Shri Gangadhar Maharaj
Shri Gangadhar Maharaj
Shri Gangadhar was born in 1868 and lost his father when only a
child. He used to worship the Shiva Linga all the time. He started
working as a peon under an English officer. He picked up speaking
English well and his hand writing was very good. The officer
appointed him as a clerk in his office, as he was very impressed by
the behavior and hard work of the boy. Later, he joined Ralli
Brothers.
In 1901, Balappa Maharaj visited Nagpur. He was very impressed by
Gangadhar's spiritual yearning and devotion and felt that he was a
fit person to succeed him. In 1910, just before taking Mahasamadhi,
he asked Gangadhar to come to Akkalkot immediatly. After his
arrival, Balappa Maharaj invested him with the insignia of the Muth
and declared him successor.
After Balappa Maharaj's Samadhi Gangadhar Maharaj used to take only
milk and fuits. He was Ajanabahu like Sri Swami Samarth. He was a
renunciate and used to distribute alms and clothes liberally to the
poor. He composed many Abhangas and used to recite them daily.
In 1937, his health started deterirating and he attained samadhi.
Before his samadhi, he entrusted the responsibility of the Muth to
Gajanan Maharaj.
After Balappa Maharaj, Gangadhar Maharaj kept up the high traditions
of the Muth.