Gajanan Maharaj History: Life, Miracles & Samadhi at Shegaon
Quick Answer: The recorded Gajanan Maharaj history starts on 23 February 1878, when he appeared in Shegaon, Dist. Buldhana, Maharashtra. He took Sanjeevan Samadhi there on 8 September 1910, on Rishi Panchami, roughly 32 years later. Our guide to Shree Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan Shegaon covers the Samadhi Mandir today.
Devotees looking into Gajanan Maharaj's history ask where he came from and when he took Samadhi. This page answers both and covers his recorded leelas. For temple details, see our Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan Shegaon overview.
Who Was Shri Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon?
Shri Gajanan Maharaj was a saint whose birth was never recorded — the Gajanan Maharaj history on record begins with his appearance in Shegaon.
- Origins: No reliable record gives his birthplace, parents or age.
- The name: Devotees connect his name with the chant "Gan Gan Ganat Bote", though accounts differ on how the name began.
Treat any birth date seen online with caution.
First Appearance at Shegaon in 1878
Gajanan Maharaj first appeared in Shegaon on 23 February 1878, outside the house of Devidas Paturkar.
- Who saw him: Bankatlal Agarwal and Damodarpant Kulkarni found him eating leftovers from discarded leaf plates.
- The teaching: Devotees see this as a lesson that food is sacred — never to be wasted.
- Prakat Din: The Hindu calendar sets the yearly observance. Confirm the date with the office before your Bhakt Niwas booking during Prakat Din.
At mahaprasad, take only what you will eat.
Leelas Recorded in the Shri Gajanan Vijay Granth
Das Ganu Maharaj's Shri Gajanan Vijay granth records leelas from Gajanan Maharaj's years in Shegaon — devotional accounts, not verified history.
- The dry well: Devotees recall that he filled a dry well after a villager refused him water.
- The chillum: The granth says he lit a clay chillum without fire.
- Janrao Deshmukh: He restored Janrao Deshmukh, who was believed dead.
- Service today: Follow his example through seva and volunteering at Shegaon.
Read the granth itself for the full narrative.
When Did Gajanan Maharaj Take Samadhi?
Gajanan Maharaj took Sanjeevan Samadhi in Shegaon on 8 September 1910, on Rishi Panchami.
- Samadhi Mandir: His Samadhi is directly below the Shri Ram Mandir, where he worshipped.
- From home: Devotees far away can join the live online darshan.
- Punyatithi: The yearly utsav follows the Hindu calendar — confirm the date with the office.
Plan Samadhi darshan around the 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM break.
Visiting the Samadhi and Staying at Bhakta Niwas
Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan Bhakta Niwas lets devotees stay for both darshan sessions. Darshan is not available from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
| Session | Timing |
|---|---|
| Morning darshan | 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Kakad Aarti | 5:00 AM |
| Madhyan Aarti | around 11:30 AM |
| Evening darshan | 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM |
| Saptashringi Aarti | around 4:00 PM |
| Shej Aarti | around 9:30 PM |
- Full schedule: Check Aarti timings at Shegaon.
- Rooms: Private rooms require at least 3 family members, and every guest needs a government photo ID. See the rooms page.
- Booking: Book through the Bhakta Niwas booking page or message us on WhatsApp at +91 9031167563.
Book through official channels only — no agents, no third-party confirmations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I read the full Gajanan Maharaj history?
Read the Shri Gajanan Vijay granth by Das Ganu Maharaj, the main source for his full history. It has 21 chapters in Marathi, with Hindi, Kannada and Telugu translations.
When was Gajanan Maharaj born?
His birth date and birthplace aren't recorded. The earliest confirmed date is his first appearance in Shegaon on 23 February 1878. Treat any birth date seen online with caution.
When did Gajanan Maharaj take Samadhi?
He took Samadhi on 8 September 1910, on Rishi Panchami, at Shegaon. The yearly Punyatithi utsav follows the Hindu calendar, so confirm that year's date with the Sansthan office.
Where is Gajanan Maharaj's Samadhi?
It is in the Samadhi Mandir at Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, Shegaon, Dist. Buldhana, Maharashtra 444203. Find directions by road and rail on our location page.
Can I stay overnight in Shegaon for darshan?
Yes. Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan Bhakta Niwas has rooms for devotees. Every guest needs a valid government photo ID. Book on WhatsApp at +91 9031167563.
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