Shree Visnudas swami
Shree Visnudas swami
Shri Renuka Devi and Shri Dattatreya of Mahurgad have long drawn countless devotees, but none more deeply than Shri Vishnudas Maharaj. Born in 1844 CE (Shaka 1766) in Satara, Vishnudas belonged to the Dhandarfale family originally from Dhandarfal near Ahmednagar. Deeply spiritual from a young age, he was irresistibly drawn to satsang, pilgrimages, and Haribhakti.
Despite marriage to Radhabai of Rahimatpur, Vishnudas remained detached from worldly life. He later received spiritual initiation from Pandurangbua Dagade at Triputi and began intense devotion to Lord Dattatreya, who became his guiding force.
Over time, Vishnudas frequently experienced divine visions (sakshatkar) of Shri Dattatreya and Shri Renuka Devi, which he immortalized through devotional poetry. His verses reflect the deep, mother-son bond he felt with Renuka Devi—calling her “Mother,” to which she lovingly responded.
Name – Shree Visnudas swami
Born –1844 CE (Shaka 1766) in Satara
Died –8 June 1990 (Jyeshtha Vadi Pratipada)
Guru Mantra – Pandurangbua Dagade
Shri Vishnudas Maharaj was born on 16 February 1901 in Sakharli near Sawantwadi, Maharashtra, to Gurunath Patwardhan and Lakshmibai. Guided by his guru, Shriprajnanand Saraswati (Moghe Swami), he received the name Vishnudas and was instructed to live among people while remaining devoted to Lord Dattatreya.
At the age of 19, he renounced worldly life and undertook pilgrimages across India—from Rameshwar to the Himalayas—performing deep tapasya and visiting key Datta shrines. His spiritual routine centered on the daily study and devotion to the sacred text Shri Gurucharitra.
Shri Vishnudas Maharaj later settled in Bhamberi, Gadagaon, and Telhara (Akola District), where he founded the Vishnudas Maharaj Adhyatma Sadhana Kendra at Shri Dattavadi, Telhara. There, he led spiritual gatherings, promoted ethical living, selfless service, and deep devotion to Lord Dattatreya. Through his discourses, he shared spiritual wisdom while advocating for a balanced life—merging bhakti and social reform. Vishnudas Maharaj emphasized the responsibilities of householders and inspired people to live with compassion and contribute to society.
Maharaj attained samādhi on 8 June 1990 (Jyeshtha Vadi Pratipada). His spiritual center still thrives, celebrating annual anniversaries and continuing his legacy through satsangs, Aarati, and devotional events across Maharashtra, notably in Nagpur and Akola