A LIFE dedicated to spreading the tales of valour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj came to a standstill on Wednesday evening, leaving behind rich treasures and a great legacy for the society. Dharmabhaskar Param Pujya Sadgurudas Maharaj alias Shivkathakar Vijayrao Deshmukh passed away due to cardiac arrest at the age of 84. With his death, an era in dedicated ‘Shivkarya’ has come to an end. Vijayrao Deshmukh was being treated at a private hospital where he breathed his last. Founder of Chhatrapati Seva Pratishthan and Gurumandir Pariwar, he leaves behind a son, three daughters and a host of relatives to mourn the loss.

 

The funeral procession will begin from his residence at Guru Mandir, Jaiprakash Nagar on Thursday at 3 pm. Last rites will be performed at Sahkar Nagar ghat. The life of Vijayrao Deshmukh, was a wonderful confluence of‘Shivakarya’ and devotional path. Born in a simple Contd from page 1 farming family and a small village Gadegaon, Vijayrao started ‘Shivakarya’ at the age of just 19. While completing his MA (Marathi) from Nagpur University, he pursued his interests in studying Sanskrit, history and archaeology. In his energetic, lively style, he delivered more than 10,000 ‘Shivacharitra’ lectures all over the country. For 18 consecutive years, Vijayrao organised the ‘Shivadurg Darshan Yatra’. ‘Shakkarte Shivaray’, a two-volume biography of Shivachhatrapati, which he created through continuous research, is known as the most reliable ‘Shivacharitra’. All historical researchers have hailed this book as a certified ‘Shivacharitra’ that brings out the truth.

 

In 1980, on the tercentenary of Shivaji’s death anniversary, the book ‘Shakkarte Shivaji’ was offered at the tomb of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Touched by Shivaji Maharaj’s inspiration, Vijayrao Deshmukh not only did continuous Shiva work through his pen and speech but also gave a different direction to the prevailing historical writing practice with his researcher’s spirit. His continuous research was instrumental in determining the date of birth of Chhatrapati Shivaji. It also helped in ending controversy over Shiv Jayanti. In the 80s, he learned about the date of birth of Jijau Masaheb from a poem and Jijau Saheb’s birth anniversary started getting celebrated with enthusiasm. For many years, the birthplace of Rajmata Jijau Saheb in Sindkhedraja remained neglected. In 1982, through Chhatrapati Seva Pratishthan, a grand birth anniversary celebration was organised under the inspiration of Vijayrao. For this, he travelled a lot and involved thousands of people in the event.

 

The workers of the Pratishthan worked tirelessly with all their might to make Jijamata Janmotsav a folk festival and the most grand, divine, and beautiful celebration of that time was organised in Sindkhedraja. The then Chief Minister Barrister A R Antulay also participated in this celebration. Religious leaders sent blessings and most importantly, the people of Sindkhed were able to witness an indescribable celebration. Keeping the tradition of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj honouring scholars alive and in order to keep the memory of ‘Shivrajyabhishek’ going, Vijayrao proposed the idea of honouring scholars who worked diligently in the fields of history, religion and culture, and from there the ‘Jijamata Vidwat Gaurav Puraskar’ was started. Today, this award is considered prestigious in the cultural field of Maharashtra. Vijayrao was also instrumental in starting a lecture series on Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj following an emotional appeal from Rajmata Sumitraraje Bhosale. Apart from the classic ‘Shakkarte Shivray’, Vijayrao had also penned some famous books namely ‘Suryaputra’, ‘Raja Shambhu Chhatrapati’, ‘Kirtan Kaustubh’, ‘Sinhasanadhishwar’ and many more. People from all walks have mourned the demise of the devoted servant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

 

 

“The news of the death of the renowned Shivkathakar and Dharmabhaskar Param Pujya Sadgurudas Maharaj alias Vijayrao Deshmukh is very sad. He spent his entire life so that the biography of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj should reach the people. Simple language was his specialty. It gave direction to many youths in life. His aim was to create generation having patriotic feeling. Chhatrapati Seva Pratishthan and Gurumandir Parivar were his big families. He also produced many books and some plays. He also had a very deep study of saint literature. He had mastery over Ramayana, Mahabharata, Dasbodh, Dnyaneshwari, Shri Gurucharitra. He also implemented many educational and social activities. I pay my heartfelt tribute to him. We share in the grief of his vast family of fans,” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condoled the death and posted his condolence message on X. “I felt very sad when I came to know about the death of noted Shivkathakar Dharmabhaskar Sadgurudas Maharaj alias Vijayrao Deshmukh. I pay respects to him. Sadgurudas Maharaj promoted Shivcharitra across India. He always considered Shivaji Maharaj as his ideal. He gave a message of love for nation and social integrity. His death is irreparable loss to the social enlightenment movement,” said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in his tweet where he expressed his shock over the demise of Sadgurudas Maharaj 

 

 

 

SARSANGHCHALAK of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Dr Mohan Bhagwat expressed deep shock over the demise of Sadgurudas Maharaj. In his condolence message Dr Bhagwat said, “As a Shivakathakar in Vidarbha-Maharashtra and later as Sadgurudas Maharaj after spiritual practice, his name is foremost among those who worked to enlighten the society to keep justice, ethics, righteousness and patriotism in mind. With his cheerful and straightforward nature, based on his intellectual, logical treatment of everything and its subtle realisation, he initiated many people to follow the right path even in these difficult times. He had a leading position among social enlighteners and therefore he was a good and capable support for those who worked to ensure that goodness remains and increases in the society. “Today, a void has been created by his sudden demise. We miss his authentic and learned presence. I pray to God to give us all the strength and courage to continue his work. I pay my personal and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s tribute to his sacred memory.”