Sadguru Shri. Shankar Maharaj      

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The birth and early life of Shankar Maharaj has different stories.But the story of his birth and initiation told by his Guru seems to be convincing.Shankar Maharaj was born in about 1800 at Mangalwedha (near Pandharpur) to 'Upasini' family.

Maharaj was described as ‘Ashtavakra’ or bent in eight places and had a short stature.He was "Ajaanbahu" like Shri.Raam, having long hands reaching below the knees. He had sparkling, large and bright eyes and an innocent face.

Maharaj always moved from devotee to devotee and did not stay in one place. He was fond of smoking honeydew (popularly known as Pilo hatthi) cigrattes. He was also fond of drinking brandy and appeared to be often intoxicated. He used to like the scent (attar) of hina and loved music.

Maharaj used to drink with a specific purpose.With his drunken appearance ,he wanted to keep the unwanted people away.There are instances,when Maharaj gave a brandy glass to a devotee and asked them to drink it. But to the surprise it was obesrved not a liquor but sweet coconut water.

He used to address people by the swear words, but without malice. By the blessings of Maharaj ,the disciples got rid of all problems.The immense kindness and compassion of Maharaj were consistent with his being a Nath Panthi in the Guru tradition.

The aim of a Nath Panthi is to help people,without any selfish motive. Due to the compassion for all living, They take birth again and againin all communities and not necessarily ordained as a Nath Panthi during that birth.

One day near the river Chandrabhaga,near a place called Machnur.he followed a deer,who entered a Shiva temple. When he was about to release the arrow, a Yogi came, and lifted the deer.

The Yogi advised him.not to harass the innocent animals,instead he can hunt the wild ones.But Shankar Maharaj shot two arrows one after another,which failed.The Yogi smiled and fondled Maharaj with love. “

The divine touch,Maharaj received was from the great Yogi, Swami Samartha of Akkalkot.Shankar Maharaj stayed with him for six months and he got prescious guidence from him.The Yogi advised him to go for pilgrimage.Soon,Maharaj,left for the Himalayas where he did a severe penance.

Later on Maharaj spent his time with the siddhayogis. During the Peshwa rule,Maharaj had received Dakshina from Peshwas hands in Shanniwarwada in Pune.During the British rule,a British Collector adopted him as his Spiritual guide,who took Maharaj to England and stayed for ten years teaching the yoga path to this British officer.