।। Yogiraj Shree Kalyan Swami Maharaj-Pattshishya of Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami।।
A noble soul by the name of Krushnajipant Kulkarni, belonging to Bhagur village, was born into a Deshastha Rugvedi Brahmin family of the Kaushik gotra. In the early years of his life, he entered into matrimony and was blessed with a child. However, fate dealt a cruel blow — both his wife and the child passed away within a short span, leaving him bereaved in the prime of his youth.
Deeply affected by this tragic turn of events, Krushnajipant chose to renounce worldly life. After making arrangements for the disposal of his property and household in the village, he embarked on a pilgrimage. He visited several holy places, ultimately arriving in Kolhapur, drawn by the divine presence of Shree Mahalakshmi (Ambabai). Settling there, he devoted himself to the daily worship of the Goddess and regularly recited the sacred scripture Durgasaptashati.
During his time in Kolhapur, Krushnajipant came into contact with a gentleman named Barawajipant Kulkarni, who was residing in the city. Barawajipant was concerned about the marriage of his sister. Through divine providence, the two men met, and Krushnajipant consented to marry Barawajipant’s sister, Rakhmabai. However, he made it known that he would resume his pilgrimage after some time.
In accordance with these wishes, the marriage of Krushnajipant and Rakhmabai was solemnized. With the divine blessings of Shree Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur, the couple was blessed with a son, who was named Ambaji, believed to have been born around the year 1636. A second son was later born to them, who was named Dattatreya. It is also referenced in some sources that the couple had a daughter, though detailed records of her are sparse.
After spending some years in family life, Krushnajipant once again set forth on his spiritual journey. In the later stages of his life, he took Sannyasa (ascetic vows) in Kashi (Varanasi). Following this, there are no further historical records of him. Eventually, his sons and their mother, Rakhmabai, returned to the home of her brother, Barawajipant.
Certainly. Here is a refined and reverent retelling of your passage in standard English, maintaining all historical details and using a language style appropriate for a saint's biography:
Arrival of Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami in Kolhapur and the Divine Meeting of Mentor and Disciple
It was around the year 1645 when Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami, having completed twelve years of tireless travel and pilgrimage across the sacred land of Bharat (India), returned to his karmabhoomi (land of action). His long spiritual journey culminated in a firm resolve — the mission of Dharmasansthapana, the re-establishment and revitalization of Dharma (righteousness).
Shree Samarth began delivering spiritual discourses at various places, aiming to guide society back to the path of Dharma. His enlightened oratory, austere asceticism, deep scriptural knowledge, and captivating narration drew large crowds to his kirtans (spiritual discourses). Such spiritual gatherings were also taking place in Kolhapur, where a great number of devotees flocked to hear the divine message.
Among those in attendance was Barawajipant Kulkarni, who, upon hearing the profound wisdom and witnessing the divine presence of Shree Samarth, resolved to become his disciple. He humbly requested Shree Samarth to accept him into discipleship. The revered Swami, after thoughtful consideration, agreed to bestow his anugrah (spiritual grace) upon him.
On the appointed day, Shree Samarth arrived at Barawajipant’s residence. The home was filled with an aura of sanctity. Auspicious decorations such as festoons and rangoli adorned the premises, marking the sacred occasion. Barawajipant was overjoyed and deeply honored by the visit. Shree Samarth initiated him into discipleship, conferring his divine blessings.
Impressed by Ambaji’s noble character and beautiful handwriting, Shree Samarth saw in the young boy a fit companion and sevak (devotee) for his divine mission. He asked Ambaji directly about his willingness to dedicate himself to religious service. Thus, began a new chapter in Ambaji’s life.
Thereafter, Ambaji, along with his younger brother Dattatreya and their mother Rakhmabai, accompanied Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami on his spiritual travels. During the course of this journey, Shree Samarth instructed Dattatreya Swami to remain at Shirgaon, entrusting him with spiritual responsibilities there.
Dattatreya Swami was known for his melodious singing voice and was often given the role of leading devotional songs in praise of the Divine. He eventually became the Mahant (head) of the Math (monastery) at Shirgaon, near Satara. Unlike his elder brother, Dattatreya Swami entered the householder's life. A handwritten copy of the Dasbodh by him was discovered in Gwalior, where his great-great-grandson, Aba Maharaj, established a math around 1853, which continues to function to this day.
However, it was only Ambaji who remained in the direct service of Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami. This momentous meeting with the saint transformed Ambaji’s life entirely. He later came to be known as Kalyan Swami — a figure of immense physical strength, divine grace, and fearless devotion. Many tales are told of his courage, dedication, and mighty presence, all stemming from that sacred encounter with his Guru.
1)Ambaji came to be known as Shree Kalyan Swami.
2) Samarth Suffering from Pain
3) "O Kalyan,Shawl flown away!"
Samarth Swami exclaimed, “O Kalyan, the shawl has flown away!”
Without a moment's hesitation, Shree Kalyan Swami leapt from the top of the fort into the air in an attempt to retrieve his Master's shawl. Miraculously, he caught it mid-air. The spot where he landed is now commemorated and revered as the Shree Kalyan Swami Temple.
Out of pure devotion and unwavering faith in his Master's lotus feet, Shree Kalyan Swami risked his life to protect a piece of his Master's clothing from falling into the dirt.
This sacred site can still be visited today at Sajjangad. It is known as the Kalyan Chhati Smarak.
4 )Shree Kalyan Swami practices what the holy books teach.
Meanwhile, the other disciples spent their days studying the scriptures, learning from Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami through questions, answers, and deep discussions. Despite this, Shree Kalyan Swami was their Guru’s favorite—a fact that puzzled and somewhat upset the other disciples. They couldn't understand why someone who barely participated in the studies was held in such high regard.
Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami, being aware of their thoughts, decided to teach them a lesson. One day, during a session with the disciples, he posed a very difficult question. None of them could answer it. Just then, Shree Kalyan Swami happened to pass by. The Guru called him over and asked him the same question—and to everyone’s surprise, Shree Kalyan Swami gave the correct answer.
Amazed, the other disciples asked, “How is this possible? Kalyan Swami hardly ever studies with us. How could he answer such a difficult question?”
Shree Ramdas Swami calmly replied, “He is the only one who truly practices what the holy scriptures teach. Every day, he performs his satseva with full devotion, with the pure attitude (bhaav) that he is doing it for God Himself. Mere intellectual knowledge of the scriptures is not enough.”
Hearing this, the disciples understood their mistake. While they were proud of their knowledge, it was Shree Kalyan Swami’s deep love and devotion for God that made him truly wise. Through that pure devotion, God Himself spoke through him.
5 )When Shree Samarth took a sword....
Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami frequently tested the loyalty of his disciples. One day he took a sword in his hand, and, clad only in a loin cloth, he said that he would kill anyone who bowed before him . No one dared to approach him; and he therefore withdrew into the forest, the report spreading about that he had gone mad(Brahmpisa).
6)Shree Kalyan Swami' devotion.
About a month later, Shree Kalyan Swami returned to Sajjangad after completing some writing work. Without hesitation, he went straight to his Guru. Despite hearing about the threat, Shree Kalyan Swami fearlessly bowed before his Guru.
Moved by his disciple’s unwavering faith and love, Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami immediately threw away the sword and embraced Kalyan Swami, declaring, “He alone is my true follower.”
7)Snake bits to Shree Kalyan Swami .
As he walked through the forest, he accidentally stepped on a black snake, which turned and bit him. Shree Kalyan Swami collapsed and fell unconscious.
When Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami saw that Kalyan Swami had not returned for a long time, he became concerned and went out to search for him. He found Kalyan Swami lying unconscious on the ground. With deep concern, Ramdas Swami prayed to Shree Bhairavnath, a deity, for Kalyan’s well-being. Then, running his hand over Kalyan Swami’s body from head to toe, he gently said, “Kalyan, arise.” Miraculously, Shree Kalyan Swami regained consciousness and stood up, ready to continue his mission. But Ramdas Swami stopped him, saying the leaves were no longer needed.
Shree Kalyan Swami was the most distinguished disciple of Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami and the Mahant of the Domgaon Math. He is mentioned more frequently in records than any other disciple. All accounts agree on his extraordinary devotion, and it is said that Shree Ramdas Swami trusted him more than anyone else.
Shree Kalyan Swami spent 33 years—between 1645 and 1678—in close service to Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami. Though Ramdas Swami had many disciples, Shree Kalyan Swami was his foremost and most beloved.
*Writer of Shree Samarth Ramdas :
Shree Kalyan Swami remained in the service of Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami from 1645 to 1678. During these 33 years, he not only assisted in supervising the other disciples and managing the various maths (spiritual centers), but also took on the vital responsibility of preserving his Guru’s teachings.
Throughout this period, Shree Kalyan Swami meticulously transcribed a vast collection of Samarth Ramdas Swami’s poems, discourses, and scriptures. Among their most significant collaborative efforts was the composition of Dasbodh, completed at Shivthar Ghal. This spiritual masterpiece, considered the most important scripture of the Samarth sect, was narrated by Shree Ramdas Swami and written down by Shree Kalyan Swami. The text takes the form of a dialogue between guru (teacher) and shishya (disciple), offering profound spiritual and practical guidance.
It is said that Shree Kalyan Swami was once able to transcribe the entire Dasbodh in a single night. He also compiled other works such as Manache Shlok and more. In total, over 7,751 verses of the Dasbodh were recorded in his clean, elegant handwriting.
To this day, 250 of his handwritten manuscripts are preserved at the Samarth Vagdevata Mandir in Dhule. Shree Kalyan Swami was extremely careful with his writings—he would fold the papers neatly, wrap them in square pieces of silk, and tie them with silk thread for safekeeping. He always carried with him a shoulder bag containing paper sheets, a fountain pen, and ink pots of various colors.
His manuscripts are not only preserved but also worshipped at the Domgaon Math, which was under his spiritual care. In addition to recording Ramdas Swami’s compositions, Shree Kalyan Swami also compiled and preserved many holy songs and spiritual texts, and he is recognized as the author of several books associated with his Guru's teachings.
In 1678, Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami instructed Shree Kalyan Swami to go to Domgaon to carry out the divine work of Lord Ram. Obeying his Guru’s command, Shree Kalyan Swami established a math (spiritual center) in the village of Domgaon.
His unwavering loyalty to Samarth Ramdas Swami was demonstrated not only through his acts of self-sacrifice but also through his tireless efforts to spread his Guru’s teachings. The Domgaon Math became a major center of spiritual influence and a hub for the Samarth sect. Shree Kalyan Swami gathered around him a group of devoted disciples who were inspired by the same ideals of service, devotion, and discipline.
During his 36 years of residence at Domgaon, disciples and seekers from far and wide came to the math to seek his guidance and spiritual counsel. Under his leadership, more than 250 maths were established across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, helping to spread the teachings and philosophy of Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami throughout the region.
Shree Kalyan Swami’s efforts played a crucial role in carrying forward the spiritual legacy of his Guru and establishing a strong foundation for the Samarth tradition that continues to this day.
*Disciples:
The Disciples and Literary Legacy of Shree Kalyan Swami
Shree Kalyan Swami did not compose a large number of poems himself, but he greatly encouraged his disciples to express their devotion through writing. Among them was a disciple named Samaraj Kalyan, who composed poems in praise of Shree Rama and Shree Kalyan Swami.
Another notable disciple was Shivram, associated with the Apachanda Math near Gulbarga. He is known to have made several handwritten copies of the sacred text Dasbodh. While he also composed some poetry of his own, his lasting contribution lies in being part of a spiritual lineage that included Atmaram, the author of a monumental biographical work on Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami titled 'Das Vishramdham'—a text comprising approximately 16,000 verses. This revered succession is recorded as: Ramdas, Kalyan, Shivram, Ramchandra, and Atmaram.
Another of Shree Kalyan Swami’s disciples, Shama, possessed a remarkable literary talent. Four of his poems have been discovered—two praising his Sadguru (spiritual master), and two dedicated to Shree Kalyan Swami.
Among his other prominent disciples was Annaji Bhalkikar, who served as the Mahant of the Bhatambare Math. He remained unmarried and passed away due to cholera while returning from a pilgrimage to Pandharpur, a sacred town for devotees of Lord Vithoba.
The vast spiritual influence of Shree Kalyan Swami is evident from the fact that forty-three Mahants were personally trained and initiated by him. These disciples went on to lead various maths and continue the spiritual mission of Samarth Ramdas Swami.
- Mudgal Swami-Successor Domgaon Math
- Jagannath Swami-Tadawale Math
- Keshav Swami-Umbraj Math
- Ramjibova Baramatikar
- Haribova Bhoomkar
- Purushottam Swami
- Ramajiboova Pangari Math
*Literature:
- Soliv Sukh
- Mahavakya Panchikaran
- Dhruv Aakhyan
- Rukmini Swayamvar
According to ancient scriptures like Dasvishramdham, Shree Kalyan Swami was regarded as a ‘Yog-bhrashta’ ascetic. This concept is explained in the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 6, Verse 41):
प्राप्य पुण्यकृतां लोकानुषित्वा शाश्वती: समा: ।
शुचीनां श्रीमतां गेहे योगभ्रष्टोऽभिजायते ।। 41।।
Shree Kalyan Swami was not only spiritually advanced but also a disciplined yogi. He was renowned for performing numerous yogic practices daily and was widely respected in the Ramdasi sect and among devotees as ‘Yogiraj’—the king of yogis. His sketch or image is often depicted in the Yogamudra of Garbhasana (a deep yogic posture), symbolizing his mastery in yoga.
He is said to have practiced 1,200 Surya Namaskars (sun salutations) daily, reflecting his unmatched dedication and physical discipline. Every day, he would carry large copper pots filled with water from the Urmodi River to bathe his Guru, Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami. These very copper pots are still preserved and can be seen at Sajjangad.
Shree Kalyan Swami had a strong and well-built physique. His appearance reflected his ascetic lifestyle—he wore kundals (earrings), was smeared with bhasma (sacred ash), and wore mudrika (spiritual rings).
It was also his custom to gather his disciples and narrate the life story of Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami. As the closest disciple, he offered a deeper and more heartfelt interpretation of his Guru’s life than many others. The result of this devotion and insight is seen in the four-volume work that preserves his recollections—bringing a unique spiritual flavor and authenticity that is sometimes missing from other accounts. His narration provides a first-hand, intimate perspective of Samarth Ramdas Swami’s life, legacy, and teachings.
At the same time, Shree Kalyan Swami, the most devoted disciple of Ramdas Swami, left his earthly body through Yogbal (yogic power) at Paranda. After narrating the holy Ramkatha (the story of Lord Ram), he assumed the Garbhasana yogic posture and entered into Samadhi (a deep meditative state), ultimately attaining Mahasamadhi—the conscious departure from the body by a realized yogi.
His final spiritual act took place at Domgaon, near Paranda, on the banks of the Seena River. When Shree Keshav Swami, en route to Kashi, stopped at Domgaon and heard of the saint’s passing, he was deeply moved. In a symbolic and touching gesture, the ashes of both Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami and Shree Kalyan Swami were carried together to Kashi.
There, in the holy waters of the Ganga River, Shree Keshav Swami immersed the ashes of both the Guru and his most faithful disciple—a final, eternal union of their spiritual journey. It was a moment of profound significance and devotion, symbolizing that even in death, the disciple remained inseparable from his Guru.
Shree Kalyan Swami left his mortal body on Adhik Ashadha Shuddha Trayodashi in 1714 A.D., at Paranda in present-day Dharashiv (Osmanabad) district.
His Punyatithi (death anniversary) is observed every year at Domgaon, Osmanabad, on the 13th day of the waxing moon (Trayodashi) during the month of Ashadha, as per the Marathi lunar calendar (Ashadha Shukla Paksha Trayodashi Tithi). This day marks the remembrance of a great saint whose unwavering devotion and yogic discipline made him one of the foremost disciples of Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami.
The Samadhi Temple of Shree Kalyan Swami at Domgaon is over 250 years old and holds immense historical and spiritual significance. Located approximately 14 miles from Kurduwadi, this math (monastic center) houses several precious relics that are deeply revered by devotees of the Samarth sect.
Among the most treasured items is an original handwritten copy of the Dasbodh, which was dictated by Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami and meticulously scribed by Shree Kalyan Swami himself. This copy is said to have been personally corrected by Samarth Ramdas Swami. Additionally, there exists another version of the Dasbodh written by Shree Keshav Swami, a devoted disciple of Kalyan Swami and later the Mahant of Umbraj math.
Within the math, one can also find the idols of Lord Rama, Sita, and Maruti (Hanuman), gifted by Samarth Ramdas Swami to Keshav Swami. Other sacred artifacts preserved here include:
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A piece of the red blanket worn by Shree Keshav Swami
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His betel-nut pouch, worn and aged with use
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A pair of wooden sandals, believed to have belonged to Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami
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A chanting mala (rosary) used in devotion
The tomb (Samadhi) of Shree Kalyan Swami was constructed in 1773, 59 years after he attained Mahasamadhi. It is located in a serene and beautiful setting. Inscribed on the Samadhi are sacred Sanskrit verses that reflect deep spiritual wisdom. Their translations are as follows:
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"O Ramdas, let goodness, happiness, and joy be shared by all. True happiness comes from defeating inner enemies and overcoming suffering."
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"The Guru’s idol is the source of meditation; the Guru’s feet are the object of worship; the Guru’s words are mantras; the Guru’s grace grants liberation."
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"Whatever you eat, offer, give, or do; whatever penance you perform, O Arjuna, do it as an offering to Me. Where Krishna and Arjuna are present, there success and prosperity surely follow."
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"Residence in Kashi (Benares), the water of the sacred Ganges, and devotion to Lord Shankara—these all lead to liberation."
This Samadhi Mandir stands as a timeless symbol of Shree Kalyan Swami’s unwavering devotion to his Guru and his immense contribution to the legacy of the Samarth sect.
Kalyan Sagar Dam
The Kalyan Sagar Dam is situated near the village of Domgaon on the Seena River. It is a location of serene beauty, surrounded by lush nature. The temple of Shree Kalyan Swami, one of the most devoted followers of Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami, is nestled at this scenic spot, with water encircling the temple from three sides. The area is also known for the migratory birds that visit the region, adding to the charm of the place. The backwater of the dam extends up to the village of Sonari.
How to Reach:
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The nearest railway station is Kurduwadi.
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Regular state transport buses operate from Barshi, Osmanabad, and Solapur to Paranda.
Distance:
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9 km from Paranda
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22 km from Kurduwadi
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30 km from Barshi
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80 km from Osmanabad
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95 km from Solapur
khup sundar mahiti. Kalyan swaminchya maruti chitraachi colour copy prakashit karu shakta ka?
उत्तर द्याहटवा