Noted ‘Shivkathakar’ Sadgurudas Maharaj passes away at 84

Nagpur: Renowned ‘Shivkathakar' Vijayrao Deshmukh, who devoted his life to chronicling the valour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, passed away on Tuesday following a heart attack. He was 84.Revered as Dharmabhaskar Sadgurudas Maharaj, Deshmukh was the founder of Chhatrapati Seva Pratishthan. He breathed his last at 7.05pm at a private hospital in Nagpur. His funeral procession will leave his residence at 3pm, and the last rites will be performed at Sahakar Nagar Ghat. He is survived by his son Ajay Deshmukh, three daughters, and a large family of relatives and disciples.
Born on January 28, 1942, into a farmer's family in Gadegaon village of Akola district, Deshmukh completed his MA in Marathi, securing second rank in merit at Nagpur University. Besides Marathi literature, he had a keen interest in history, Sanskrit, and historical research. He had also been associated with the RSS since 1952 and worked closely with former RSS chiefs Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar and Balasaheb Deoras.Sadgurudas Maharaj dedicated over six decades to spreading the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and promoting spiritual awareness. He began his ‘Shiva Karya' at the age of 19 and went on to deliver more than 10,000 lectures on ‘Shiv Charitra' across the country, reaching an estimated six lakh devotees.For 18 consecutive years, he led nearly 5,000 devotees annually on visits to various Shivdurg forts. In January 1982, he organised a three-day Jijamata Janmashtami ceremony attended by around 1.25 lakh devotees. He also spearheaded the commemoration of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's 300th martyrdom anniversary at Vadu Koregaon, drawing 15,000 followers.An accomplished author, he oversaw the publication of 30,000 copies of one of his most celebrated books, "Shakkarte Shivarai", 25,000 copies of "Raja Shambhuchhatrapati", and 25,000 copies of "Maharajanchya Mulukhat". He delivered over 5,000 spiritual discourses and provided guidance to nearly two lakh devotees worldwide.More than 500 Shri Guru Temple meditation centres were established under his guidance, including six temples in Maharashtra and Telangana.Union minister Nitin Gadkari termed his demise deeply saddening. "Through his compelling oratory, Sadgurudas Maharaj propagated the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj across the country. His passing has caused an irreparable loss to the movement for social awakening," he said.Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the demise of Dharmabhaskar Sadgurudas Maharaj as profoundly distressing. "His simple, engaging and captivating style of expression was his hallmark, inspiring and guiding countless young minds. Through his work, he contributed significantly to nurturing a generation rooted in patriotism. He also undertook numerous educational and social initiatives," he said. Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule termed Deshmukh's demise a personal loss. "Through his lectures and spiritual guidance, he inspired lakhs with the values of self-respect, patriotism and selfless service. His demise is an irreparable loss," he posted on X.RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said the passing of Sadgurudasji Maharaj has created a profound void. He worked tirelessly to awaken society. "With his cheerful and forthright nature, supported by intellectual depth and spiritual insight, he guided many towards the right path even in challenging times. I offer my personal and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh tribute to his sacred memory," he said in a written statement.