• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Startups
  • News
    • PC Bypoll 2021
    • Loksabha 2019
    • Assembly Elections
      • Search Name in Voters List
      • Know UR Polling Booth
    • Business
    • Letters to Editor
    • Vishwa Kannada Sammelana
    • Education
      • Did u know this
  • Infra
    • Real Estate
  • Lifestyle
    • History
      • Old Photos
      • Then & Now
    • Travel
    • Picnic spots
    • Ganesh Darshan
    • Food & Drink
    • Movies
    • ULB Polls
  • Specials
    • Stars of Belagavi
    • Trivia
    • Sports
  • City Guide
    • Weather
    • Air
    • Train
    • Bus
    • FAQ
    • IT Companies
    • KLE Centenary
    • iamBelagavi
    • Bapu – Bittoo
  • Food
  • Jobs
  • Covid19
All About Belgaum

All About Belgaum

Belagavi - Belgaum Latest News Online

belagavi
belagavi

Panchamukhi Sadguru Shri Pant Maharaj Balekundrikar

Oct 16, 2019 by Editor Oct 16, 2019 17 Comments

belagavi

Shri Pant Maharaj demonstrated the existence of God within everyone and ways to attain eternal bliss in simple ways without needing intricate Yoga procedures or ‘sanyasa’. He explained the concepts of ‘Sahaj samadhi’, ‘ajapajap’, etc. He also preached the message of love, the strength of truth and devotion to Sadguru, the teacher, the guide and the friend on the divine path. He belonged to the Avdhoot sect.

Balekundri is a small village, located about a half hour drive from Belagavi. The temple of Shri Pant Maharaj stands there. The temple situated in a garden of mango trees, the surroundings are so serene, and peaceful.

pant-maharajThe ‘math’ houses the ‘paduka’ (ornamental shoe ware) of Shri Pant Maharaj. The usual custom is to offer an ‘Abhishek’, by which the paduka are worshipped. Apart from rudrabhishek, other pujas can be offered here like ‘Panchamruta- abhishek’, ‘Ekadashanis’, ‘palkhi seva’ and ‘butti puja’. Our guru Shri Digambarpant (kaka) always made us perform rudrabhishek with ‘naivedya’.

Just behind the Temple, Sadguru was cremated. The site is marked by an ‘Audumbar’ tree and is called ‘Audumbar katta’. In the main temple facing the ‘paduka’ is a hall displaying the photos of those associated with the Sadguru.

Behind the temple complex is the ‘Aaamrai’, a cluster of mango trees surrounding an open area. On the other end of this aamrai is the ‘dhuni’, a holy fire in Avdhoot sect, which has been kept burning since Sadguru expired. In fact, the fire originated from the pyre in which Sadguru was cremated. It has a photograph showing Sadguru wearing the ‘kafani’ (a loose outer garment worn by sadhus). Holy objects for avdhoot sect like ‘kamandalu’ (a water pitcher) and His ‘aasan-vyaghrajin’ (a mattress of tiger skin) are kept there.

There are many more sites to see here, some of the personal things used by Shri Pant Maharaj also displayed. After a little look around, you can have free prasad in the dining hall beside the temple. The prasad is a simple meal prepared in the local style. The kitchen and dining hall are named after Shri Pant Maharaj’s wife, Yamunakka, who was considered to be an ‘Annapurna’, meaning no one would go hungry from her door, there would always be food available for everyone.

The governing body of the math of Balekundri is “SHRI DATTA SANSTHAN”. It is a non-profit, religious organization established by the brothers of Sadguru after his death to look after the day-to-day running of the temple and to conduct all the ceremonies. It was registered as a Trust and all the rules and acts were decided very back in 1933 under the erstwhile Sangli Sansthan.

pant-maharaj-1The two main ceremonies it conducts at Balekundri are on Shravan vadya 8 Shri Pant Janmostav (birthday of Sadguru) and Punyatithi Utsav on Ashwin vadya 3. The sansthan runs a school in the math complex. Sadguru Pant Maharaj himself was a teacher and what better memorial for him would be than a school. For the convenience of visitors, there are rooms available to stay. These are built by donations of the followers and are given free of charge to the visitors who wish to spend more time with the Sadguru.  

On the first day, a procession of the holy Avadhoot flag, the Prem-dhwaj, starts from the ‘Pant wada’ in Samadevi Galli of Belagavi and reaches Balekundri by late afternoon. The flag is hoisted at Balekundri mandir in the evening and the ceremony is declared open.

pant

The second day is the palkhi day. Palkhi is a palanquin symbolically carrying the Sadguru. It is borne by the worshipers who consider it as an ultimate honor. The procession of palkhi is quite long, every one wants to be a part of it. Worshippers sing bhajans in front of the palkhi. It starts from the ancestral house of Shri Pant Maharaj at Balekundri village. After visiting the regular spots, it reaches the main mandir by afternoon.

The last day is of Mahaprasad. All are given prasad, which is prepared by many mandals of different places. As per our tradition, everyone sits together and consumes it. In Avdhoot sect, everyone is equal; there are no differences by castes, wealth or knowledge.

Shri Pant Janmostav or the birthday of Sadguru falls on Shravan vadya 8, the auspiscious birthday of Lord Krishna too. A function is arranged on that day too. A grand function is also arranged at ‘Daddi’, the birthplace of Shri Pant Maharaj.

Other festivals celebrated are : Dattajayanti, Shri Guru pratipada, Shri Pant Mangal Vivahadin, etc.

How to Reach There

Although the nearest railway station to Balekundri is Sulebhavi, the most convenient one is Belagavi. Balekundri can be reached from Belagavi within half an hour by city buses, which have a good frequency, and it lies on the Sambra airport road. There are two bus stops sharing the name of Balekundri, the one to visit is ‘Pant Balekundri’ which is the second stop coming from Belagavi. The buses going to ‘Pant Balekundri’ drop you right in the front of the temple, with other buses going through as if those to Sulebhavi will drop you on the main road entailing a 5-minute walk to the temple.

About Pant Maharaj as a teacher:

Shri Pant Maharaj (Datta) decided not to go in for higher study knowing the financial condition of his family. First, he got a clerk’s job in a government office; but he could not continue it; because the absurd way of working, dubious dealings, bribery, and all false irritating functions did not suit him. Therefore, he applied for a teacher’s job in London Mission School. He did not get the job. Therefore, he took up teacher’s job in Marathi school with a salary of Rs.12 per month. Rev. Smith of London Mission School – when he came to know that his school student is working in Marathi school – it did not please him. He took Datta as a teacher offering him Rs. 20 per month salary.

Thus, in 1880, Dattopant Balekundrikar became a teacher in London Mission School, where he learned for 8 years and passed Matriculation. At that time, a teacher had to teach almost all the subjects to different standards. What he learned from his mentor, Mr. Khot teacher, he faithfully followed and served as an ideal teacher for almost 23 years. He sincerely taught the subjects and helped each student. He helped his co-teachers also. He could take their classes when they had some problems.

He was an extraordinary teacher. Students, as well as his co-teachers, liked him very much. Being simple and noble person he always adjusted even with the office staff of the school. Pant excelled as a teacher in not only teaching subjects but also systemizing the fundamentals of education and attaining academic excellence. Students and colleagues honored him always. Even the school management adored him for his formidable knowledge and compassionate attitude towards students and others. He served from 1880 to 1903. Many students passed and after studies got higher posts; but none of them ever forgot their only one affectionate and humble teacher. He was always busy either in correcting the notebooks or in solving the difficulties of some students.

In 1881-82, his brothers and cousin brother came to Belagavi for education. Therefore, Datta had to shift to a bigger place. He stayed in Mr. Gokak’s compound on rental basis along with his brothers. In the following years, the house of Datta almost slowly transformed into Gurukul. Wherever he stayed, that place became almost Annachhatra and Vidyadan Graha for distressed, helpless, poor, orphans, devotees, relatives and wards. Even in the house, Datta had a regular and rigid schedule and format. He used to get up at 5 a.m. to wake up inmates. He helped them to fill up water, to make water hot, to see that all the inmates and others could take bath. Each one had to perform Sadhya Vandan, Namasmaran, Poojaand physical exercise. Datta in the morning also did correct the homework of the students and inmates and helped his brothers in the daily choir.

In the year 1882, he married Shri Padmama’s daughter Yamunakka, who was just like Mahalaxmi, Mata SakshatAnnapurna Devi. Datta as a strict disciplirian had laid down rigid rules to be followed by each member of Pant Wada. Datta as a teacher insisted on physical fitness doing Suryanamaskar, Yogasan on regular basis. Datta used to take lunch at 10 a.m. before going to school along with all his inmates in one Pangat. There was no discrimination or favouritism. Promptly a few minutes to 11, he could start to school and took many of the inmates along with him. He usually returned from school at 5-30 p.m. Again he used to solve difficulties and correct the homework. An ardent, untiring teacher all the way, he started coaching class of Mathematics to meet the financial need.

In the year 1886, his father left for heavenly abode. Therefore, the full responsibility of household of Balekundri also fell on Datta’s shoulder. He did well with the support of all his brothers and the understanding life partner Sau. Yamunakka.

Datta was very knowledgeable of almost all subjects. He used to read almost many books of different languages. He was very conversant with literature, spiritual texts, epics, and even the righteous scripts. He could guide and discourse on different subjects. In the school, he was very honest and attentive teacher. In the house, also he was an ardent and formidable teacher.

In the year 1891 Gopalrao after passing B.A. examination, he started working in collector’s office. In the year, 1893 Vamanrao passed L.L.B. and started practicing Law in Belagavi only. In the year 1894, Shankarrao and Narasimha Rao passed B.A. and L.L.B. and started practice. After seeing all his brothers well settled he decided to resign and finally in 1903 June he resigned and further fully devoted himself to Avadhoot Sampraday.

Academic teaching work got over Adhyatmic teaching activity continued which was his humble mission, not only just as a teacher or preceptor but as an individual full of pure love and pure mind, dignity, compassion did a lot to the mankind. Society and people adored him in many ways. Many thronged and could come to him to get their difficulties solved, some for guidance, and many for being blessed and for salvation.

He remained unique, always ready to be of some help in whatever way being, to others.

 

belagavi
Follow us on Google News google news belagavi

About Editor

Writes about the cozy town of Belagavi and captures all the important happenings of the city. Since 2007 have been writing on AllaboutBelagum on varied topics and impactful stories.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Navneet Kasbekar says

    Oct 23, 2019 at 11:15 AM

    Shri Pant Maharaj ardently supported the ADWAIT form of Bhakti. For him Bhakti was the ultimate vehicle to liberate the soul… Bhakti Maz deyi maz deyi maganay aneekh nahi…. was all he prayed for.
    With respectful and heartfelt prayers at his divine feet….

    Reply
  2. Claude Lima says

    Oct 17, 2019 at 7:57 AM

    Pant Maharaj met Swami Vivekananda in Belgaum in 1892, you can watch his story in this documentary
    https://youtu.be/pTNjeuXCdM8

    To watch Pant Maharaj’s story begin watching at 22:40 runtime.

    Reply
  3. RAHUL JADHAV says

    Oct 16, 2019 at 4:38 PM

    SHREE GURUDEV TO ALL

    Reply
  4. Shashank Donde says

    Jul 7, 2019 at 12:32 PM

    He is a True Sadguru.

    Reply
  5. prateekhelp says

    Apr 16, 2019 at 12:55 PM

    great artical

    Reply
  6. Bharadwaj samant says

    Mar 9, 2019 at 7:31 PM

    I want to perform an abhishek.kindly send sausthans phone no. so as to plan my visit.

    Reply
  7. Akshay Anvekar says

    Oct 28, 2018 at 8:13 AM

    Great inspiration

    Reply
  8. sachinghogare says

    Mar 27, 2013 at 10:08 PM

    GURUDEV DTA

    Reply
  9. sunil hadpe says

    Sep 8, 2012 at 11:06 PM

    He is my god

    Reply
  10. Sujay Nimbalkar says

    Aug 3, 2012 at 10:50 AM

    Pant Maharaj has also composed poetry for worship and bhajans of Lord Datta – the Famous being “Premlahari- ‘Aarati Avadhooth’, ‘Shevat goad kari’, ‘Siddha avadhoot’ etc are famous ones..

    We All devotees also chant “Guru Dev Dutt” in rememberance of Pant Maharaj (Balekundrikar).

    Reply
    • Mr.Ajit says

      Apr 3, 2017 at 6:04 PM

      I wish to buy Premlahari
      Can u guide me.

      Reply
  11. A.Srinivasan says

    Aug 2, 2012 at 1:42 PM

    I would like to know more

    Reply
  12. atul says

    Aug 21, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    He taught us how one can attain fulfilment in normal married life. Avadhoot marg is way to live in this world be of this world & achieve peace & joy.

    Reply
  13. sumit gondhale says

    Aug 20, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    shri satguru parbrhm vijayte
    shri satguru pantraj samarth always with us and all over universe every partical follwo shri pantraj's order

    Reply
  14. RAMESHWARI says

    Aug 16, 2010 at 11:36 AM

    SATGURU PANT HAS WITH US.EVERI TIME,EVERY MOMENT.

    Reply
  15. Dushyant says

    Jul 11, 2010 at 12:12 PM

    hey all ,satguru pantmaharaj's blessing always with us…. they r always with us in happyness n sorrows also….

    Reply
  16. satish says

    Jul 28, 2009 at 4:46 PM

    Wonderful styff,
    I beleive We hindus need to takes values from Such Sadguru's shed greed and learn to give, Great are the saints born in this era and on this land,

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search

June 2022
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930  
« May    

About Us  |  Contact us  | Advertise  |  Terms