swamiji, Sri Swami Samarth gave him ‘Darshan’ in the form of Lord Dattatrey. Vamanbua prostrated and clung to the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji. He worshipped Sri Swamiji, offered ‘Naivedya’ and then fed Sri Swamiji with his own hands.
Very much pleased, Sri Swamiji
blessed Vamanbua with Mahamantra [7] and also favoured him with the religious book of Avadhoot Geeta [8]. Sri Swamiji said, “You give me your bundle of things (package) and render devotional service. You will attain the stage of Brahmanishtha”. With these orders from Sri Swamiji, Vamanbua offered everything he possessed at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji and wore a langoti. Along with his mother, he went to Sardar Sriman Ghorpade at
Due to the strength of his accomplishment, Vamanbua soon attained the stage of Brahmanishtha. He stayed at Baroda and hence was later known as Badodekar. Vamanbua wrote a book covering the life miracles of Sri Swamiji called as ‘Guruleelamrit’. This book is considered highly worthy for worship by the devotees of Sri Swami Samarth. After coming to Baroda, Vamanbua’s health started to deteriorate. He started suffering from diseases like cough, urinary problems, piles, and rheumatism in the joints. He took all sorts of medical treatments, but none of them were useful. The pain kept increasing. He then prayed to Sri Swamiji by sending a letter but did not receive any reply in time. The pain in his body increased to such an intolerable extent that Vamanbua while performing Pranayam decided to end his life in the Sursagar water tank.
One night he went to the bank of Sursagar water tank. Mentally reciting the name of Sri Swamiji when he was about to jump in the water, Sri Swamiji manifested himself in front of him and pulled Vamanbua from the water. He slapped him and said, “You fool, in-spite of the long life you wish to die? One has to undergo all the sufferings predetermined by their fate. Instead of preferring Sahaj-samadhi [9] why would you prefer Jalsamadhi [10]?. Is this your only Divine knowledge?”. By saying so, Sri Swamiji took Vamanbua to his home and then disappeared. With his kind favour of Sri Swamiji, Vamanbua’s hopes were kindled and he had a very good deep sleep that night.
Slowly and steadily, all his diseases started getting cured. After this, when he went to Akkalkot, Sri Swamiji roared at him “Bua, are you that same person who wanted to give up his life in the Sursagar water tank?”. Vamanbua felt ashamed and prayed for forgiveness. After this event, Vamanbua renounced everything and became an ascetic. He built a temple of Sri Swamiji at Baroda. He took samadhi during the year 1901.
Nana Rekhi
Nana Rekhi of Ahmednagar was a great astrologer of his time. He was familiar with the language of owls and hence he was known as ‘Pingala Astrologer’. Once when Nana Rekhi was visiting Mumbai, he had the privilege of meeting Saint Swamisut. Since then he had a strong desire to go to Akkalkot. Therefore, later he went to Akkalkot with his wife. Sri Swamiji was sitting in a Dargah at the time. When they prostrated at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji to pay their obeisance, his wife Sakhu remembered her past life and Sri Swamiji gave her ‘Darshan’ in the form of a Balyogi who had manifested Himself from the pillar of Chelikheda in her past life.
Upon meeting them, Sri Swamiji said, “Make my horoscope and also read my palm”. Rekhi prepared the horoscope and immediately presented the same with due respect to Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji then ordered Rekhi to throw that horoscope in the loft. At that moment, there were Bhajans in progress at the temple. Once the Bhajans were over, they brought the horoscope from the loft and opened it. It now contained Haladi-Kumkum[11] as well as Akshata. Sri Swamiji then agreed with the horoscope and ordered to play the large kettledrum. This was a great respect for Nana Rekhi. Sri Swamiji placed his hand on the right hand of Rekhi and displayed the Vishnupad [12] in blue colour on his palm. This mark remained on his palm until the end. Sri Swamiji then said, “I have given you my Atmalinga. You may go now.”
Nana Rekhi attained Vaaksiddhi [13]. He had also received the Charna– Paduka’ worn by Sri Swamiji. After coming back to Ahmednagar, he built a
The Horoscope Of AkkalkotNiwasi Sri Swami Samarth Maharaj
7
JANMAKAL (TIME OF BIRTH): – Bahudhanya Samvatsara – 1071
Chaitra Shuddha Dweetiya, Ashwini Nakshatra, Dwitiya Charan, Preeti Yog,
Time: – Two Ghatikas before Sunrise (48 minutes before Sunrise)
Name :- Nrusimhabhan,
Aadya Nadi, Dev Gana, Mesh Rashi (Aries Zodiac)
Rashi Swami:- Mangal
JanmaNaam :-Chaitanya Swami
Yajurvedi Brahmin, Kashyap Gotra (lineage)
(The original copy of this horoscope is preserved in the – ‘Rekhi Muth’at Ahmednagar)
Note—In the horoscope, the sign of the Zodiac is shown as Mesha (Aries) But Sri Swamiji had often stated his sign of Zodiac, as ‘Meena’ (Pisces). It is highly possible that Sri Swamiji wanted to state the Meena Rashi (Pisces) itself as the Lagna Rashi (Sign of Zodiac).
Sri Swami Samarth Maharaj manifested Himself in Akkalkot at the City gate on Ashwin Shuddha Panchami, Shake 1779 (Year 1856) and stayed there till Chaitra shuddha Trayodashi Shake 1800 (year 1877), for approximately 21 years. During these twenty-one years, his arrangements were first handled by Cholappa and then by Sundarabai. Towards the end the jurors managed it.
Cholappa
On his arrival at Akkalkot, Sri Swamiji remained at the City gate for 3-4 days with his childish behaviour. The commander of cavalry present at the City gate took Sri Swamiji as a crazy person and tried to make fun of him. He gave him a small smoking pipe without tobacco along with fire to start the smoke. To his surprise, when he saw smoke coming out of the empty smoking pipe he understood that the concerned person (Sri Swamiji) has to be a great saint. Hence he immediately told about this to Cholappa who stayed nearby and asked him to prepare food for Sri Swamiji. From then on, Sri Swamiji started staying with Cholappa in his house.
Cholappa firmly believed that Sri Swamiji was a great saint and hence he obediently attended Sri Swamiji and took good care of him. However, Sri Swamiji put Cholappa to real test by troubling his wife, Yesubai and his children, Krishnappa and Appa. Sri Swamiji would pick the grains from their house and feed the cows. He would pick up cooked food and give it away to some beggar. He would relax anywhere in the house. He would childishly extinguish a burning hearth. Because of these acts from Sri Swamiji, Yesubai considered him as a mad-man and also cursed Cholappa for giving him such importance. In spite of all these hindrances, his towards Sri Swamiji grew by each day. One day when Sri Swamiji started from his home, Cholappa also followed him. Sri Swamiji spoke in anger, “I am an ascetic. Do not follow me. Go home and take care of your family”. Nevertheless, Cholappa earnestly replied, “I will give up my home and hearth, but I will not give up your lotus feet”. Impressed with his devotion, Sri Swamiji blessed him and gave him Padukas for worshipping.
Cholappa started worshipping the Padukas given by Sri Swamiji. Many people facing difficulties in life started to visit and get blessings. Cholappa started getting donations and monetary gifts from these devotees. The King of Akkalkot also became a devotee of Sri Swamiji and started providing for food and other necessities on a daily basis. He also provided for a five rupee monetary gift on a monthly basis to Cholappa. Soon Cholappa began to get some relief from his poverty. Sri Swamiji started visiting other devotees at their houses and accepted the food offered by these devotees as ‘naivedya’. Even after this progress, Sri Swamiji troubled Cholappa’s family members in a number of ways. However, Cholappa always maintained his loyalty and devotion towards Sri Swamiji.
With the increase in the fame of Sri Swamiji, they brought a lady named Sundarabai for rendering service to Sri Swamiji. Sundarabai was hard working and took control of everyone around with her sweet talks. She complained against Cholappa to the Queen of Akkalkot and arranged for his removal from the service of Sri Swamiji. Until this time, Cholappa had made thousands of rupees in his service to Sri Swamiji. Nevertheless, even Sri Swamiji was now annoyed due to his greed for money. One day when Sri Swamiji was relaxing in Khasbaug, a big crowd of devotees had gathered for is ‘Darshan’. Sri Swamiji made a small pouch from a piece of cloth and started repeating Alakh [15]. This word is normally used by Gosavis when they beg for alms. The devotees immediately offered their charitable alms in the pouch for Sri Swamiji. When an amount of about one hundred twenty five rupees was collected, Sri Swamiji threw the pouch towards Cholappa and said “Cholappa, take this money. I am now freed from your debts”.
Over time, Sundarbai was able to establish her domination by her service and tactfulness. She was able to remove Cholappa from his service. But Cholappa was still given permissions to visit and take the ‘Darshan’ of Sri Swamiji. Initially, he was a very poor man but he had become rich due to the kind blessings of Sri Swamiji. His twelve years of service at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji had borne good fruits and brought him prosperity. However, he was deprived of rendering service to Sri Swamiji due to his greed. Sri Swamiji visited him during his last moments. In fact, Sri Swamiji was very unhappy by the death of Cholappa. Sri Swamiji said, “We were associated for the past seven lives and today I am freed from that bond”. Cholappa was one of the favourite devotees of Sri Swamiji.
Sundarabai
After Cholappa, Sundarabai took over the management of all affairs related to the service of Sri Swamiji. Cholappa had called in for Sundarabai as a helping hand. Sundarabai was a resident of Sholapur and came to Akkalkot for rendering service to Sri Swamiji. When Cholappa requested permission from Sri Swamiji to let Sundarabai give him a helping hand, Sri Swamiji had already predicted, “Cholappa, do not give this work to her. She will give you pain”, But Cholappa took this remark as a joke and delegated work to Sundarabai. Eventually, she was able to take care of most of Sri Swamiji’s needs such as taking him to the lavatory, giving bath, dressing him, and feeding him food etc.
Thus she exerted her dominance on everybody. With her habit of backbiting, she sent away Cholappa and prevented Balappa from taking the ‘Darshan’ of Sri Swamiji. She started collecting all the offerings and monetary gifts from the devotees. Sri Swamiji had to bear this highhandedness of Sundarabai. She also started extorting money from the devotees who visited for the ‘Darshan’ of Sri Swamiji. She wore very old torn sarees and requested money for purchasing a new saree from the devotees. She also sometimes compelled Sri Swamiji to sleep or wake up.
Sundarabai snatched away all offerings whether it be money, sweet meats or fruits that were offered by the devotees to Sri Swamiji. Once she snatched away twenty-five rupees that a devotee offered to Sri Swamiji. When Sri Swamiji told her to give that money to Cholappa, she started to evade. At last Sri Swamiji slapped her with a shoe thrice on her head and only then she threw the money away. She later brought her family members and let them stay in the temple. She became so arrogant that when a devotee offered pomegranate to Sri Swamiji, she peeled and fed her grandson first and then fed Sri swamiji with the remains fallen on the floor. Fed up with her greed and highhandedness, the devotees started complaining about her. But she had fully influenced the Queen and no one paid any attention to these complaints. At last, the devotees complained to the Collector, who investigated the case and forcibly removed Sundarabai from the service of Sri Swamiji.
Sundarabai was very virtuous and fortunate to get the golden opportunity of serving Sri Swamiji for a number of years. This is a classic example of how greed and temptation can make a person blind and arrogant. Sundarabai, with the strength of her service to Sri Swamiji managed to take over the control and collected a number of material things. However, even after being so close to the incarnation of Lord Dattatrey Himself, she failed to use his blessings for her own spiritual upliftment.
Policemen were called over to remove her from the service of Sri Swamiji. They seized everything from Sundarabai’s room such as money, clothing, grains, sweets etc. Thus ended the authority of Sundarabai and the government finally decided to appoint a Jury of five members for the service of Sri Swamiji. Sundarabai later repented for her deeds, but did not give up her devotion towards Sri Swamiji. She was able to render service to Sri Swamiji again during his last few days.
Balappa Maharaj
Balappa was one of the most favourite devotees of Sri Swami Samarth. He had a long association with Sri Swamiji and was one of his most faithful attendants.
Balappa was a Yajurvedi Brahmin. He came from Haveri village, Dharwad District in Karnatak State and belonged to a rich family with a money-lending business. It was a very flourishing house and fully prosperous with all comforts available. But Balappa was detached from all this prosperity and became restless to meet a Guru. One day, he suddenly abandoned his home and went in search of a Guru. First he went to Murgoad and took blessings from the renowned Chidambarswami, who was the incarnation of Lord Shiva. From there, he went to Ganagapur, Karnatak.
He initiated the performance of religious ceremonies at Ganagapur. Early at dawn, he would bathe at the Sangam and worship until midday. He would then collect cooked food given as alms and eat. He continued such severe worship for two months and rendered service to Nrusimha Saraswati, the incarnation of Lord Dattatrey. He then had a visionary insight in his dream where a Brahmin told him to go to Akkalkot. When he woke up he found a small letter under his pillow stating not to rush.
Because of his deep asceticism and rigorous devout austerity, there was an awakening of likeness in the heart of Balappa regarding all living beings, including man, animals, insects, worms etc. One day he found a poisonous scorpion under his dhotee, but he opted not to kill it. On the same day, Sri Swamiji made a Divine appearance in his dreams. Next day, when he went to collect alms, he received Puranpoli [16] from every house he visited. He regarded this incident as an auspicious sign and immediately started his journey to visit Sri Swamiji. After walking for some distance he felt heaviness in his legs, but he kept chanting the Divine name of Sri Swami Samarth and the heaviness in his legs disappeared such that he could walk comfortably and complete his journey.
Sri Swamiji was in Khasbaug, when Balappa reached Akkalkot. Balappa offered a little sugar candy to Sri Swamiji and took his blessings. Balappa realised that the lustrous Divine figure that had visited him in his dream was none other than Sri Swamiji. He prostrated and embraced the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji too was delighted to see this deserving disciple and embraced a nearby tree, hopping and skipping out of joy. Balappa started to stay in the Muralidhar temple. Sri Swamiji would sometimes stay at the palace during those days. Balappa went to the palace to visit Sri Swamiji for his blessings and very soon became an attendant of Sri Swamiji.
Initially, Sundarabai delegated him the task of cleaning the smoking pipe and apparatus. He completed that task sincerely. Eventually, he was slowly delegated more tasks such as making Sri Swamiji’s bed, heating water, making sandalwood paste and even cooking food at times.
One day, Sri Swamiji distributed some Prasad of dried dates to everybody around, but did not give any to Balappa. Therefore, Cholappa put two dried dates in Balappa’s hand but Sri Swamiji snatched them immediately. Balappa felt very bad, but after a few days Sri Swamiji took out a piece of sugar candy from his own mouth and gave it to Balappa. Balappa ate it immediately to prevent it from being snatched away again. Sri Swamiji burst into laughter.
Balappa was a keen believer of untouchability. Sri Swamiji did not approve this quality in Balappa. Therefore, Sri Swamiji asked him to fetch water from a house that was mourning a death in the family. When there is mental purity, there is no need for external purity.
Balappa observed severe asceticism, but he was not able to concentrate. Once Sri Swamiji forcibly struck him with his fist on his (Balappa’s) back and Balappa’s mental contemplation immediately disappeared. Observing the increasing love of Sri Swamiji towards Balappa other attendants became inflamed with jealousy. Sundarabai quarrelled with him and then showered a number of abuses. This annoyed Balappa to a great extent but Sri Swamiji made him understand. When other attendants started harassing him, Balappa got annoyed and decided to return home. Sri Swamiji therefore ordered Balappa to continuously chant the ‘Mahamool Mantra’ in the temple of Lord Hanuman. Later one day, an attendant complained to Sri Swamiji about Balappa and how he stayed away from him for chanting ‘Japa’. Sri Swamiji replied back smilingly, “Oh! My devotees maybe anywhere far away, but still they are nearby”.
Balappa was troubled even in the temple of Lord Hanuman and hence Sri Swamiji went there in person to calm the situation. When Sri Swamiji decided to undertake the great journey (Mahasamadhi), he called his favourite disciple Balappa and gave him his ring. He placed his bountiful hand on his forehead and blessed him. He then removed the Rudraksha from his own necklace and asked Balappa to wear it. He also gave him his clothes and his very own ‘Paduka’ with orders to build a temple.
Balappa established a big temple in Akkalkot and continued to worship Sri Swami Samarth. After the ’Mahasamadhi’ of Sri Swamiji, Balappa carried on that tradition for about thirty-two years and hoisted Sri Swamiji’s flag with full competence. By discharging an arrow of Divine love, a Sadguru, diverts the attention of a disciple from worldly entanglements and encourages him towards spiritualism. He applies his entire spiritual strength and attempts to make the disciple perfect. Thus a Sadguru converts a disciple into a perfect Sadguru like himself. “A Sadguru converts a disciple like himself without any delay!”
Sri Swami Samarth Maharaj, the incarnation of Lord Dattatrey Himself, was on earth in manifested and non-manifested forms for nearly 800 years. In the manifested form, he remained at Akkalkot and showered his kind grace as and when he wanted. There is no count of the number of disciples he made, but some of the disciples of Sri Swami Samarth that reached the stage of Sadguru and spread the devotional lustre, are shown below-
1) Sri Krishna Saraswati alias Kumbhar Swami of Kolhapur
2) Balappa Maharaj of Akkalkot
3) Beedkar Maharaj of Pune
4) Swami Nrusimha Saraswati of Alandi
5) Vaman Bua Vamorikar or Badodekar
6) Thakurdas Bua of Mumbai
7) Haribhau or Swamisut of Mumbai
8) Gopalbua Kelkar or Preetinand Swamikumar of Chiplun
9) Taat Maharaj of Mumbai
10) Dev Mamledar of Nasik
11) Anandnath Maharaj of Vengurla
12) Anand Bharati or Laxman Koli of Thane, Mumbai
13) Rangoli Maharaj of Kolhapur
14) Jamadar of Maindargi
15) Seetaram Bua of Mangalvedha
16) Dadasaheb alias Sachhidanand Swamikumar of Mumbai
17) Baba Gholap of Nasik
18) Kal Bua of Pune
19) Mayuranand Saraswati of Sopara
20) Nana Rekhi of Ahmadnagar
21) Shankar Maharaj of Pune
22) Jangli Maharaj of Pune
23) Bavadekar Bua of Barshi
24) Sachhidanand Maharaj of Pandharpur
25) Sripati Baba Maharaj of Mahalunge
26) Gopalkrishna Swami of Hupari
27) Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon
28) Saibaba of Shirdi
[1] Atmalinga: Symbol of Self. An embodiment of a supreme entity’s divine presence.
[2] Kafani: A long robe worn by mendicants
[3] Ajanubahu: One with long arms that reach upto the knees
[4] Shaligram: A black stone worshipped as God Vishnu
[5] Nrusinhawadi Dattakshetra: A holy place of Lord Dattatreya
[6] Khandoba: another name of Lord Shiva.
[7] Mahamantra: The great Mantra, a sacred hymn of the deities
[8] Avadhoot Geeta: A sacred poem on the Incarnation of Lord Dattatrey
[9] Sahaj-samadhi: Contemplating the highest state of meditation and attain unity with the Absolute
[10] Jalasamadhi: Self-immolation by drowning oneself in the water
[11] Haladi-Kumkum: Turmeric powder and red powder. Considered auspicious and are used in sacred and religious ceremonies.
[12] Vishnupad: The lotus foot of Lord Vishnu
[13] Vaaksiddhi: A superhuman power that turns everything a person says into truth or reality
[14] Adimata: Goddess Parvati. Divine consort of Lord shiva
[15] Alakh : Name of Brahma, the creator of universe.
[16] Puranpoli: A sweet stuffed pancake generally prepared on important ceremonies and festivals.