Avatar of
Param Sadguru Gajanan maharaj

Since His childhood, through various instances, signs and visions, Shree was shown that He was born for a special purpose and that His being was the personification of the Holy Fire or Vaishwanar.

Vaishwanar’ is a word from the Vedic literature. Its meaning is Yajnya Fire. Vaishwanar means ‘Jaatveda’, that is, the ‘Fire’ for which the Vedas appeared. Fire is the deity of knowledge, purity and prosperity. Like a father who cares for his son in the same manner fire protects his worshippers day and night.

Shree Upasani Baba had said to Shree “You are the King of Kings. One day all the kings will bow down to you.” As Shree himself had said, there were only two persons who, with their inner knowledge and conviction, had fully perceived his true identify. One was Sadguru Shri Upasani Baba and the other was Kanchi-Kamakshi’s centenarian Saint Shankaracharya Shri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati.

On 25th December, 1941, Shree attained Enlightenment and got the revelation that “One who come as Rama, who come as Krishna, who came as Buddha, the Same One has descended in the form of Son of Man and is demonstrating this truth to the entire world by substantiating it.”
During the course of his arduous penances and austerities, the Divine Fire appeared before him.
The perception then was clear in His mind that “I and the Fire are One”. Many ancient scriptures and texts Narsimhapuran, Kalkipuran, Bhagwad Geeta, etc, illustrate the coming of an Avatar, who will rejuvenate the ancient most knowledge of Vedas.

It is stated that an Avatar will be born in a royal and noble family, live in a province in central India, who will be a disciple of Lord Parshuram, who would perform a Bahu Kanchan Yaga, will ride on a white horse, wield a sword, initially have a small group of followers which will eventually grow into a large army, will wage war against evil and vanquish darkness and conquer the world.

Shree’s Life is like a literal translation of this illustration. He was born in a royal family belonging to central India. He was born in royalty but choose the life of an ascetic. Lord Parshuram initiated Shree into the highest esoteric spiritual practise. He performed a Yadnya or Homa which required Bahu (plenty) of Kanchan (resource or money). His message is like a horse riding on wind has spread all over the world. His sword is the power of knowledge that is vanquishing the evil of ignorance and negativity. His initial small group of followers in no time has grown into thousands spread all over the world.

Kalka is Sanskrit word, which means to pollute/dilute or darkness. Kalki is the One who will remove the darkness of ignorance with His wisdom and dispel the pollution of hearts and minds with Love, Kindness and Grace His message is giving world a new hope and wining hearts and minds all over the planet.

Son of man
Param Sadguru Gajanan maharaj

Shree’s stature was of medium height, about 5’– 5” and he was of medium built. His complexion was fair like gold. His eyes were black but bright. A divine smile could always be seen sparkling on his face. His penetrating eyes looked through one’s heart and would know inside out everything about him. However, when calm his face would look solemn. He was very loving yet awe inspiring too. When he used to be engrossed in spiritual practices his fingers could be seen forming into certain Yogic Mudras. However engrossed he may be his right hand would always be raided to bless the devotee indicating assurance of blessing and Propitiousness.

Shree’s day began every day at 3.30 am.

Situations like Physical strain, exertion, fasting, wakefulness, traveling never caused any change or slackness in Shree’s daily routine. His daily programs like early morning rising, observing spiritual practices would keep on going right as per schedule. Even if he had very little sleep due to wakefulness at night he never ever took the concession like getting up late or taking more rest.

Even if He was physically unwell or there was fever in His body He would not agree to take rest. Whether it is winter, rainy season or any other time in a composed manner his routine would keep on going like the sun rises every day in the East without ever taking a break.

Most of the time during the day He would be engrossed in performance of various forms of austere Tapa like Silence (Mauna), Fasting, Chanting of Guru Mantras etc. Right from the time of accepting the responsibility as Head of the Math Shree had adopted the discipline of ‘Bhaikshacharyavrat’ (subsisting on offering or alms from the devotees/disciples) His personal needs were extremely limited. He wore an unstitched white dhoti around his waist and carried another piece of white cloth on his shoulders. He spent most of the time in his meditation room sitting on a small square wooden stool, where he received disciples and visitors from all over the world.

Shree had no material possessions. He never even touched money or gold. He was extremely punctual and his daily chores were attuned perfectly with the watch. Shree was a Siddha Yogi of great stature. He had a peaceful, royal and pleasant bearing. Shree was fully conversant with Vedas, Smritis, mythological books, and scriptures of various religions, Holy Bible, Holy Koran and Holy Bhawad Geeta etc. During conversations he used to often expound the philosophy and principles outlined therein by quoting the examples for the benefit of the devotee. He harbored a feeling of love and always spoke with great regards for the principles of other religions, their preceptors and prophets and taught His followers to behave in the same manner at all times.

While unfolding in a novel way the hidden meaning of references in religious scriptures Shree, at the same time, used to place his own viewpoint making its purport palatable. His skill in simplifying a subject while explaining it was so unique that the listener would immediately grasp it. The deftness with which he used to narrate, revealing in an altogether new way, the secret meaning of historical and mythological events that often it inspired many of his disciples to write books on the information so received.

During course of his incarnation Shree never showed any importance or place to miracles. In a letter written in his own hand he states ‘if anyone saw superhuman qualities in me and if he looked up to me as a Guru then I stay away from him. I am not the doer of those miraculous incidents but only a seer.’ Shree very clearly refused to take any credit for doing any of those divine incidents which astonish common people and become a reason for them to get attracted towards the holy great personages. He says, “The Almighty has caused to happen these peculiar incidents thus using my body as an instrument. Maybe the Almighty has some objective to achieve through this. If some problems can be solved through worldly means then it is not right seek divine intervention. Incarnations of the Almighty take birth to keep intact the rules of Nature, not for breaking then. If a person at long distance can be spoken to on telephone then why wait for voice from the heavens? If a sick person can be freed from suffering by the medicines of a Doctor then why should we cure him by giving our blessing? Let the work be done by the one whose job it is to do it. Let the divine powers be at your back, do not take them in hands.

Shree’s life character personality was outstanding, matchless and certainly out of the world. He was a divine incarnation, a great soul, Yogi and an accomplished ascetic. This realization unfailingly would always come to the mind at every moment you spent in his association.

Universal Mission of
Param Sadguru Gajanan maharaj

Shree’s life reflected personification of auspiciousness, purity and virtuousness. Intent on Satya Dharma he was resolutely truthful, firm in spiritual austerity, munificent conduct, possessing spiritual wisdom and knowledge. Always engrossed in self – discipline and engaged in penances, non – attached, cherished pure wisdom and he was one who had obtained superhuman faculties. All the time engrossed in his life’s work he was never idle even for a moment. His virtuous qualities were of great depth. Whichever facet of his personality you looked at, the experience was always pleasant charming.

Establishment of Satya Dharma was the one and only purpose of Shree’s life. He spent each and every moment of his life for this objective. While engaged in clarifying the principles of spirituality, he used to be so vigorously involved that he would forget about everything else like hunger, thirst rest or sleep. On occasions, postponing his regular practices, he would keep talking on religion for hours with some selected followers.

In the year 1969, Shree performed a Maha Somayaga. This was the first such Yadnya done in exact accordance with the philosophy of the Vedas. Shree said that the Vedas expound the performance of non-violent Yajnya, where no animal sacrifice is done. Only offerings of Ghee and grains were offered in the Maha Somayaga. Shree had organized a Vid Vatta Sabha (seminar) to illustrate His point and to instruct the prevalent Vedic scholars about His views. Many eminent scholars and Vedic experts attended the Maha Somayaga to observe and learn the true concepts of Vedas. Shree said that this was the first such Yajnya performed after 2500 years. It was a first step towards rejuvenation of the Vedic Yajnya culture. Shree conducted many Yadnya’s at various places in India.

Shree urged His disciples to develop a scientific temper. He discarded many traditions and misconceptions done in the name of religion and God. He disparaged superstitions and superstitious behavior. He asked many noted scientists to conduct research on Agnihotra and learn about its benefits using scientific methods. He would often say “Do not believe in what I say just on its face value. Use your critical thinking and keeping an open mind analyze what I have said. Only having completely analysed and understood it, accept it.”

Shree attacked the unjust and unfair treatment meted out to women. He stressed that women should be treated with utmost respect and should have equal rights in society. He abhorred the caste system prevalent in Indian society. He never asked anyone who he/she was or what ones background was. His home was open to people from all walks of life. He never allowed discrimination based on caste, creed, religion, gender, nationality, race, etc. He would say “We all are children of the same God.” He trained and mentored many disciples to be teachers of PSM and Agnihotra. He would urge them to travel and spread the message far and wide. He initiated the propagation of the PSM which reached all of the major continents during His life.

All day He would meet people who came to see Him. He also met many dignitaries like scholars, scientists, heads of state, spiritual masters, etc and spoke to them about PSM and Agnihotra. Shree set up many Agni Mandir or Fire Temples as a place for Agnihotra families to congregate and perform group Sadhana. He said these places were like an oasis where people looking for shelter from the harshness of the world could seek solace and refuge. He asked His followers to set up publications to create literature for the spread of the PSM. He laid down the plans for Agnihotra Vasahat (settlements). He said it could be a model human settlement created on the philosophy of an Agnihotra Lifestyle. He always asked His disciples to keep in mind that we are all a one big global Agnihotra family and that we should behave with each with respect and love.

Shree took Samadhi on 6 th Dec 1987 in Shivpuri. He said “Shivpuri is My final resting place. I have achieved mission that the Almighty had wanted from Me. Now I am discarding this body. From here on my disciples should look for me in the Agnihotra Fire. I am ever present in it. Do not worry, My Grace will always be with you.” He had chosen His Son Dr. Shreekantji Maharaj as His spiritual Heir, to carry forward the mission of Shivpuri. Shree Shreekantji Maharaj worked tirelessly day and night to fulfill the work of Shivpuri. He travelled the world, delivered lectures, conducted research, wrote many books, wrote many artices in leading publications, trained and encouraged many new teachers, set up new Fire Temples, built schools and Ayurveda clinics, conducted many Maha Somayagas and created thousands of dedicated Agnihotra followers. He wrote a book titled ‘Vaiswanar Avatar’, on the Life and Mission of Shree. It is considered the most complete and accurate autobiographical work on Shree. The message of Shree today has spread to more than 80 countries worldwide and has transformed the lives of thousands of people.