Vyankatnath Maharaj

Vyanktanath Maharaj was born to Purushottamkaka, the brother of Madhavnath Maharaj, and Krishnabai on Magha Shuddha Panchami (Vasant Panchami) in Shaka 1895. Krishnabai was deeply imbued with the spiritual impressions of the Dnyaneshwari. Madhavnath Maharaj himself named the child “Vyankatesh”, for he perceived in him the signs of a great future spiritual authority.

From early childhood, Vyanktanath displayed extraordinary traits. While playing, if someone struck him on the head, he would say, “Do not strike here—this is the cosmic form!” He would heal sick people by giving them small balls of sacred earth. When teachers questioned him at school, he said that he saw “Narayan” even within his books. Sitting in deep meditation by the riverbank for hours was part of his daily routine.

Vyanktanath strengthened his body through rigorous physical exercise and yogic postures. The greatest test of his life was the episode known as the “three mice ordeal.” In Devgaon, certain travelers arrived disguised as elderly Brahmins—who were in reality accomplished siddha beings—and put Vyanktanath to a severe test. They demanded that a red-hot seal be placed on his nabhi-kamal (navel chakra).

Driven by unwavering resolve, Vyanktanath accepted the condition and prepared to offer his body in sacrifice. Through this intense ordeal, all his latent desires were burned away; he became desire less, and his six chakras awakened.

Vyanktanath’s formal education continued up to the seventh standard. When he was sent to Pune for further studies, on one occasion Madhavnath Maharaj rebuked him sternly. Accepting this as a divine command from his Guru, Vyanktanath left home at the tender age of twelve and journeyed alone to the Himalayas. There, he spent twelve years living among saints and ascetics, acquiring diverse forms of spiritual knowledge. Later, he returned to Pune and resumed life according to his Guru’s instructions.

In accordance with the wish of Sadguru Madhavnath, Vyanktanath was married at the age of twenty-two to Rama (Vatsalabai). While living a householder’s life, he demonstrated by example how to pursue spiritual realization (paramartha) within worldly existence.

For many years, he subsisted solely on pala (leaves) and rendered unceasing service at his Guru’s feet. Before relinquishing his body, Madhavnath Maharaj summoned Vyanktanath and said:

“My child, I have given everything I possess to you. Now you must carry forward my work.”

From that moment onward, Vyankatesh came to be known as Vyanktanath.

The life of Vyanktanath Maharaj stands as a living embodiment of Vedanta. His principal teachings were:

Use every moment of life for righteous action; do not waste time.

First keep the body healthy—only then can inner strength be attained.

Maintain unwavering faith in the Guru and renounce fear.

Enduring worldly suffering in order to liberate others is true Karma Yoga.

Even today, his words and spiritual presence continue to resolve devotees’ doubts and guide them onto the righteous path.

From birth itself, many extraordinary events surrounded Vyanktanath’s life. Madhavnath Maharaj meticulously trained him for the work of the Nath Panth.

Vyanktanath Maharaj carried out the divine mission of the Nath tradition for 57 years. The Guru is regarded as a manifestation of Dattatreya. He fulfilled multiple roles—performing extraordinary yogic practices, exercising inner perception, practicing medicine, and applying astrology. Though his lifestyle and speech were extremely simple, his effortless actions revealed profound mastery over the five great elements.

On Mahashivaratri in 1993, Vyanktanath Maharaj attained Samadhi. Before doing so, he entrusted the responsibility of continuing the Nath Panth’s mission to Narendranath, issuing him the formal spiritual command to carry the work forward.