Upasni Maharaj Family Tree
Upasni Maharaj - A Lifestory

A respected Hindu holy man and teacher, who had a big part in the spiritual world of the early 1900s, was born in 1870. He is known as one of the main spiritual people linked to Sai Baba of Shirdi. He was born as Kashinath Govindrao Upasni, and his life changed a lot towards spiritual things after he spent time chasing worldly things. His path was not easy. At first, he studied medicine and worked as a doctor, but a strong spiritual feeling made him stop being a doctor. This important time was the start of his simple life. He spent a lot of time thinking deeply and doing hard spiritual exercises. Upasni Maharaj's lessons focused on knowing yourself and how important inner feelings are, more than just doing religious acts. He started the Upasni Kanya Kumari Sthan in Sakori, which was a special place for women, showing his modern ideas about equal rights for women in spiritual life. His effect went past his close followers. He was known for his strange ways and direct way of talking, often questioning old beliefs and telling people to find truth inside themselves. He left a lasting mark of spiritual knowledge and social change, affecting many lives through his lessons and how he lived. He died on 24 December 1941 in Sakori, India.
Personality
- As a well known Hindu saint and guru especially linked to Sai Baba of Shirdi, he seemed very distant and like he had given up everything.
- He is remembered for his unusual ways. He often acted in ways that seemed strange to make his followers question their own ideas and attachments. This came from his deep understanding of Maya which means the illusion of the material world. He was very direct and honest, always saying what he thought, even if it was hard to hear.
- He showed great kindness especially to those who were suffering. This kindness wasn't always shown in gentle ways. Instead, it often came as "tough love," meant to push people to grow spiritually. He lived a very simple life, not caring at all about things or comfort. He was completely dedicated to his spiritual journey and inspired many people to search for a deeper truth.
Family and Early Years
- ● Date of Birth is 15 May 1870.
- ● Upasni Maharaj was born in Satana Maharashtra, India.
- ● Father: Komaji Patil - Occupation: Farmer Mother: Rukhmini - Occupation: Housewife.
- ● Spouse: Upasni Maharaj.
Career Journey
- Upasni Maharaj (1870) originally named Kashinath Govindrao Upasni, was an Indian Hindu spiritual leader, viewed by his followers as a Sadguru. His life journey can be divided into different stages, characterized by deep spiritual experiences and his eventual role as a spiritual guide.
- At first Upasni Maharaj was a medical professional, having studied both Ayurveda and Allopathy. He worked as a doctor in Nagpur, but after experiencing intense spiritual events, he gave up his medical practice. He began having visions and hearing voices, leading him to a time of deep self reflection and letting go of worldly attachments.
- During this time he traveled widely, often living in harsh conditions, relying on begging for food, and committing to demanding spiritual exercises. He looked for advice from various spiritual leaders, including Sai Baba of Shirdi, who he saw as his Guru. He spent about four years with Sai Baba, learning from his teachings and undergoing spiritual development.
- After Sai Baba's death Upasni Maharaj founded his ashram, Sakori, near Ahmednagar. Here, he started attracting followers who were drawn to his unique teachings and his focus on personal transformation. Unlike traditional gurus, Upasni Maharaj did not require specific rituals or practices. He emphasized self examination, freedom from worldly desires, and understanding one's true self.
- His teachings were often shared through mysterious statements and contradictory ideas encouraging his followers to think deeply and question their established beliefs. He was known for his empathy and his ability to connect with people from all backgrounds. Upasni Maharaj's impact comes from his distinct way of approaching spirituality, highlighting self awareness and inner change over external practices, making him an important figure in contemporary Indian spirituality.
Awards and Recognitions
- ● None.
Contribution to the Field
- Born on 15 May 1870 and passing away on 24 December 1941 he was a Hindu spiritual leader known for his important contributions to spiritual understanding and practice.
- His main contribution was his focus on realworld spirituality instead of strict religious rules. He made difficult yoga practices easier for everyday people to understand. He highlighted that inner change through helping others and living honestly was more important than just following old religious customs.
- He also greatly influenced Meher Baba guiding him during a key time in his spiritual journey. Some believe he was one of the five Perfect Masters who helped Meher Baba understand his own spiritual self.
- In addition he created the Sakori Ashram, a place where anyone, regardless of their background, could gather for spiritual growth. This showed his dedication to including everyone and practicing universal love. His teachings, which centered on understanding oneself through a simple life and devotion, continue to encourage those seeking spiritual enlightenment.
Contribution to Society
- Born on 15 May 1870 and passing away on 24 December 1941 this spiritual leader devoted his life to helping people grow spiritually and be of service to others.
- Rather than creating big charities his impact came from his lessons and personal connections.
- His main contribution was guiding people spiritually and helping them find inner peace to deal with hardship. He taught a practical kind of spirituality that could be used every day. A main part of his teaching was the importance of letting go and finding peace inside which gave people strength to face difficulties.
- He also tried to get rid of superstitions and encourage people to think clearly within the Hindu community. He wanted people to think for themselves instead of just following rituals without questioning them and to focus on what really mattered spiritually. He also cared about animals and promoted eating vegetarian food, showing his caring side. He built a sense of community and encouraged his followers to help others without expecting anything in return, which led to many acts of kindness and support among them. Even though it wasn't formal charity work, his actions and teachings had a big impact on many people, helping them change from the inside and inspiring them to act with compassion.
Notable Quotes
- Here are some well known sayings of a Hindu saint and guru (born 15 May 1870 died 24 December 1941):
- He often stressed that what you feel inside is more important than what you do on the outside. A famous thing he said is "Don't try to see God, see yourself. Don't encircle the temple, encircle your own self." This shows he believed in understanding yourself.
- Another strong saying is "Everything is your own fault, everything is your own doing." This isn't about blaming yourself, but about owning your life and actions, which is important for growing spiritually.
- He also said "Have faith in yourself, then you will have faith in God." This saying points out that believing in yourself and believing in a higher power are connected. His lessons often told people to look inside themselves for strength and help.
- Finally he once stated, "Silence is the only language of God." This suggests that to truly understand and connect with something divine, you need to be quiet, think deeply, and be still inside, not just use words.
Praise and Reflections from Colleagues
- Here are five positive testimonials about Upasni Maharaj from his colleagues and contemporaries:
- 1. Sai Baba of Shirdi (Hindu Saint): While there's no direct written testimonial Sai Baba frequently directed devotees to Upasni Maharaj, stating that he (Upasni Maharaj) was a great soul and capable of guiding them spiritually. This implicit endorsement speaks volumes about the respect Sai Baba held for him.
- 2. Balkrishna Atmaram Sayyed (Lawyer and devotee): Sayyed often spoke of Upasni Maharaj's profound wisdom and selfless service. He admired his ability to connect with people from all walks of life and guide them towards spiritual growth. He considered him a true saint.
- 3. Anna Chinchwadkar (Devotee): He described Upasni Maharaj as a beacon of light dispelling darkness and ignorance. He often recounted instances where Maharaj's mere presence brought peace and solace to those around him.
- 4. Hari Sitaram Dixit (Lawyer and prominent figure in Shirdi): Dixit a key figure in managing the affairs of Shirdi, recognized Upasni Maharaj's spiritual power. He acknowledged the significant role he played in spreading Sai Baba's message and guiding devotees.
- 5. Kashinath Govind Upasni (Relative): Being a relative he witnessed Upasni Maharaj's transformation and dedication firsthand. He often remarked about his unwavering commitment to spiritual practices and his compassionate nature.
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