Shri Sant Sakharam Maharaj Samadhi Temple

The Samadhi of Sakharam Maharaj is situated in the riverbed. This Samadhi has completed 200 years and stands tall and majestic. The flag of the Warkari sect of Khandesh flies proudly on the shoulders of Sakharam Maharaj in Amalner. Due to Sakharam Maharaj, Amalner has become a prominent hub of devotion. Sakharam Maharaj was born in 1757 in Pimpali village, near the Chikhli river, three miles from Amalner, on the full moon day of Margashirsha, to parents Ram Bhat and Sita Bai. At a young age, he lost both his mother and father. He went to live with his stepmother Nanubai, along with his cousin Ranganath. He married Gangabai, and soon after, he received a call from Raghunath Swami Maharaj of Erandol. He was advised to visit SriNivasa Maharaj of Adavad. SriNivasa Maharaj initiated him into spiritual teachings.

On the hill of Ambashi near Amalner, in the presence of Siddha Yogi Mahadev Buwa, Sakharam Maharaj was further trained in spiritual wisdom. Sakharam Maharaj’s lineage blossomed, yet his devotion remained solely directed toward Lord Viththal. Every year, before setting off for Pandharpur on pilgrimage, Sakharam Maharaj would burn his hut with his own hands, a display of courage. This act brings to mind the famous words of Saint Kabir, “He who burns his own house will come with us.” Sakharam Maharaj’s son and wife passed away, leaving him entirely free from worldly attachments.

Sakharam Maharaj’s disciple lineage is vast. He was a disciple of the Moolher Gadi. Sakharam Maharaj’s spiritual influence in Khandesh was profound, and he revitalized the devotional spirit in the region. One of his most prominent disciples was Govind Maharaj of Malegaon, who served as an administrator in the court of the Raje Bahadur of Amalner.

In 1851, after placing the guru’s necklace on the neck of Balakrishna Maharaj, Govind Maharaj merged with Lord’s feet. Balakrishna Maharaj was born in Malakapur to a family of the Rigveda Brahman lineage. Upon the advice of Sitarambuwa of Dharangaon, he entrusted his financial affairs to Balakrishna Maharaj. In 1875, Balakrishna Maharaj passed on his spiritual legacy to Prahlad Maharaj. Prahlad Maharaj constructed a Samadhi for Govind Maharaj near the Samadhi of Sakharam Maharaj.

The discipleship tradition of Sakharam Maharaj is still carried forward. His Samadhi has become a focal point of pilgrimage and devotion. Every year, on the auspicious day of Vaishakh Shuddha Ekadashi, a grand procession is carried out, emphasizing the unity of all communities. The grand festival of Sakharam Maharaj attracts devotees from various backgrounds. It is a time when people of all faiths and communities come together in harmony, showcasing the ideals of unity, social integration, and the message of devotion through service.

The Samadhi temple near the Bori riverbed is dedicated to the sacred lineage of Sant Sakharam Maharaj and his spiritual successors. The Samadhi’s construction, completed in 1818, follows a distinctive architectural style, incorporating features from the Tuljapur tradition. At the entrance are idols of Prahlad and Narad. Nearby, there is also the Samadhi of Balakrishna Maharaj, and it was in 1876 that the construction of this temple began.

Amalner’s importance as a place of pilgrimage has continued for over 250 years, with the festival still attracting large numbers of pilgrims. The festival is a symbol of religious harmony and unity, where all communities take part in the celebration, making it a beacon of social cohesion.

In this way, the legacy of Sant Sakharam Maharaj is not just about his spiritual teachings but also about the unity he fostered among people of all religions and backgrounds. The sacred traditions and festivals continue to serve as a reminder of his enduring influence on the spiritual landscape of Khandesh.

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