Gajanan Maharaj
When you say you believe in God - is it only when convenient, or also when life tests you the hardest?
We had a saint in Maharashtra who showed us what unshakeable shraddha - faith - truly means. His name? Shri Gajanan Maharaj. And here’s his story.
In 1878, a mystic figure appeared in the village of Shegaon - a young man of about 30, clad in minimal clothing but radiating peace.
Two men, Bankatlal and Ichharam, recognised him instantly as an avadhoota - the one merged with the Supreme Self, beyond material ties.
The chant “Gan Gan Ganat Bote” - a primordial sound linked to Lord Ganapati and cosmic joy - became both his signature mantra and the name by which the world knows him.
He lived humbly and served the poor, needy, and devoted tirelessly for over three decades. Yet when challenged or insulted, he responded with calm kindness - turning even skeptics into believers through his wisdom and miraculous acts, whether that was filling wells with water, curing the sick, or lighting his cannabis chillum (which is seen not as a bad addiction but a spiritual enhancer only for advanced yogis who have conquered their senses, unlike most of us).
His stories (leelas) are preserved in the books “Shri Gajanan Maharaj Charitra Kosh” by Dasbarghav, and “Shri Gajanan Vijay” by Shri Das Ganu Maharaj - so you can read them online to know more!
As a trikal-darshi - one who sees past, present, and future - he once told Bal Gangadhar Tilak: “You will be imprisoned, but do not despair.” This inspired Tilak to pen his iconic Gita Rahasya during British captivity.
Maharaj spoke in simple Marathi, teaching a blend of bhakti and karma yoga.
Maharaj transcended barriers of caste and creed. Though a devotee of Hanuman and Shiva, he was particularly fond of Shri Ram, showing his humility as God’s servant - which is why his samadhi today rests beneath a Shri Ram Mandir. Many devotees credit him to be of the Dattatreya sampradaya, and even experience his presence manifesting as Vitthala or Sant Tukaram even today - which speaks to his omnipresent nature.
But for him, bhakti was not escape. He emphasised performing one’s worldly duties with nishkama karma - action without attachment - for the greater good.
In 1910, at will, he entered samadhi. Yet the Trust he founded two years prior continues to serve millions, globally regarded as a model of clean, efficient temple management.
So in your moments of fear or doubt, chant Gan Gan Ganat Bote. And Maharaj’s spirit will surely guide you, just like he instantly appeared in front of anyone who called out to him sincerely.