Shri Amburao Maharaj
Faith Incarnate & Penance Resplendent
Janma (Birth)
Sept 21, 1857Jigjivani, Bijapur DistrictBhadrapad Sh 9, Shake 1779
Anugrah (Initiation)
April 1892Siddheshwar Temple (2 p.m.)Chaitra Sh 15, Shake 1814
Niryaan (Samadhi)
Dec 22, 1933FridayPoush Sh 6, Shake 1855
Shri Amburao Maharaj, affectionately known as Baba, was the premier disciple of Shri Bhausaheb Maharaj and the senior spiritual brother of Gurudev. He is aptly described as 'Faith Incarnate', 'Penance Resplendent', and a 'Flute singing the spiritual glory of his Master'.
His life serves as a profound illustration of how a Spiritual Master identifies the potential greatness of a disciple at first sight, pursues him, initiates him—sometimes even against his will—and finally raises him to the status of a Master.
From Sorrow to Sanctity
Born into poverty in Jigjeevani, Baba's early life was marked by tragedy—the early loss of his parents, an extreme struggle for daily bread, and the untimely demise of his wife and daughter.
Seeking diversion for his grief-stricken mind, his sister forced him to attend Bhimraya's festival at Nimbargi. Unexpectedly, this diversion became his spiritual conversion. There he met Shri Bhausaheb Maharaj and was initiated almost against his will.
The Flood of Light
Although the initial impediment was strong, once initiated, Baba meditated night and day for three months without altering his fixed gaze on the tip of the nose, as instructed by his Master.
"The result was waves of a flood of light flowing onto him. He was afraid whether this was some ophthalmic problem. He came to know that this was spiritual experience only after meeting his Master, and he was thrilled."
Then there was no looking back. He moved on his spiritual path, conquering various forts by his Master's grace.
Guardian of the Ashram
One of Baba's most significant contributions was the construction of the Ashram and the Samadhi of Nimbargi Maharaj at Inchgiri. He managed the Ashram with dedication until the sad demise of his Master in 1914.
After Shri Bhausaheb Maharaj's passing, Baba stood as a "castle rock," protecting the real path of spiritual knowledge in the Ashram amidst disputes. He conducted spiritual tours far north and south, unfurling the flag of Devotion.
The Reluctant Master
Although authorized by Shri Bhausaheb Maharaj to initiate aspirants, Baba humbly waited for a clear mandate. After receiving this mandate in a dream, he began initiating in 1915. He was of immense moral and spiritual support to Gurudev, considering him his spiritual twin.
His Eternal Message
One should meditate like a blind man, who twists jute into rope not knowing how much jute has become into rope and how much is still remaining.
— Shri Amburao Maharaj