While functioning from the Nath Panth’s spiritual seat at Chitrakoot, Vitthalnath Maharaj appointed Vishwanath Maharaj as his successor before attaining samadhi and instructed him to carry forward the work of the Nath Panth. At the same time, in the 18th century, he also declared that the future responsibility of this spiritual mission would be entrusted to Madhavnath Maharaj.
Before becoming the head of the lineage, Vishwanath was a married householder. His wife’s name was Thakubai. Even before he took the gaddi, he had deep knowledge of Nath philosophy and lived a disciplined spiritual life.
After being placed on the gaddi, Vishwanath fulfilled his duties wholeheartedly. But his visible leadership lasted only five years. Knowing that his time had come, he entered samadhi in Shaka 1786 (1864 CE).
After his passing, the gaddi remained empty for almost one year, even though the spiritual work of the Nath tradition continued invisibly. According to the Nath discipline, a successor had already been chosen, and events would unfold exactly as planned.