Shri Bhausaheb Maharaj
Founder of the Inchgiri Ashram
Janma (Birth)
Umadi, 1843Chaitra Sh 9 (Ramnavami)Shake 1765
Anugrah (Initiation)
1858Initiated by Shri Nimbargi Maharaj at the early age of 14.
Niryaan (Samadhi)
January 29, 1914Thursday, Magh Sh 3Shake 1835
Early Life & Devotion
Shri Vyankatesh Khanderao Deshpande, alias Shri Bhausaheb, was born in a well-to-do Deshpande family at Umadi, a village in the Jat Taluka of Maharashtra.
Even as a boy, he developed a deep devotion to Lord Hanuman and performed daily worship in a nearby temple. It was through the introduction by Shri Raghunath Priya Maharaj that the greatness of Shri Nimbargi Maharaj was imbibed in him.
He was initiated by Shri Nimbargi Maharaj at the early age of 14. Since then, he began to meditate regularly on the Divine Name imparted to him. His meditation gradually gained in duration and intensity, enabling him to enjoy the vision and bliss of the Atman.
His Master was greatly delighted by this spiritual attainment. At the time of his departure, Nimbargi Maharaj showered his blessings, granting his entire spiritual merit to Bhausaheb Maharaj, and authorized him to initiate aspirants in the year 1875.
"In 1885, profoundly grieved by his Master's departure, Shri Bhausaheb carried on his meditation with re-doubled zest."
Establishment of Inchgiri
While departing, his Master had asked him to spread devotion far and wide. Accordingly, Shri Bhausaheb established his Ashram at Inchgiri, a village near Umadi.
Soon, Inchgiri became a famous center of spiritual activity. He traveled extensively on horseback to Bijapur, Jamkhandi, and Solapur to spread the message of devotion throughout Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The Philosophy of Nama-Yoga
Remembrance (of Divine Name) is Spiritual Reality.
Non-remembrance is worldly illusion.
Ardent burning desire is the source of Illumination.
Dispassion is the source of Devotion.
Mind is the root of heart.
In whatever situation an aspirant may find himself, he should live by these three principles:
Dhir
Resolute
A resolute and enduring attitude in life.
Udar
Magnanimity
Noble and bountiful magnanimity of heart.
Gambhir
Considerate
Grave and considerate outlook in facing life.