Sant Dasganu Maharaj: The Poet Behind Shri Gajanan Vijay Granth
Quick Answer: Sant Dasganu Maharaj was the Marathi saint-poet who composed Shri Gajanan Vijay Granth — the 21-chapter verse life of Shri Gajanan Maharaj — around 1939. The book feels different when you read it in the kshetra itself, so plan your darshan and reserve a room through the official room booking page.
If you searched for Sant Dasganu Maharaj Shegaon, you have probably heard the Granth read aloud, or held a copy, and wondered who gave Maharaj's life such beautiful words. This guide tells you who he was and how the book came to be — then walks you through a visit to Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, Shegaon, Dist. Buldhana, Maharashtra, from darshan timings to a room at Bhakta Niwas.
Who was Sant Dasganu Maharaj?
Sant Dasganu Maharaj (1868–1962) was born Ganapat Dattatreya Sahasrabuddhe at Akolner, near Ahmednagar. His road to sainthood was not a straight one — he began as a police constable, left the job for the life of a kirtankar, and later settled at Nanded.
- A voice for kirtan: He was a Marathi kirtankar first, someone who told sacred stories through song.
- A sant-kavi: He wrote verse biographies of saints, which is why devotees call him a saint-poet.
- Shirdi connection: He is just as lovingly remembered for carrying Shirdi Sai Baba's name to many homes through his kirtans.
Ask for the Granth by author and title — Dasganu Maharaj and Shri Gajanan Vijay — so you are handed the right book.
How did Shri Gajanan Vijay Granth come to be written?
Shri Gajanan Maharaj entered Samadhi in 1910. Nearly three decades later, around 1939, the Granth took shape — because a Shegaon devotee, Ramchandra Patil, kept urging Dasganu Maharaj to write it. You can read more of Maharaj's life on the official Shri Gajanan Maharaj website.
- The request: Shegaon devotees met the poet at Pandharpur and asked him to compose it.
- The sources: Ratansa of Shegaon supplied the papers and accounts the poet worked from. Our welcome guide to the Sansthan tells the wider story.
- The leelas: The Granth records many leelas (divine acts) of Maharaj, which devotees still read and recall today.
Read the Granth as a devotional account — and confirm exact dates and tithis with the Sansthan office.
What is inside Shri Gajanan Vijay Granth?
The Granth has 21 chapters and 3,668 ovis (verse stanzas). It follows Maharaj's life from his first appearance at Shegaon right up to his Samadhi.
- The form: This Marathi verse book is called a pothi, and many devotees read it as a parayan — a complete, devoted reading.
- The first sighting: The Granth records that Bankatlal Agarwal first saw Maharaj on 23 February 1878.
- The editions: The Sansthan's literature department lists the Marathi Granth (including a pocket-size edition) along with Telugu and Kannada editions.
Buy the Granth only from the Sansthan's own channels — the Sansthan publishes the authentic edition.
How do you plan a Shegaon visit and stay?
Build your day around the Sansthan's routine at Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan Bhakta Niwas, Shegaon. The temple opens at 5:00 AM and the day closes with Shej Aarti at 9:30 PM — devotees already in the queue are still allowed darshan after it, and the temple then stays closed until 5:00 AM.
- Aarti: Kakad Aarti is at 5:00 AM, Panchopchar Pooja and Aarti at 11:00 AM, the evening aarti at sunset and Shej Aarti at 9:30 PM (see aarti timings at Shegaon). A Dnyaneshwari pravachan is held from 4:00 to 5:00 PM.
- Darshan: Use the darshan timing guide and fit a one-day itinerary around it.
- Rooms: See the rooms page and the Shegaon Bhakt Niwas room price guide, and find the Sansthan on the location page.
- Booking: Send your dates and the number of devotees on the official WhatsApp booking number, +91 9031167563.
Book through official channels only — no agents, no third-party confirmations.
Timings checked against the Sansthan's published daily routine on 12 November 2026. Festival days can differ, so confirm with the Sansthan office before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sant Dasganu Maharaj Shegaon connection?
Dasganu Maharaj did not live in Shegaon. He wrote Shri Gajanan Maharaj's biography after Shegaon devotees approached him at Pandharpur, and devotees now read it every day.
How many chapters does Shri Gajanan Vijay Granth have?
The Granth has 21 chapters and 3,668 ovis. It follows Shri Gajanan Maharaj from his first appearance at Shegaon to his Samadhi.
When was Shri Gajanan Vijay Granth written?
Dasganu Maharaj composed it around 1939, in March or April by most accounts, though some sources say 1939-40. Confirm any specific date with the Sansthan office.
Is Shri Gajanan Vijay Granth available in languages other than Marathi?
The Sansthan's literature department lists Telugu and Kannada editions alongside the Marathi Granth and a pocket-size edition. For Hindi, English or other languages, confirm availability with the Sansthan office before your visit.
How do I book a Bhakta Niwas room at Shegaon?
Message the official WhatsApp number with your dates and the number of devotees. Private rooms need at least 3 family members, couples need prior permission from the Sansthan, and a valid government photo ID is mandatory.